ICT ASSIGNMENT NO.

2 Expansion Cards & Slots,

Ports
 ASSIGNMENT NO. 3
Submitted to:
Mr. Muizzud-din
Submitted By:
Muhammad Abu Huraira
Subject:
ICT
Topic:
Expansions & slots, Ports
Department:
Computer Science & IT

GHAZI UNIVERSITY DERA GHAZI KHAN

EXPANSION CARDS & SLOTS
An expansion card is used to add extra functionality to a computer. It
connects additionally peripheral devices to the computer. It is inserted into an
expansion slot on the motherboard of a computer. An expansion slot is a
socket on the motherboard that can hold an expansion card. Different
expansion cards can be plugged on the expansion slots. A motherboard has
different expansion slots on it to connect different expansion cards.
Expansion card is also known as adapter card, adapter board or add-on card.
The basic purpose of expansion cards is to enhance the exhisting capability of
computer. For example, most desktop computers have sound record to
connect microphone, headphone and speakers. Most computers also include
graphics cards to connect a moniter.
 1. EXPRESSCARD MODULES & USB
ADAPTERS
Express card modules and USB adapters are smaller than expansion cards. These are
used by mobile computers. The user can plug into the slots or ports outside of the
system unit.
Express card modules can be inserted into Expresscard slots on a computer or
mobile device. Expresscard modules and Expresscard slots are available in two
width of 34 mm and 54 mm known as Expresscard/34 and Expresscard/54
respectively. Expresscard/34 module can be used in both sized slots but
Expresscard/54 can only be used with Expresscard/54.
The USB adapters cam be inserted into USB port on a computer or mobile device. It
can be used to connect wireless devices like mouse and keyboards. In this case,
the USB adapter is plugged into computer and receives infrared waves from the
wireless mouse or keyboard.
ExpressCard module USB Adapter
ExpressCard module and USB adapters are easier to Use as the user does not need to
open the system unit to connect. USB adapters can also be used with desktop
computers. However, the ExpressCard module can only be used with mobile
computers.

Types of Expansion Cards

Different types of expansion cards are as follows:
1. Video card
A video graphic card is an expansion card that is used to display graphics and
videos on the screen. It is also called display adapter, graphic card, video board
or on-board graphics.
Modern video card provides different ports as follows.
1. DVI PORTS: DVI stands for Digital Vidio Interfare. These ports enable digital
signals to transmit directly to a monitor.
2. HDMI PORTS: HDMI stands for High Definition media interface. HDMI ports
are used for high-definition TV, or gaming console.
3. Display port adapters: it is new style port that connects to digital monitors or
projectorsit is an alternative to DVI that support HDMI.
2. SOU ND CARD
A sound card provides connections for the microphone and speaker to
produce sound. It inputs sound through the microphone and converts it into a
form that can be processed by the computer. Most of the computers include
a sound card in the expansion slot or integrated on the motherboard.
3 . N E T W O R K I N T E R F A C E C A R D (N I C )
A network interface card is an expansion card that is used to connect a
computer to a network card. It is also known as network card or LAN CARD. The
computer must have a network card to communicate over the network. A
network can be added to an expansion slot. Many motherboards also have
integrated NIC cards.
3. TV TU NER CAR D

A TV tuner card is a kind of television tuner that allows television signals to

be received by a computer. Most TV tuners also function as video capture
cards, allowing them to record television programs onto a hard disk much like
the digital video recorder (DVR) does.
 PORTS
A port is an interface or connection point through which peripheral devices
connect to the computer. A peripheral part is a component such as monitor or
keyboard that connects to the computer. A computer has different types of
ports to connect different devices. Each type of port operates at a certain
speed. The speed can be measured in kilobits per second (kbps), mega per
second (mbps), or gigabits per second (gbps).
TYPES OF PORTS
Different types of ports are as follows:

1. Serial part: A port in computer hardware is a jack or socket that

peripheral hardware plugs into. A port in computer software is when a piece
of software has been translated or converted to run on different hardware or
operating system (OS) than it was originally designed for.
2. PARELLEL PORT

Parallel ports are generally used for connecting scanners and printers. It can
send several bits at the same time as it uses parallel communication. Its data
transfer speed is much higher in comparison with the serial port. It is a 25 pin
model. It is also known as Printer Port or Line Printer Port.
3.UNIVERSAL BUS SERIES BUS PORT

In 1997 USB was first introduced. This can connect all kinds of external USB
devices, like external hard disk, printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, etc. There
are minimum of two USB Ports provided in most of the computer systems. It
is a kind of new type serial connection Port that is much faster than the old
serial Ports and These USB Ports are much smarter and more versatile, as it
allows the “ daisy chaining” of up to 127 USB peripherals connected to one
port. The data transfer rate in this is Data12 megabits per second. It also
provides plug & plays communication.
4.THENDERBOLT PORT
Thunderbolt™ technology delivers the best-in-class capabilities to drive
high-bandwidth data, power, and video transfers for up to five devices on one
connection. Gamers, creators, and workers can enjoy a clean desktop space with
multiple displays and accessories on a powerful connectivity standard.

5. HDMI PORT
High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a proprietary audio/video interface for
transmitting uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital
audio data from an HDMI-compliant source ...
6. FIREWIRE PORT
IEEE 1394, commonly known as FireWire, is a standard connection type for many
electronic devices such as digital video cameras, printers and scanners, external hard
drives, and other peripherals.
The terms IEEE 1394 and FireWire usually refer to the types of cables, ports, and
connectors used to connect these types of external devices to computers.
USB is a similar standard connection type for devices like flash drives and printers,
cameras, and many other electronic devices. The latest USB standard transmits data
faster than IEEE 1394 and is more widely available.

7. eSATA Port
External serial advanced technology attachment (eSATA) is a bus interface for
connecting external storage devices. It is an extension of the serial advanced
technology attachment (SATA or serial ATA) standard. It is designed to enable the
SATA drive to be attached externally.
8. ETHERNET PORT
An Ethernet port is an opening on computer network equipment that Ethernet
cables plug into. An Ethernet port is usually found on networking devices,
including computers, routers, video game consoles, modems, and televisions.

9. Audio port:
A computer's audio ports link the computer's sound hardware with your
speakers, microphone, headsets or other audio equipment. Every computer
motherboard ...