What is Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering or CE is a branch of engineering that focuses on the development of computer software and hardware. It combines several fields of computer science and electronic engineering. People who are interested in the field of computer pursue a degree in Computer Engineering. People who pursue and complete their studies in the field of computer engineering are known as 'Computer Engineers'. There are numerous institutions worldwide that provide Computer Engineering programs and allow students to select specific areas for in-depth learning. Such institutions also provide platforms where students can show up their skills and chase their careers. In history, many persons invented and worked in the field of Computer Engineering. But they did not know exactly what they will be called. All of them were genius computer engineers at that time.

Role and Responsibilities of a Computer Engineer

After pursuing a Computer Engineering degree, the person is known as a Computer Engineer.

• Initially, computer engineers are trained in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering, software designing, and integration of hardware and software.
• After successful achievement and completion of the training, they are hired by different companies as per the needs and criteria of the companies.
• The tasks assigned to them are designing individual microcontrollers, personal computers, microprocessors, supercomputers, circuit designing.
• Computer Engineers also write software as well as firmware for embedded microcontrollers.
• Computer Engineers also make researches like robotics research, based on the digital systems. It is basically used for controlling and monitoring the electrical components such as sensors and communications.
• They also work to design VLSI chips, analog sensors, mixed-signal circuit boards, and designing various OS.
• It is the responsibility of a computer engineer to ensure the integration and functionality of the computer hardware and software parts are working properly.

Why Computer Engineering

The concept of Computer engineering began since the time of forefathers, and as our generation is getting developed, so as the generation of computer engineering is emerging. Computer technology has become a part of our life that has totally changed the lives of people. We are totally dependent on technology. We cannot imagine ourselves without a smartphone or a keypad phone. It is a secure messenger for the family members when they are away from the family, as it allows them to remain in touch with everyone. The field of computer engineering and technology has employed millions of people. It has eased so many works of people with the use of the internet. All these comfort zones and things are provided by Computer Engineering only because the person who invented the computer system was also a Computer Engineer. So, students and people who are keenly interested in Computer Engineering or in any specific sub-field of Computer Engineering can develop and grow their careers in Computer Engineering. It is because as the cycle of our generation will continue, demand for computers and its engineers will also increase. The way of working may change but keep in mind that all began with a computer system, i.e., a computer system is the base of all technology.

History of Computer Engineering

The concept of Computer Engineering came into existence after the development of the world's first electronic digital computer in 1939. It was developed by Clifford Berry and John Vincent Atanasoff by applying mathematics, physics, and electrical engineering. That's why the digital computer was known as Atanasoff-Berry Computer or ABC, and it took five years to complete. In the 1970s, the modern personal computer emerged that included:

• Transistors: The first working transistors by William Shockley, Walter Brattain, and John Bardeen in 1947 at Bell Laboratories.
• Silicon surface passivation: It was performed via thermal oxidation by Mohamed Atalia in 1957 at Bell Laboratories.
• Monolithic Integrated Circuit: It was the chip by Robert Noyce in 1959 at Fairchild Semiconductor.
• Single-chip Microprocessor or Intel 4004: In 1971, it was given by Marcian Hoff, Federico Faggin, Stanley Mazor, Masatoshi Shima at Intel.
• MOS Transistor: The metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor or MOSFET was given by Dawon Kahng in 1959 at Bells Laboratories.

Finally, in 1971, the first computer engineering degree program was established at Case Western Reserve University, US. As a result, in 2015, in the United States, 250 ABET-accredited computer engineering programs began. The development led to the increment in the computer engineer's job requirements for designing hardware, software, and firmware. Still, the requirements are increasing day by day.

Perks of a Computer Engineer

There are following benefits of becoming a computer engineer:

• Demand: The demand is always increasing as technology is growing every year. So, computer engineers will always be in demand. According to BLS, the salary of a computer hardware engineer is $114,600 in a year (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Thus, the salary of a computer engineer is two and a half times the national average salary, which is quite good.
• Competitive Analysis: The competitive analysis is determined by budgeting, planning, forecasting, as well as managing and manipulating a large amount of data. In fact, it makes possible for businesses to track their competitor's sales and measure the marketing performance and learn ways to increase growth.
• Creativity and Innovation: The main aim of computer engineers is to create better and more optimized versions of the already existing products. They focus on technological advancements and trends to create more innovative solutions. It can be very exciting and interesting for aspirants who are up to date always and also have good problem-solving skills.

Future of Computer Engineering

The future of computer engineers will always increase with increasing technology. According to BLS's prediction, the employment rate for hardware engineers will grow up to 7% in the coming years. The growth rate is slower than the usual average growth rate. It is because the increasing innovations will limit the requirement of hardware engineers. On the other hand, the scope for software engineers will be up to 22% in the coming years. Such a growth rate is higher than the average growth rate. So, it is clear that the future of software engineers is much brighter than that of the hardware engineers because the demand is high for computer software engineers.