Unit II Computer Hardware
Unit II Computer Hardware
SoB, PU
Pokhara
2.1 Basic Components: Input, Output, Processing, Storage
2.2 Types of Computers (Desktops, Laptops, Servers, Mobile Devices)
2.3 Hardware Components
2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2.5 Memory (RAM, ROM)
2.6 Storage Devices (Hard Drives, SSDs, External Storage)
2.7 Input and Output Devices (Working principle, application)
2.7.1 Keystroke Devices
2.7.2 Touch Devices
2.7.3 Voice-Controlled Devices
2.7.4 Movement-Controlled Devices
Game Controllers (joysticks, gamepads, and VR controllers.),
Gesture-Control Devices, Leap Motion for touchless interaction.
2.7.5 Brain-Computer Interface (BCI):
2.7.6 Wearables:
Smart glasses, AR/VR headsets (e.g., Oculus, HoloLens).
2.7.7 Haptic Feedback Gloves:
Used in VR and advanced interaction systems.
2.7.8 Biosensors:
Devices that track physiological data (e.g., heart rate monitors).
2.7.9 Data Scanning Devices
Barcodes, QR code scanners.
RFID: Radio Frequency Identification scanners for contactless identification.
Biometric Scanners: Fingerprint, iris scanners.
2.7.10 Digitizers:
Graphics tablets, touch-sensitive stylus input.
2.7.11 Microphones:
Analog, digital, condenser microphones for voice input.
2.7.12 Electronic Cards Based Devices
Smart cards, debit/credit cards with NFC/RFID technology.
2.7.13 Speech Recognition Devices
2.7.14 Vision-Based Devices
Cameras, LiDAR, infrared sensors, facial recognition systems.
2.8 Output Devices (Working principle, application)
Monitors: CRT, LED, OLED screens.
Printers: Inkjet, laser, 3D printers.
Projectors: DLP, LCD.
Audio Output: Speakers, headphones, and surround sound systems.
Tactile Output: Braille readers, haptic feedback systems.
1. Input
Function: Receives data and instructions from the user or external environment.
Purpose: Converts external data into a digital format understandable by the computer.
2. Processing
instructions (programs).
Core Components: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU),
Memory (RAM)
Purpose: Acts as the "brain" of the computer, executing instructions to transform data into
useful outputs.
3. Output
Function: Displays or conveys processed data in a usable form to the user or another
system.
4. Storage
Types of Storage: Primary Storage (Volatile), RAM, Secondary Storage (Non-Volatile): Hard
Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid-State Drive (SSD), Optical Disks (CD/DVD) and Flash Drives,
Cloud Storage
Purpose: Ensures data persistence even after the computer is turned off.
1. Desktops
Description:
A desktop computer is a stationary computing device designed for use at a single location,
typically on a desk.
Key Characteristics:
Composed of separate components: monitor, CPU tower, keyboard, and mouse.
High performance and durability due to larger hardware components.
Easily upgradable and customizable.
Use Cases:
Home or office tasks, gaming, graphic design, and software development.
Advantages:
Powerful performance.
Cost-effective compared to laptops with similar specifications.
Limitations:
Lack of portability.
Requires a dedicated workspace.
2. Laptops
Description:
A portable, all-in-one computing device with an integrated screen, keyboard, and
touchpad.
Key Characteristics:
Lightweight and compact, designed for mobility.
Powered by rechargeable batteries or an AC adapter.
Typically less powerful than desktops of similar price ranges but offer adequate
performance for most users.
Use Cases:
Students, professionals, travelers, and remote workers.
Advantages:
Portability and convenience.
Wireless connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Limitations:
Limited upgrade options.
Smaller screens and keyboards may be less ergonomic.
3. Servers
Description:
A server is a specialized computer designed to provide services, manage resources,
or store data for other computers (clients) in a network.
Key Characteristics:
High processing power, large memory, and robust storage.
Operates 24/7 with minimal downtime.
Often housed in data centers, using server racks.
Use Cases:
Hosting websites, managing databases, running enterprise applications, and
supporting cloud services.
Advantages:
Reliable and scalable for multi-user environments.
Optimized for specific tasks like data processing or hosting.
Limitations:
Expensive and requires technical expertise to manage.
Not suitable for general-purpose computing.
4. Mobile Devices
Description:
Compact, handheld computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.
Key Characteristics:
Small form factor with touch-based interfaces.
Powered by mobile operating systems like Android, iOS, or HarmonyOS.
Integrates cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for connectivity.
Use Cases:
Communication, entertainment, navigation, and lightweight productivity tasks.
Advantages:
Highly portable and always connected.
User-friendly and designed for personal use.
