Introduction to Computer Engineering
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes one of the primary goals of a computer engineering introductory course?

  • To teach advanced techniques in digital signal processing.
  • To focus solely on the theoretical aspects of algorithm design.
  • To specialize in the development of high-level programming languages.
  • To provide a foundational understanding of computer systems architecture. (correct)
  • In the context of computer engineering, what does the curriculum primarily emphasize regarding programming languages?

  • Exclusively focusing on low-level assembly programming.
  • Exploring both high-level languages such as C++ and Python, alongside lower-level languages. (correct)
  • Prioritizing the theoretical aspects of compiler design over practical application.
  • Only teaching proprietary software development tools.
  • Which of these is a typical laboratory component found in an introductory computer engineering course?

  • Digital logic design. (correct)
  • Advanced microfabrication techniques.
  • Biomedical signal processing.
  • Quantum computing simulations
  • Beyond technical skills, what broader professional skills or perspectives does a computer engineering course aim to develop?

    <p>An understanding of the engineering design process and problem-solving methodologies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way an introductory computer engineering course aims to enhance a student's understanding of the field?

    <p>By exposing to a broad range of computer engineering topics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key component to be learned within the field of computer engineering?

    <p>Information representation and computer organization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following areas is not explicitly mentioned as a course topic in the provided context?

    <p>Quantum computing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of simulation software like Python in a computer engineering context?

    <p>It's utilized as tool for engineering simulations and practical projects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the provided information, what is the primary distinction between Computer Engineering (CPE) and Computer Science (CS)?

    <p>CPE integrates both hardware and software, while CS is more theoretical and software-focused. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which skill set is identified as most vital for Computer Engineering students compared to other disciplines like Information Technology (IT) or Management Information Systems (MIS)?

    <p>Strong background in Physics and Mathematics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the information, what activity might a Software-focused Computer Engineer be primarily engaged with?

    <p>Creating application software for specific processing needs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a core difference in mindset between 'normal people' and engineers, according to the information?

    <p>Normal people believe in fixing it only if it is already broken, and engineers want to add more features even if it is not broken. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the UoS Academic Honesty Code, which of the following actions is considered a violation?

    <p>Submitting the same work in two different courses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a potential career path for someone with a Computer Engineering degree?

    <p>Designing hardware, developing software, and managing systems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which activity is explicitly NOT associated with the job function of a System Administrator, according to the information provided?

    <p>Optimizing customer accessibility to Web services. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    From the provided skills and job prospects chart, what would be the discipline with the least math involvement?

    <p>Management Information Systems (MIS). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of a computer system is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical calculations?

    <p>Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Control Unit (CU) within the CPU?

    <p>To control the processing of instructions and data flow in the CPU (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of a 'bus' in a computer system?

    <p>A communication channel for transmitting data and power (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered long-term storage in a computer system?

    <p>Hard Drive (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of an Application Program Interface (API) within an Operating System?

    <p>To provide a way for applications to interact with the OS (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a network protocol?

    <p>TCP/IP (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the physical connections between computer systems that allow for data transfer?

    <p>Communication Channels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a typical component of a computer system?

    <p>A complex array of logic gates performing calculations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term best describes a set of common ground rules that define communication between computers?

    <p>Protocols (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of standards in the context of computer technology?

    <p>To ensure universal compatibility of data and protocols (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Software

    A collection of instructions that a computer can execute.

    Hardware

    The physical components of a computer system, such as the keyboard, monitor, and CPU.

    CPU (Central Processing Unit)

    The brain of the computer, responsible for processing data and executing instructions.

    Bit

    The fundamental unit of data in a computer, typically represented as a 0 or 1.

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    Memory

    Temporary storage for the CPU, where data and instructions are held while being processed.

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    Operating System

    A program responsible for managing the computer's resources and providing a platform for other applications.

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    Protocol

    A set of rules and standards that govern communication between computers, devices, and software.

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    Character Set

    A standardized way to represent text, symbols, and other characters in a computer.

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    Data Processing

    The process of taking raw data, transforming it, and producing meaningful information.

