7.1 Introduction: Convergence of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
During the 20th century, electrical engineering and computer science increasingly merged into an integrated discipline. While electrical engineering was originally focused on energy and signal technology, the development of electronic components enabled the realization of complex computing systems.
Computer technology is therefore not only a product of computer science, but essentially a subfield of electrical engineering: Digital systems are based on physical switching processes, electrical voltage levels and basic logical structures.
7.2 Early forms of electronic calculating machines
The first calculating machines were electromechanical systems that used relays. These systems operated with binary states (on/off) and formed the basis of digital logic.
The introduction of vacuum tubes in the 1940s led to the development of fully electronic computers. These machines were:
- very large
- energy-intensive
- maintenance-intensive
Nevertheless, they enabled, for the first time, fast numerical calculations for science, the military, and industry.
7.3 Digital Logic and Circuit Technology
Digital systems are based on binary logic. Two voltage states represent the logical values 0 and 1. Complex circuits are created from elementary logic gates.
Basic building blocks:
- AND, OR, NOT gates
- Flip-flops (memory elements)
- register
- counter
- multiplexer
The systematic combination of these building blocks leads to processor architectures and memory systems.
7.4 Microprocessor and System Architecture
The integration of all central computing functions onto a single chip led to the development of the microprocessor. The classic von Neumann architecture distinguishes between:
- Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
- control unit
- memory
- Input/output interfaces
Modern architectures extend this model through parallelization, pipeline techniques, and multi-core processors.
Miniaturization enabled a huge increase in performance while simultaneously reducing energy consumption.
7.5 Storage Technologies
The development of high-performance memory was just as crucial as that of the processor. Memory types include:
- Magnetic storage
- Semiconductor memory (RAM, ROM)
- Flash memory
- Optical storage
Storage hierarchies with cache systems optimize access speed.
Advances in semiconductor technology have led to exponentially growing storage capacities.
7.6 Networks and Data Communication
Network technology arose from the connection of individual computers. Electrical and optical transmission systems enable data communication over long distances.
Essential technical basics:
- Package handling
- Protocol architectures
- Error detection and correction
- Modulation and coding
Local networks evolved into global information infrastructures.
7.7 The Internet as an electrotechnical system
The internet is a complex interplay of:
- Fiber optic cables
- Router and switch hardware
- server farms
- Satellite and mobile communications
All these components are based on electrotechnical principles of signal processing, high-frequency technology and power electronics.
Despite virtual data structures, the physical infrastructure remains an electrical reality.
7.8 Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Alongside mainframes and personal computers, embedded systems emerged. Microcontrollers integrate computing, storage, and control functions for specific applications.
Typical areas of application:
- Automotive engineering
- household appliances
- Medical technology
- Industrial control systems
- robotics
These systems often operate in real time and are energy-optimized.
7.9 Safety and reliability
With increasing digitalization, questions of security and system reliability have become central. Electrotechnical systems must:
- be protected against electromagnetic interference
- be designed to be fail-safe
- cryptographic methods support
- Ensure high availability
The connection between hardware and software security is a key area of research.
7.10 Societal Transformation
Computer technology led to a fundamental societal transformation:
- Automation of work processes
- The emergence of digital markets
- Global networking of knowledge
- Digital media culture
- Development of artificial intelligence
The information society is the direct result of electrical engineering innovations.
7.11 Technological limits and new paradigms
With advancing miniaturization, classic semiconductor technologies are reaching their physical limits. Quantum effects, heat generation, and material limitations pose challenges.
New approaches include:
- Quantum computers
- Neuromorphic chips
- Optical data processing
- Three-dimensional integration
These developments could usher in a new phase of computer technology.
7.12 Summary
Chapter 7 shows how complex computer systems evolved from electronic circuits. Computer technology is a direct continuation of electrical engineering developments.
Key elements:
- Digital logic
- microprocessor architecture
- Storage technologies
- Network systems
- Embedded systems
The merging of electrical engineering and computer science created the foundation of the global information society, whose dynamics continue to increase exponentially.