Robotics II - Chapter 10

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

A RAM Circuit that stores bits of data using separate capacitors

Static RAM (SRAM)

A RAM circuit that uses semiconductor devices called flip flops.

Describe the importance of a well-designed computer program.

A computer cannot solve even the simplest problem without the help of a well-planned program. The system follows this program to accomplish a task. This is why programming is an essential part of all computer applications.

What is the purpose of a decade counter?

A decade counter is a device that is used to change binary signals into a binary-coded-decimal (BCD) form.

Bus network

A series of register units connected together.

What is a bit of information? How many bits are in a byte?

A single voltage pulse is described as a bit of information or a binary digit. A group of eight bits produces a byte, sometimes called a binary word.

What is I/O transfer?

A transfer which either receives data from the input or sends it to the output device.

Logic gates examples:

AND NOT OR XOR NOR NAND

How many inputs and outputs can be found on an OR gate?

An OR gate has two or more inputs and one output.

What is an inverter?

An inverter is a NOT gate in which the output is opposite to the input.

1. Explain the difference between analog information and digital information

Analog information varies continuously. An example is temperature measurements, which are in a constant state of change. Digital information is a format of computer-processed data that occurs in separate full units, such as 1 or 0.

What is a bistable device?

Any electronic device that can be set in one of two operational states by an outside signal is a bistable device.

What are some examples of input and output devices with which a CPU may communicate?

Computers typically have several input and output ports that permit the CPU to communicate with external devices, such as monitors, printers, disc drives, USB fl ash drives, and modems

Immediate Addressing

Done with a two byte instruction that contains an opcode and an operand

Explain the difference between firmware and software

Firmware is placed on ROM chips, which requires that program changes be made by changing the ROM. Software is a type of program that is transferred to a computer system by a keyboard, CD-ROM, or download, and the instructions are stored in read/write memory. Software has more flexibility than firmware.

What are flip-flops and how are they used in binary counters?

Flip-flops are memory devices used in digital circuits. They are often the basic logic element for counting, temporary memory, and sequential switching operations. In binary counters, flip-flops are connected so that the output of the first circuit drives the trigger, or clock input, of the next circuit.

Extended Addressing

Increases the ability of direct addressing to accommodate more data.

What is the function of the addressing modes and what are five types of addressing modes?

Instructions usually consist of one, two, or three bytes of data. This type of data must follow the commands in successive memory locations. These commands are usually called addressing modes. Types of addressing modes include immediate addressing, relative addressing, indexed addressing, direct addressing, and extended addressing.

Do minicomputer systems require the same capacity as the mainframe computer?

Nope

Indexed Addressing

Obtained during execution, rather than being held at a predetermined location. It is held in a temporary memory address register to ensure that it does not get altered or destroyed during processing.

Read Memory:

Read memory calls for data to be read from a specific location.

What is the difference between ROM and RAM?

Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of computer data storage that is permanent and cannot be changed. Random access memory (RAM) is a type of computer data storage that can be altered. Information may be retrieved from and written to RAM.

What is memory?

The ability of a microprocessor to store data that is easily retrieved and includes read only memory and random access memory.

What are the base factors for the octal number system and the hexadecimal number system?

The base factor for the octal number system is 8, and the base factor for the hexadecimal number system is 16.

What are the basic components of a computer?

The basic components of a computer are the I/O, Microprocessor, control bus, memory, interface adapter and address bus

What is the purpose of the binary-coded-decimal (BCD) number system?

The binary-coded-decimal (BCD) number system is a method of counting in which four binary digits are used to represent each decimal digit. It was devised to simplify the use of large binary numbers.

What is the function of the CPU?

The central processing unit (CPU) is the part of a computer that interprets instructions provided by a program, processes the data, and carries out programmed operations

Name an advantage of Bus network

The ease with which data can be transferred

What is the fetch and execute function in a computer?

The first instruction is to fetch, or retrieve, the next instruction from memory. The execute, or initiate, operation is based on the instruction that is to be performed.

Describe the number system used in everyday life in the United States.

The number system used in everyday life in the United States is the decimal system. In this system, ten digits are used for counting: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Because the decimal system uses 10 digits, it has a base of 10

What is the timing function in a computer?

The operation of a computer involves a sequence of instructions. The sequence is controlled by a timing signal.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The part of the central processing unit that performs arithmetic computations and logical operations.

Define the term register unit and list examples of different types of registers

The register unit is a component of a microprocessor consisting of several compartments that store information. Examples include the data register, accumulator, and address register

How does use of the binary number system facilitate information processing by electronic devices, such as computers?

The two operational states of a binary system, 1 and 0, are natural circuit conditions. When a circuit is turned off or has no voltage applied, it is in the 0 state. A circuit that has voltage applied is in the 1 state.

A bistable device can store one binary digit or bit of information. Name examples

These devices include relays, lamps, switches, transistors, and diodes.

What is the interrupt function in a computer?

This is a signal that originates from peripheral equipment, such as keyboards, displays, modems, and printers, to inform the MPU that a peripheral device needs attention.

Relative Addressing

Transfers program control to a location other than the next consecutive memory address

True or False: Computers either analog information or digital.

True

True or False: Electronic circuitry used with robots provides commands to electric motors, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic systems.

True

EPROM can be erased by what method?

Ultraviolet light

Direct Addressing

Uses the data in the address field without alteration. This is the simplest method of addressing and also the most common.

Write memory:

Write memory calls for data to be stored at a specific location.

The functions that are basic to most computer systems are:

• Timing • Fetch and execute Read memory • Write memory • Input-output transfer • Interrupt