Electrical and Computer Engineering Majors

General Information

Electrical and computer engineers are at the forefront of today’s technological revolution, and they continue to be in demand in all types of public and private enterprises. The value added in today’s products is primarily in digital and analog electronics and software. The internet has filled our lives with their influences. Electrical and computer engineering touch every aspect of today’s modern world, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make our lives better by making homes, automobiles, phones, speakers, and miscellaneous everyday devices smarter and exploiting the Internet of Things (IoT) to make the world more connected. WNE graduates are uniquely qualified to become engineers, capable of designing hardware and software. Electrical and computer engineers work in the communications, controls, signal and image processing, biomedical, aerospace, electronics, computer hardware, optics, integrated photonics, embedded systems, materials, energy, defense, data gathering/analysis, and other diverse commercial sectors.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering programs provide students with a thorough background in electronic/hardware and systems design. Individual students can tailor their program to his or her specific interests by selecting appropriate technical or design electives. Elective areas include electronics, digital systems, IoT, VLSI, digital signal processing (DSP), controls, robotics, image optics, integrated photonics, and embedded systems. In all of our courses, we stress the balance of theory and practice. The theory, presented in class, is coupled with extensive, practical, hands-on laboratory projects and experiments.

WNE laboratories are well equipped and all facilities are available for undergraduate use, and laboratory equipment is updated on a rotating basis allowing for a continued renewal and state-of-the-art technology in a rapidly changing world.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories:

Embedded Systems Laboratory
Controls and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Internet of Things (IoT) Laboratory
Circuits Laboratory
Electronics Laboratory
RF/Wireless Laboratory
LEAP@WNE Optics/Photonics Laboratory
Computer Architecture & Security Laboratory

 Access is also provided to the following laboratories in other engineering departments as needed:

Bioinstrumentation Laboratory
Biomedical Engineering Physiology Laboratory
Industrial Engineering Laboratory
Mechanical Engineering Laboratory

 Additionally, a fully equipped Machine Shop is available to students as well as a Rapid Prototyping STL machine.

The BSE in Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Design Experience

Students in the Electrical Engineering program and Computer Engineering program are introduced to engineering design in the freshman year in the Introduction to Engineering courses. Sophomore and junior courses and labs provide progressively more sophisticated design experiences within the electrical engineering program and computer engineering program respectively. Both programs culminate in a year-long capstone Senior Design Project course in which each student works on an independent project under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Most of the projects are sponsored by industry. Students involved in these projects have the opportunity to work with the industrial sponsor in an actual engineering environment.

Electives

Electives, in both programs, supplement the engineering student’s technical program. These electives must be selected in such a way that all General Education “perspective of understanding” requirements are covered. In addition, technical, design, and general electives provide the opportunity for specialization within a chosen field. An assigned departmental faculty advisor must approve selection of electives from engineering, mathematics, science, or business.

Vision

The Electrical and Computer Engineering programs at Western New England University will become nationally and internationally recognized for graduating students who have experienced putting theory into practice and are also capable of succeeding in advanced studies.

Mission

The mission of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering programs is to provide students with a supportive environment that facilitates learning to solve problems in electrical and computer engineering.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering programs are committed to excellence in student learning. Graduates of the programs will be problem solvers, able to apply engineering principles to electrical and computer systems. The faculty and staff of the programs use their background in teaching, research, and industry to prepare students to be successful as they move into the workforce or graduate school.

Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years after graduation, Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering (BSCPE) program graduates will:

Have successfully designed, built, tested complex systems.
Have a proven track record of being productive team members / leaders.
Have assumed leadership roles in their career.
Have contributed in professional and civic service.
Have pursued advanced learning through professional education, training, advanced degrees and used their knowledge to solve problems with global impact.

Student Outcomes

Accordingly, the program has documented student outcomes that support the program educational objectives. Attainment of these outcomes prepares graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering. 

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Career Opportunities

The application areas for electrical and computer engineering are fairly ubiquitous and our Electrical and Computer Engineering programs provide a broad based education that leads to employment in a diverse spectrum of industries in both private and public sectors, for example, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, automotive, medical electronics, multimedia and consumer electronic industries, energy, and power. In particular we offer courses in electronic communications, robotics, artificial intelligence, controls, digital signal/image processing, digital design, computer architecture, software and hardware design, embedded systems, optics, and integrated photonics. 

To provide additional depth in some of these areas the department offers Program Sequence Options as listed below.

Robotics/Mechatronics Sequence
RF/Microwave Engineering Sequence
Controls/Artificial Intelligence Sequence
Optics and Integrated Photonics Sequence

These Sequence Options have been described in detail following the Electrical Engineering program and Computer Engineering program degree requirements.

