5.6 Basic Computer Structures Flashcards
What is an “address”
An address is a name or number that designates the location of information in a storage or memory device
What does “bit” mean?
Abbreviation of “binary digit”.
Can have two values either 1 or 0.
Smallest unit of data a computer can process.
What does byte mean
Bits are grouped to form words. A word that is 8 bits long forms a byte
What does ‘data processing’ mean
It’s the handling, storage, and analysis of information in a sequence of systematic and logical operations by a computer
What does “instructions” mean?
Is a machine word or set of characters in machine language, that directs a computer to take a certain action
What does “program” mean
It is a plan for a solution of a problem.
A precise sequence of coded instructions for solving a problem with a computer.
What does “software” mean
Comprises of the programs that enable a computer to function and carry out the operations that are requested.
What does “hardware” mean
The electronic and mechanical devices that make up the computer.
E.g.
RAM, ROM, motherboard, microprocessor, power supply
What are Computer memory devices
Semiconductor storage devices for permanent non-volatile data
E.g.
Read-Only Memory (ROM), Programable Read-Only Memory (PROM)
And Non-permanent volatile data
E.g.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
What is RAM
Random access memory
Non-permanent volatile data
Referred to as read/write memory
What is ROM?
Read-only memory
Permanently stores data that can’t be changed. Non-volatile and keeps the data stored even after the power has been removed.
What is PROM?
A variation of ROM that is programmable chips.
Manufactured blank with no instruction sets.
Erasable PROM can be reprogrammed after using UV light to erase its contents.
Electronically Erasable prom (EEPROM) can be block erased and byte written while the computer is running.
Flash memory is faster and also allows memory to be erased and reprogrammed.
What is firmware?
It is software that is specifically designed for a certain piece of hardware and is stored in ROM.
What are peripherals? Or input/output devices?
Devices that enable the computer to to communicate with the outside world.
Eg monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner
What is a CPU?
Central processing unit.
A cpu microprocessor retrieves and processes instructions and coordinates the flow of data throughout the computer.
It performs mathematical and logical calculations and sends and retrieves data from memory and other storage devices.
contains Arithmetic Logic Unit and Control Unit
What are IC’s?
Integrated circuits.
Complete digital electronic circuits constructed in the same basic location, known as a chip, processor, microchip, microprocessor.
What is the purpose of the “clock” on a CPU
It generates a periodic square-wave pulse train used as timing signals
What are the 5 types of computers? (Applied to aircraft technology)
Controlling
Interactive
Informational
Reference
Storage/monitor
Reference computer uses and meaning
A computer used as a source of info or data.
IRS - inertial reference system
Informational computer uses and meaning?
Collects data , processes it, then formats it for display.
EICAS
Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System
Informational computer uses and meaning?
Collects data , processes it, then formats it for display.
EICAS
Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System
Storage/monitor computer meaning and uses?
Retain info provided by other systems.
EECM electronic engine control monitor
Meaning/uses of controlling computer.
Controls something.
Flap/slat electronic unit
Meaning/uses of interactive computer?
Performs several different tasks depending on operator inputs.
Flight management computer (FMC)
