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Engineering Disciplines

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering

Introduction -

The computer is certainly one of the most important invention of technology. We depend on the computers for almost everything be it education, business or science. Computer Education is gradually becoming compulsory in schools and there is a large population of people who own computers today. So Computer Engineering is definitely a great career option. There is a huge requirement of Computer Engineers. They are vital for every aspect of computing right from the design of individual microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers, to circuit design and even for the healthy functioning of a computer!!

Computer Engineering! This word may sound very heavy but it is very interesting. Computer Engineering is a discipline that combines both Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. It is a take-off from the boring world of books. A person needs to have flair for mathematics to excel in this field. Computer Engineering is the design, construction, implementation and maintenance of computers and computer controlled equipment to help the mankind in its race against time. So do not think, you too can become a Computer Engineer.

If you want to become a Computer Engineer you must have a graduate degree (B.E / B.Tech) or postgraduate degree (M.E) or at least have a Diploma in Computer Engineering. If you have a Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering you too can become a Software Engineer in various private and public sectors, but if you want a future in teaching, you need a Masters degree in Computer Engineering.

Educational Requirements: The basic eligibility criteria for pursuing a B.E./B.Tech in Computer engineering is 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as subjects. The minimum educational eligibility for pursuing M.E./M.Tech is B.E./B.Tech.

Selection: Selection is generally made on the basis of the marks obtained in +2 and merit obtained in Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by an authorized organization. In IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) admission is through IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Examination). Some states also conduct their own separate examinations. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is the authority for selection in M.E./M.Tech courses in various technical colleges and universities.

Duration: B.E./B.Tech course in computer engineering is spread over 4 years which means 8 semesters in total. The Diploma Course in computer engineering is spread over 3 years. An M.E./M.Tech course in computer engineering spread over 2 years which means 4 semesters.

Different Branches : -

For a motivated student with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science or in a similar field who want to enhance his/her knowledge further then some Indian universities offer specialization under computer engineering to have in-depth knowledge about one particular branch.

The main branches of computer engineering are: -

1. Computer Systems Architecture – This discipline deals with the conceptual structure and functional behavior of a computer system, determining the overall organization, the attributes of the component parts and how these parts are combined.

2. Signal Processing – The focus of this branch is on the evaluation of analog and digital systems. Smart Scientist and Engineers mastering this field are needed both in India and around the World. Students interested in combining modeling and computational approaches to solve theoretical or real world problems should be interested in this specialization.

3. Artificial Intelligence - This branch studies the intelligence of machines. It is defined as “The study and design of intelligent agents” An intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chances of success.

4. Embedded Systems – Embedded Systems are self contained computer systems that are designed to perform a specific function. Many Electronic gadgets have embedded systems. Embedded Systems are controlled by one or more main processing cores that is typically a Micro controller or a digital signal processor.

5. Interface Design – This branch is concerned with the human Interface of the computer systems. It can include the development and improvement of interface methods such as keyboard/mice, touch screen and voice control etc.

6. Operating Systems – Operating System is core of any computer. It is very necessary for the functioning of the hardware of the computer. A good knowledge of the functionality of hardware is important to develop and improve on operating systems.

7. Software Engineering – Software Engineering is the art of conceiving electronic systems which are sufficiently cheap and power effective to be economically viable and still fit for their purpose. Software engineering is the craft of programming these devices efficiently and effectively while guaranteeing that they will open correctly under every predictable circumstance. The engineering specialization is designed to help students build a solid and durable background in this quickly growing area. Developing successful products requires a clear understanding of concepts as diverse as operating systems and VLSI electronics, processor architecture and discrete optimization, compilers and design technology. Good development managers need to anticipate new technological breakthroughs and to be capable of reinventing continuously system design concepts.

