Digital devices 1
Digital devices
A digital device is controlled by a microprocessor
Processors run programs
Advanced processors are often known as CPUs
Microcontrollers contain smaller, less powerful processors and are often used in embedded systems
Embedded systems
Computer system that combines hardware and software to provide one dedicated function
Examples include microwave oven digital radio washing machine smartwatch electronic gym equipment
Sensors measure a physical quantity and output a signal to a microcontroller
Smoke sensors-smoke detectors
Motion sensors-PIR sensors-burglar alarms
Pressure sensors-car tyre pressure
Other sensors-temperature humidity light sensors-LDR push button
Internet of Things
Devices vehicles appliances and physical objects connected to networks usually the Internet
Things contain sensors and software which allow them to share data through the network
Examples-home security doorbell cameras smart meters
Often controlled by smartphones smart speakers and voice assistants
Personal computers
Desktop laptop-general purpose-designed for one person at a time-installing new software can provide a new function
Individual process
RAM
Hard disk components
Expansion ports
Desktops
Screen at eye level helps with better posture
Easy to upgrade
Generally faster processor and graphics processor for the price
Easier to expand modify and upgrade
Harder to steal
Laptops
Lighter and more portable
Integrated camera speaker and microphone
Battery can take over if power supply fails
Fewer compatibility issues with integrated devices
More power efficient
Gaming requires an expensive graphics card on a PC
They are used for networking surfing the web emails
Personal use graphics film editing
Servers
Servers are computers that provide services to other programs
Usually fast and powerful because they need to serve many devices and users
Web servers-serve web pages to a user's web browser
Mail servers-manage emails
File servers-store student or employee files and allow people to add rename share and delete files
Application servers-host software applications such as online word processors and spreadsheets
Print servers are used to share access to a printer
Mobile devices
Ipads and iphones are computing devices designed to be portable
Able to connect to the internet wirelessly
Very light and can be stored in a pocket bag or handbag
Use solid state storage which is fast and durable
Very fast to log in from standby
Internet connection allows better use of cloud applications
Can be used for email and other work functions away from the office
Apps can extend functionality such as group video calls collaboration and project management
Iphones have a chip called system on a chip which combines CPU GPU and other components
Entertainment
Digital media player film tv images over a network
Entertainment systems include TVs stereos and sound systems radios games systems and home cinema
Digital TV-HD UHD/4K gives sharper images
Surround sound gives clearer audio from many directions
More television channels than older analogue TVs
Smart TVs-can record programmes and stream TV
Video game console
Dedicated to computer games and entertainment
Controllers are customised to games
Motion sensors can be used for hands-free gaming
Thoroughly tested by manufacturer
Easy to set up and use
Usually wireless controllers
Unlikely to need upgrades to play new games
Navigation systems
Digital device that uses GPS to provide real time maps of our current location
Plan routes
Provide audio and visual instructions
Reroute drivers around traffic problems
GPS has 31 satellites which orbit the Earth
Each satellite transmits a unique time signal
Position is calculated from the time taken for the signal to reach the navigation device
At least three satellites are needed to calculate a position
What3words
Divides the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares
Each location can be given a unique combination of three easy to remember words
Uses a mobile app and GPS to find locations
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Digital devices 2
Multifunctional
A multifunctional device performs many different functions
Smartphones are an example
Navigation using GPS
Phone calls and text messages
Apps such as social media and games
Web browsing
Other examples-in-car entertainment systems smart TV tablet laptop or PC
Can do both printing and scanning
Touch screens-touching the screen is input and the screen provides output
Digital cameras
Take a photo or video recording it as digital data
Digital images are stored on a memory card
Smartphones commonly include digital cameras
Compact cameras provide essential functions in a pocket-sized camera
DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses and are more commonly used by professionals
Most digital cameras can also record video
Dedicated video and film cameras are used for professional video production
Data capture
Barcode scanner
Magnetic ink reader
Input and store data through other methods
Can reduce human errors such as barcode scanning
Communication
Computers mobile phones and tablets can all be used for communication
Can be connected together using Wi-Fi
Network cable-copper and fibre optic
Routers
Wireless Access Point-WAP
Bluetooth
Mobile networks-2G 3G HSDPA LTE 4G 5G
Fibre-FTTC and FTTP
Network Interface Card-NIC
Switch
Router
Communication devices move data between other devices
NICs allow data to be transferred to and from a network computer
Wireless dongles transfer data wirelessly
Email: Allows users to send and receive messages instantly.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Enables voice communication over the internet, facilitating phone calls via the web.
Social media platforms: Provide various methods for sharing content and engaging with others.
Instant messaging apps: Offer real-time text communication, which can include file sharing and video calls.