12 computer engineering permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.©...

12

Computer Engineering

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Objectives

• Define computer engineering.• Explain the operation of logic gates.• Understand the purpose of databases.• Describe the uses of algorithms.• Describe the function of basic parts of a personal

computer.• Understand binary code.• Give examples of computer engineering

applications.


About Computer Engineering

• Overlap of electrical, software, and hardware engineering

• Focus on designing, building, and troubleshooting hardware and software

• Work alone on projects or in teams with engineers from other disciplines


Education Typically Required

• Bachelor’s degree– Computer engineering– Electrical engineering– Computer science– Hardware engineering

• Associate’s degree– Computer engineering technology– Repair, maintenance, and installation of computer

hardware and software


Computer Engineering Principles

• Strong background in electrical concepts required• Understanding of various computer principles

– Logic– Databases– Algorithms– Computer architecture– Digital signal processing


Logic

• System of operations performed by computer • Computers function based solely on parameters

that have been set up for them• Gates are implemented digitally through use of

diodes, transistors, relays, and other devices


Types of Logic Gates

• AND gate• OR gate• NOT gate• NOR gate

• NAND gate• XOR gate• XNOR gate


Database

• Structured system of storing data in a computer system

• Make information easy to access by people who need it and secure it from people who should not have access

• Computer engineers design database hardware and software


Algorithms

• Step-by-step procedures for solving problems or completing tasks

• Used in designing many computer programs

Goodheart-Willcox Publisher


Computer Architecture

• Refers to how computers are designed– Central processing unit (CPU)– Motherboard– Power supplies– Hard disc– Operating systems– Memory– Ports


Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Performs all functions of computer• Interprets and executes commands• Includes the microprocessor• Made up on single integrated circuit (IC) chip called

microprocessor• Located on motherboard


Motherboard

• Main circuit board• All other components are connected• Houses the CPU• Houses other critical components


Power Supplies

• Built into computers• Convert 120 volts of ac into lower voltage of direct

current to power computer components• Supply direct current for 3.3 volts and 5.5 volts for

digital circuitry• Supply 12 volts dc for mechanical devices in

computers


Hard Disc

• Stores data on rotating platters

• Read/write heads read or write data

• Data is not lost when power is disconnected

• Data is managed by dividing discs into small segments George Dolgikh/Shutterstock.com


Operating Systems

• Manage operation of computer• Allow user to interact with computer, allocate

resources, and organize and control hardware and software

• Can be updated over time to meet changing needs without replacing entire machine


Memory

• Read-only memory (ROM)• Basic input/output systems (BIOS)• Random-access memory (RAM)• Cache memory• Flash memory


Ports

• Connections where external devices can be plugged into your computer

• USB ports are common and versatile

• FireWire ports are used for digital and video devices Mladen Mitrinovic/Shutterstock.com


Digital Signal Processing

• Series of ones and zeros• One is on and zero is off• Binary code• Example


Software Engineering

• Application of engineering principles to software design

• Systematic, quantifiable approach to software development

• Disciplined approach following steps of engineering design process


Computer Engineering Applications

• Human-computer interaction (HCI)• Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)• Computer numerical control (CNC)• Robotics• Integrated circuits (ICs)


Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• How people interact with computers• Takes place at user interface, where people deal

with computers• Occurs at input and output ends• Deals with user satisfaction


Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

• Manufacturing process where computers control entire production process

• Part are designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software and are made using CNC equipment

• Computer-aided process planning (CAPP) is used to design processes used to manufacture parts


Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

• Automation of machine tools using computers

• Products designed using CAD and imported into computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software

• CAM software creates codes for machine movement

Mircea BEZERGHEANU/Shutterstock.com


Robotics

• Automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose robots

• Increase production and decrease cost • Perform dangerous and dirty tasks• Autonomous robots are programmed to respond to

the world around them


Degrees of Freedom

Baloncici/Shutterstock.com; Goodheart-Willcox Publisher


End-of-Arm Tooling

• Tools attached to robotic arms to do work– Mechanical grippers– Magnetic grippers– Suction cups– Sprayers– Grinders– Welders– Cutters


Integrated Circuits (ICs)

• Combination of many semiconductors and other components

• Designed to perform specific function or variety of functions

• Allow electronics to become smaller and use less energy


Integrated Circuit Design

• Multiple electronic circuits etched into thin material• Drawn much larger so all details can be seen by

engineers• Drawn in layers to help differentiate between types

of components• Certain parts of design cannot touch or circuit can

short

Design


Computer Engineering in Action

• Design of software and hardware that work seamlessly together for user’s benefit

• Physical part of devices must be designed so they function together with software

• Must meet user needs


Virtual Reality

• Most virtual reality applications are visual

• Sound is often provided to increase sensation

• Haptics provides feedback through user’s sense of touch

• Gaming and training uses

Leah-Anne Thompson/Shutterstock.com


Medical Imaging

• Can take 2-D pictures and create 3-D images on computers

• Tools are similar to video game controllers

• Can help show where treatments needs to go inside bodies

Levent Konuk/Shutterstock.com

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