8. Internet Computing - Almost all the computing devices are connected through the Internet. The openness of the Internet whose participants cannot be controlled by central authorities, poses novel computer science for resource control, security, programming, data distribution and information access. As an open information exchange platform, the internet is transforming many sectors of new-age society and economy including business, commerce, medicine, engineering and media. This changes the face of established enterprises and creates new business opportunities for start-ups, both leading to a high demand and many exciting career opportunities for experts with a background in Internet Computing.

The scope of disciplines studied in computer engineering is not limited to the above subjects alone but there are multitude of many other specializations that computer engineers can pursue.

Career options for Computer Engineer: -

Computer Engineering is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the next 15-20 years. The computer industry is a flourishing industry and therefore there is a wide range of opportunities for Computer Engineers in India and abroad. The main areas which have immense possibilities for the computer science and engineering graduates are System Study, Analysis, Design and Programming. Computer Engineers develop computer programs for Industries. Their work involves the design, development and maintenance of software. They are involved in analyzing problems for solutions, formulating and testing using advanced communications or multi-media equipment or working with a team for the development of product.

There are lots of career opportunities for computer engineers in universities, research, private and public companies, and manufacturing sector etc. Computer Engineers can work as a Software Engineer or Hardware Engineer. Software is about setting up a set of programmed instructions that enable a computer to perform specified functions. A career in Software has a variety of job profiles in development, Testing, Support, Networking, Security etc. Hardware Engineer is about the physical elements of a computer system design, development, assembly, manufacture and maintenance.

Generally software engineers get higher salaries as compared to hardware engineers. The software engineers can work as programmers, web developers and E-Commerce Specialists with industries that build or use computer based systems such as telecommunications, automotive and aerospace. Computer networking is something which would only grow so computer engineers have a lot of scope in that area. For instance the Internet is continuously innovating and therefore it needs the services of computer Engineers for constantly maintaining Internet, intranet, and World Wide Web applications. National and multinational computer manufacturing companies, computer hardware system design and development companies, computer networking companies and software development companies can be taken as good choices. It is the software Industry comprising of big software companies has opened a treasure of opportunities before young aspirants who wish to pursue career in computers. India has become a great business center for people all over. Quite naturally then there are ample opportunities:

• The computer engineers have job openings in India as well as abroad. They can work for Global as well as Indian IT companies like Microsoft, Google, IBM, Adobe, Satyam, Infosys and TCS etc.

• Even Government has now understood the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and offers lot of job vacancies for computer engineers. Major government companies like Indian Oil, ONGC offers exciting opportunities to computer engineers.

• Today’s entrepreneur’s can certainly start their own IT enterprise and can aim to either come up with innovative products on their own or may even think to service global giants like Microsoft, Google etc.

Salary : -

The salary of a Computer Engineer has been a reason of envy for people. A person’s experience, ability, qualifications and the status of the industry determines the salary of a computer engineer. As compared to the government sectors private firms offer better payment. In India, a fresh graduate in computer engineering can start off with a salary of Rs.20, 000 – Rs.35, 000 and within 1 or 2 years of experience it may gradually increase up to Rs.50, 000 or more per month. Teaching can also be rewarding job in computer engineering. A Lecturer in this field can earn from Rs. 15,000-25,000/- plus dearness allowance. The fresh graduates who come from the best technological universities/colleges (IITs and NITs) are offered annual pay package of up to 10 lakhs.

Institutes for Computer Engineering in India : -

Some of the top Engineering Colleges in India which offer B.E/ B.Tech programs in Computer engineering are:

Institutes for Computer Engineering in U.S.A : -

Some of the top Ranked Colleges in the USA for Computer Science & Engineering are -

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

2. Stanford University, Stanford, CA

3. University of California--Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

4. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA

5. University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

6. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI

7. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

8. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

9. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

10. University of Texas--Austin (Cockrell), Austin, TX

Top Indian Firms for Computer Engineers

Some of the top firms in India which can be a good career option for computer engineers are: -

Top Global Firms for Computer Engineers

Some of the top global firms which keep looking for good computer engineers are: -