Computer technology has advanced dramatically over the past ten years.Technology has advanced from computers the size of a room that can only performone particular task, to personal computers (PC’s) that will fit on a desk andperform multiple tasks. Understanding computers and their programs and beingable to apply that knowledge is very important in today’s workplace.Engineering is a field that requires an extensive background in computertechnology. Future engineers will benefit dramatically from having a strongbackground in computer technology. In order to understand why computers areimportant, we have to understand what a computer is and what it does.
A computeris a device capable of performing a series of calculations or logical operationswithout human intervention. The computer is characterized by the number andcomplexity of operations it can perform and by its ability to process, store,and retrieve data (“Computers” 1). The development of computers began in the19th century by British mathematician Charles Babbage (Eadie 3). Babbagedesigned, but did not build, a mechanical digital device capable of processinginformation as a modern computer does (4). In 1930 American scientist VannevarBush built a mechanically operated device, called a differential analyzer (4).It was the first general-purpose analog computer.
Analog computers will bediscussed later in this paper. The first information-processing digital computeractually built was the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, or Mark Icomputer (4). Completed in 1944, this electromechanical device was designed byAmerican engineer Howard Aiken (5). In 1946 the Electronic Numerical Integratorand Computer, or ENIAC, was put into operation (5). Using thousands of electrontubes, it was the first electronic digital computer.
In the late 1950stransistors replaced electron tubes in computers, allowing a reduction in thesize and power consumption of computer components (5). In the 1960s hybridcomputers were tried that connected analog computers to digital ones. Laterintegrated circuits were developed that allowed further reduction in componentsize and increase in reliability. The introduction of a relatively easy to usePC in 1981 began a period in the rapid growth of the computer industry.
Thecomputer industry is still thriving today with the introduction of fasterprocessors such as the Pentium II and now the Pentium III, high tech printers,scanners, and of course the Internet. There are two types of computers, analogand digital. An analog computer is designed to process data in which thevariable quantities vary continuously; it translates the relationships betweenthe variables of a problem into analogous relationships between electricalquantities, such as current and voltage, and solves the original problem bysolving the equivalent problem, or analog, that is set up in its electricalcircuits (Eadie 9). Because of this feature, analog computers are useful in thesimulation and evaluation of certain complex situations.
Analog computers do notplay a role in engineering today, but without the introduction of analogcomputers PC’s would not be what they are today. Digital computers arereferred to as PC’s. PC’s are used everyday in the workplace, at school, andat home. Many programs can be accessed and loaded into a digital computer. Mosttechnical jobs, including engineering, require experience and understanding ofPC’s and the programs that are related to the field in which the PC is beingused. A digital computer is designed to process data in numerical form; itscircuits perform mathematical operations of addition, subtraction,multiplication, and division.
The numbers operated on by a digital computer areexpressed in the binary system. Binary digits, which are also known as bits, are0 and 1, so that 0, 1, 10, 11, 100, 101, etc. correspond to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,etc. A series of eight bits, called a “byte”, is the basic data unit ofcomputers. A digital computer can store the results of its calculations forlater use, can compare the results with other data, and on the basis of suchcomparisons can change the series of operations it performs (“Computers” 2).PC’s would not be useful if it were not for the information that we enter intothem.
Input to a computer can come directly from people. Human beings candirectly communicate with the computer terminals, entering instructions and databy means of keyboards or by using a mouse and receiving the information througha printer. Entering data into a computer can be extremely complicated forsomeone who is not experienced in downloading. In engineering understanding howto download a program is not as important as knowing how to run a programunless, of course, you are planning a career in computer engineering. When thenecessary programs are loaded into a PC it can be used for tasks such ascomputer-aided design.
Computer-aided design (CAD) is used frequently inengineering. CAD is a form of automation that helps designers prepare drawings,specifications, and parts lists for a wide variety of products. The technologyis widely used in architectural, electronics, aeronautical, naval, andautomotive engineering and design. At first CAD programs only performed lesscomplicated automated drafting projects. Now they include computer simulation asan important component. Rather than having to build “bread-board” circuitprototypes and change components to determine effects of tolerance ranges,engineers can use computers to simulate circuit operation (Ferris 19).
Asmicroelectronics devices have become smaller and more complex, CAD has become anespecially important technology. The introduction of CAD’s have lowered costsand shortened the design cycle in many industries. The understanding of CAD’sand similar programs are a vital component to any engineering career. Otherprograms that are related to engineering are ones that help create blueprints,estimate production costs, and simulate certain situations that will help inproduction. There are many different programs that correspond to each field ofengineering.
In today’s society computers are taught starting in elementaryschool. Computerized instruction continues all the way through high school. Now,many engineering degrees require certain computer classes. Today’s studentsare going to have an advantage over the engineers of the past.
Design andplanning will become easier even though the designs may be more complex. Theadvancements in technology have contributed greatly to the field of engineering.
