Computer Engineering

Introduction:

Computers are slowly becoming a quintessential aspect which can be found everywhere; i,e in car engines, watches, microwave ovens, telephones, video games, x-ray machines, ATM's, touching every facet of our lives. Due to the rapid growth of Information Technology, computer industry has become one of the fastest growing segments of our economy. As a result, there exists a huge demand for Computer engineering professionals for the development of faster hardware components, new communication systems and software. Here comes the importance of Computer Engineering. Computer Engineering involves designing and testing of computer components. It is a branch of Engineering, which studies elements from both electrical engineering and computer science angles, combining the principle and techniques of these two for the making and development of computer and computer-based systems. Professionals who work with computer hardware and software are termed as Computer Engineers.

Eligibility, Degrees & Course Areas:

Students who wish to pursue a career in computer science and engineering need a strong foundation in both mathematics and science, particularly chemistry and physics. To become a computer engineer one should have a graduate degree (B.E / B.Tech) or postgraduate degree (M.E) or at least have a diploma in Computer Engineering. A Diploma holder in Computer Engineering can become a junior engineer in various public and private sector jobs. Masters Degree in Computer Engineering is required for teaching.

Educational:

The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech in Computer Engineering is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The eligibility for Diploma in Computer Engineering is 10 + 2 with Science Subjects. After bachelor's degree, one can go in for a post graduate degree; i.e M.E/ M.Tech. The eligibility for ME/ M.Tech in Computer Engineering is BE/B Tech in Computer Engineering. The Associate Memberships of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) also offers courses in computer engineering in distance mode, equivalent to BE/B Tech provided by other institutes/universities. There are various universities and technological institutions in various parts of our country offering PhD programs in computer Engineering.

Selection: Admission to the B.E/ B.Tech courses is highly competitive and only those with high academic performance in the board examination i.e in the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and in the entrance test can expect admission. Selection is generally made on the basis of the marks obtained in +2 and the merit in Common Entrance Test (CET), conducted by the competent authority. Admission to the IIT's

(Indian Institute of Technology) is through IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other major institutions through AIEEE (All India Engineering/Pharmacy/Architecture Entrance Examination) OR their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national level exams. Admission to the BE/BTech in computer engineering in the Associate Memberships of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) is done through the Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers.

Selection to the ME/ MTech programs in various engineering colleges and universities like the IITs and NITs is through GATE (The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ).

Duration : BE / B.Tech courses in Computer Engineering are of 4 years (8 semesters). Diploma course in Computer Engineering are of 3 years. ME/ M.Tech in Computer Engineering is 2 years (4 semesters).

Top Universities / Colleges in India:

IIT, Delhi.
IIT, Kanpur.
IIT, Mumbai.
IIT,Kharagpur.
IIT, Chennai.
IIT, Hyderabad.
IT - BHU, Varanasi.
IIT, Guwahati.
BITS, Pilani.
Delhi Technological University (DTU).

Information Source: http://www.siliconindia.com/engineering/engineering-survey-2013.html

Personal skills:

A Computer Engineer must have the ability to create and invent things, a good knowledge in technology and an interest in mathematics and science. He/ she should be familiar with programming and computer hardware / software. They should have good analytical skills,

an eye for detail, sustained attention and the ability to solve problems.

They should posses good communication skills, be proficient in analyzing and evaluating data and have the skill to make decisions, to work in teams and to express their ideas both orally and in writing. They need to have a detailed knowledge of the core electrical and computer engineering subjects – including electronics, electrical systems, computers, circuits, design and modeling. Some of the best colleges abroad offer online Master Degree in Computer Engineering and getting a degree from these reputed colleges improves the career prospects of the candidates.

Processes & Career Options:

The job prospects for computer engineers are increasing rapidly both in India and abroad because of the booming in this industry. System study, analysis, design and programming are the main areas which provide various probabilities to the computer science and engineering graduates to shape themselves in their career. Computer engineers develop computer programs for industries. Their work involves the design, development and maintenance of software. They are engaged in analyzing problems for solutions, formulating and testing, using advanced communications or multi-media equipment or working in teams for product development.

A computer engineering graduate with a high percentage of mark and good communication skill are easily absorbed in reputed companies. Along with the degree in computer science, the candidate should be well trained in the latest software's. Software and IT companies are the main employers of these graduates. They can also find job opportunities in a variety of environments in university, research, private and public industries, government departments, business organizations, commercial organizations and the manufacturing sector etc. Computer Engineers can work as a Software/ Hardware Engineer, which are the two main sectors in the computer industry. Software is the set of programmed instructions that enable a computer to perform specified functions and Hardware covers the physical elements of a computer system, and is concerned with the design, development, assembly, manufacture and maintenance. They can work as programmers, web developers and E- commerce specialists with industries that build or use computer-basedsystems, such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, etc. National and multi-national computer manufacturing companies; computer hardware system design and development companies, computer networking companies, software development companies as well as hardware assembling and maintenance companies, data processing departments of modern industries and in areas where computers and computer-aided systems are used, such as aeronautics and space science, the petroleum industry, chemical plants and power plants and management consultancy organizations are some among the probable work places.

Diploma holder in computer engineering can start their own business enterprise with very little investment. A person with good academic record i.e a masters degree in computer engineering with 5 years experience in teaching at graduate level or industrial experience in a reputed firm can be employed as a lecturer. Qualified candidates can find employment as a Software engineer in software companies in India and abroad.

European manufacturing industries provide excellent career opportunities for computer graduates in areas like cabling, satellite television, cellular telephones, microprocessor system design and software engineering. In Australia and overseas they might be employed in design, manufacturing, robotics and software development sectors.

Challenges:

Computer engineers are a part of a team who apply their knowledge of mathematics and science for the design and development of a computer. Those who deal with the computer equipment as such, are termed as computer hardware engineers and those who deal with the computer programs are called computer software engineers. Computer software or software is a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that performs the major tasks on a computer system. Software engineers should have strong programming skills as they are concerned with the design and development of many types of software, including computer games, word processing and business applications, operating systems and network distribution and compilers, which convert programs to machine language for execution on a computer.

Hardware engineers are involved in the research, designing, testing, manufacturing and installation of computer hardware such as computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems and related equipments. Their work is similar to that of electronic engineers but their work is exclusively limited to computers and computer-related equipments. Computer engineers have the option of moving into hardware or software positions or blending the two. On projects, both these engineers usually work together as a team. It is these computer engineers who design software and hard ware computer-based systems for embedded micro controllers, designing - VLSI chips, analog sensors, mixed signal circuit boards and operating systems.

The engineering grand challenges facing the world today require innovation in engineering to solve tomorrow’s greatest problems. In the field of Computer Engineering Secure Cyber Space and secure cyber space and Virtual Reality are the Grand Challenges for Knowledge Era. The Grand Challenges are a call to action and serve as a focal point for society's attention to opportunities and challenges affecting our quality of life.

Information source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282754169_CHALLENGES_IN_COMPUTER_ENGINEERING [accessed May 11, 2017].

Remuneration:

Due to rapid industrialization, chemical engineers have gained a position among the top money makers. The earnings depend on the industries employing chemical engineers such as Central or State government departments or private concerns. Working experience, qualifications, ability are important factors in determining the pay level. Those who are working in the private sector are well paid. Fresher's can get a starting salary of Rs 9,000 to Rs 13,000 per month excluding other allowances. In the government sector, the salary range of diploma holders is Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000 per month. Lecturers in colleges get a starting salary of Rs 12,000-Rs 13,000 a month. With more experience or as an established independent consultant one could earn more. Senior engineers can earn anywhere in between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000 a month.

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