Introduction to Computer Engineering

Lecture 1: Introduction to Computer Engineering

- Definition of Computer Engineering.

Computer Engineering is a discipline within electrical engineering and computer science that focuses
on the design, development, and integration of computer systems and networks. It combines
elements of both electrical engineering and computer science to create and optimize the hardware
and software components of computing devices, ensuring they work together efficiently.

Key aspects of Computer Engineering include:

1. Hardware Design: Computer engineers design and develop the physical components of computer
systems, such as microprocessors, memory devices, and peripheral devices.

2. Software Development: They also work on software development, including low-level firmware,
device drivers, and the integration of software with hardware.

3. Embedded Systems: Computer engineers specialize in creating embedded systems, which are
computer systems integrated into various devices and products, like smartphones, automotive
control systems, and IoT devices.

4. Computer Architecture: They design and optimize the architecture of computer systems, ensuring
that they operate efficiently and meet specific performance requirements.

5. Networking: Computer engineers play a role in the design and maintenance of computer
networks, ensuring data communication between devices is reliable and secure.

6. Hardware-Software Integration: One of the key focuses of computer engineering is to bridge the
gap between hardware and software, making sure they work seamlessly together.

7. System Optimization: Computer engineers work to maximize the performance and efficiency of
computer systems while minimizing power consumption and cost.

In essence, computer engineering is a multidisciplinary field that enables the development of a wide
range of computing devices, from small embedded systems to large-scale computer networks, by
combining expertise in hardware and software. It plays a crucial role in the advancement of
technology and the creation of innovative computing solutions.

1.: Computer Science is primarily concerned with software, algorithms, and the theoretical aspects
of computation. It deals with programming, data structures, and the development of algorithms for
solving various problems.
2. Key Areas: Computer Science includes areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data
science, software development, and computer theory.
3.Computer scientists focus on the design and analysis of algorithms, the study of data structures,
and the development of software applications.
4. Hardware Knowledge: While computer scientists do have some knowledge of hardware, their
primary focus is on software and algorithmic solutions.
5. Typical Roles: Computer scientists often work as software developers, data analysts, machine
learning engineers, and researchers in areas like artificial intelligence.
Electrical Engineering:

1. Electrical Engineering primarily deals with the study and application of electrical systems,
electronics, and electrical devices. It encompasses a broad range of electrical and electronic
technologies.

2. Electrical Engineering includes power systems, telecommunications, electronics, control systems,

and more.

3. Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical and electronic systems. They work on
power generation and distribution, circuits, and electronics.

4. Electrical engineers may have knowledge of software used for control systems, but their primary
focus is on hardware.

5. Electrical engineers work in industries related to power generation, telecommunications,

electronics manufacturing, and control systems.

Computer Engineering:

1. Computer Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of both computer

science and electrical engineering. It deals with the design and development of computer systems
and hardware.

2. Computer Engineering includes digital systems, embedded systems, computer architecture, and
hardware-software integration.

3. Computer engineers work on the design and integration of computer hardware and software.
They create and optimize computer systems.

4. Hardware and Software Integration: Computer engineers bridge the gap between the low-level
hardware components and the high-level software applications.

5. Computer engineers work as hardware engineers, embedded systems engineers, and system
architects in industries related to computer hardware and systems development.

In summary, Computer Science is primarily focused on software and algorithms, Electrical

Engineering deals with electrical systems and electronics, and Computer Engineering integrates both
hardware and software aspects of computer systems. Each field has its unique focus and areas of
expertise, but there is overlap, especially between Computer Science and Computer Engineering,
where software and hardware meet in the development of computer systems.
- Historical perspective: Evolution of computers and the role of computer engineers.

- Importance of computer engineering in the modern world.

Module 1
COMPUTER HARDWARE DESIGN

Definition of hardware design

Hardware design is the process of creating and testing physical

components that make up electronic devices. It involves the design and
development of computer hardware components, including circuit boards,
microchips, schematics, and scanners, as well as the creation of the physical
parts of a product, such as processors and sensors. The hardware design
process typically includes researching, developing concepts, creating schematics,
prototyping, and testing to ensure accuracy.

Additionally, hardware designers are often involved in the manufacturing and

installation process. Popular products of hardware design include computer
motherboards, mobile circuit boards, and video game boards. Hardware design
is a crucial component of the product development process that enables the
creation of functional and efficient electronic devices.
Hardware design can be broadly divided into two categories: digital hardware
design and analogue hardware design. Digital hardware design involves the
creation of digital circuits and systems that process binary data, such as
microprocessors, memory chips, and digital signal processors.

On the other hand, analogue hardware design involves the creation of analogue
circuits and systems that process continuously varying signals, such as
amplifiers, filters, and power management circuits. In this case, several aspects
have to be considered, such as noise, distortion, and signal attenuation.

Both digital and analogue hardware design are essential for the creation of
complex electronic products. This is what makes hardware design services so
important, since startups and CEOs can get a great product with this.

Difference between hardware design and PCB

design

As we mentioned above, many clients get confused with hardware design and
PCB design , these concepts are part of electronic product development, that’s
why they are closely related.

Remember that hardware design refers to the process of designing and

developing the physical components that make up electronic devices, including
processors, sensors (see IoT sensors), and circuit boards.

On the other hand, PCB design is a specific subset of hardware design that
focuses on the design and layout of the printed circuit board. A PCB is a board
that holds and connects electronic components using conductive pathways
(see PCB prototyping). Depending on the project you are planning to build,
there will be different types of PCBs that you need to use to ensure the proper
functioning of your device, hardware, or IoT product (why is IoT important).

Hardware design process

The hardware design process starts with outlining the specifications or

requirements of the project. This may include features and system
requirements.
Then it is necessary to advance to the feasibility analysis. Where a proof of
concept will be carried out to confirm your business idea is possible and can
provide results in the market.

From this point, there will be a preliminary hardware design, which will consist of
outlining electronic functions and connections. Let’s say, microcontroller,
displays, sensors, chips, and all necessary connections to make the hardware
work.

Then, the schematic circuit diagram design will come. We usually use Altium or
KiCad. Bear in mind the PCB design needs a lot of work, depending on the
complexity of the device.

As a result, from this electronic hardware design, the engineers will create the
Bill of Materials (BOM), which is a shopping list of all the mechanical and
electronic components (detailed by quantity and specifications) you need to get
for start building your product.

Example of hardware design

Hardware Design Example

We like to use examples in our articles to explain different concepts better. Let’s
take a popular device to understand hardware design, a smartphone. This
device has several components:

 CPU
 Battery
 Lenses
 Sensors
 Microprocessors
 Microcontrollers (ESP32 chip)
 Screen
Each one of these components is designed and developed separately by teams
of engineers, who work together to create a cohesive device that functions
optimally.

Once all of these components are built, it will be necessary to work on firmware
and software. This will ensure that the different electronic components will be
able to integrate together, gather information, and work as a whole to deliver a
great experience to the user that will buy the phone.

Creating a product or device from scratch involves many steps and

requirements to be met. If you already have advanced in hardware design (how
does the design of hardware work), you could go to a new stage, which is
prototyping.
Lecture 2