Today's Lecture Notes-08!10!2024
Today's Lecture Notes-08!10!2024
Definition:
SMPS is a power supply unit used in computers that converts high-voltage AC (Alternating
Current) from the main power supply into low-voltage DC (Direct Current) required by
various components of the computer, like the motherboard, hard drive, and other peripherals.
Working Principle:
SMPS uses a switching regulator to efficiently convert electrical power. Unlike linear power
supplies, SMPS works by rapidly switching the input voltage on and off, producing the
desired voltage and current levels through a transformer and rectifier.
Advantages:
2. Motherboard:
Definition:
The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that holds the crucial components
like the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), expansion cards, and connections to peripherals.
Components:
Importance:
• The motherboard acts as a central hub that connects and allows communication
between all hardware components of the computer.
Definition:
Ports and interfaces are physical or logical connection points on a computer that allow the
system to communicate with external devices like keyboards, mice, printers, and storage
devices.
Common Types:
• USB (Universal Serial Bus): Used for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice,
and external storage.
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): Transmits video and audio signals
to displays.
• Ethernet Port: For network and internet connections.
• Audio Jacks: For connecting headphones, microphones, and speakers.
• VGA and DVI: Older video ports for monitors.
Significance:
• Ports and interfaces enable communication between the computer and external
devices, providing essential functionality such as data transfer, networking, and
multimedia output.
4. Expansion Cards:
Definition:
Expansion cards are printed circuit boards that can be inserted into the motherboard’s
expansion slots to add or enhance the computer’s capabilities.
• Graphics Card (GPU): Enhances graphical output and is essential for gaming, video
editing, and 3D rendering.
• Sound Card: Improves the quality of audio output beyond what is provided by the
motherboard’s integrated sound system.
• Network Interface Card (NIC): Provides the computer with the ability to connect to
a network.
• Storage Controller Card: Adds support for additional storage devices, like hard
drives and SSDs.
Importance:
Expansion cards enhance the functionality of a computer by allowing upgrades and
customization according to the user’s needs.
5. Ribbon Cables:
Definition:
Ribbon cables are flat, wide cables made up of multiple parallel wires that are used to
connect internal components in a computer, such as hard drives, optical drives, and the
motherboard.
Uses:
• IDE Cables: Used to connect older hard drives and optical drives to the motherboard.
• Floppy Disk Drive Cables: Used in older computers to connect floppy drives.
Advantages:
• Flexibility: Ribbon cables are flexible and can fit into tight spaces within the
computer case.
• Parallel Transmission: They allow the simultaneous transmission of multiple
signals, which is useful for data transfer between internal components.
Definition:
Memory chips are integrated circuits that store data temporarily (RAM) or permanently
(ROM) for use by the computer’s processor.
Types:
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory that temporarily stores data the
CPU needs while running programs. It is fast and essential for multitasking.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that permanently stores
firmware and boot instructions (BIOS/UEFI). It cannot be modified easily.
Importance:
• RAM is crucial for the smooth functioning of applications and multitasking, while
ROM stores essential instructions for starting the computer.
7. Processors (CPU):
Definition:
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing
instructions from programs and performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output
(I/O) operations.
Components:
Importance:
• The processor's speed and performance determine how fast a computer can execute
tasks and run programs. Modern CPUs often have multiple cores, allowing them to
handle multiple tasks simultaneously.