Electrical Engineering

One major staple of computer engineering is the embedded system, which consists of a computer, communication, and software. An embedded system is a special purpose designed to perform a dedicated function. Unlike a general purpose computer, like a personal computer, an embedded system performs one or a few predefined tasks, usually with very specific requirements, and often includes task-specific hardware, and mechanical parts not usually found in a general purpose computer. Since the system is dedicated to system tasks, design engineers can optimize it, reducing the size and cost of the product. Some examples of embedded systems include cell phones, antilock brake controllers, sprinklers, microwave ovens, washing machines, MP3 players, DVD players, and the Mars Rover.

Within computers lie the processor, memory, and hardware controllers. The control unit directs the various components of a computer. It reads and interprets instructions in the program one by one. The control system decodes each instruction and turns it into a series of control