5.6 - Basic Computer Structure Flashcards
What is an address
A name or number that designates the location of information in a storage or memory device
What is Bit an abbreviation for
Binary digit
What is a word that is 8 bits long called
A byte
How many values does a byte have
256 (00000000 to 11111111)
What data processing steps
- Collection
- Preposition
- Input
- Processing (manual, mechanical or electronic data)
- Output
- Storage
What is software
Software comprises the programs that enable a computer to function and carry out the operations that requested
What is hardware
The electronic and mechanical devices that make up the computer
What are the 4 parts of a PC
- CPU
- Output
- Storage/Memory
- Input
What does a central Processing Unit (CPU) consist of
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Control Unit (CU)
What are memory devices
Semiconductor storage devices for permanent or temporary storage
What is RAM
Random Access Memory is usually volatile. If power is removed, the information is lost
What is ROM
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
What is PROM
A variation of ROM. Programmable Read Only Memory permanently stores
What is EPROM AND EEPROM
Erasable PROM and Electrically Erasable PROM
What is Firmware
It’s software that is specifically designed for a certain price of hardware and is stored in ROM
In a CPU what does the registry do
The registry provides temporary storage area to manipulate data during computations
In a CPU what does the ALU perform
The ALU combines values from the registers such as adding numbers from different registers and enters new values
In a CPU what is the CU doing
The CU contains the clock, supervises overall CPU operations
What does the storage/memory form part of?
It forms part of the fetch/decode/execute cycle with the computer. Performing fetch functions
How are computers classified on aircraft
By there tasks or application. A computer used as a source of information or data is called a reference computer. Ie Inertia Reference System
What is the main task of an informational computer
To collect data and display it in a central place. Ie EICAS
What is a storage computer
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
What is a controlling computer
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
What is an interactive computer
A computer that can perform several different tasks, depending on operator inputs. ie the FMC
What are the 5 types of computer systems
- Interactive
- Reference
- Storage/Monitor
- Controlling
- Information
Aircraft typical have many computers to control, monitor, provide references and make available information. Are they digital, analogue or hybrid
They can be analogue, digital or hybrid
