Computer Engineering

What Does Computer Engineering Mean?

Computer engineering refers to the study that integrates electronic engineering with computer sciences to design and develop computer systems and other technological devices. Computer engineering professionals have expertise in a variety of diverse areas such as software design, electronic engineering and integrating software and hardware.

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Computer engineering allows professionals to engage in a number of areas such as analyzing and designing anything from simple microprocessors to highly featured circuits, software design, and operating system development. Computer engineering is not limited to operating computer systems but is aimed at creating a broad way to design more comprehensive technological solutions.

Also known as computer system engineering.

Techopedia Explains Computer Engineering

The term computer engineering is often confused with computer science, but these two terms are different. Computer scientists are responsible for electrical and software manufacturing, while computer engineers are trained to design software and perform and integrate that software with hardware components. Computer engineering also includes the engineers who write firmware specifically for embedded microcontrollers, design and develop analog sensors, design very-large-scale integration chips, and create schemes for mixed- and single-circuit boards. The engineering field of computer sciences also contributes to robotic research that requires digital systems to monitor electrical components like motors and sensors.

In 1971, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland introduced the first ever computer science engineering degree discipline. Computer engineering programs are now common across the U.S. and the world.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…