Data Representation and Number Systems

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to data representation, number systems, and various types of data transmission, as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is the base for the binary number system?

The binary number system is based on 2.

How many digits are used in the denary number system?

The denary number system uses ten separate digits, 0-9.

What are the headings for a binary number with eight digits?

The headings are 2^7, 2^6, 2^5, 2^4, 2^3, 2^2, 2^1, 2^0.

What does the binary number 11101110 convert to in denary?

It converts to 238.

What is the first method to convert a denary number to binary?

The first method involves successive subtraction of powers of 2.

What is the second method to convert a denary number to binary?

The second method involves successive division by 2 until the value '0' is reached.

What does hexadecimal represent in number systems?

Hexadecimal is a base 16 system using digits 0-9 and letters A-F.

What is the hexadecimal equivalent of denary 10?

In hexadecimal, denary 10 is represented as A.

What is the range of positive numbers that can be represented in two's complement format using 8 bits?

The range is -128 to +127.

What does a '1' value in the left-most bit of a two's complement binary number indicate?

It indicates a negative number.

In ASCII, how many bits does the standard character set consist of?

The standard ASCII character set consists of 7 bits.

What is the purpose of Unicode?

Unicode aims to represent all languages of the world and supports many character sets.

How does sound wave sampling convert analogue data to digital?

It measures the amplitude of sound waves at regular time intervals.

What is a common lossy file compression algorithm for images?

JPEG is a common lossy file compression algorithm for bitmap images.

What is one key concept of JPEG image compression?

It removes information that the human eye is less sensitive to, especially in color.

What is the key difference between lossy and lossless compression?

Lossy compression reduces file size at the cost of some data, while lossless compression retains all original data.

Name a lossy compression algorithm used for audio files.

MP3 is a lossy compression algorithm used for audio files.

What happens when a packet is lost during data transmission?

The data may need to be retransmitted or affect the quality of the received transmission.

What is the role of error checking in packet transmission?

Error checking ensures that data received is accurate and has not been corrupted.

Define simplex mode in data transmission.

Simplex mode is when data is sent in one direction only.

What is half-duplex data transmission?

Half-duplex transmission allows data to be sent in both directions, but not simultaneously.

What is full-duplex data transmission?

Full-duplex transmission allows data to be sent in both directions at the same time.

What type of data transmission occurs over a single channel and one bit at a time?

Serial data transmission.

What type of data transmission sends several bits at a time across multiple channels?

Parallel data transmission.

What is the advantage of serial transmission over long distances?

Data arrives at its destination fully synchronized.

In parallel data transmission, what happens to data over distances longer than 20 meters?

Data may become skewed and arrive unsynchronized.

What is an embedded system?

An embedded system is a combination of hardware and software designed for specific functions.

What is one example of an embedded system in an everyday appliance?

A washing machine control system.

Define microcontroller in the context of embedded systems.

A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.

What does the acronym ADC stand for?

ADC stands for Analogue to Digital Converter.

What is one function of a temperature control system in a vehicle?

To monitor and adjust the temperature of the vehicle's interior.

What do sensors provide in embedded systems?

Sensors provide input data that can be either analogue or digital.

What are the two general types of operating modes for embedded systems?

Programmable and non-programmable.

In two's complement for negative numbers, which bit indicates the sign?

The left-most bit indicates the sign.

What distinguishes the first 128 characters in Unicode from ASCII?

The first 128 characters are the same in both Unicode and ASCII.

Why are sounds digitized using sampling?

Sounds are digitized so they can be stored and processed by computers.

How many bits are often used to represent each amplitude value in sound digitization?

Typically, 4 bits can be used to represent each amplitude value.

What is perceptual music shaping in the context of MP3 files?

It is the process of removing sounds that are outside the human ear's range.

What is the term for converting binary data back into denary?

The process is called conversion or decoding.

What is the hexadecimal equivalent of denary 15?

In hexadecimal, denary 15 is represented as F.

What is one disadvantage of ASCII compared to Unicode?

ASCII does not represent characters in non-Western languages.

What is the maximum number of characters supported by Unicode?

Unicode supports thousands of different characters.

What does a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) help with?

CRC helps to verify error detection in transmitted data.

What is a 'payload' in the context of data packets?

The payload contains the actual data being transmitted.

What is a common use case for full-duplex transmission?

A broadband internet connection.

What is the fundamental principle behind lossy compression techniques?

They remove less perceivable data to reduce file size.

What example would demonstrate half-duplex mode?

Walkie-talkies are an example where messages are sent one at a time.

What is the significance of the left-most bit in binary numbers used for two's complement?

It determines whether the number is negative or positive.

What does binary representation of sound rely on?

It relies on converting continuous sound waves into discrete data.

What analogy is often used to describe the compression of sound files?

The compression is often likened to cutting out the noise.

What is the significance of 'sampling rate' in sound digitization?

Sampling rate determines how often the sound is measured for conversion.

What system was established to create a universal standard for character representation?

The Unicode consortium was established for this purpose.

What should be done to prevent issues from packet loss in data transmission?

Implement protocols for detecting and recovering lost packets.

How are analogue signals converted into digital signals?

By using an analogue to digital converter (ADC) which samples the signal.

What character range does the ASCII code cover?

ASCII covers from 0 to 127 in denary values.

What is one location where parallel transmission is preferred?

Within a computer where components are closely located.

Why are codecs used in multimedia files?

Codecs are used to compress and decompress data efficiently.

What denotes a two's complement binary representation of a positive number?

It retains the same format as regular binary for positive values.

What is a common characteristic of embedded systems?

They are task-specific and often include both hardware and software components.

In what scenario would you use lossless compression?

When data integrity is crucial, such as with text or document files.

How does the human ear relate to sound wave amplitude?

Amplitude corresponds to the loudness of the sound as perceived by the ear.

What does the term 'packet switching' refer to?

It refers to a method of data transmission where data is broken into packets that are sent independently.

What information can be encoded in a two's complement binary format?

It can encode both negative and positive integers.

How can we prove data integrity in packet transmission?

By using methods such as checksums or cyclic redundancy checks.

What kind of data can be stored in an MP4 file?

MP4 can store music, videos, photos, and animations.

What does the term 'sampling' mean in audio processing?

Sampling is measuring the amplitude of a sound wave at intervals.

What type of data does JPEG compression affect?

JPEG compression affects image data.

How many bits can a Unicode character use?

Unicode characters can use up to 32 bits.