Prepared by: Hassan Wael ElDessouki

Chapter 2 - Input and Output Devices

Input Devices
a) Keyboard
Used to input text, numbers, and instructions. Most keyboards use the QWERTY layout. There
is also Ergonomic keyboard, which are designed to reduce the health-related problems
associated with standard keyboard such as carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury
i) Uses
➢ Input of data into application software
➢ Typing in commands to the computer
ii) Advantages
➢ Fast entry of new text into a document
➢ Well-known method
➢ Easy to use for most people
➢ Easier to do verification checks as the data is entered
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use
➢ Slow method when compared to direct data entry
➢ Fairly large device that use up valuable desk space

b) Numeric Keypad
They are used to enter numbers only (although some allow alphabetic characters to be input)
i) Uses
➢ Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), where the customer can key in their PIN, etc
➢ Mobile phones to key in phone numbers, etc.
➢ Point-of-sales (POS) terminals in case the barcode reader fails to read the
barcode
➢ Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit card
➢ Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet
ii) Advantages
➢ Faster than standard keyboard when entering numeric data
➢ Very easy to carry around when used in small devices
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Small keys can make data input more difficult
➢ Sometimes the order of the numbers on the keypad is not intuitive

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c) Pointing Devices
A. Mouse
i) Uses
➢ Opening, closing, minimizing software
➢ Grouping, moving, and deleting files
➢ Image Editing (changing image size/position)
➢ Controlling the position of a printer on the screen to allow selection from a
menu or selecting an icon, and for scrolling up and down/left and right
ii) Advantages
➢ Faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard
➢ Very quick way to navigate through applications and the internet
➢ Doesn’t need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Can be more difficult for people with restricted hand/wrist movement than
using a keyboard data entry
➢ Easy to damage, and the older type of mouse quickly becomes clogged up
with dirt
➢ Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available (for example, on an
airplane)

B. Touchpad
They are used as a pointing device in many laptop computers. The pointer is controlled by
the user moving their finger on the touchpad or gently tapping to simulate left button.
They have 2 buttons below the touchpad which serve as left and right buttons
i) Advantages
➢ Same as the mouse
➢ Since the touchpad is integrated into the laptop, there is no need for a
separate mouse, which makes it more portable
➢ Does not need a flat surface like a mouse
ii) Disadvantages
➢ People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use
➢ Can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a mouse
➢ More difficult to use when doing certain operation such as drag and drop.

C. Trackball
They are similar to a mouse except that the ball is on the top or the side of the device, and
the user controls the pointer by rotating the ball.
i) Uses
➢ Used in applications where the user has a disability (such as RSI)
➢ Used in a control room environment where it is faster than a mouse to
navigate through process screens
➢ Used in some luxury cars to select functions
ii) Advantages
➢ Doesn’t need the same fine control as a mouse
➢ Easier to use than a mouse if the operator is disabled
➢ More accurate positioning of the pointer than using a mouse
➢ They are more robust than a mouse
➢ Needs less disk space than a mouse or a keyboard
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Not supplied with computers as standard, therefore more costly
➢ User may need training since it isn’t standard equipment

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d) Remote Control
They are used to control the operations of other devices remotely using infrared signals. The
buttons on the keyboard are used to select options
i) Uses
➢ Televisions, satellite systems, DVD players, and hi-fi system all use remote
controls to alter functions such as on/off, etc.
➢ Used to control multimedia systems
➢ Used in industrial applications to remotely control process, stop, and start
machinery, etc.
ii) Advantages
➢ Can be operated from any reasonable distance, unlike, for example, a corded
mouse which is restricted by the length of the cord
➢ Some chemical processes are hazardous, so it is a big advantage to be able to
select operations from a safe distance
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Difficult to use if the operator has limited hand/wrist movement
➢ It is easier to block the signal if the walls in the building are very thick for
example