Degree Requirements

First Year- Fall

ENGL 132	English Composition I	3 cr.
ENGR 102/HONE 102	First Year Engineering Seminar	1 cr.
ENGR 103	Introduction to Engineering	4 cr.
MATH 127 or MATH 133	Calculus I With Pre-Calculus Calculus I	5 cr. 4 cr.
PHYS 133	Mechanics	4 cr.

Subtotal: 16

First Year - Spring

ENGL 133	English Composition II	3 cr.
ENGR 105/HONE 105	Computer Programming for Engineers	2 cr.
ENGR 110/HONE 110	Data Acquisition and Processing	3 cr.
MATH 134	Calculus II	4 cr.
PHYS 134	Electricity and Magnetism	4 cr.

Subtotal: 16

Sophomore Year - Fall Semester

CHEM 105	General Chemistry I	4 cr.
EE 205/HONE 205	Electrical Engineering I	4 cr.
ME 202/HONE 202	Statics	3 cr.
MATH 236	Differential Equations	3 cr.
SBP XXX	Social/Behavioral Perspective	3 cr.

Subtotal: 17

Sophomore Year - Spring

CPE 271	Digital System Design	4 cr.
EE 206	Electrical Engineering II	4 cr.
EE 285	Computational Techniques in C	3 cr.
MATH 235	Calculus III	3 cr.
PH XXX	Ethical Perspective	3 cr.

Subtotal: 17

Junior Year - Fall

IE 212	Probability and Statistics	3 cr.
CPE 310	Microprocessors I	3 cr.
EE 301	Signals and Systems	3 cr.
EE 303	Electronic Circuits	3 cr.
CPE 305	Data Structures for Embedded Firmware Design	3 cr.
EE 319	Electrical Engineering Laboratory I	2 cr.

Subtotal: 17

Junior Year - Spring

CPE 323	Embedded Systems Laboratory	1 cr.
CPE 355	Real Time Embedded Kernels	3 cr.
CPE 360	Microprocessors II	4 cr.
EE 302	Introduction to Digital Signal Processing	3 cr.
CPE 462/CPE 562	VHDL: Simulation and Synthesis	3 cr.
CUL XXX	Cultural/Aesthetic Perspective/"CA"	3 cr.

Subtotal: 17

Senior Year - Fall

CPE 420/CPE 520	Computer Architecture	3 cr.
CPE 422/CPE 522	Internet of Things (IoT)	3 cr.
CPE 427	Computer Engineering Laboratory	2 cr.
CPE 436	Project Research, Innovation and Development	2 cr.
CPE 439	Professional Awareness	1 cr.
xxx	CPE Design Elective	3 cr.

Subtotal: 14

Senior Year - Spring

CPE 470	Real-time Embedded Controls	3 cr.
CPE 440	Senior Design Projects	3 cr.
GEN XXX	General Elective	3 cr.
xxx	CPE Technical Elective	3 cr.
HIST XXX	History Perspective	3 cr.

Subtotal: 15

Total Credit Hours: 129

General Education courses must be selected in such a way to insure that all requirements have been satisfied. 

CPE Technical electives are CPE courses numbered 300 or above and approved by the advisor.

General elective must be selected with approval of the academic advisor.

The 2.000 required minimum grade point average in the major is based upon all CPE and EE major courses pursued as a part of the student’s degree program.

Program Sequence Options

There are several program sequence options within the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering programs as listed below.

Robotics/Mechatronics Sequence
Modern Controls/Artificial Intelligence Sequence
RF/Microwave Engineering Sequence
Optics and Integrated Photonics Sequence

The student can select a sequence option by appropriately tailoring their choice of electives during their junior and senior years. Each sequence option has been described below, along with a list of typical courses used to provide the required depth in the area. These lists are by no means exhaustive; the student makes his or her selection of sequence electives in consultation with their faculty advisor.

Robotics/Mechatronics Sequence

Robotics/Mechatronics represents an integrated technology approach for the design of intelligent systems and products. Intelligent systems driven primarily by human operator inputs are considered mechatronic systems; smart washing machines would be a good example. Intelligent systems driven primarily by automatic/sensor and adaptive inputs are robotic systems; the Google Driverless car would be a good example. The Robotics/Mechatronics sequence is intended for students who want to focus in this area while working on their Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Electrical Engineering degree. Students in the Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering programs can elect to take this sequence by an appropriate selection of technical electives during their junior and senior years and completing their senior project in this area.

