INTRODUCTION TO

ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS AND

COMPUTER ENGINEERING
U3583AL
Electronics and Computer Eng.
LECTURERS:

1. PROF. C. TEMANEH NYAH: Office: DO218

2. MR. A. NDAPUKA: Office: E2….

Electronics and Computer Eng.
NQF CREDITS: 6

NOTIONAL HOURS: 60

Contact hours: 3 contact hours/week for 5 Weeks

Electronics and Computer Eng.
 PURPOSE:
To Enable the student to understand the
fundamentals of engineering profession, the
roles and responsibilities of engineers.

Electronics and Computer Eng.

 OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering
2. Describe practical experiments that can be performed
3. Explain the steps involved in engineering problem solving
4. Identify general steps involved in engineering design and
communication
Electronics and Computer Eng.
 BRANCHES OF ENGINEERING

ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS AND

COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Electronics and Computer Eng.

 Electronics and Computer Engineering

➢Branch of Electrical Engineering that deals with design and analysis of

electronics systems (circuits, gadgets, devices etc).

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering
➢Electronics and Computer Engineering deals with light current systems to
control other systems as well as compute, store, present, transmit and receive
information.
➢Light current systems use components like: resistors, capacitors, inductors,
diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, logic gates, microprocessors, micro-
controllers

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Electronics and Computer Engineering

An electronic and computer engineer can find a job in the

➢ Consumer electronics manufacturing organisation,

➢ Telecommunication and IT industry,

➢ Healthcare equipment manufacturing organisation,

➢ Mobile communication(2G,3G,4G), internet technologies

➢ Power electronics industry and many more

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering
➢MAIN COURSES ❑ Analogue and Digital Communication
❑ Analogue Electronics ❑ Signals and Systems
❑ Digital Electronics
❑ Wireless Communication
❑ Embedded Systems and Robotics
❑ Microprocessor and Microcontroller ❑ Digital Signal Processing
❑ Electronics Product Development
❑ RF and Microwave Engineering
❑ Computer Networks
❑ Database Systems ❑ Applied Electromagnetics

❑ Computer Software Engineering ❑ Operating Systems

❑ Machine Learning ❑ Computer Programming
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 Electronics and Computer Engineering

Job Prospects
➢Circuit Design
▪ SatCom
▪ Samsung
▪ Intel
▪ Neno
▪ Huawei
▪ LG
▪ etc

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering

Job Prospects
➢Product Development

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering

Job Prospects
➢Programming

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering

Job Prospects
➢Computer Networking
▪ Every company

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering

Job Prospects
➢Telecommunication
▪ Telecom Namibia
▪ MTC
▪ NBC
▪ Trans Namib
▪ Air Namibia
▪ etc

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering

Job Prospects
➢Instrumentation and Control
▪ Nam Breweries
▪ Air Namibia
▪ NamPort
▪ Mining companies
▪ NamPower
▪ NamWater

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 Electronics and Computer Engineering

Job Prospects
➢ Academia and
➢ Research institutions

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 History of Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Engineering
Electrical phenomena attracted the attention of European thinkers as early as the 17th
century. The most noteworthy pioneers include:

▪ Ludwig Wilhelm Gilbert and Georg Simon Ohm of Germany

▪ Hans Christian Ørsted of Denmark
▪ André-Marie Ampère of France
▪ Alessandro Volta of Italy
▪ Joseph Henry of the United States, and
▪ Michael Faraday of England.

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 History of Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering may be said to have emerged as a discipline in 1864 when the

Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell summarized the basic laws of electricity in

mathematical form and showed that radiation of electromagnetic energy travels

through space at the speed of light. Thus, light itself was shown to be
an electromagnetic wave, and Maxwell predicted that such waves could be

artificially produced. In 1887 the German physicist Heinrich Hertz fulfilled Maxwell’s

prediction by experimentally producing radio waves.

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 History of Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering started as a specialization of electrical engineering before
developing into a new discipline.
Computer engineering applies aspects of digital logic design from computer science
to the design of microprocessors and technological systems.
As the field grew, computer engineering continued to adopt design fundamentals and
theories from computer science. Computer engineering is distinct from computer
science because it focuses on hardware and computer design.
Western Reserve University offered the first accredited computer engineering
program in the U.S. in 1971. As of 2022, more than 4,361 computer engineering
programs in the U.S. hold accreditation from the Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology (ABET).
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 Definition of Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the

Practical applications of electricity in all its forms (Generation,
Transmission and Distribution), including those of the field of electronics.

