The concentration in Computer Engineering provides students with a solid base in the design, development, and evaluation of computer systems. Thrust areas include computer architecture, software, and embedded systems, but the program is highly customizable to the specific interests of the student. The research activities of the faculty in this concentration include parallel and distributed computer systems, distributed software architectures and databases, ultra-reliable real-time computer systems, VLSI architectures, reconfigurable computing, computer design automation, low-power design, embedded systems, computer communication protocols, computer networks, security, programming languages for parallel/distributed processing, knowledge management, service-oriented architectures, and software engineering.. EECS faculty engage in diverse and comprehensive research into the circuits and devices that make up the fundamental building blocks of complex electronic systems. This includes research related to communications, signal processing, radio frequency devices, networking, digital imaging, integrated systems, nano-technology, optical devices and power electronics.