Overview

This chapter deals with computing in the areas of analog, digital, and "packaged" digital programs. The material under this heading of computer systems is extremely broad; however, here it will be limited to uses in engineering design and analysis (rather than the software design for the programs themselves). In 1991, NCEES specifically noted (in items N and P of their examination specifications) that both digital and analog computer systems may be included on their examination. While analog computers are now rarely used in practice, some of these analog concepts for solving engineering problems involving integro-differential equations for formulating computer solutions are important in understanding digital packaged programs.

In this author's opinion, the writers of the professional examination questions are more interested in determining the examinee's fundamental knowledge of computing principles rather than that of one's own familiarity with the latest programming language. Consequently only major concepts are presented. Short examples covering selected kinds of computing are also included.

Most universities require their electrical engineering graduates to be familiar with one or more digital computer circuit design packages (such as P-Spice for general circuit design and analysis); others are more aggressive and require students to be proficient with a number of specialized programs. These cover specific applications such as control systems (ACSL, CSMP, MATRIXx, CSSL, CC, TUTSIM, etc.). Consequently, in almost all specialized areas, some form of digital computing may be expected. Before undertaking a review of writing or using digital programs, a very brief review of certain concepts from...