e) Joysticks
Joysticks have similar functions to a mouse and a trackball. By gripping the stick, a pointer on
the screen can be controlled & the buttons can be used to make selections. Often, they have
another button on the top of the sticks that is used for gaming purposes.
i) Uses
➢ Used in video/computer games
➢ Used in simulators (for example, flight simulators) to mimic actual controls
ii) Advantages
➢ Easier than a keyboard to navigate the screen
➢ Control is more realistic than using a mouse, for example
iii) Disadvantages
➢ More difficult to control the on-screen pointer than with other devices, such as
a mouse

f) Steering (Driving) Wheel

A steering wheel is an example of an input device that is like a joystick in many ways. It allows
you to simulate the turning of a steering wheel, and there are associated devices (such as
buttons or pedals) which allow you to accelerate and brake.
i) Uses
➢ Used in video/computer games
➢ Used in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls
ii) Advantages
➢ Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements
➢ The ‘driving experience’ is similar to how an actual steering wheel and other
controls operate in real life
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Expensive input device compared to mouse or joystick
➢ Movements in the steering can be too sensitive, giving an unrealistic ‘feel’
➢ Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the driving wheel is non-
existence

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g) Touchscreens
With touchscreens, the user can choose an option by simply touching the button/icon on the
screen. The selection is automatically done without the need of pointing devices.
i) Uses
➢ Self-service tills, at for example, petrol stations
➢ Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-screen options
➢ Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants
➢ Public information systems at airports, railway stations, tourist offices, etc
➢ Mobile phones, tablets and satellite navigation systems
➢ Interactive white boards in education
➢ Computer-based training (CBT) to select answers on-screen
➢ Can be used as an output device as it works on a flatscreen monitor
ii) Advantages
➢ Faster entry of options than using keyboard or mouse
➢ Very easy method for choosing options
➢ User-friendly method – no training necessary in its use
➢ Option to expand the size of the display if necessary
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Limited number of input options available
➢ Can lead to problems if an operator has to use the system frequently
➢ The screen can get very dirty with constant touching (increases risk of spreading
infections and reduces its responsiveness)

h) Scanners
Used to enter information from a hard copy into a computer. The most common type, flatbed
scanner, works by scanning the paper with a light source to produce a computer-readable
image.
i) Uses
➢ Scan in documents to be converted for use in various software packages
➢ Scan in old/valuable documents/books to protect and preserve the originals
➢ Scan in photographs
➢ Scan in barcodes at POS terminals
ii) Advantages
➢ Images can be stored for editing at a later date
➢ When used with OCR, much faster and more accurate (no typing errors) than
typing in documents again
➢ It is possible to recover damaged documents and photographs by scanning in
and then using appropriate software to produce an acceptable copy
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Quality can be limited depending on how good a resolution the scanner is
capable of
➢ They can be fairly slow at scanning, especially if the color scanning mode is
chosen or if the chosen scanning resolution is high

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i) Digital Cameras
Digital Cameras have replaced film-based cameras, where now the image is saved digitally on
a memory card and can be transferred to a PC using SD Cards, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.
i) Uses
➢ Taking photographs as they still take better photographs than smartphones or
tablets due to the use of expensive lenses and dedicated software
➢ Used as a data-capture device
➢ Dental use to take photos of a patient’s teeth to help them diagnose any
problems
➢ Creation of virtual reality tours around houses, historical buildings, industrial
plants, and so on
ii) Advantages
➢ Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional camera
➢ Easier and faster to upload photographs to a computer
➢ No need to develop film and print out photographs anymore
➢ Memory cards can store many thousands of photographs
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Need to be computer literate to use the cameras properly
➢ There is some artistry lost because clever software now corrects errors in the
photographs (for example, incorrect exposure, removal of red eye, etc.)
➢ Images often need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used

j) Microphones
Microphones operate where when you speak, the air vibrates where the diaphragm picks up
these vibrations and generates current by the cone that connects the coil and the permanent
magnet as the coil starts moving backwards and forwards. This current is then amplified, and
a sound card converts the analogue signal to a digital signal.
i) Uses
➢ To input speech/sounds to be used in various applications
➢ Input in voice-recognition software
➢ Microphones can also be used as a sensor to pick up sound
➢ Used in video-conferencing or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications
ii) Advantages
➢ Faster to read in text than to type it in using a keyboard
➢ It is possible to manipulate sound in real time using special software rather than
work on a recording done at some earlier stage
➢ Improves safety if used in a voice activation system such as a car
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Sound files can use up a lot of computer memory
➢ Voice-recognition software is not as accurate as typing in manually

