Computer Engineering: Design and Implementation

• A key element of computer engineering is design, development, implementation, and maintenance
• It requires integration of software and hardware components.
• Central to Computer Engineering (CpE) are modern computing systems and computer-controlled equipment.

Characteristics of CpE Graduates

• CpE graduates are expected to design computers, computer-based systems, and networks.
• This includes both software and hardware aspects
• Such graduates should be able to solve novel engineering problems.
• The design aspect goes beyond assembling or configuring systems.
• CpE graduates need broad knowledge in mathematics and engineering sciences.
• Getting ready for professional engineering practice is crucial.

Knowledge and Allied Areas

Includes the following:

• Circuits and Electronics
• Computing Algorithms
• Computer Architecture and Organization
• Digital Design
• Embedded Systems
• Computer Networks
• Professional Practice
• Information Security
• Signal Processing
• Systems and Project Engineering
• Software Design
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Technopreneurship

Program Outcomes

• Ability to apply math and science knowledge to solve engineering problems.
• Conduct experiments, analyze, and interpret data.
• Design systems that meet needs within real-world constraints.
• Function effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
• Communicate effectively.
• Use modern engineering tools and techniques.
• Understand professional and ethical responsibilities.
• Know the impact of engineering solutions in a real-world context
• Recognize the need to engage in lifelong learning.
• Understanding contemporary issues combined with knowledge about engineering

Introduction to Engineering

• Inventions improved lives in response to adaptation.
• Civilizations became more advanced, along with the emergence of new problems that require complex solutions.
• Aqueducts, first used in the fourth century BC, transported water in and around Rome
• Military fortification design was applied using math in 1500's

Historical Engineering Disciplines

• Civil Engineering emerged in the 18th century with the establishment of professional societies and schools.
• Focus on the construction of various structures.
• Mechanical Engineering originated in England and Scotland, birthplace of James Watt.
• The British machine-tool industry made a significant impact on the field.
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering started with Alessandro Volta's original electric cell in 1800
• Michael Faraday's experiments furthered the progression of this field.
• James Clerk Maxwell (Britain) and Heinrich Hertz (Germany) contributed to the prominence of the electronic aspect.
• Vacuum tubes in the early 20th century, with figures like Lee De Forest in the USA.
• Mid-20th-century marked by the invention of the transistor.
• By the late 20th century, electrical and electronics engineers outnumbered all others.
• Chemical Engineering emerged in the 19th century.
• The proliferation of industrial processes, including metallurgy, food, and textiles.
• It gained prominence around 1880, when the chemical manufacturing gave life to industry.

19th Century Engineering

• Mid-19th Century saw new processing methods.
• Steel and petroleum reshaped transportation, construction, and manufacturing
• Late 1800s led to engineering dividing into civil, mechanical, and electrical disciplines
• Before the Civil War, engineering education occurred in military academies, industry, and through apprenticeship programs
• In the 1860s, formal training increased, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology established in 1865.
• By the 20th century, engineering contributed to space exploration
• Led to significant improvements

Engineering vs. Science

• Engineering: Applies knowledge to solve physical problems.
• Science: Adds verified knowledge to the understanding of the physical world.

Functions of Engineering

• Problem-solving
• Carried out through research, development, design, construction, production, operation, and management

Engineering Responsibilities

• Problem-solving through analysis, preliminary decisions, and categorization.
• Solutions can be deduced or creatively synthesized.
• Accuracy checks and appropriate interpretation of results are crucial.
• Decision-making is a rational process

Values of Engineering Profession

• Honesty and Transparency: Truth is fundamental, maintained at every stage, with transparent exposure of errors.
• Knowledge and Competence: Requires knowledge to deliver results
• Includes specialized technical knowledge, understanding of sciences/technologies, and a broad understanding of the profession's purpose
• Technical competence and the ability to concentrate
• Innovation: Consists of incremental, evolutionary, and breakthrough innovation
• Ecological Sustainability: Addresses emerging trends, technocrat contributions, and communion with nature
• Quality and the Human Face: Includes technical and aesthetic quality, and human satisfaction

Albert Einstein Quote

• Technology should care for human well-being

Engineering Fields

• Engineering should be focused
• Must teach theoretical foundations
• Applicable creativity, innovation, problem-solving, mathematics, and analytical thinking

Engineering Fields - Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages: Great salary, job opportunities, and the chance to innovate.
• Disadvantages: Stressful work and high college costs

Engineering Disciplines

• Aerospace: design for aviation, national defense, and space
• Agricultural: design farm and food processing equipment
• Architectural: safety, cost, and construction
• Biomedical: develop health-related devices
• Biological: for advances in environment improvements, biological solutions, and medicine
• Chemical: chemical reactions at industrial scale production
• Civil: plan, design, and supervise construction projects
• Computer: involves all computer systems aspects
• Electrical: designs electronics and electricity aspects
• Requires development of innovation in environmental problems.
• Industrial: organize processes in everything relating to production
• Manufacturing: design all needed tools and factory equiptment
• Materials: extraction, process of materials
• Mechanical engineering: design machines
• Mechatronics: combines mechanical, electronic, and computing engineering aspects in its creations
• Nuclear: deals with development for controlling nuclear power plants
• Petroleum: a material resource
• Software enginering: all software aspects

What is an Engineer?

• Engineers turning dreams into reality
• Engineering combines science.
• Standard Definition: by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• Neil Armstrong highlights difference contributed by engineering over only scientific discoveries

Key Differences: Engineering vs. Science

• Engineering's quest centres on application.
• Science seeks understanding
• With engineering, there must be ideas, solutions, and tangible outcomes