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    Data

    A collection of data organized for a specific purpose.

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    Standard

    A set of rules or guidelines that ensure compatibility between different systems or components.

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    UoS Code of Academic Honesty

    A code of conduct that outlines expected behavior for students at the University of Saskatchewan (UoS). It emphasizes honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct.

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    Academic Honesty Code

    It prohibits actions like cheating, plagiarism, and submitting the same work for multiple courses.

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    CPE: Hardware and Software

    CPE (Computer Engineering) integrates hardware and software, making it a unique field compared to EEE (Electrical Engineering) and CS (Computer Science) which focus primarily on hardware or software.

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    CPE Skills: Physics and Math

    CPE students typically require strong physics and mathematics skills due to the blend of hardware and software components.

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    CPE Job Prospects: H/W & S/W

    CPE graduates have versatile skillsets, making them suitable for roles involving both hardware and software, such as designing and implementing circuits, creating software, or integrating them.

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    Engineer: Problem Solving

    Engineers are known for their problem-solving abilities. They often see solutions to problems that others may not even recognize.

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    Engineers: Feature Focus

    Engineers are known for constantly adding new features and improvements to systems, even when they are functioning well.

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    Definition of an Engineer

    The common saying highlighting the unique perspective and problem-solving approach of engineers, often making solutions for problems users didn't know they had.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Computer Engineering

    • Course description based on slides from Professor Tamer Rabie
    • Includes a humorous image about preventing screen interaction during file compression

    Examples of Computer Engineering Research

    • Images showcase various computer engineering research, including virtual environments and autonomous vehicle simulations
    • Demonstrates the variety of topics within the field, from robotics to graphics processing
    • Includes examples illustrating different aspects, such as:
      • Object recognition and localization in a simulation environment
      • Visualizing vehicle data and simulations
      • Demonstrating the use of different programming languages such as C++ and Python in the context of computer engineering research.
    • Screenshots of software like "Isaac Sight" are displayed and are examples of computer engineering research work.

    How This Course Can Help You

    • Provides the foundational architecture of computer systems, encompassing topics like information representation, hardware, software, peripherals, and storage systems
    • Explores programming languages, from high-level (C++, Python) to low-level (assembly)
    • Introduces introductory laboratory components, including digital logic design
    • Broadens perspective on engineering, design, and problem-solving methodologies within computer engineering
    • Explores potential career paths and job prospects in computer engineering

    Course Topics

    • Aims to provide fundamental essentials to future computer engineers
    • Enhances understanding of computer engineering education
    • Investigates various areas of computer engineering
    • Develops engineering skills
    • Familiarizes students with computer engineering labs and curricula
    • Focuses on computer programming
    • Enables the utilization of engineering simulation software such as Python

    Academic Integrity

    • Students are responsible for understanding university policies on Academic Honesty
    • Academic Honesty Code prohibits cheating, fabrication, multiple submissions, plagiarism, and complicity in academic dishonesty

    CPE is Everywhere...

    • Highlights the ubiquitous nature of computer engineering (CPE) and its applications in various aspects of modern life: play, learning, shopping, and work

    The Big Picture: Where does CPE Stand

    • Shows the relationship between Electrical Engineering (EEE), Computer Engineering (CPE), and Computer Science (CS)
    • CPE bridges the gap between hardware (H/W) and software (S/W), emphasizing the applied nature of the field
    • Provides a conceptual framework to compare the disciplinary emphasis

    The Big Picture: Where does CPE Stand (Alternative Diagram)

    • Illustrates the relationship of CPE to other disciplines (CS, IT, and MIS)
    • Details the skills and job prospects associated with each discipline in terms of mathematics and hardware/software proficiency
    • Highlighting particular aspects of each related fields.

    Job Examples

    • Highlights roles related to Hardware/Software (H/W & S/W) design, software programming, and multimedia/web design
    • Emphasizes computer system design and maintenance, as well as general sales management
    • Covers skills associated with specific roles like computer system administration, such as installation, configuration, maintenance, system performance optimization, and maintenance of work-related technologies.
    • Includes examples such as the development of graphic card hardware or more efficient functioning computer memory systems.