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k) Sensors
A device that inputs measurement of a physical quantity into a computer by converting the
data using ADC (Analogue to Digital Converter).
i) Uses

ii) Advantages
➢ More accurate readings taken when compared to human operators
➢ Readings are continuous – no break in the monitoring
➢ Any necessary action or warnings can be initiated immediately
➢ Systems can be automatic, removing the need for human intervention
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Faulty sensors can give spurious results
➢ Most sensors are analogue and therefore they require conversion using an ADC

l) Light Pens
They contain sensors that send signals to a computer whenever light changes are detected.
They work only with CRT as they have a refresh rate of 50 times/second which allows the
computer to determine the pens position.
i) Uses
➢ Selecting objects on CRT screens
➢ Drawing on screen (CAD packages)
ii) Advantages
➢ Greater accuracy than touch screens
➢ Small
➢ Easy-to-use technology
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Problems with lag when drawing on screen
➢ Only works with CRT monitors
➢ Not that accurate when drawing
➢ Rather dated technology

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Direct Data Entry (DDE) Devices
a) Card Readers
A. Magnetic Stripe Readers
They read the information using the magnetic stripe found on the back of a credit card.
i) Uses
➢ On credit/debit cards for use at ATMs or EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer
at point of sale) terminals
➢ Security devices to allow entry to buildings, hotel rooms, etc
ii) Advantages
➢ Fast data entry, rather than keying in with a keyboard or keypad
➢ Secure and Error-free
➢ Prevents access to restricted/secure areas
➢ Not affected by oil, water, moisture, etc. and no moving parts
iii) Disadvantages
➢ If the magnetic stripe gets damaged (exposure to a strong magnetic field,
etc.), the data is lost
➢ Does not work at a distance (needs to be in close contact with the reader)
➢ The information is not human readable

B. Contactless Card Readers

Credit/Debit Cards contain a small chip that emits radio waves that is picked up by the
terminal, allowing the transaction to be processed without the need of a PIN
i) Advantages
➢ Faster transactions
➢ The contactless card system uses 128-bit encryption systems for protection
➢ Customers do not have to worry about typing errors
➢ Retailers do not have access to the customer’s card information
➢ The payment terminal reader gets a response of a unique number used for
that transaction only (customer’s account number is also encrypted)
ii) Disadvantages
➢ Transactions are usually limited to a small maximum value
➢ They are more expensive than normal credit/debit cards
➢ A thief with a suitable reader could monitor your contactless card
transaction while standing at the counter with you
➢ Money may be taken twice if both chip and PIN and contactless used
➢ Transactions may be carried out without the card holder being aware of this
while they were just standing in the payment queue

C. Chip and PIN Readers

The reader has a slot where the card is placed & the chip is read, and the PIN is entered.
i) Uses
➢ Where payments are made using cards
ii) Advantages
➢ More secure system than contactless payments (PIN typed in must match
up with PIN stored on chip)
➢ More robust system than magnetic stripe cards
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Fraud – PIN could be read by somebody else while typing it in

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b) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Readers
RFID uses radio waves to read information stored on a tag, which can be read from several
meters. An RFID tag contains a microchip that stores the information and an antenna that
receive/transmits the data. These tags are passive, where they use the radio wave energy to
rely back the information.
i) Uses
➢ Livestock tracking
➢ Retail (similar to barcodes but does not require any scanning)
➢ Admission passes
➢ Libraries
ii) Advantages
➢ No line-of-sight contact is necessary; the tags can be read from a distance
➢ It is a very robust and reliable technology
➢ Very fast read-rate (response within <100 m.s.)
➢ Bidirectional data transfer (allows both read and write operations to take place)
➢ Bulk detection is possible (detection of several RFID tags at the same time)
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Tag collision (signals of several tags may overlap & interfere with each other)
➢ Because RFID uses radio waves, they are relatively easy to jam or interrupt
➢ It is relatively easy to hack into the data/signal transmitted by the tag
➢ RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode system

c) Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

OMR is a device that can read marks written in pencil on a form.
i) Uses
➢ Used to read questionnaires, multiple-choice examination papers, voting
papers and many other types of form where responses are registered in the
form of lines or shaded areas.
ii) Advantages
➢ Very fast way of inputting the results of a survey, etc. as documents are fed in
automatically and there is no user input
➢ Because there is no typing, they are more accurate than keying in the data
➢ They are more accurate than OCR methods
iii) Disadvantages
➢ The forms need to be carefully designed to make sure the marks/shading are
correctly positioned to gather accurate information
➢ There can be problems if they have not been filled in correctly; and may need
to be manually checked before being read

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d) Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
OCR is a device that converts the text on hard copy documents into an electronic form, which
can then be used in different applications.
i) Uses
➢ One of the most recent uses is the processing of passports and identity cards
➢ Converting hard copy documents into electronic form to be stored digitally
➢ Used in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems in car parks
➢ Digitizing historic newspapers and rare books so they can be archived and used
by researchers, preventing damage to the originals
ii) Advantages
➢ It is a much faster data entry system than manually keying in data
➢ Because there is no manual data entry, the number of errors is also reduced
iii) Disadvantages
➢ The system still has difficulty reading some handwriting
➢ Not a very accurate technique

e) Barcode Readers
A device used to read information in the form of bar code. They are mostly found in POS
terminals at supermarkets. Barcodes hold up to 30 digits.
i) Uses
➢ Used in supermarkets and other shops where the goods are marked with a
barcode; the barcodes are used to give information about the product which
enables automatic stock control, itemized billing, etc. to take place
➢ Used in libraries to keep track of books on loan
➢ Used as a safety function in many companies to ensure that electrical
equipment is checked on a regular basis
ii) Advantages
➢ Much faster than keying in data manually and fewer mistakes will be made
➢ They can improve safety if used to record safety testing of components
➢ They allow automatic stock control
➢ They are a tried and trusted technology
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Relatively expensive system to administer
➢ Not fool-proof (barcodes may be swapped between items)
➢ Can be easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic stripes

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f) Quick Response (QR) code readers
QR Code is a matrix with filled in dark squares on a light background. They can hold
information up to 4296 characters (7089 digits).
i) Uses
➢ Used in advertising to contain data such as business addresses, phone numbers,
email addresses and website addresses
➢ Contain links to apps
➢ Wi-Fi authentication to automatically join WiFis
➢ QR codes can be used to deliver augmented reality experiences, by helping an
AR system to determine the positions of objects in three-dimensional space
➢ QR codes have been used to establish virtual online stores
ii) Advantages
➢ They can hold much more information than normal barcode
➢ There will be fewer errors than with barcodes; the higher data capacity of the
QR code allows the use of built-in error-checking systems; normal barcodes
contain almost no data redundancy
➢ QR codes are easier to read; they do not need expensive laser or LED (light
emitting diode) scanners like barcodes – they can be read by the cameras used
on smartphones and tablets
➢ It is easy to transmit QR codes either as text messages or images
➢ It is also possible to encrypt QR codes, which gives them greater protection than
traditional barcodes
iii) Disadvantages
➢ More than one QR format is available
➢ QR codes can be used to transmit malicious codes; known as attagging. When
the code is scanned, the user could also be sent to a download a virus

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Output Devices
a) Monitors
A. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
A Cathode Ray Tube Monitor makes use of an electron gun firing against a phosphor
screen. The picture is made up of tiny dots which are colored red, green or blue.
i) Uses
➢ They are only used in specialist areas, such as computer-aided design (CAD);
as the screens are usually very large to enable complex diagrams to be
created or modified
➢ They are used with light pens to allow designs to be created on screen
ii) Advantages
➢ Wider range of viewing angles than most LCD monitors
➢ They allow the use of light pens in, for example, CAD/CAM applications
iii) Disadvantages
➢ They tend to be rather heavy and present a weight hazard if not supported
properly; they also have a very large footprint on a desk
➢ They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended
➢ They consume considerably more power than LCD monitors
➢ They can flicker, which can lead to headaches and eyesight problems with
prolonged use

