PC HARDWARE

TASK-1
Identification of the peripherals of a computer, components of a CPU and its functions. Draw the block diagram of
the CPU along with the configuration of each peripheral.

Peripheral devices of a computer:

A peripheral device is a hardware attached to a computer system that provides the system with extra functions but
does not contribute to its primary function. Peripheral devices are controlled by the computer system they're
attached to, but they're not considered its core components. They are of three types, they are:
➢ Input Peripheral Devices
➢ Output Peripheral Devices
➢ Storage Peripheral Devices

1.Input Peripheral Devices:

• OCR (Optical Character Recognition) - It is a technology that recognizes text within a digital image. It is
commonly used to recognize text in scanned documents and images. OCR software can be used to convert a
physical paper document, or an image into an accessible electronic version with text.
• OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) – It is a technology that enables software to recognize marks made on
paper documents, such as forms that contain checkmarks, bubbles, or boxes. Basically, OMR determines
checkbox states and whether they are selected.
• MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) - It's a technology used in banking to facilitate the processing
of checks. MICR technology allows computers to read and interpret information printed with magnetic ink on
the bottom of checks. This information typically includes the bank's routing number, the customer's account
number, and the check number. MICR readers, which are specialized devices, can quickly and accurately
capture this data, making check processing faster and more efficient.
• Microphone - A microphone in a computer is a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals,
which can then be processed and interpreted by the computer. Microphones are commonly used for various
purposes, including voice communication, recording audio, voice commands for virtual assistants, and audio
input for speech recognition software. They are essential components for activities such as making voice or
video calls, recording podcasts, creating music, and conducting video conferences. Microphones can be built
into laptops, desktop computers, webcams, or external devices that connect to a computer via USB or other
ports.
• Barcode Reader - A barcode reader, also known as a barcode scanner, is a device used to capture and read
information encoded in barcode symbols. These devices are commonly used in various industries for tasks
such as inventory management, retail sales, and document tracking.

2.Output Peripheral Devices:

• Monitor - A monitor is a display device that visually presents information from a computer. It allows users to
view text, images, videos, and graphical interfaces generated by the computer's graphics card. Monitors come
in various sizes and resolutions, ranging from small screens for personal use to large, high-definition displays
for professional applications.
• Printer - A printer is a peripheral device that produces physical copies of digital documents or images on
paper. It accepts data from a computer and transfers it onto paper using various printing technologies such as
inkjet, laser, or thermal. Printers are widely used for tasks such as printing documents, photos, and other visual
materials.
• Speaker - A speaker is a device that converts electrical signals into sound waves, producing audio output. It is
commonly used in computers, audio systems, and other electronic devices to play music, speech, or other
audio content.
• Digital Web Camera – A digital webcam is a camera device that captures video and images and transmits
them in real-time over the internet. It's commonly used for video conferencing, live streaming, and video calls,
enabling users to communicate visually over computer networks.
• Headphones - Headphones are audio output devices worn over the ears that convert electrical signals into
sound waves, allowing users to listen to audio privately. They are commonly used with computers,
smartphones, and other devices for listening to music, watching videos, or engaging in phone calls without
disturbing others.

3.Storage Peripheral Devices:

• Floppy Drives - Floppy drives are storage devices that read and write data to floppy disks, which are thin,
flexible magnetic storage media. They were commonly used in older computer systems for storing and
transferring small amounts of data before being largely replaced by more efficient and higher-capacity storage
technologies like CDs, USB drives, and cloud storage.
• CD Drives - CD drives are optical disc drives that read and write data to compact discs (CDs), which store
digital information using laser technology. They were widely used in computers for installing software,
playing music CDs, and storing data before being largely replaced by DVD and Blu-ray drives, as well as
digital distribution methods.
• Tape Drives - Tape drives are data storage devices that use magnetic tape to store and retrieve digital
information. They were commonly used for backup and archival purposes due to their high capacity and
relatively low cost per gigabyte, although they have become less prevalent with the advent of more efficient
storage technologies like hard drives and cloud storage.

