Unit 1 - Notes from 1.1.2 - 1.1.7

Question 1

Define GPS and what does it stand for.

Answer 1

1. Global Positioning System (GPS)
   Definition: A satellite-based navigation system used to determine location.

Question 2

What are the key features of GPS?

Answer 2

Commonly found in portable devices for navigation and location tracking.
Uses a network of satellites to pinpoint a device’s location.
Helps find lost or stolen devices by identifying their location.
Small hardware footprint, allowing integration into many devices.
Increases power consumption as it often operates continuously.
Applications include navigation for personal devices, surveying, aviation, rescue operations, and scientific research.

Question 3

Define Biometrics

Answer 3

Definition: Technology that uses physical characteristics (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition) for security.

Question 4

Give key features of Biometrics

Answer 4

○ Key Features:
Enhances security by requiring unique personal data for access.
Biometric sensors are small, making integration into various devices easy.
Commonly used in smartphones, laptops, and other personal devices.

Question 5

Define a touch screen.

Answer 5

Definition: An input device that allows users to interact with a device by touching the screen.

Question 6

Give key features of a touch screen

Answer 6

Combines display and input functionality, reducing the need for a separate keyboard.
Used in mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and gaming consoles.
Enhances usability and helps save space in device design, allowing devices to be smaller and more user-friendly.

Question 7

What are the key features of sensors?

Answer 7

Used for detecting light, motion, temperature, proximity, and other physical properties.
Widely integrated into smartphones, smart home devices, automotive systems, and industrial applications.

Question 8

Define the term sesnor

Answer 8

Definition: Devices that detect physical changes in the environment and provide data to electronic systems.

Question 9

Define memory and storage

Answer 9

Memory: Temporary storage used to run applications and process data (e.g., RAM).

Question 10

memory and storage features

Answer 10

Key Features:
Memory affects the speed and performance of a device.
Storage capacity influences how much data a device can hold.

Question 11

Define Miniaturisation

Answer 11

Definition: The process of making electronic components smaller and more efficient.

Question 12

Give key features of miniaturisation.

Answer 12

○ Key Features:
Critical in the development of portable and wearable technology.
Allows for the integration of more features into smaller devices.

Question 13

Define processors

Answer 13

Definition: The central unit in a device that executes instructions and processes data

Question 14

Key Features of Processors

Answer 14

Key Features:
Speed and efficiency of processors determine overall device performance.
Modern processors are designed to balance performance with energy efficiency.

Question 15

Define NFC and what does it stand for.

Answer 15

Definition: A short-range wireless communication technology used for secure transactions and data exchange.

Question 16

Define QR Code and what does it stand for?

Answer 16

Definition: A type of barcode that can be scanned to quickly access information or perform actions.

Question 17

Give key features of NFC

Answer 17

Commonly used in contactless payments, data sharing between devices, and ticketing systems.
Operates at very close distances, enhancing security for transactions.

Question 18

Give key features of QR Code

Answer 18

Scanned using cameras on smartphones or other devices.
Used for quick access to websites, apps, contact details, and payments.

Question 19

Define RFID

Answer 19

Definition: A technology that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects.

Question 20

What are key features of RFID?

Answer 20

Key Features:
Widely used in inventory management, access control, and contactless payment systems.
RFID tags can store data and be read without direct line-of-sight.

Question 21

Define a non-volatile storage and an example.

Answer 21

Computer storage that retains data even when the power is removed (e.g., ROM, flash drives).

Question 22

Define a volatile storage and give an example.

Answer 22

Computer storage that loses data when the power is removed (e.g., RAM).

Question 23

Define RAM and what does it stand for.

Answer 23

Simple definition: A type of volatile memory that stores data and instructions currently in use by the CPU.

Further Info.
○ Function: Stores data and instructions temporarily while being processed by the CPU.
○ Type: Volatile storage—data is lost when power is removed.
Impact: The size of RAM affects device performance; insufficient RAM can slow down a device.

Question 24

Define ROM and what does it stand for?

Answer 24

Simple Definition: A type of non-volatile memory that stores start-up instructions for a computer.
○ Function: Stores permanent data needed for booting up a device; data cannot be modified by the user.
Type: Non-volatile storage—data is retained even when the power is off.

Question 25

Define Primary Memory

Answer 25

Includes RAM and ROM, directly accessed by the CPU for temporary and essential operations.
○ Types of RAM: SRAM (Static RAM), DRAM (Dynamic RAM).
Types of ROM: PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM).

Question 26

Define Secondary Memory

Answer 26

Permanent storage used for long-term data retention (e.g., HDD, SSD, CDs, floppy discs, magnetic tape).

Question 27

RAM vs. ROM: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE??

Answer 27

○ RAM is used for temporary data and processing tasks.
○ ROM is used for essential boot processes and cannot be easily modified.

Question 28

Give me an example with miniaturisation.

Answer 28

Raspberry Pi: An example of a miniaturised single-board computer that performs many functions of a full-sized computer on a small board.

Question 29

What are the characteristics of embedded systems?

Answer 29

• Performs a single or limited function.
  
  • Built with dedicated hardware tailored for specific tasks.
  • Not easily reprogrammable by the user.
    Hardware is integrated into a single electronic chip, which makes it compact and efficient.

Question 30

Define an embedded system and give an example

Answer 30

Definition
* Embedded System: A dedicated system hidden within devices, designed for specific functions. It involves multiple components working together for a common purpose.
Examples of Embedded Systems
* Digital Alarm Clock: Limited to functions like displaying time, setting alarms, and sounding alarms. It uses a microprocessor to perform these tasks.
* Other Examples:
○ Robot vacuum cleaner
○ Smart TV
○ Smartwatch
○ Washing machine
○ Security system
○ Air conditioning system
Electronic calculator

Question 31

Define Microprocessor

Answer 31

○ Acts as the “brain” of the embedded system, controlling the hardware.
○ A smaller version of a processor, which handles data and instructions using integrated circuits.
Essential for the functioning of embedded systems, allowing data processing in a compact form.

Question 32

Define firmware; where is it stored in a device; and include examples.

Answer 32

○ specialised software that provides basic instructions for the system to operate.
○ Stored directly on the embedded system chip, unlike in general-purpose computers where it is stored in the ROM.
○ Includes:
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): Initialises hardware and manages input/output operations.
Bootloader: loads the operating system during startup.

Question 33

What are the factors that influence digital device performance?

Answer 33

Speed
Multi-Core processors
Capacity
Portability
Bandwidth
Power Efficiency