What is Computer engineering: Definition and 178 Discussions

Computer engineering (CoE or CpE) is a branch of engineering that integrates several fields of computer science and electronic engineering required to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineers usually have training in electronic engineering (or electrical engineering), software design, and hardware-software integration instead of only software engineering or electronic engineering. Computer engineers are involved in many hardware and software aspects of computing, from the design of individual microcontrollers, microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers, to circuit design. This field of engineering not only focuses on how computer systems themselves work but also how they integrate into the larger picture.Usual tasks involving computer engineers include writing software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, designing analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems. Computer engineers are also suited for robotics research, which relies heavily on using digital systems to control and monitor electrical systems like motors, communications, and sensors.
In many institutions of higher learning, computer engineering students are allowed to choose areas of in-depth study in their junior and senior year because the full breadth of knowledge used in the design and application of computers is beyond the scope of an undergraduate degree. Other institutions may require engineering students to complete one or two years of general engineering before declaring computer engineering as their primary focus.

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  1. Pucky

    Physics vs CE vs CS vs Physics

    Hi, Im currently finishing high school and I would appreciate some help. I would like to study physics, however I´m not sure. Other curses like Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Engineering Physics could another possibility. I have always loved science, especially physics and chemistry...
  2. A

    Engineering Can i switch from computer science to computer engineering?

    I have a bachelors in computer science, i have recently become more interested in hardware aspect of computers, any help would be appreciated.(my undergrad didn't require ANY physics class).
  3. W

    Programs BS/MS in CS or BS in CE/CS (combined major)

    I am a freshmen at Northeastern University. Right now, I am in the College of Engineering, where I am on track to earn a combined degree in computer science and computer engineering. However, I could easily transfer to the College of Computer and Information Science, where I could earn a...
  4. 22990atinesh

    Understanding Instruction Cycle?

    A basic instruction cycle consists of these 5 stages. 1. IF - Instruction Fetch 2. RD - Instruction Decode and Register Read 3. EX - Execute 4. MA - Memory Access 5. WB - Write Back I understood the meaning of all the stages accept 4th MA (Memory access), what's the significance of this stage.
  5. N

    How programming interacts with transistors

    Forgive the broadness of the question. I know this is a huge concept which entire books have been written about. I am an amateur computer programmer entering my first object-oriented class soon and want to get some things out of the way. When I write lines of code how does the computer know what...
  6. T

    Are Product Engineering and IC Design Jobs Right for Me?

    I like to figure things out. Creating and testing computer hardware such as circuits and processors sounds very interesting to me. Trying to figure out how to make a certain processor faster, and more efficient or trying to organize a circuit to be as small as possible. Or why this certain...
  7. T

    B.S. in Computer Engineering, M.S./PhD in Technical/Engineering Physics?

    Hello all. Currently, I'm working towards changing my major towards Computer Engineering from Physics. I love Physics, but I can't see myself pursuing it as a lifetime career for some reason. When I told my high school teacher about this, he suggested that I look into technical physics...
  8. A

    Computer Engineering to Aerospace: My Messy Situation

    I am in my semester in computer engineering iam doing Python now and never took programming before and i previously acquired a 1 year certification in computer networking, programming is interesting but so far, i have not found passion in it, i always wanted to do Aerospace, however; iam just...
  9. I

    MHB Advice Needed: Majoring in Computer Engineering & Minoring in Math

    hey guys (Wave). ok so i been thinking. what I'm going to do is major in Computer Engineering and get a minor in math and econ. for a minor in math i need two more classes after my required math classes for engineering. i am thinking to take History of Mathematics. i want to take discrete math...
  10. C

    Programs Double Major in Computer Engineering and Physics?

    I am currently a senior in high school and next year I will be enrolling into my freshman year of college. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on doing a double major in Computer Engineering and Physics? For example, would it be worth the time and course load to complete a double major in...
  11. frejatroop

    How to display variables on MATLAB plots

    The question gives the code for MATLAB to solve Hill equation with 5 different values of distance x, which will generate 5 plots on same axis. But the plots will be Force versus time. The question ask you to interpret the relationship between X and F(t). How do I know this plot represents...
  12. G

    Computer Engineering and physics

    As the title says, i would like to know what is the relation on Computer Engineering with physics and how can be applied? Also is it only for making simulations or what else can be used? In a more specific way, could have any applications on the Acoustics field or Astrophysics? Thanks in Advance
  13. G

    Schools Exploring Acoustics & Computer Engineering: A New Path?