    Engineers are Different!

    • Defines 'engineer', contrasting typical expectations with the unusual problems and solutions of the profession
    • Engineers tend to approach problems with a focus on creating more functionality in already-functioning technologies, or creating new functionalities that were previously absent

    Different Disciplines

    • Contrasts graduate degrees in CS, CPE, and MIS, highlighting different approaches to problem-solving in each field

    Software & Hardware Interaction Example

    • Presents a simplified illustration of the interaction between software and hardware in a real-world scenario, involving a remote PC, server, internet, satellite transponder, receiver, and a robotic manipulator.
    • Demonstrates how different physical and software entities interact with each other in this scenario, while showcasing the role of computer engineering.

    The Story of the Computer

    • Traces historical milestones in computer development, from Pascal's calculator to Babbage's Analytical Engine and Ada Lovelace's contributions to programming concepts
    • Explains the foundational developments related to early computer technology

    Modern Computer Development

    • Outlines key advancements in computer technology, from early mechanical and electronic computers to the introduction of the transistor and the UNIVAC
    • Highlights the milestones and individuals associated with each development to showcase the progression in the field

    Early Computers

    • Shows images of Babbage's Analytical Engine and the ENIAC
    • Provides visuals of early computer technology to showcase important developments in the field of computer engineering

    Current Computer Technology

    • Displays examples of modern computer components, including Intel Quad-Core CPUs, IBM Cell processors, and system memory controllers
    • Provides a visual depiction of the technologies involved with current computer engineering hardware.

    Input-Process-Output Model (IPO)

    • Describes the basic functional model of a computer system, including input, process, output, and storage components in a simple model
    • Explains how the components interact together in a computer function

    Architecture Components

    • Explains different hardware, software, data and communication components of computers, stressing the importance of these elements and how they work together.
    • Focuses on the distinct components of the architecture, and how they affect each other, with a simplified conceptual representation.

    Hardware Component

    • Covers input/output devices, storage devices, CPU units (arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), control unit (CU), and interface units), and memory components that are part of the computer's hardware functions

    Typical Personal Computer System

    • Shows a diagram illustrating the typical relationships between components in a personal computer, emphasizing essential linkages and interconnection points.
    • Provides a clear visualization of the interconnections in a typical personal computer based on a diagram.

    Types of Computers

    • Outlines the different types of computer systems, covering mainframes, micro-workstations, all-in-one (AIO) models, small form factor (SFF) systems, and tower workstations
    • Compares their features, sizes, and applications.

    CPU: Central Processing Unit

    • Details the components of a CPU, including the ALU and CU, and their roles
    • Demonstrates the different units that make a CPU function effectively

    Memory

    • Describes memory (RAM) as primary storage and its functions/operations
    • Provides a fundamental understanding of computer memory functionality.

    Software Component

    • Explains the structure and function of the operating system – including interface and kernel components
    • Provides an understanding of the hierarchy and structure of basic computer software functions.

    Communications Component

    • Explains the hardware components of computer communication including communication channels, network interface cards, and modems
    • Deals with the hardware associated to communication between computers.

    Computer Systems

    • Shows that all computer systems have the same basic structure including CPUs, memory, input/output (I/O) devices, and long-term storage
    • Creates a visual framework representing the basic building blocks of any computer system

    Protocols

    • Introduces protocols as common communication standards between computers and software
    • Provides examples of protocols used in different contexts like HTTP, TCP/IP, and ATAPI.

    Standards (Software & Hardware)

    • Shows different standards that exist to ensure compatibility
    • Provides comprehensive examples of standards for software languages, character sets, and video formats; illustrating the necessity of adherence to these standards in the case of computer software.

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    Description

    Explore the fundamentals of computer engineering through engaging content from Professor Tamer Rabie's slides. This course covers vital research topics such as robotics, graphics processing, and programming languages, illustrated with humorous images and software examples. Discover how this knowledge can serve as a foundation for your future projects in the field.

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