Components of a CPU:
1. Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that houses essential components
such as the CPU, memory, and connectors for peripherals. It provides the platform for these components to
communicate and interact, facilitating the computer's functionality.
2.Power Supply: The power supply unit (PSU) is a hardware component that converts electrical power from an
external source into usable power for the computer's internal components. It provides regulated voltage and current
to ensure stable operation and proper functioning of the computer system.

3.Floppy Disc: A floppy disk is a thin, flexible magnetic storage medium used to store digital data. Commonly
used in older computer systems, floppy disks have low storage capacity compared to modern storage technologies
like USB drives and are largely obsolete in contemporary computing.
4.Hard Disc: A hard disk drive (HDD) is a data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve
digital information. It consists of one or more spinning disks coated with magnetic material and read/write heads
that move across the disk's surface to access and modify data.

5.Optical Disc: Optical discs are storage media that use laser technology to read and write data. Common types
include CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, which are widely used for distributing software, movies, music, and other
digital content.

6.System Fan: System fans are cooling components in computers that circulate air to dissipate heat generated
by internal components, such as the CPU and GPU. They help maintain optimal operating temperatures,
preventing overheating and ensuring stable performance.
7.Heat Sink: A heat sink is a passive cooling device that absorbs and disperses heat generated by computer
components, such as the CPU or GPU. It typically consists of metal fins or plates that increase the surface area for
heat dissipation, often coupled with a fan for enhanced cooling.

8.Processors(CPU): A processor, also known as a central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of a computer
responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It interprets instructions fetched from memory
and carries out operations like arithmetic, logic, and input/output control. Processors come in various architectures
and speeds, influencing the overall performance and capabilities of a computer system. They are crucial components
in determining the speed and efficiency of tasks performed by computers.
9.RAM Modules: RAM modules, or Random Access Memory modules, are hardware components that provide
temporary storage for data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly. They allow for fast read and write
operations, facilitating efficient multitasking and enhancing overall system performance.

10.Socket 478: Socket 478 is a CPU socket used in older Intel Pentium 4 and Celeron processors. It features 478
pins and supports a front-side bus speed of up to 800 MHz, making it compatible with various early 2000s desktop
and mobile systems.

11.North Bridge: The Northbridge is a chipset component in older computer architectures responsible for
connecting the CPU to high-speed peripherals like RAM and PCIe devices. It manages data traffic between the
CPU, RAM, and other components, facilitating efficient communication within the system.

12.South Bridge: The Southbridge is a chipset component in older computer architectures responsible for
connecting lower-speed peripherals like USB, SATA, and audio devices to the CPU and system memory. It handles
input/output operations and provides interfaces for various connectivity options, enhancing the functionality of the
computer system.
13.CMOS Battery: The CMOS battery is a small, round, cell-like battery found on the motherboard of a
computer. It provides power to the CMOS memory, which stores BIOS settings and maintains the system clock even
when the computer is powered off.

14.Primary & Secondary (IDE-1 & IDE-2): Primary and secondary IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)
channels are controller interfaces on older motherboards used to connect IDE devices like hard drives and optical
drives. IDE-1 typically serves as the primary channel, supporting the main hard drive, while IDE-2 serves as the
secondary channel for additional drives.

15.Input & Output Ports: Input ports on a computer are used to connect devices that send information to the
computer, like keyboards and mice, while output ports connect devices that receive information from the computer,
such as monitors and printers. These ports enable communication between the computer and external peripherals,
facilitating data exchange and user interaction.
 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

16.AGP Slot & AGP Card: AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slots and cards were used in older computer
systems to connect graphics cards. The AGP slot on the motherboard provided a high-speed interface for the AGP
card, allowing for faster graphics processing and improved gaming and multimedia performance.

