GROUP 6

1. Describe the interconnection between computer

hardware components.

 The interconnection between computer hardware components involves various buses,

connectors, and interfaces. Components like the CPU, RAM, storage drives, and
peripherals are connected through buses such as SATA, PCIe, and USB.

 These connections allow data transfer and communication within the system, enabling
the hardware to function together efficiently.
• BUSES
A bus is a collection of wires used for the communication of different parts of a computer.
Further, it uses electric signals to pass the data and information. There are different types of
buses such as;
Control buses; They control signal from the processor to other components.
Data buses; They carry data between the processor and other components.
Address buses; They carry memory addresses from the processor to other components such
as primary storage and I/O devices.

• CONNECTORS
Connectors are physical components used to link different hardware devices or components in
a computer system. They come in various shapes, sizes, and types, designed for specific
purposes. Connectors facilitate the transmission of data, power, or both between devices.
• SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment):
It is used for connecting storage devices like hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives to
the motherboard. SATA connectors transfer data between the storage device and the motherboard.
• PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express):
PCIe Found on the motherboard, PCIe connectors are used for connecting expansion cards such as
graphics cards, network cards, and sound cards. PCIe offers high-speed data transfer rates for
enhanced performance.
All these allow the interconnection between the buses and hardware components like CPU, RAM,
storage drives and peripherals in the computer
 2. DESCRIBE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HARDWARE
COMPONENTS

Communication between hardware components in a computer system occurs

through various channels, including data buses, control signals, and protocols.
Here’s an overview:
1. Data Buses
Data buses are pathways that allow data to be transferred between different
hardware components. They can be internal, like the system bus connecting the
CPU, memory, and other internal components, or external, like USB and PCIe
buses connecting peripherals and expansion cards.
2. Control Signals
Control signals are used to coordinate activities between hardware components. These signals
indicate when data transfer should occur, when to perform certain operations, and when to
synchronize activities. Examples include clock signals, interrupt signals, and reset signals.
3. Protocols
Protocols define the rules and procedures for communication between hardware components.
Different types of hardware use specific protocols to ensure compatibility and efficient data exchange.
For example, networking hardware uses protocols like Ethernet or Wi-Fi to communicate over a
network, while storage devices use protocols like SATA or NVMe for data transfer
4. Direct Memory Access (DMA)
DMA allows certain hardware components, like storage controllers or network adapters, to
access system memory directly without involving the CPU. This speeds up data transfer and
reduces CPU overhead.
5. Interrupts
Interrupts are signals sent by hardware components to the CPU to request attention or notify
it of an event. When an interrupt occurs, the CPU temporarily suspends its current task to
handle the interrupt, which could involve processing data, servicing a request, or responding
to an event.