Input Devices

• A QR code is made up of matrix of • Used for advertising

Structure filled in dark squares on a
light background.
products.
and uses of • These block of squares ( light and
• Giving automatic access to
a website or contact
dark) hold up to 4296
QR code characters and allows internet
addresses to be encoded within
telephone numbers
the QR code.
• Storing boarding passes
electronically at airport
• QR codes can hold considerably and train stations
more information than
the conventional bar codes
How an image is stored by the camera

• Image is converted from analogue to digital (using ADC)

• Image is turned into pixels
• Each pixel has a colour. is given a binary value
• Pixels form a grid (to create the image)
• Pixels are stored in sequence (in a file)
• Meta data is stored (to describe the dimensions/resolution of the image) // It stores the
dimensions/colour depth .etc.
• An example of a suitable photo file format e.g. JPEG
 1 The document is placed on the glass panel, and it is covered with
the lid, which is white from inside because this way it reflects more
2D Scanners light, when it is shut.
2 The scan head moves across the document and a lamp is switched
on to illuminate the document.

3 The image is reflected across many mirrors until it reaches the lens
which focuses the image.

4 The focused image then reached the CCD (Charge Couple Device)
which creates an electrical charge based on the brightness

5 This is then converted into binary and sent to the computer.

 • Scanner shines a laser (or light) over the surface of
a 3D object
• Records measurements of the
3D Scanner geometry/dimensions (x,y,z) of the object
• Measurements are converted to digital file
• A digital image representing an object is formed
• Different technologies are used that include lasers,
magnetic resonance, white light for scanning of object
 • MRI scans magnetic resonance imaging
• X-rays
• Dentistry for making dental implants shapes
• Gaming industry
Application • 3D printing - scanned images can be used in CAD or
sent to a 3D printer to produce a working model
of 3D • Advantages: quickly capture all the physical
measures of a physical object, saves time in design
scanner work
• Limitations: size of scanners can be big, expensive,
slow, clarity of image
 Step1 Barcode is scanned and the number is looked up in the
database
How barcode
Step 2 The item's record associated with the barcode number, which
maintains the acts as the key, is then found
inventory Step 3 Using the record, price and etc. is sent to the cashier

Step 4 The stock numbers for that item is reduced by the number of
times the barcode is scanned after items are purchases

Step 5 If the stock numbers equal to or are lesser than an identified

number ( thresh hold), orders are immediately placed for that
item.

Step 6 Once new stock arrives, the system is updated

Advantages to libraries, supermarkets, hospitals to use bar codes instead of

data entry with keyboards​
•Quick process of data entry to avoid long wait and queues ​
•Less / minimal errors because there is no manual data entry
How a keyboard captures a
key press
• A Membrane / matrix / circuit board present at base of
keys
• When a key is pressed it completes a circuit // changes
the current in a circuit
• The location of the keypress is calculated
• Each character has an ASCII / Unicode value
• The ASCII / Unicode value has a binary value
• The binary can then be processed by the action the
key press
Concept Keyboard
• A concept keyboard is a flat board that contains a grid of buttons. Each button can be
programmed to do whatever you want.
• An overlay sheet with pictures or symbols is placed on the grid so that the user can
tell what pressing on different areas will do.
• Concept keyboards are used when fast input is needed and are ideally suited to
selecting from a limited range of choices such as fast-food restaurants. Checkout tills
such as McDonalds use symbols to make ordering faster and easier. Primary schools
often use them with young children. The overlay image could be a picture of a
farmyard. Pressing on an animal would cause the computer to make the right animal
noise.
• Concept keyboards are particularly useful for people who would find using an
ordinary keyboard difficult. It is also very handy in locations where an ordinary
keyboard might be damaged e.g. by spillage or dust.
• Concept keyboards are excellent where there is a limited set of things to select and it
needs to be done fast e.g. fast food store, pub, skating and other recreation events.
Concept Keyboard advantages and
disadvantages

