Peripherals devices in computer organization:

Generally peripheral devices, however, are not essential for the computer to perform its basic tasks, they can be
thought of as an enhancement to the user’s experience. A peripheral device is a device that is connected to a
computer system but is not part of the core computer system architecture. Generally, more people use the term
peripheral more loosely to refer to a device external to the computer case.

What does peripheral device mean?

A peripheral device is defined as a device that provides input/output functions for a computer and serves as an
auxiliary computer device without computing-intensive functionality.

A peripheral device is also called a peripheral, computer peripheral, input-output device, or i/o device.

Classification of peripheral devices

It is generally classified into 3 basic categories which are given below:

1. Input devices:

The input device is defined as it converts incoming data and instructions into a pattern of electrical signals in
binary code that are comprehensible to a digital computer. Example:

Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone etc.

Keyboard: a keyboard is an input device that allows users to enter text and commands into a computer system.

Mouse: a mouse is an input device that allows users to control the cursor on a computer screen.

Scanner: a scanner is an input device that allows users to convert physical documents and images into digital
files.

Microphone: a microphone is an input device that allows users to record audio.

2. Output devices:

An output device is generally the reverse of the input process and generally translates the digitized signals into a
form intelligible to the user. The output device is also performed for sending data from one computer system to
another. For some time punched card and paper tape readers were extensively used for input, but these have
now been supplanted by more efficient devices.

Example:

Monitors, headphones, printers etc.

Monitor: a monitor is an output device that displays visual information from a computer system.

Printer: a printer is an output device that produces physical copies of documents or images.

Speaker: a speaker is an output device that produces audio.

3. Storage devices:

Storage devices are used to store data in the system which is required for performing any operation in the
system. The storage device is one of the most required devices and also provides better compatibility. Example:
Hard disk, magnetic tape, flash memory etc.

Hard drive: a hard drive is a storage device that stores data and files on a computer system.

Usb drive: a usb drive is a small, portable storage device that connects to a computer system to provide
additional storage space.

Memory card: a memory card is a small, portable storage device that is commonly used in digital cameras and
smartphones.

External hard drive: an external hard drive is a storage device that connects to a computer system to provide
additional storage space.

4. Communication devices:

Communication devices are used to connect a computer system to other devices or networks. Examples of
communication devices include:

modem: a modem is a communication device that allows a computer system to connect to the internet.
Network card: a network card is a communication device that allows a computer system to connect to a
network.
Router: a router is a communication device that allows multiple devices to connect to a network.

Advantages of peripherals devices

Peripherals devices provide more features due to this operation of the system is easy. These are given below:

• It is helpful for taking input very easily.

• It is also provided a specific output.

• It has a storage device for storing information or data

• It also improves the efficiency of the system.

Introduction to input-output interface

input-output interface is used as a method which helps in transferring of information between the internal
storage devices i.e. memory and the external peripheral device . A peripheral device is that which provide input
and output for the computer, it is also called input-output devices. For example: a keyboard and mouse provide
input to the computer are called input devices while a monitor and printer that provide output to the computer
are called output devices. Just like the external hard-drives, there is also availability of some peripheral devices
which are able to provide both input and output.
input-output interface

In micro-computer base system, the only purpose of peripheral devices is just to provide special communication
links for the interfacing them with the cpu. To resolve the differences between peripheral devices and cpu, there
is a special need for communication links.

The major differences are as follows:

1. The nature of peripheral devices is electromagnetic and electro-mechanical. The nature of the cpu is
electronic. There is a lot of difference in the mode of operation of both peripheral devices and cpu.

2. There is also a synchronization mechanism because the data transfer rate of peripheral devices are slow
than cpu.

3. In peripheral devices, data code and formats are differ from the format in the cpu and memory.

4. The operating mode of peripheral devices are different and each may be controlled so as not to disturb
the operation of other peripheral devices connected to cpu.

There is a special need of the additional hardware to resolve the differences between cpu and peripheral devices
to supervise and synchronize all input and output devices.

Functions of input-output interface:

1. It is used to synchronize the operating speed of cpu with respect to input-output devices.

2. It selects the input-output device which is appropriate for the interpretation of the input-output signal.

3. It is capable of providing signals like control and timing signals.

4. In this data buffering can be possible through data bus.

5. There are various error detectors.

6. It converts serial data into parallel data and vice-versa.

7. It also convert digital data into analog signal and vice-versa.

I/O Interface (Interrupt and DMA Mode)

The method that is used to transfer information between internal storage and external I/O devices is known as
I/O interface. The CPU is interfaced using special communication links by the peripherals connected to any
computer system. These communication links are used to resolve the differences between CPU and peripheral.
There exists special hardware components between CPU and peripherals to supervise and synchronize all the
input and output transfers that are called interface units.
Mode of Transfer:

The binary information that is received from an external device is usually stored in the memory unit. The
information that is transferred from the CPU to the external device is originated from the memory unit. CPU
merely processes the information but the source and target is always the memory unit. Data transfer between
CPU and the I/O devices may be done in different modes. Data transfer to and from the peripherals may be done
in any of the three possible ways

1. Programmed I/O.

2. Interrupt- initiated I/O.

3. Direct memory access( DMA).

Now let’s discuss each mode one by one.

1. Programmed I/O: It is due to the result of the I/O instructions that are written in the computer
program. Each data item transfer is initiated by an instruction in the program. Usually the transfer is
from a CPU register and memory. In this case it requires constant monitoring by the CPU of the
peripheral devices.

2.

Example of Programmed I/O: In this case, the I/O device does not have direct access to the memory
unit. A transfer from I/O device to memory requires the execution of several instructions by the CPU,
including an input instruction to transfer the data from device to the CPU and store instruction to
transfer the data from CPU to memory. In programmed I/O, the CPU stays in the program loop until the
I/O unit indicates that it is ready for data transfer. This is a time consuming process since it needlessly
keeps the CPU busy. This situation can be avoided by using an interrupt facility.