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 Definition of Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Engineering
Electronics engineering is that branch of electrical engineering concerned with the

uses of the electromagnetic spectrum and with the application of such electronic

devices as integrated circuits and transistors.

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 Definition of Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Engineering
In engineering practice, the distinction between electrical engineering and
electronics is usually based on the comparative strength of the electric
currents used. In this sense,

Electrical Engineering is the branch dealing with “heavy current”—that is, electric
light and power systems and apparatuses—whereas

Electronics Engineering deals with such “light current” applications

as telephone and radio communication, computers, radar, and
automatic control systems.

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 Definition of Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Engineering
The distinction between the fields has become less sharp with technical
progress.
For example, in the high-voltage transmission of electric power, large
arrays of electronic devices are used to convert transmission-
line current at power levels in the tens of megawatts. Moreover, in the
regulation and control of interconnected power systems, electronic
computers are used to compute requirements much more rapidly and
accurately than is possible by manual methods.
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 Focus, Roles and Responsibilities of an
Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineer
A Computer Engineer fuses electrical engineering and computer science to develop new technology.
Computer engineers design, build, and maintain hardware in modern computers. These engineers focus on
integrating hardware and software in a unified system safely and efficiently.
Along with personal devices, computer engineers have a hand in creating robotics, networks, and other
computer-based systems.
This role tends to include a high amount of research and development, testing, and quality assurance.
Computer engineers work within a team along with software developers and other tech professionals. The
field requires strong foundations in science and mathematics, and most employees have earned a related
bachelor's degree. Certifications in software, programming languages, or hardware systems can lead to
additional job opportunities.

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 Focus, Roles and Responsibilities of an
Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineer
Electrical engineering focuses on designing, manufacturing an implementing
electrical systems for buildings, transport, construction and infrastructure. It’s
responsible for connecting our homes and businesses with electricity and
creating a power network that runs through our cities. In addition, creating light
bulbs, induction motors, radios, televisions and all other electrical machines
requires electrical engineering.
Electrical engineers use computer-assisted programs to design and develop
electrical systems, including motors, power generators, communication systems
and electrical components used in equipment and vehicles.
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 Focus, Roles and Responsibilities of an
Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineer

They may oversee the installation, manufacturing, repair and maintenance

of electrical systems, too.
Electrical engineers have the following responsibilities:
▪ Carry out feasibility studies for new technical innovations
▪ Create plans using computer-assisted engineering and design software
▪ Estimate material, construction and labour costs, and project time-scales
▪ Test installations and systems, and analyse data
▪ Make sure projects meet electrical and construction safety regulations

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 Focus, Roles and Responsibilities of an
Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineer
Electronics engineers typically do the following:
Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial,
medical, military, or scientific applications.
Analyze customer needs and determine the requirements, capacity, and cost for
developing an electrical system plan.

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 Focus, Roles and Responsibilities of an
Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineer
Computer Engineer
Computer engineering forms the major foundation of all technology, so engineers may pursue a
wide array of specializations within the field. Computer hardware engineers accounted for 76,900
computer engineering positions in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Computer engineering professionals gain access to high-paying roles. According to the BLS,
Computer hardware engineers earn a median annual salary of $128,170. Additional education
and experience can lead to lucrative managerial roles. The BLS reports a median wage of
$159,010 per year for information systems managers.
Computer engineers may need to pursue different concentrations or additional education to
prepare for some specialized jobs. For example, a computer engineering program alone might
not cover the advanced theories of aerodynamics necessary for computer engineering jobs in
aerospace.

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 Exit Programme Outcomes
On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems creatively
and innovatively.
Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals
and an engineering specialty to solve complex engineering problems.
Perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of
components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes.
Demonstrate competence to formulate and conduct investigations and
experiments.
Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills, and
tools, including those based on information technology.

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 Exit Programme Outcomes
Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with
engineering audiences and the community at large.
Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of engineering activity
on the social, industrial and physical environment.
Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in
multidisciplinary environments.
Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed
learning skills.
Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to
exercise judgement and take responsibility within own limits of competence.