TOUCH SCREENS TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS
Capacitive
Resistive
Infra-red (thermal)
Infra-red (optical)
Touch Screen benefits and drawbacks
DRAWBACKS
• It is fairly priced compared to infra-red technology
• It is more durable since it uses glass like infra-red
• It allows for more than one point of contact like infra-red
• It has quick response time
• It is cheap compared to capacitive and infra-red
• It can detect touch from any object like optical infra-red,
even with glove.
• It has fairly good visibility under strong sunlight but not as
good as capacitive
• It is more durable because it uses glass like capacitive
• It has fairly good visibility under strong sunlight but not as
good as capacitive
• It can detect touch from any object like resistive
• It is more durable because it uses glass like capacitive
• It can only detect touch from conductive objects unlike
resistive and optical infra-red.
• It doesn't detect touch with glove, needs human touch
uses electrical property of the human body
• It doesn't permit multi-touch unlike capacitive and infra-
red
• Its screen has the worst visibility under strong sunlight
• It is not as durable as capacitive and infra-red because it
uses polyester instead of glass as the top layer, has two
layers
• It is not always responsive compared to capacitive and
infra-red
• It can only detect touch from warm objects unlike
resistive and optical infra-red
• It is relatively expensive compared to capacitive and
resistive technology
• It is relatively expensive compared to capacitive and
resistive technology
How a sound is captured by a
Microphone, only watch
the video up to 44 seconds
A sound wave/ vibration hits a thin diaphragm built in a
microphone
The diaphragm which is attached to the coil surrounded by a
magnetic field produced by a magnet.
The sound waves that hit the diaphragm move the coil
The coil movement through the magnetic field creates an electric
signal
This electric current is the sound signal which is analogue
The analogue to digital converter in the sound card converts an
analogue sound wave to digital format.
The sound wave is either amplified through a speaker or stored
in the device
Optical mouse
An optical mouse shines an LED from the bottom of the
mouse onto a surface. Light bounces straight back from the
surface into a photoelectric cell.
This has a lens that magnifies the reflected light to allow
detection of smaller movements. When a button on the
mouse is clicked, a microswitch is pressed. A USB
connection is used to carry the data to the computer.
Output Devices
 The print head is responsible for
spraying the colour onto the paper.

The ink cartridges in the printer store

the ink while the nozzles store the ink
Inkjet printer reservoir before it is sprayed.

The stepper motor is responsible for

moving the print head across the paper
to print line by line.

Inkjet printers are used for high quality

printing and low in volume.
Laser • A laser printer works by using an
electrostatic charge to bond powder

printer called toner to the page wherever text

and images are intended to be.
• The laser then fuses that toner to the
page by passing the paper through
heated rollers
• Laser printers are used to print the
high-volume printing( more quantity)
 Laser Printer
Inkjet VS • Laser printer uses powder
Laser printer ink
• Laser printers are used for
large volume , low-cost
printing in more quantity
• Laser printer prints more
pages per minute
• Laser printer print quality
is slightly lower than inkjet
printer
Inkjet Printer
• Uses liquid ink for printer
• Used for High quality
printing ( pictures)
• Slow printing speed ,
prints less numbers of
pages per minute.
• Slightly cheaper printer
than laser printer but cost
of liquid printing is high
 Advantages of OLED over old technologies ( LCD, LED)

Advantages

1 OLED screens are lightweight since they can be made thinner

2 OLEDs can be bend to form curved screens

3 OLEDs do not require backlighting

4 OLEDs make much more vivid images as they are able to create a true black.
3D Printers and its types
3D printers are used to produce solid objects.
3D printers use additive manufacturing, they built solid object layer by
layer using materials such as powdered resin, metal , paper or ceramic.
Types of 3D printing
1. Direct 3D printing: Uses Inkjet technology , a print head move left
to right as a normal printer. However, the print head can also move
up and down to build up the layers of an object.
2. Binder 3D printing : This method uses two passes for each of the
layers. The first pass sprays dry powder and then on the second
pass a binder( glue) is sprayed to form a solid layer.
3. Newer technologies are using lasers and UV light to harden the
liquid polymers, this further increases diversity of products which
can be made
 A design is made using computer aided design( CAD) software

The finalized drawing is imported into some special software that

prepares it in a format that is understood by the 3D printer

Steps of 3D
printing
The 3D printer is first set up to allow the solid object to be made

The solid object is built up layer by layer ( often only 0.1mm thick);this
can take several hours depending on the thickness of the layers the
material used and the size of the final object