Limitations:
Limited processing power and storage compared to desktops or laptops.
Shorter lifespan due to rapid technological advancements.
The hardware components of a computer are the physical parts that
instruction (programs).
Every memory cell has its own unique address and this address
Cache
Primary
RAM, ROM
Secondary
Hard disks, CD, DVD,
Floppy
MEMORY HIERARCHY OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
Primary
Memory
RAM ROM
any memory location can be accessed without going to any other memory
location.
It is a volatile memory.
The size of RAM is normally measured in terms of Giga Byte (GB) (1 GB, 2
a non-volatile memory.
system.
types of ROM:
They are affordable and available in large capacities but are slower
compared to SSDs.
Ideal for storing large amounts of data like documents, media, and
backups.
Solid-State Drives (SSDs):
Use flash memory with no moving parts, making
Applications:
Process the data with Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret commands
or queries.
Use machine learning to improve recognition over time.
Applications:
Hands-free operation in smart home devices (e.g., controlling lights, appliances).
Voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa) for information retrieval and task automation.
actions.
Applications:
Gaming for controlling character movements, actions, and immersive experiences.
Applications: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjgG0c94skg
Touchless navigation in smart TVs, laptops, and AR/VR applications.
Applications:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgiEdoEnPT4
3D modeling and design for artists and engineers.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for intuitive interaction.
Research:
Understanding brain function in neuroscience studies.
Working Principle:
field of view.
Working Principle:
AR Headsets (e.g., HoloLens): Overlay digital objects onto the real world
to fully immerse the user in a virtual environment, blocking out the physical
world.
3D spaces.
interaction.
Working Principle:
Healthcare:
precision is essential.
Robotics:
Controlling robotic arms with precise feedback for tasks like remote
such as heart rate, blood pressure, or glucose levels, using specialized sensors
(e.g., optical, electrochemical, or piezoelectric).
Signal Processing: The captured signals are converted into electrical signals.
Working Principle:
Applications:
tracking.
Working Principle:
a reader.
The reader emits radio waves, powering the tag, which then transmits
frequency.
2. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Scanners
Applications:
tracking.
3. Biometric Scanners (Fingerprint, Iris Scanners)
Working Principle:
Applications:
facilities.
Education:
Facilitates online teaching and note-taking with stylus-enabled devices.
Virtual Collaboration:
Enhancing real-time collaboration in virtual meetings or brainstorming
sessions.
Working Principle:
process data.
systems.
Working Principle:
The card reader generates a signal that powers the card’s chip to
Applications:
Audio Capture:
Signal Processing:
(ADC).
Command Execution:
Healthcare:
Navigation:
Applications:
Autonomous Vehicles: Detecting obstacles and navigating in real-time.
Working Principle:
Applications:
colors smoothly.
2. Laser Printers
Working Principle:
Laser printers use a laser beam to project an image of the
document onto a rotating drum coated with a photosensitive material.
The laser creates an electrostatic pattern on the drum, which attracts toner
(powdered ink) to the paper, creating the text or image.
The toner is then fused to the paper with heat and pressure.
Applications:
High-Volume Printing: Ideal for office environments that require fast and
efficient monochrome (or color) document printing.
Professional Documents: Used for printing high-quality text and graphics at a
high speed.
3. 3D Printers
Working Principle:
3D printers create objects layer by layer from digital designs.
They use materials such as plastic, metal, or resin, which are extruded
through a heated nozzle or cured with light to form solid layers.
The object is built up in successive layers based on a 3D digital model.
Applications:
Prototyping: Used in product development for creating physical
models of designs.
Medical Devices: Producing custom prosthetics and implants.
Manufacturing: For creating complex parts and models in industries
like aerospace and automotive.
1. DLP (Digital Light Processing) Projectors
Working Principle:
DLP projectors use Digital Micromirror Devices (DMD) chips, which consist
of thousands or even millions of tiny mirrors.
The mirrors tilt toward or away from the light source (such as a high-
intensity lamp or LED), reflecting light onto the screen.
A color wheel or LEDs are used to generate color, with the projected image
being created by rapidly switching the mirrors to form the full image.
Applications:
Home Theater Systems: Providing high-quality, bright images for movie
watching.
Business Presentations: Used in conference rooms for clear, sharp
presentations.
Cinema Projection: Often used in theaters for bright, high-definition
movie projections.
2. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Projectors
Working Principle:
LCD projectors use three liquid crystal panels (one for each primary color:
red, green, and blue) that control the passage of light through the crystals.
Light from a lamp or laser is passed through these panels, which modulate
the light and produce the image by varying the transparency of the liquid
crystals.
Applications:
Education: Used in classrooms and lecture halls for presentations.
Questions?