Electronic and computer engineering share common skills in designing and understanding hardware. Both require studies in computation, programming, electronics, and electrical theory. Computer engineers focus on operating systems, networks, and software while electronic engineers deal with microprocessors and motherboard components.
Both electronic and computer engineering are fields that deal with the physical hardware components of systems. The amount of overlap that occurs in the two fields means that professionals in both areas share many common skills for designing and understanding the hardware that goes into computers, housewares, and machines. While the electrical and computer engineering professions understand how computers and their components work together, electrical engineers are not limited to traditional computer systems. While electrical engineers might also work on things like electrical equipment and microwaves, computer engineers might work on digital media players, artificial intelligence, laptops, and desktop computers.
When earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering, most of the required classes are similar because both professions require studies in computation, programming, logic design, electronics, physics, and electrical theory. The main difference between the two programs lies in the engineering specialization that the student chooses. Those with a computer engineering major will study computer operating systems, hardware, networks, algorithms, software, and database design. Electronics engineers will take more advanced courses in microprocessor architecture, signal processing, and mechanical system control; therefore, electronic engineering narrows down to the smallest components that make up the computer systems we use in our homes and offices.
Professionals in both fields perform a variety of programming tasks, but the components they program usually differ. Electronics engineers write the algorithms used for programming microprocessors, but computer engineers usually write the operating systems used to communicate with computer hardware. However, this is not a requirement, and sometimes both electrical and computer engineers could write basic computer programs. Both types of professionals may also be responsible for programming the interfaces people use to communicate with systems.
The main difference between electronic and computer engineering is that electronic engineers focus more on diodes, circuits, semiconductors and other small components used for the circuit board of a computer. Computer engineers have working knowledge of these elements and can even work with these components in their daily work. Their main focus, however, lies in the computers and networks they use to communicate with each other. While electrical engineers may work with computer networks or systems, they deal with the intricate details of computer hardware and may design microprocessors or motherboard components. Computer engineers work primarily with computers and may not always deal with the other types of home electronics handled by electrical engineers.
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