Program Overview

Electrical and Computer Engineering Program

The Electrical and Computer Engineering program at Northwestern University offers a comprehensive education in the field, with a focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications.

Academics

The program provides a range of academic options, including:

• Undergraduate programs:
  • Computer Engineering Major (BS Degree)
    • Curriculum and Requirements
    • Introductory Course
  • Electrical Engineering Major (BS Degree)
    • Curriculum and Requirements
    • Introductory Courses
• Graduate programs:
  • PhD Programs
    • PhD in Computer Engineering
    • PhD in Electrical Engineering
  • MS Programs
    • Master of Science in Computer Engineering
    • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
    • Specializations:
      • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
      • Computer Vision and Image Processing
      • Network and Communication Systems
      • Quantum Computing, Sensing & Communications
      • Robotics and Autonomous Systems
      • Cybersecurity
      • Photonics & Optoelectronics
      • Embedded Systems
      • High-Performance Computing
      • Internet-of-Things & Edge Computing
      • Semiconductors
      • Sustainable Energy and Low-Power Design

Research

The program is actively involved in various research areas, including:

• Computer Engineering
• Signals and Systems
• Solid State, Photonic, and Quantum Technologies
• Undergraduate Research
• Groups & Labs
• Research Centers
• Lab Facilities

Courses

The program offers a range of courses, including:

• COMP_ENG 393, 493: Advanced Low Power Digital and Mixed-signal Integrated Circuit Design
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in electronic circuit design
  • Description: This course provides an in-depth review of advanced technology in integrated circuit design targeting low power mobile devices or emerging wearable biomedical systems
  • Required Textbooks: Not required; materials will be distributed before or during classes
  • Reference Textbooks:
    1. "CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective" by Neil Weste and David Harris; 4th edition
    2. Jan M. Rabaey, Anantha Chandrakasan, Borivoje Nikolic, "Digital Integrated Circuits (2nd Edition)", Prentice Hall, 2003
    3. Behzad Razavi, "Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits", McGraw-Hill Education, 2000
  • Course Coordinator: Prof. Jie Gu
  • Course Goals: This course is intended to provide a deeper understanding of advanced circuit technology in designing modern low power ICs
  • Recommended Preparation: COMP_ENG 303, COMP_ENG 391
  • Covered Course Topics:
    • Overview on the development and growing trend of low power electronics
    • Case study of ICs developed by Intel, IBM, TI, Qualcomm, etc.
    • Advanced CMOS device development below 28nm and process challenges
    • Design of ultra-low power near-threshold digital system and error-resilient digital circuits
    • Advanced adaptive on-chip power/clock management techniques for mobile devices
    • Low power design of energy harvesting and biomedical system
    • IC Chips for Machine Learning, Neuromorphic design and AI
    • Basic CMOS analog IC design and small-signal analysis
    • Design of analog and mixed-signal building blocks: advanced on-chip voltage regulators; digital phase-locked loop (PLL)
  • Projects: Students will work in a group to perform a project on a selected topic; a written report and an oral presentation are required at the end of the course
  • Grades:
    • Homework/Lab/Quiz: None (small practice homework may apply)
    • Project/Presentation: 100%
    • Final Exam: None

People

The program is supported by a team of experienced faculty and staff, including:

• Faculty
• Affiliated Faculty
• Staff

News & Events

The program regularly hosts various events, including:

• News
• All Events
• Distinguished Speaker Series
• Meet the Faculty Series
• Faculty Lecture Videos
• Newsletter

Contact

For more information about the Electrical and Computer Engineering program, please refer to the department's contact information.