    Hello everyone, well this is my first post and i hope someone could help me I'm starting choosing what to study now and at first i choose Aerospace Engineering, but now I'm towards to Computer Engineering. Also I'm really interested on audio and acoustics. I saw an university that have Acoustics...
  14. P

    Help with classes to get into Quantum Computing

    Hi I am an undergrad student in an Electrical engineering program and going for my masters and undergrad degree at the same time (special program i am in). I an very interested on the hardware side of quantum computing as to have a future career in this field (eventually will go for a PhD). I...
  15. S

    Engineering Computer Engineering Career Paths

    The university I am currently at offers three "concentrations", if that's what you want to call it. They are hardware systems; communications and signal processing; and computer architecture, software and systems. What is the current job market like for these three areas? Are all the jobs...
  16. I

    MHB Computer Engineering Subs & Careers: What Are Your Options?

    hi (Wave). this thread is a complete no-joke thread (Blush). anways my question is, what are the different "subs" of computer engineering. all i know is hardware and software. I am thinking software but is there anything else? also what can you do with it? you know, careers and stuff.
  17. J

    Astrophysics + (Computer Science or Computer Engineering)?

    I am going to be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I (for-sure) plan on majoring in astrophysics as it is my foremost passion. I also happen to have a liking for the computer related fields and having those skills makes myself more marketable for jobs. I plan on adding...
  18. A

    Engineering What's the point of a Computer Engineering degree?

    Hello to everyone at Physicsforums. I want to pursue Computer Engineering, but wondering whether or not I should. I understand that Computer Engineering is a field of study that lies between EE and CS, and that is my problem. I would know less EE than an actual EE and less CS than an actual CS...
  19. J

    Electrical or Computer Engineering

    Greetings. I know what both electrical and computer engineering entail as majors. I just wanted to get some feelers on what some people think would fit me best. I've always been really interested in circuitry and taking apart small devices. I don't really have any experience working on...
  20. N

    Programs Computer engineering major considering math minor

    I'm finishing my third semester in computer engineering next week. I have taken four classes with the math department (you know, Calculus I-III and Differential Equations), and only Linear Algebra remains*. I have really enjoyed my experiences with the math department so far, and am strongly...
  21. F

    Master of physics after bachelor in computer engineering

    Hello Guys, I am a computer engineer (B.Sc in Computer Engineering) I am 31 years old now. After this period, I discovered that I want to study physics not computer engineering. i want to ask you if i can now apply for masters of physics ? and if so, what subjects should i have before...
  22. D

    Engineering Computer Engineering versus Electrical Engineering

    I am currently at the point where I am deciding what major to apply for for university and have narrowed my choices down to these two majors. However, I am torn on which one to choose. I am interested both in the design of chips for computers, missiles, etc. but also in some of the...
  23. N

    Programs Doubts about a master degree after Computer Engineering

    Hi everyone, this year i'll get my Bachelor Degree in Computer Engineering, i have some doubts about the master course to get; actually my university offers these courses in accordance with my Bachelor Degree: (i'll write only those who catched my interest) - Computer Engineering ...
  24. A

    Engineering Thinking about second Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering

    Hello, I would like some advice on getting a second Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. I currently have a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. I should've gone for a C.E. degree since it was only 16 more credits but I didn't think it would matter much, so I didn't. Now I'm...
  25. T

    Computer Engineering VS Aerospace Engineering

    I am very confused as to which major I would like to choose. I am very interested in computer engineering because one day (hopefully soon) I would like to be a entrepreneur and own my own business and make decent- good money. Money isn't the biggest thing to me, but rather owning my own business...
  26. G

    Engineering Computer Science or Computer Engineering

    I had a conversation with a friend yesterday(he's writing his diploma thesis in Comp. Engineering at the moment), about which program(if that's the right word) I should choose but he didn't know the Comp. Sci. syllabus so he suggested me to ask here. I'm sure this question has been asked...
  27. F

    Engineering Computer Engineering: Adapting to the Future of Technology

    We're hitting the silicon barrier so we might jump to a new type of computing, right? So would my knowledge all go to waste if we move to optical computing for example?
  28. A

    Engineering I want to become an astronomer but im studying computer engineering

    ok. I am going to learn computer engineering in university. i am pretty involved it and IT savvy for that matter. but i have had this ambition, ever since i was a kid, i wanted to be a astronomer. it still is my dream. every time i watch an documentary on space, i am deeply indulged and i...
  29. C

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science Major?

    Hello, I am a Freshman in College as of right now, and I am looking to decide on a major. I am extremely interested in computers, this includes: how they work, finding new things to do with them, and learning how to develop new software. However, I am not the best at math, if I really study...
  30. F

    Is Computer Engineering right for me?

    Hello, and thank you for reading my post. I know there are probably millions of these posts everywhere, but I haven't seen one that rally answers my question. Things about me: I'm currently a junior, I like math and science, but the highest level of math I'm taking is pre calculus next year...
  31. E

    Computer Engineering recommendations?

    Hi guys, I recently got accepted into uf (yay!). I want to pursue a major in electrical or computer engineering, but I really want to get into building things like robotics. I'm really good at math and done well on the APs for physics and chem. anyways, here's a list of all EE classes...
  32. S

    Programs Computer Engineering Degree without an undergrad?

