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. I

    Computer Engineering vs Computer Science

    I have recently decided to pursue a career in either two fields. I am having difficulty choosing which degree / field I should go into. I would like to be a software engineer and will be going to the University of Arizona. Here's a link to their computer engineering page with a four year...
  2. B

    Should I get an MS in Computer Engineering after earning my BS in Physics?

    Hey just wanted to get some advice on going to graduate school to get a masters in Computer Engineering. I wanted to know my chances of possibly finding a program and what exactly being a Computer Engineer entails. I am currently going into my senior year at the The College of New Jersey and...
  3. J

    Help. I have a BS in Physics and a BS in Computer Engineering. I'm Depressed.

    Hi PF, As stated in the title, I'm loaded with degrees; plus a minor degree in Japanese Studies. I'm not being boastful or anything but I would like you to understand why I am depressed. I was very happy while I took up Physics for four years, I particularly enjoyed the laboratory work...
  4. I

    Purdue vs Urbana Champaign? : Undergrduate Computer Engineering

    Hi, I`m from India having not much knowledge of the American Universities. I have recvd admit confirmations from both Purdue & Univ of Illinois at Urbana Champaign for their 4 year undergraduate programme in Computer Engineering and am in the usual dilemma... which to confirm? Rankings ...
  5. C

    Electrical or Computer Engineering: Which one is right for me?

    Next year I will be applying to colleges and I have narrowed my choice of majors down to the following: 1. Electrical Engineering 2. Computer Engineering While both fields interest me, Computer Engineering worries me a bit as I found AP Computer Science AB to be difficult (was getting a C so I...
  6. S

    Computer Engineering - What Does a Computer Engineer Do?

    Hello. I'm a senior in HS, and I'm planning on to major in computer engineering. I love computers, born and raise around them also I love engineering. I plan on going to University of Washington. My question is. Can someone please explain what EXACTLY a computer engineer does or better yet tell...
  7. M

    Schools Physics Major Looking for Advice on Computer Engineering Grad School

    I'm a sophomore at a small school (1600 students) in North Carolina, and I'm majoring in Physics. I'm also double minoring in Computer Science and Math. I'm doing this with the intention to graduate in four years and attend graduate school to work towards a Masters Degree in Computer...
  8. K

    Engineering Question regarding a career in computer engineering

    my major as of now is computer engineering. i have taken calculus 1 and currently enrolled in calculus 2. i wanted to know how much of calculus will be used on the job later on because I am struggling in math.
  9. L

    Computer Engineering Junior Explores Robotics Fields

    Hello, I am currently a Junior Undergrad, studying Computer Engineering. I am looking into the fields of robotics and am intending to do research in it in the future (For Masters and possibly for Ph.D as well). My question is this - Although I love robotics, I am not quite certain which...
  10. U

    Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering

    HEY EVERYONE! well i am undecided about my major... i wud like to kno wat wud better sute me... here a little about my self ... well i like math and I'm very well good at it... i don't really like science BUT i love the idea of earning more money as a CE... BUT chemistry and physics are...
  11. E

    Advanced Engineering Mathematics (For Computer Engineering)

    Hi is there any books you can recommend for advanced engineering mathematics for ComE? if yes please post the link... And what's it all about maths in computer engineering?? or are they similar to any advanced math in engineering?
  12. L

    Admissions Admission to Computer Engineering denied, pls advice

    Hello everyone, I am a new Canadian resident in Toronto. I have applied to University of Toronto as a mature student at Computer Engineering and got denied. This is the point where I started analysing my application. I have graduated in 1992 in Romania, in Sanitary Highschool. However...
  13. B

    Linear Algebra in Computer Engineering

    I am going into Computer engineering and I have heard that there is a lot of Linear Algebra in it. Exactly how and why do they use so much linear algebra? thanks
  14. L

    Programs Seeking advice for MS, Ph.D Program of Computer Engineering major

    Hello. First of all, I am an international student, currently a sophomore, 18 years old trying to earn a bachelor's degree in computer engineering major. My GPA so far is, not to brag or anything, but it is somewhat outstanding, and I'm trying to graduate with at least a cumulative GPA of...
  15. K

    Programs I am majoring in computer engineering

    and like my transcript is not flawless or anything, but my gpa is good I think. and when I say my transcript is not flawless, I mean I have a C and a couple of F's and I repeated a lot of courses... all that due to medical reasons. I aced some courses, because they let me make up certain exams...
  16. A

    Programs Computer Engineering major changed to Physics.

    I was a Computer Engineering major, hated it, and changed to Physics. Now it seems like every Physics professor I speak to wants to know if I know C++. I don't, but I know Java very well. I guess if computing is so crucial for a Physicist to know I should continue learning it, although I won't...
  17. D

    Computer engineering: specialization

    What are some hot current specialties in computer engineering?
  18. P

    Switching from Computer Engineering to (quantum)Physics

    Ok... here I am thinking of my career. Every night that I am outside I look up into the sky and just look with awe and curiosity of the stars and the universe. I wonder how it exists, how it became what it is, etc... I also have a very deep interest in the subatomic world. Though not...
  19. S

    Programs Senior majoring in computer engineering

    i am a rising senior majoring in computer engineering. i fell extremely sick, and I just recovered from my sickness. I lost the internship that I had, because it took me 5 weeks to get better. I still have more than two months of summer left! is it too late to apply for internships/research...
  20. H

    Engineering A question on upgrading your career in computer engineering technology

    If I have a degree in computer engineering technology can I upgrade it to a degree in computer engineering by simply working and gaining experience?If so how many years of experience would it take to get an advance in my career. Thanks for your answers in advance.
  21. exequor

    Computer Engineering and Computer Science for Hardware/Software Interaction

    I want to be in a position where I can design hardware, then write low level codes on chips (firmware) to make the hardware adaptable to software. Let's take a dvd player for example, I am thinking that if I have to write firmware so that the hardware and software can interact, I think that I...
  22. exequor

    Preparing for Electrical and Computer Engineering: Exam Reflections

    I've taken the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam in Math, Physics, etc. For physics the topics for unit two were: electricity and magnetism, electronics, and modern physics. The thing is I know the topics well but I just can't finish the exam (I don't think anyone did) but the thing is I want...
  23. R

    Electrical or Computer Engineering?

    [SOLVED] Electrical or Computer Engineering? 1) Which major would be more beneficial if you are more into math, but at the same time, you want to do something with programming? 2)Which do you prefer majoring in? 3)What kind of jobs can you get with each major? And if you can add in some of...
  24. G

    Computer Engineering Vs. EE?

    I noticed a similar thread has been started already, but i really want to talk about this with anyone: It's urgent. I'll need all the help I can get. Is it better to pursue Computer Engineering (CE) or Electrical Engineering (EE)? I learned in EE, u can do both computers and other electronics...
  25. M

    Computer engineering question-digital logic

    Computer engineering question--digital logic.. In my computer engineering class I was asked to find "How many memory chips are available and how many I need for a 256k x 8 and also what kind of decoder is needed" This is more of a digital logic question but there isn't another section on this...
  26. exequor

    Engineering What is computer engineering all about?

    What is computer engineering all about? What is the difference between a computer programmer and a software engineer? What is the difference between a web-designer and a web-developer?
  27. D

    Computer Engineering vs Science

    I'm interested in going into computers. Possibly game design but that's not what I'm wondering about now. Basically originally I was thinking of going into Computer Science. However my Dad told me that Computer Engineering might be better. I've found Engineering is basically the core...
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