17.CI Slots &PCI (expansion) Cards: CI (Common Interface) slots are used in TVs and set-top boxes to
insert Conditional Access Modules (CAMs) for decrypting encrypted TV channels. PCI (Peripheral Component
Interconnect) expansion cards are used in computers to add functionality such as additional USB port, network
adapters, or sound cards by plugging into PCI slots on the motherboard.
18.BIOS Chips: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) chips store firmware that initializes hardware components
and boots the operating system when a computer starts. They contain instructions essential for the computer's basic
operations and settings configuration.

19.ATX Power Connector: The ATX power connector is a standardized power supply connector used in
desktop computers and some other electronic devices. It delivers electrical power from the power supply unit to the
motherboard, providing the necessary voltage levels for the system to operate.

20.Floppy Connector: The floppy connector is a legacy power connector used to provide power to floppy disk
drives in older computer systems. It supplies the necessary voltage and current to the floppy drive motor and other
components for reading and writing data to floppy disks.
21.Bus Cables (or) Data Cables: Bus cables, also known as data cables, are used to transmit data between
various components within a computer system. They facilitate communication between devices such as the
motherboard, hard drives, optical drives, and other peripherals, enabling data transfer and control signals to flow
seamlessly throughout the system.

22.SMPs: SMPs, or Symmetric Multiprocessing systems, are computer architectures where multiple processors
share access to memory and other resources. They enable parallel processing, allowing tasks to be divided among
multiple processors for improved performance and efficiency.
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF CPU:

INPUT DEVICES:
▪ Keyboard - A keyboard is a peripheral input device used for typing text and issuing commands to a
computer. It consists of a set of keys, each representing a specific character, function, or command, and is
essential for interacting with computers and other electronic devices.

▪ Mouse - A mouse is a peripheral input device used to navigate graphical user interfaces by moving a cursor
on a screen. It typically has buttons for clicking and scrolling, allowing users to interact with and control
computers and other devices more intuitively.
 ▪ Joystick - A joystick is an input device primarily used for controlling the movement of objects in video
games and simulations. It typically consists of a handheld stick that can be tilted or rotated in various
directions to manipulate on-screen characters or vehicles.

OUTPUT DEVICES:
▪ Monitor - A monitor is a display device that visually presents information from a computer, allowing users
to view text, images, videos, and graphical interfaces. It's essential for visualizing and interacting with
digital content on computers and other electronic devices.

This Photo by Unknown Autor is licensed under CC BY-NC

▪ Printer - A printer is a device that produces physical copies of digital documents or images on paper. It
accepts data from a computer and transfers it onto paper using various printing technologies such as inkjet,
laser, or thermal.
 ▪ Speakers - Speakers are audio output devices that convert electrical signals into sound waves, allowing
users to listen to audio content. They are commonly used in computers, audio systems, and other electronic
devices for playing music, videos, and other audio content.
CC

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

CONTROL UNIT:
The control unit is a component of the CPU responsible for directing and coordinating the execution of instructions.
It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and controls the flow of data within the CPU and between other
hardware components. Essentially, it acts as the brain of the CPU, managing the execution of program instructions.

ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU) :

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a fundamental component of the CPU responsible for performing arithmetic
and logical operations on data. It can perform basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division, as well as logical operations like AND, OR, and NOT. The ALU takes input from the
CPU's registers, processes the data according to the instructions provided by the control unit, and outputs the result
back to the registers or memory. Essentially, it is the core computational engine of the CPU, performing the
calculations required by the computer program being executed.

MEMORY UNIT:
The memory unit in a computer system refers to the storage devices that hold data and instructions for processing by
the CPU. It includes both primary memory (such as RAM) and secondary memory (like hard drives and SSDs).
Primary memory is volatile and used for temporary storage, while secondary memory is non-volatile and provides
long-term storage. The CPU accesses data and instructions stored in memory for processing, with the memory unit
acting as the bridge between the CPU and storage devices. Efficient memory management is crucial for optimal
system performance and responsiveness.