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The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) builds upon a legacy of pioneering education and research, an internationally acclaimed cooperative learning program, and a tradition of groundbreaking innovation. Ranked within the global top 50 engineering institutions, Waterloo Engineering's ECE department strives to maintain this standard of excellence in established research fields while exploring emerging technological frontiers. We draw top-tier students and professors from across the world, with our alumni being highly sought after by premier engineering companies, multinational corporations, government bodies, and research universities worldwide. Electrical and Computer Engineering forms the foundation of virtually all modern technology - from commonplace devices to revolutionary advancements. Our international student body pursues exceptional academic programs led by distinguished faculty members, and our graduates remain consistently in high demand globally.
Electrical and computer engineering professionals drive progress through technological breakthroughs. They design and enhance systems addressing societal needs, ranging from power engineering and renewable energy solutions to cutting-edge wireless communications. Our researchers and students undertake diverse projects, from developing affordable digital x-ray technology to fight tuberculosis in developing nations, to engineering real-time embedded systems that improve product design and reliability. Students worldwide choose our institution for its outstanding faculty, educational offerings, and research initiatives, resulting in graduates who are consistently recruited by leading organizations across the globe.
Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) focuses on the challenges of integrating thousands of electronic components into single microchips. This discipline covers all critical phases of VLSI system development, from specification and design segmentation to reliability and production yield. Graduate researchers collaborate with faculty to investigate complex problems using advanced computer-aided tools, spanning from 3D field analysis software to complete design integration platforms. Research findings are typically validated through the creation and testing of integrated circuits manufactured using nanometer-scale CMOS technology. Numerous projects receive backing from both domestic and international industry partners.