Topic 3 of 8 · Form 2
Hardware
The CPU (ALU, control unit, registers – PC, MAR, MDR, CIR, ACC), buses (address, data, control) and the fetch–decode–execute cycle in Von Neumann architecture. Performance factors: clock speed, number of cores, cache size. Embedded systems in household and industrial devices.
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Computer architecture
The CPU (ALU, control unit, registers – PC, MAR, MDR, CIR, ACC), buses (address, data, control) and the fetch–decode–execute cycle in Von Neumann architecture. Performance factors: clock speed, number of cores, cache size. Embedded systems in household and industrial devices.
Input and output devices
Barcode and QR code scanners, digital cameras, keyboards, microphones, optical mice, touch screens, 2D and 3D scanners; actuators, printers (inkjet, laser, 3D), LED/LCD screens, projectors, speakers. Sensors (temperature, light, pressure, moisture, pH, proximity) in monitoring and control systems.
Data storage
- Primary: RAM (volatile) and ROM (non-volatile).
- Secondary: magnetic (hard disk drives), optical (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) and solid-state (SSD, flash memory).
- Virtual memory and cloud storage – advantages and disadvantages.
Network hardware
Network interface cards, MAC addresses, IP addresses (IPv4 and IPv6; static and dynamic), and routers.
Check yourself
- Which register holds the address of the next instruction?
- Give one advantage of solid-state storage over magnetic storage.
- Name a sensor used in a greenhouse control system.
Show answers
- The program counter (PC).
- Any one: faster access, no moving parts (more durable), lower power use, silent.
- Any one: temperature, humidity/moisture, light sensor.
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