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Hardware
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R Computers and their components
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Learning objectives:
& • Explain the differences between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)
• Explain the differences between Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
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• Explain the difference between Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM)
O and Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)
M • Show an understanding of monitoring and control systems
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O Literacy – Key Words
N Random-access memory (RAM) volatile memory that can be read from or written to any number of times
E Read-only memory (ROM) non-volatile memory that cannot be written to but can be read from any
N number of times
T Sensor hardware device that measures a property and transmits a value to a controlling computer
S Actuator hardware device that receives a signal from a computer and adjusts the setting of a controlling device
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U Random Access Memory (RAM)
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P Why is it called Random Access Memory (RAM)?
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E At the heart of the system the processing of data is
N carried out by the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The
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S workings of the CPU
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U Read Only Memory (ROM)
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P Why is it called Read Only Memory (ROM)?
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N Uses for the storage of data or programs that are going to be used unchanged over and
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over again. In a general-purpose system the most important use is in storing the
T bootstrap program. This is a program that runs immediately when a system is switched
S on.
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U Read Only Memory (ROM)
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S Programmable ROM (PROM) - manufacturer of the
chip supplies chips to a system builder. System builder
Simplest type of ROM the programs or data are installs the program or data into the chips. This allows
& the system builder to test some samples of
installed as part of the manufacturing process. If
different contents are needed the chip must be programmed chip before committing the whole batch
C replaced. to be programmed. As with the simplest type of ROM,
the program or data once installed cannot be changed
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P Types of Read Only Memory (ROM)?
O A more flexible type of ROM is Erasable PROM (EPROM). The most flexible type of ROM is Electrically Erasable PROM
N The installed data or program can be erased (using (EEPROM). As the name suggests, this works in a similar
ultraviolet light) and new data or a new program can be way to EPROM, except an electrical signal can be used to
E
installed. However, this reprogramming usually requires the remove existing data. This has the major advantage that the
N chip to be removed from the circuit. chip can remain in the circuit while the contents are
T changed. However, the chip is still used as read-only.
S Can you find out what memory components are in the computer
system you are using and any details about them such as the
type and storage capacity?
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P BUFFERS
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Temporary storage created for data transmitted from one part of the system to another which functions as a queue
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& Whenever data has to be transferred from one part of a computer system to another, a problem occurs if the data can
be sent more quickly than it can be received.
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O How can you overcome this?
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O Data enters a buffer before being
N transmitted to its destination. The buffer
E functions as a queue so the data emerges in
Can you think of examples of data
N the order that it has entered the buffer.
transfer that would need a buffer?
T Typically, the buffer is created in the
S computer memory.
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P Monitoring Systems
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E Monitoring systems seek to observe the state an environment through the use of sensors. The sensor reacts
R to the environment and produces an electrical signal. The signal is read by a microcontroller, which processes
S and outputs data as required.

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R • Temperature
S • Sound
& • Light / Infrared
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• Pressure
O • Vibration
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• Humidity
O • Moisture
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E • Gas
N • Proximity
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S • Accelerometers
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P Digital VS Analogue
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E Analogue sensors produce an analogue signal. This needs to be converted to a digital signal by an analogue to digital
R converter (ADC) before processing by the microcontroller.
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R • Visual or audio output
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• Vibration
& • Hard copy
C • Storage device
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M • Transmitted to another device
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P Monitoring Systems
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E Heart Rate Monitoring system Automatic Blood Glucose Control system
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Heart rate monitor systems are In the past patients would have to monitor
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commonly used both in hospitals and by their blood glucose levels manually and
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individuals who want to track their health. give themselves an insulin injection as
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The systems usually give visual output on necessary. Advances in technology mean
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the display and often data is logged in that glucose can now be controlled
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persistent file storage for future analysis. automatically through the use of a closed
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loop control system.
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P Monitoring Systems
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R Environment Example System
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Agriculture & Farming PH monitors in greenhouse soil
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C Medical Blood pressure monitors, Blood sugar

O monitors
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Industrial & Commercial Gas level monitors
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N Military Radar systems
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N Office & Domestic Smoke detectors, burglar alarms
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P Control Systems
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E Control systems seek to automatically maintain or change the state of an environment through the use of
R actuators.
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S This type of system where feedback is used is known as a closed-loop system.
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Plant Watering Control System
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Actuator
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Actuators are a component of a system
S that converts a electrical control signal into
some kind of automatic mechanic motion.
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They can:
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O •Operate values
M •Drive motors / conveyor belts
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O •Switch switches.
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Actuators usually require an analogue
N signal and therefore a digital to analogue
T converter (DAC) is required at some point.
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P Control Systems
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R Environment Example System
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Agriculture & Farming Automatic plant watering systems
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Medical Automatic insulin injection system, AED
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M Industrial & Commercial Fire Control Sprinkler Systems
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O Military Automatic missile defence systems, turret
N leveling systems
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N Office & Domestic Air conditioning systems, heating systems,
T automatic lighting systems.
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U Exam Questions
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S 1. Examples of primary and secondary storage devices include:
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• hard disk • DVD-RW • flash memory [3]

For each device, describe the type of media used.

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U Exam Questions
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S 1. Describe the operation of a touch screen technology that can be used in association
with any type of computer screen. [4]
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P with a flat screen
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[4]
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U Exam Questions
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S Describe two differences between RAM and ROM.
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U Exam Questions
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E A personal computer (PC) is extensively used for a wide range of applications, including the three shown in the
R following table.
S Write in the table, a suitable input device, output device, or both needed for each application.

& Do not give a monitor, keyboard or mouse in your answers

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U Exam Questions
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E The user is considering the purchase of a removable device for secondary storage. Name one suitable device. [1]
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Describe two possible uses for this device on a home Personal Computer (PC).
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