The object is removed from the printer and is then prepared. E.g. , some
use a jelly like support that needs to be washed away by immersion in
water, some require the removal of excess plastic powder and others
require the cutting away of unused material; in many cases , the object
has to be left to ‘cure’ for a few hours
 3D printing have changed the manufacturing
methods in many industries
• Prosthetic limbs can be made to exactly fit the limb
• Making items for reconstructive surgeries ( facial
Uses of 3D reconstruction)
• In Aerospace for manufacturing of wings and other
Printer parts
• Suspension parts of vintage cars
• Fashion and Arts accessories
Output devices
Unit 4 Input and output devices

Speakers and headphones

• Digital data is sent from the computer to a Digital to Analogue
Converter (DAC) where it is converted into an analogue signal
• The signal is then boosted using an amplifier and finally sent to a speaker
Actuators

• Actuators are output devices used to move

mechanisms or systems. This is used to control the
devices, such as conveyer belt or valve. Start /stop
of the belt/ Open / close of the valve.
• An actuator is a mechanical or electromechanical
device that converts electrical signal to a motion.
Example system where actuator is used are
Central locking on cars
Opening and closing valves on pipes
Each part of a robotic arm will have
an actuator to rotate it
Food and drink manufacturing
Moving the head of a 3D printer
 DLP projector LCD projector

Light source is typically a Light source is typically an LED bulb

xenon bulb

Function Makes use of micromirrors to

control brightness of a pixels
Makes use of LCD screens to control
brightness of a pixel
Difference
DLP and Expensive comparatively Cheaper than DLP

LCD
Lamp is no longer lasting in Longer lasting Lamp
comparison to LCD

More power consumption Uses less power and produces less

heat

More compact in size Colors are more accurate, and image

is brighter
Sensors and where are they used in Embedded system
Motion (infra-red) Sensor Automatic doors, Burglar alarm systems, Gaming systems, inc accelerometer, Counting, e.g.
people or cars
Temperature Sensor Chemical process or reaction, Central heating (thermostat) / air-con, Greenhouses, Ovens,
refrigerators and freezers
Sound Sensor Burglar alarm systems, Leak detection system

Moisture / Humidity Sensor Clothes dryer ,Environmental control / greenhouse, air-con

Pressure Sensor Burglar alarm systems, Traffic light controls, Chemical processes
Liquid through pipes
Gas Sensor Pollution monitoring (river), Greenhouse environments, Confined areas (space craft, aircraft),
Fish tanks / aquariums
Carbon monoxide alarms
Light Sensor Controlling street lighting, Burglar alarms (beams of light), Automatic doors, Greenhouse
pH Sensor Water treatment plants, Pollution monitoring (river), Aquariums
Greenhouse
 Working of a Control System/ Embedded
System
Identify the correct sensor/s for the system given in exam question the list the following steps in
the order
Sensors captures the data from the system ( temperature , pressure, PH sensors)
ADC converts the sensor's analogue readings to digital signals.
Digital signal is sent to the microprocessor
Microprocessor compares the reading with the already setup up thresh hold and if the values
are in acceptable range, then no action is taken,
otherwise, processor sends the signal to the output devices ( restart cooling, open window , set
off an alarm).
Digital to analogue converter are used to send analogue signal to output device if analogue
signal is needed for the output device
The whole process repeats itself
Storage Devices
Difference Between Primary and Secondary Storage

Primary Storage Secondary storage

• Primary storage is directly accessible by CPU
• Primary memory stores boot up instructions and can hold data
whilst being processed currently
• Primary storage has faster access speed
• Primary memory is both volatile ( RAM) and non-volatile
( ROM)
• Primary storage is RAM and ROM
• Primary memory is expensive and less in storage capacity than
Secondary Storage
• Secondary storage is not directly accessible by CPU
• Secondary storage stores files/software permanently, it is
volatile
• Secondary has a slower access speed
• Secondary storages are HDD and SSD
• Relatively cheaper than primary storage
Primary storage
RAM and ROM
 RAM
•It is volatile which means that data can be
lost when the power is switched off
•It is used to store data, files, or part of the
operating system that are currently in use
•Data can be read and written to the memory
RAM which means data can be changed.