B. LED/LCD Screens
An LED screen is made up of tiny LEDs that are either red, green or blue in color. The
brightness can be controlled by varying the current sent to the LEDs.
An LCD screen is made up of tiny liquid crystals that make up an array of pixels that is
affected by the change of the current.
i) Uses
➢ Used as the main output device for most modern computers
➢ Many LCD screens offer touch-screen input
➢ Mobile phones, tablets, laptops & portable video games all use LCD screens
ii) Advantages
➢ Very efficient, low power consumption
➢ Lightweight devices
➢ Unlike CRT monitors, they do not suffer from screen image burn-in
➢ Screens can be made in large variation of sizes
➢ Do not suffer from a flickering image
➢ Very sharp image resolution (allows a vast range of colors)
➢ Produces low electromagnetic fields
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Color and contrast from various viewing angles can be inconsistent
➢ Motion blur is a common issue
➢ Lower contrast than CRT monitors, as it is harder to produce a deep, rich
level of black
➢ LCDs can have weak or stuck pixels, which are permanently on or off; some
pixels may be improperly connected to adjoining pixels, rows or columns
➢ The LCD panel may not be uniformly illuminated by the back light, resulting
in uneven intensity and shading over the screen

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b) Touch Screens
Touch screens work both as an input and an output screen.
i) Uses
➢ Smartphones and tablets (allowing interaction with apps)
➢ ATMs at banks (screen options displayed depend on previous input response)
➢ Ticket collection machines at theatres, cinemas and railway stations
➢ Information kiosks at museums or art galleries
ii) Advantages
➢ Faster entry of options than using a keyboard or mouse
➢ Very easy method for choosing options
➢ User-friendly method – no training necessary in its use
➢ Option to expand the size of the display if necessary
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Limited number of options available
➢ Not very good if large amounts of data are being input or output because they
are not very accurate and the interface is not fast
➢ The screen can get very dirty with constant touching (increased risk of spreading
infections, as well as reducing its responsiveness and making it more difficult to
read in strong sunlight)
➢ Easier for a third party to track a user’s interactions, which is a security risk

c) Multimedia Projectors
The projectors receive either analogue or digital signal from a computer, television or a DVD
player. The image is magnetized and projected onto a large screen.
i) Uses
➢ Training presentations (audience can see the images from a computer)
➢ Advertising presentations (large images showing product features)
➢ Home cinema systems
ii) Advantages
➢ Enables many people to see a presentation at the same time easily
➢ Avoids the need for several networked computers
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Images can sometimes be fuzzy
➢ Expensive to buy
➢ Setting up projectors can be a little difficult

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d) Printers
A. Laser Printer
A laser printer produces high-quality hard copy output, with a fast print rate as they rely
on large buffer memories and therefore are used where high output volumes are needed.
i) Uses
➢ They are used where low noise is required
➢ They are used for fast, high-quality and high-volume printing
ii) Advantages
➢ Printing is fast when printing a lot of pages and can handle large print jobs
➢ The quality is consistently high
➢ Toner cartridges last for a long time
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Only really fast if several copies are being made
➢ Color laser printers are more expensive to run (different cartridges needed)
➢ They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of their
method of printing and type of toner/ink used

B. InkJet Printer
Inkjet printers produce good-quality hard copies using thermal bubble or piezoelectric.
i) Uses
➢ Used where low-output volumes are required
➢ Ideal for high-quality single page or small job printing
➢ They are very good at producing photo-quality printout.
➢ 3D inkjet printers are now being used in industry to produce prototypes
ii) Advantages
➢ High-quality output
➢ Cheaper to buy than laser printers
➢ Very lightweight and have a small physical footprint
➢ Do not produce ozone and volatile organic compounds
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Slow output if several copies are needed (small buffer capacity)
➢ Cannot do large print jobs (ink cartridges run out too quickly)
➢ Printing can ‘smudge’
➢ Can be expensive if used a lot (ink cartridges are expensive to buy)

