5.6 - Basic Computer Structure

Question 1

What is an address

Answer 1

A name or number that designates the location of information in a storage or memory device

Question 2

What is Bit an abbreviation for

Answer 2

Binary digit

Question 3

What is a word that is 8 bits long called

Answer 3

A byte

Question 4

How many values does a byte have

Answer 4

256 (00000000 to 11111111)

Question 5

What data processing steps

Answer 5

1. Collection
2. Preposition
3. Input
4. Processing (manual, mechanical or electronic data)
5. Output
6. Storage

Question 6

What is software

Answer 6

Software comprises the programs that enable a computer to function and carry out the operations that requested

Question 7

What is hardware

Answer 7

The electronic and mechanical devices that make up the computer

Question 8

What are the 4 parts of a PC

Answer 8

1. CPU
2. Output
3. Storage/Memory
4. Input

Question 9

What does a central Processing Unit (CPU) consist of

Answer 9

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
2. Control Unit (CU)

Question 10

What are memory devices

Answer 10

Semiconductor storage devices for permanent or temporary storage

Question 11

What is RAM

Answer 11

Random Access Memory is usually volatile. If power is removed, the information is lost

Question 12

What is ROM

Answer 12

Read Only Memory permanently stores data that cannot be changed by random writes by the CPU. ROM is non volatile and keeps data after power loss

Question 13

What is PROM

Answer 13

A variation of ROM. Programmable Read Only Memory permanently stores

Question 14

What is EPROM AND EEPROM

Answer 14

Erasable PROM and Electrically Erasable PROM

Question 15

What is Firmware

Answer 15

It’s software that is specifically designed for a certain price of hardware and is stored in ROM

Question 16

In a CPU what does the registry do

Answer 16

The registry provides temporary storage area to manipulate data during computations

Question 17

In a CPU what does the ALU perform

Answer 17

The ALU combines values from the registers such as adding numbers from different registers and enters new values

Question 18

In a CPU what is the CU doing

Answer 18

The CU contains the clock, supervises overall CPU operations

Question 19

What does the storage/memory form part of?

Answer 19

It forms part of the fetch/decode/execute cycle with the computer. Performing fetch functions

Question 20

How are computers classified on aircraft

Answer 20

By there tasks or application. A computer used as a source of information or data is called a reference computer. Ie Inertia Reference System

Question 21

What is the main task of an informational computer

Answer 21

To collect data and display it in a central place. Ie EICAS

Question 22

What is a storage computer

Answer 22

They retain information provided to them by other systems. Ie an engine control monitor is a type of storage computer that stores data from the electronic engine control monitor is

Question 23

What is a controlling computer

Answer 23

A computer with the primary task of controlling something. Ie the flap/slat electronic unit computer provides a means to monitor the flap lever position

Question 24

What is an interactive computer

Answer 24

A computer that can perform several different tasks, depending on operator inputs. ie the FMC

Question 25

What are the 5 types of computer systems

Answer 25

1. Interactive
2. Reference
3. Storage/Monitor
4. Controlling
5. Information

Question 26

Aircraft typical have many computers to control, monitor, provide references and make available information. Are they digital, analogue or hybrid

Answer 26

They can be analogue, digital or hybrid