and ROM
•It is non-volatile which means that
ROM permanent data will remain even when the
power is switched off
•It is often used to store the start-up
instructions ( BIOS) when the computer is
first switched on
•Data on a ROM chip is read only which
means they cannot be changed.
Difference between Two types of RAM
(DRAM and SRAM)
01 02 03 04 05
DRAM needs to SRAM is much faster DRAM makes use of SRAM is more SRAM consumes less
constantly refresh to access than a number of expensive to power as it doesn’t
while SRAM doesn't. DRAM. capacitors and manufacture, while need to periodically
transistors, while DRAM is relatively refresh compared to
SRAM makes use of cheaper. DRAM.
'flip flops'
Secondary Storage
( HDD, SSD)
Encryption
Unit 2 Data transmission and encryption

Hard disks 9 HDD ( magnetic storage)

• Parts of a hard disk
Drive read/write head reads data
on the drive using electromagnets
Magnetic platter
contains data –
Hard disks may
contain more
than one platter
Actuator
moves the
read/write arm

Drive spindle rotates

Encryption
Unit 2 Data transmission and encryption

Magnetic disks
Basic features:
• Disk contains concentric
circles called tracks
• Each track is divided
into sectors
• Disk heads mounted on
mechanical arms read
and write the data
• Data is stored on the
magnetised platter
Encryption
Unit 2 Data transmission and encryption

Magnetic storage: hard disks

• Fixed magnetic hard disks are still used in many PCs and laptops
• They have a very large storage capacity, up to 6TB or more
• They are a very cheap form of storage compared to solid state drives
• Portable hard disks can
be connected to a
computer via a USB port
• They are used for
backing up or
transporting data
Encryption
Unit 2 Data transmission and encryption

Magnetic storage
• Advantages:
• Cheap, large storage capacities, relatively fast write speed

• Disadvantages:
• Lots of mechanical parts, durability an issue, sealed unit due
to disk head and platter precision. Large in size in comparison
to other Secondary storage with similar storage capsity
• Uses:
• Personal computers, storage of large quantities of data

• Capacity:
• 500GB - 12TB or greater
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Solid State Drives (SSD)

Basic features:
• Solid-state disks use
non-volatile flash memory to store
information
• Very fast read/write speeds as it
doesn’t need to wait for a disk to spin to
the correct location and an arm to
move
• No mechanical or moving parts
meaning these disks are very durable
• Floating gate and Control Gate
transistors matrix ( NAND Technology)
are used to store 0’s and 1s as the
movement of electrons in these
 Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Advantages /disadvantages
of SSDs
• Advantages:
• Highly durable, no moving parts, very fast read/write speeds, no noisy fan or
drive arm, faster start up times, Compact in size,
• Disadvantages:
• More expensive than magnetic hard disks, similar storage capacity as
magnetic disks
• Longevity and Endurance – SSD has limited of read and write operations – 20
GB in 3 years
• Uses:
• Higher end computers
• Laptops ( because SSD is light weight and compact)
• Smartphones and tablets
• Capacity:
• 100GB – 16TB
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Flash memory
• Low cost, portable, no moving parts, durable
• Use the same NAND Flash technology to store the data
• This makes them ideal for a range of offline devices:
• Cameras
• Mobile phones
• USB memory sticks
 Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

How NAND flash memory stores data

• A floating gate may store or not store electrons
• If no electrons are present in the floating gate the current will flow, representing a 1
• If electrons are stored in the floating gate, the current doesn’t flow, representing a 0

1 0

Control Gate Control Gate Control Gate

Isolation Layer Isolation Layer Isolation Layer Electrons

Floating Gate
Isolation Layer Isolation Layer Isolation Layer
SOURCE DRAIN SOURCE DRAIN SOURCE DRAIN
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

The isolation layer

• The isolation layers are semiconductors known
as transistors
• In order to write to the flash memory cell, the electrons need to pass through the
isolation layer
• The electrons only move through this layer when writing
• Normally, they remain trapped in the floating gate

Control Gate
Isolation Layer Electrons are
trapped

Isolation Layer
SOURCE DRAIN
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

How flash memory writes data

• The control gate is used to move electrons into or out of the floating
gate
• A negative voltage forces electrons out of the floating gate
• A positive voltage forces electrons into the floating gate