    Hello again PF. Is it possible/are there stories of people who have pursued a Computer Engineering degree without a Computer Engineering undegrad? It's because the undegrad hasn't been what I was waiting for, however I am really interested in computer engineering masters, phds, etc. I...
  33. C

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science

    I'm a first year engineering student at a Canadian university. I've been interested in programming and computer science from a very young age, and in high school had also become interested in electronics. Entering university, I didn't know if I wanted to do computer science or computer...
  34. A

    Is Computer Engineering worth it in this day and age?

    Basically, I'm a sophomore at Stony Brook University and I was doing biomed but now I think I want to be a software engineer so, I'm trying to get into the Computer Engineering program at my school. I did research and I learned that software developers/software engineers are growing in demand...
  35. Greg Bernhardt

    Essentials of Electrical and Computer Engineering by David V. Kerns Jr.

    Author: David V. Kerns Jr. (Author), J. David Irwin (Author) Title: Essentials of Electrical and Computer Engineering Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0139239707/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  36. M

    Computer Engineering or Computer Science?

    Sorry for yet another topic on the subject, but my question is very objective. I don't know which one I choose. I'm a programmer with 10 years of experience so I like it and want a degree about it, not hardware. Artificial intelligence, data mining, algorithms and so on. So you'd say CS. The...
  37. E

    Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering vs. Software Engineering

    I'm applying to universities (the deadline is the 16th) and I've decided on engineering, and narrowed my choices down to 5 universities. I'm deciding between computer engineering and software engineering, but I notice that some universities only have computer science and computer engineering...
  38. T

    Programs Computer Engineering Major. What should I minor?

    I'm thinking math? Or physics? Or comp sci? Or EE? Also, in which year do I choose a minor?
  39. S

    Engineering Having second thoughts about majoring in Computer Engineering

    Hi, I am currently a freshman in college and my major is Computer Engineering. However I am having second thoughts about this major and wanted to ask you guys for some advice. I like working with computers and technology and was wondering if any other majors related to this. I have looked into...
  40. S

    Computer Engineering Student's Journey to Full-Time Employment

    So I am a computer engineering student in FL (USA), about 2 semesters to graduate... I got a co-op job as a Software Engineer, I am working about 30 a week and making around $20 per hour.. When i stared here 2 month ago, they had a guy that was making i think 70k per year (but he was hired by...
  41. L

    Engineering Deciding on major: Physics or Computer Engineering?

    I'm a student at UNC Chapel Hill in the Honors college and I think I could be a reasonably decent physicist. Physics in general interests me enough that I spent free time reading about it, particularly astrophysics. However, I'm also quite interested in finance and computer science, so I'm a bit...
  42. M

    Computer Engineering vs Computer Systems Engineering

    Hi, I'm currently a sophomore at a 4 year university. I'm going to be switching my major to something in engineering. (I've talked to an advisor to verify that I can do this without postponing my graduation. My school offers an undergraduate degree in Computer Systems Engineering and a masters...
  43. N

    Doubts about Computer Engineering

    Hi everyone I'm a new user of this forum ! I wanted to know if a computer engineer has some chance to work into robotics and aerospace industry. What do you think ? And a computer engineer could call himself an electronics engineer ?
  44. A

    Studying Studying after my BESc (Computer Engineering)?

    Hello. I'm wondering of possible avenues to look into when I finish my BESc. I was leaning towards one of these two paths: HBA, Bachelor of Business Administration or MEng, Masters of Engineering. The only problem I'm having is having in mind that Computer Engineering is not a...
  45. M

    Computer Engineering VS Computer Science with very special condition

    Hey Guys, WOW, so I am really into a physics forum! :D Well, a brief introduction first so you can understand my case: I am student who just finished high school who wanted to get into medicine school but didn't get enough grades to it (we have it by percentages and I was .75% lower than...
  46. M

    Engineering Is computer engineering the same as software engineering

    Is software engineering another name for computer engineering or is it diffrant and more specifc and can a computer engineer apply for a software engineer job?
  47. U

    Computer Engineering vs Computer Science

    This question has probably been asked numerous times on this forum. I've tried searching those related threads but haven't really found the answers I need. I will be attending a 4 year university in California and I am stuck between these two majors and am not sure what suits me...
  48. O

    Engineering Help with career : mechanical or computer engineering

    I have a background as a automotive technician for over a decade. I would like to move into a career that is less stressful on my body and provides a higher ceiling for pay. I am interested in computers with hobbiest knowledge of the how's and why's they work. I have professional experience in...
  49. M

    Programs Computer engineering major considering changing majors

    im pretty conflicted. I'm in a funny situation. I am majoring in computer engineering purely or mostly out of passion (it would be a nice fall back career if worst came to worst). I am fiannacially stable and don't really plan on working in the computer engineering field. I am actaully a...
  50. S

    Computer Engineering Electives

    I'm beginning to look into my electives for junior/senior year. My career goal is to be an Embedded Systems/Software Engineer involving RTOS, device drivers, microcontrollers etc. I have two sets of electives, need 2 classes from each set. In each set, I separated the courses into those that are...
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