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 Exit Programme Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management

principles and economic decision-making.

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 What is an Engineering Problem?
An engineering problem is one that may be analyzed and solved using
engineering sciences and methods. One of the biggest engineering problems
in the world today is finding ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce
the consumption of fossil fuels. There are many ideas that are constantly
being tested. Some solutions that have come from the design engineering
process are light-emitting diode (LED) and solar lighting as well as automated
lighting systems. These solutions reduce energy consumption and collectively
impact the consumption of fossil fuels.

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 Steps involved in Engineering Problem
Solving
Defining a Problem in Engineering
Defining a problem in engineering design is important because one cannot know what
the best solution may be if they do not fully understand the problem in detail.
It requires in-depth knowledge and history of the system, other attempted or successful
solutions, and how far-reaching a solution to the problem may be.
It is always important to define the problem so that there is no ambiguity when
designing
solutions, especially when working on a team or when a contract is in place. It is also
important that the needs of stakeholders and other involved parties are considered when
writing a problem statement. For example, an engineering design may solve a problem,
but is not commercially robust, a quality that most investors tend to be most interested
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in.
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 Engineering Problem Statement

A problem statement is a description of the problem.

Engineers typically write a problem statement that explains the problem, provides
evidence, and proposes a solution with associated advantages or impacts.

A problem statement addresses the who, what, and why questions and may be a part
of engineering contracts.

Having a written document that outlines the problem and planned steps is an
important initiating phase of engineering design and product development.

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Steps involved in Engineering Problem Solving

Engineering Problem Solving

1. Define the problem.
2. List possible solutions.
3. Evaluate and rank the possible solutions.
4. Develop a detailed plan for the most attractive solution(s)
5. Re-evaluate the plan to check desirability.
6. Implement the plan.
7. Check the results.

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 General Steps involved in Engineering
Design
Engineering Design Process
An engineer is an individual who designs, builds, analyzes, and maintains machines,
structures, equipment, and other complex systems. The engineering design
process is a system followed by engineers to identify problems and develop or
enhance solutions. There is a standard set of steps that are generally followed in
the engineering design process but there may be adjustments made based on the
type of project, resources, and other factors. For example, some steps in the
process may need to be repeated before moving on to other steps and some
engineers do not follow steps in order. They may make changes to a design and do
additional brainstorming based on testing data. The engineering design process
typically involves:
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 General Steps involved in Engineering
Design
• Defining the problem: this step involves identifying the problem, who it affects, and
defining the impact that solving the problem may have. This step involves critical thinking.
• Researching and brainstorming: this step involves conducting background research on the
problem, and existing solutions, and devising new strategies that may solve the problem.
• Finding possible solutions: this step involves choosing the best solution to the problem
and rejecting ideas that do not meet the design requirements.
• Building a prototype: a prototype is a preliminary or original model of a design from which
others are developed or that is used to test a concept. Building a prototype allows the
assessment of the idea.
• Testing and evaluating: involves assessing the prototype for accuracy and whether there
need to be adjustments.
• Improving and redesigning: flaws in the design are addressed during this step and
changes are made for improvement.

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 Engineering Materials

The materials used for manufacturing of engineering products are called engineering
materials. These engineering materials are the back bone of all engineering products.
The design, manufacturing, commercialization and performance of any engineering
product basically depends on the material being used for that product

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 Engineering Materials

Classification of Engineering Materials

These engineering materials can be classified based on the branch of
engineering as below:
Electronics Engineering materials: semiconducting materials are the base of all
electronics devices
Similarly the Electrical Engineering materials includes: Conductors, Semiconductors,
Insulators, Magnetic materials etc.

Mechanical Engineering materials – i.e. Iron, Steel etc.

Civil Engineering materials – i.e. Cements, Iron, Stones, Sans etc.

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 Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology

Nanoelectronics, formed by combining nanotechnology and

electronics, deals with the handling, characterization, engineering,
and manufacturing of electronic devices at the nanoscale.

The use of nanotechnology allows electronics to be faster, smaller, and

more portable. It increases the power of electronic devices, improves the
density of memory chips, and helps reduce power consumption and the
size of transistors used in integrated circuits.

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