The sequence electives provide coverage of the following topics:

Embedded programming and computing
Sensors and actuators
Adaptive control and environmental interactions
Computer vision and navigation

Typical courses:
EE 302 Introduction to Digital Signal Processing

CPE 360 Microprocessors II

EE 422 Control Systems

CPE 470 Real-time Embedded Controls

CPE 462 VHDL—Simulation and Systems

RF/Microwave Engineering Sequence

RF/Microwave Engineering Sequence represents an integrated technology approach for the design of high frequency systems and products. The students in the RF/Microwave Engineering Sequence are exposed to different aspects of applied electromagnetics including antennas design, the design of high frequency passive and active circuits, the design high frequency systems, etc. This sequence is designed to meet the growing needs of companies for engineers skilled in high frequency circuit design. The RF/Microwave Engineering Sequence is intended for students who want to focus in this area while working on their BSE in Electrical Engineering degree. Students in the Electrical Engineering program can elect to take this sequence by an appropriate selection of technical electives during their junior and senior years and completing their senior project in this area.

The sequence electives provide coverage of the following topics:

Fields and Waves
Microwave Engineering
RF & Microwave Wireless Systems
RF & Microwave Active Circuit Design
Wave Transmission and Reception
Software Defined Radio

Typical courses:

EE 314 Fields and Waves

EE 414 Microwave Engineering

EE 416 Electromagnetic Compatibility

EE 455 RF and Microwave Wireless Systems

EE 456 RF and Microwave Active Circuit Design

EE 457 Wave Transmission and Reception

Modern Controls and Artificial intelligence Sequence

Modern Control Theory   
Utilizing state-space analysis, where the dynamics of the processes are described by first-order differential equations in matrix form, has made an enormous impact on the analysis and design of controllers for complex systems. In recent years, modern control theory has advanced rapidly and is now recognized as an indispensable and practical technique for the design and analysis of feedback control systems in diverse areas such as aeronautics, robotics, autonomous vehicles, space craft systems design, etc.

Artificial Intelligence   
The field of artificial intelligence or soft-computing utilizes Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and Fuzzy Logic. In recent years, there has been an explosive growth in applications of neural networks and deep learning, in part due to the advances in computational power. Neural networks, neurocomputing, or 'brain-like' computing is based on the hope that we can reproduce at least some of the flexibility and power of the human brain by artificial means. Self-driving (Autonomous) vehicles are one example of applied neural networks. Similarly, Fuzzy Logic tries to mimic the human cognitive processes. Applications of these technologies abound in many consumer products such as camcorders, air conditioners, refrigerators, automobiles etc. These technologies are applied in a variety of fields such as; signal processing, speech recognition, visual perception, control, robotics/mechatronics, and many more. Smart phones, Alexa ©, Siri ©, driverless cars, smart homes, etc. are all examples of applied artificial intelligence.

Our Controls and Artificial Intelligence sequence will give students expertise in the areas of industrial automation, robotics, mechatronics, aerospace/aeronautics control systems, and artificial intelligence.

The sequence electives provide coverage of the following topics:
• Linear Systems Theory
• Fuzzy Logic
• Neural Networks, Deep Learning/Machine Learning
• Computer Controlled Systems
• embedded programming and computing
• sensors and actuators
• adaptive control and environmental interactions
• computer vision and navigation

Typical courses:

EE422 Control Systems
EE445 Neural Networks
EE470 Computer Controlled Systems
EE435 Fuzzy Logic
EE425 Linear Systems Theory
CPE320 Microprocessors I
CPE470 Real-time Embedded Controls
CPE462 VHDL—Simulation and Systems

Optics and Integrated Photonics Sequence

The Optics and Integrated Photonics Sequence enables students to pursue educational opportunities in the emerging technology areas of optics and integrated photonics. The students are exposed to different aspects applied optics and photonics including the design of free space optical systems, the design of integrated silicon photonics passive and active circuits, and the design of laser systems with applications in medical technology or light detection and ranging (LiDAR). Many of the courses offered in the sequence utilize the LEAP@WNE optics/photonics laboratory space, which is comprised of over $2.5M of equipment funded by the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) that adds WNE to the established national ecosystem dedicated to global manufacturing leadership in integrated optics/photonics. The sequence is designed to meet the growing needs of companies for engineering skilled in optics/photonics design. The Optics and Integrated Photonics Sequence is intended for students who want to focus in this area while working on their BSE in Electrical Engineering degree. Students in the Electrical Engineering program can elect to take this sequence by an appropriate selection of technical electives during their junior and senior years and completing their senior project in this area.

The sequence electives provide coverage of the following topics:

• Optics
• Integrated Photonics
• Electro-Optics
• Quantum Optics
• Fields and Waves

Typical courses:

EE 212 Fundamentals of Electro-Optics
EE 314 Fields and Waves
EE 448 Silicon Photonics
EE 449 Optical Engineering
EE 457 Wave Transmission and Reception

CPE.BSE - BSE in Computer Engineering

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