C. Dot Matrix Printer

An impact printer where a print head (matrix of pins) presses against inked ribbon.
i) Uses
➢ Can be used in environments where print quality is not important
➢ Used in applications where multi-part stationary/impact printer is needed
➢ Still widely used in till receipts
ii) Advantages
➢ They are used in environments where laser or inkjet printers wont work well
➢ Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced
➢ Very cheap to run and maintain
➢ Easy to use if continuous stationery is required
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Very noisy when compared to other printers
➢ Costs more than an inkjet printer to buy initially
➢ Very slow, poor-quality printing

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e) Graph Plotters
A graph plotter uses a pen, pencil or marker pen to draw multiple continuous lines to produce
vector graphic drawings. They are often used in conjunction with CAD and CAM.
i) Uses
➢ Producing architectural drawings
➢ Producing engineering drawings
➢ Drawing animation characters (cartoon characters)
ii) Advantages
➢ Very high-quality output
➢ Able to produce large, monochrome and color drawings to a high accuracy
➢ Able to print on a variety of materials
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Very slow at printing
➢ Expensive equipment (and software) to purchase initially
➢ Have a very large physical footprint compared to a printer

f) 3D Printers
3D Printers are used in CAD applications. They produce solid objects by building them up layer
by layer, known as additive manufacturing. There are two types available:

Direct 3D Printing uses inkjet technology, and a print head moves left and right and also up
and down to build the layers of an object

Binder 3D Printing uses two passes for each of the layers, first pass sprays dry powder then a
binder (a type of glue) is sprayed to form a solid layer in the second pass

i) Uses
➢ Making items to allow precision reconstructive surgery by using an exact scan
of the skull
➢ In aerospace, manufacturers are looking at making wings and other airplane
parts using 3D technology
➢ Creative fashion and art ideas to be developed
➢ Making parts for items no longer in production
ii) Advantages
➢ Easier manufacturing as it is now theoretically possible to manufacture any
product a user wants using only a 3D printer, leading to customized products
➢ It allows rapid prototyping due to its quick printing
➢ Low labor costs and other costs when compared to traditional manufacturing
➢ Cost of manufacturing is the same for both small-scale and mass production
➢ Medical benefits are emerging, such as producing artificial organs, prosthetics
and precision-made items for reconstructive surgery
➢ Parts for machinery that are no longer made could now be manufactured
iii) Disadvantages
➢ May be used to make counterfeit items or items that infringe others copyright,
thus, it could become very difficult to trace the source of fake items
➢ This technology could be used by the wrong people for dangerous or illegal
activities as almost anything can be created
➢ Potential for job losses if this technology takes over from some types of
manufacturing

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g) Speakers
Speakers are used to produce sound, by passing the digital data through a digital to analogue
converter (DAC), then passed by an amplifier to create a large current to drive the
loudspeaker.
i) Uses
➢ Used in all phones and built into most computers
➢ Output sound from multimedia presentations
➢ Helps visually impaired people through reading aloud text on the screen
➢ Plays downloaded sound files
ii) Advantages
➢ Sounds amplified through speakers can be much louder than the original sound
➢ Everyone in a conference, for example, can hear the output from a computer
➢ It can create a good atmosphere when making a presentation
➢ They can help visually impaired people as discussed
➢ Very simple technology
iii) Disadvantages
➢ Speaker output can be disturbing to others in public areas for example
➢ To get high-quality sound, the required speakers can be quite expensive
➢ Speakers can take up a lot of desk space

h) Actuators
A mechanical or electromechanical device such as a relay, solenoid or motor that is used by a
computer to control devices such as conveyer belt.
i) Uses
➢ They allow a computer to control physical devices that normally require
➢ They are used to control motors, pumps, switches, buzzers, etc.
ii) Advantages
➢ They allow remote operation of many devices
➢ They are relatively inexpensive devices
iii) Disadvantages
➢ They are an additional device in the system that could go wrong
➢ Computer signals are converted using a DAC to enable computer control as they
usually are analogue devices

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