Control Gate -ve voltage +ve voltage

Isolation Layer Isolation Layer Isolation Layer Electrons

Floating Gate
Isolation Layer Isolation Layer Isolation Layer
SOURCE DRAIN SOURCE DRAIN SOURCE DRAIN
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Floating Gate/ NAND Flash memory

External / offline storage
Flash memory, Optical storage ( CD, DVD, Bluray)
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Solid-state (flash memory)

• Two types of flash memory are available
• NOR flash memory is used for programs
• Reading from NOR flash is random access like RAM
• It is used to store code such as the BIOS and possibly an operating system and code
is executed directly by the CPU
• NAND memory is used for data storage
• NAND memory works like other secondary storage
• Data is first copied to RAM before it is accessed by the CPU
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Optical storage
• Basic features:
• Data is stored as pits and lands burnt
or pressed into a spiral track
circulating outwards from the centre
• A laser beam passes over the pits
and lands the level of reflection is
measured
• From this signal, 0s and 1s can be
derived
 Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage
How data is read or written to an optical storage
Optical storage ( how data is read from
optical storage)
(Red) laser is used to read . (Laser beams)
shines onto surface of the disk
Disc is rotated (at a constant speed) to be read
Surface is covered in a track (that spirals from
the center)
Data is represented on the surface using pits
and lands. Pits and lands represent binary
values
Pits reflect light back differently (to the area in
between/land)
Optical device can determine the binary value
from the light reflection
How data is written on the
optical storage:
(Red) laser is used to write . (Laser beams)
shines onto surface of the disk
Disc is rotated (at a constant speed) to be
written
Data is written on the tracks on the
surface by making pits and lands. Pits and
lands represent binary values. This process
is called burning the disc.
If the disc is read only then pits and lands
are permanents otherwise it can be
rewritten, then pits and lands can be
erased and re burned
Secondary storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Optical storage
• Advantages:
• Cheap, very easily portable, takes up little space physically
• Disadvantages:
• Less storage capacity compared to other types
• Easily damaged / scratched, requires a CD reader
• Slow write speeds
• Uses:
• Songs, videos and other multi-media storage, backup and archiving of data
• Capacity:
• CD-ROM – up to 720 MB
• DVD – up to 8.4 GB (dual layered disk)
• Blu-Ray – up to 50 GB (dual layered disk)
Memory
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Virtual memory
Hard Disk RAM
• Virtual memory is part of the
hard drive used as an extension
Browser
to RAM
• A page of data is a fixed-length block Documents
in use
of virtual memory
• When pages of data are moved Clipboard
between RAM and hard disk this is
known as swapping or paging Word
• What are the advantages and
disadvantages of using part of the
Operating
hard disk in this way? system
Excel
Memory
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Virtual memory
• Advantages
• Uses cheap secondary storage on the hard drive
• Prevents error messages saying ‘out of memory’ – the programs and files will still
open
• Disadvantages
• Accessing virtual memory is very slow
• To access data, the existing data in RAM needs to be copied to the virtual memory,
then data in virtual memory needs to be copied to RAM
Cloud storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Cloud storage
• Cloud storage allows users to
store files and data on
the Internet
• The files are accessed remotely
by users
• A professional company will manage
the data storage
• Some storage service are paid, some are unpaid for basic storage
capacity
Cloud storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage
Difference between cloud and local
storage
Local Storage
Local storage consists of hard drives
that are owned and maintained by the
user or organisation themselves
Local storage is available even if
internet connection is not available
Local storage backups are
organization and personal
responsibility
Cloud storage
Cloud storage is available on internet,
owned by external organization
Cloud storage stores the data on the
multiple locations
Cloud service storage backups are
the responsibility of the service
provided
Cloud storage
Unit 3 Computer architecture and storage

Pros and Cons of Cloud storage

Cloud storage advantages
Redundancy/ Copies are in many
remote locations
Managed by the cloud storage
provider. Backups are taken by the
service provider.
Scalability is easily possible by
purchasing more capacity from the
service provider, whereas in local
storage new disk is to be purchased
to improve the storage capacity
Cloud storage disadvantages
Takes longer to download data
Not appropriate for large files where
quick access is needed
Data is accessed ( read and written
over the internet ) so there are more
possibility of privacy issues but
companies provide high level
security. So cloud service is as
secure as local storage.

Availability is 24/ 7 from synchronised

on all the devices.