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Student Name: ________________________

Unit 3: Systems

Lesson 3: Reverse Engineering

File 3.3.3: Reverse Engineering Worksheet

Below is a list of the steps in the reverse engineering process. Document your work as you
reverse engineer the product.

Prediction
What is the purpose of this product? To entertain the user by playing or activating a game
that was made for the PS4.
How does it work? It uses an x86 architecture that is commonly used in PCs models so that
the ps4 can adapt to games that is usually used for the PCs.
What market was it designed to appeal to? It was to appeal to Sony
List some of the design objectives for the product. It was supposed to be a smother faster
system than the previous system the ps3 and can beyond what a ps3 can do by having
games look more real and smoother than the other games.
List some of the constraints that may have influenced the design.
Wonder what they could do better.
Thought what if they can make the graphics in the PC games can they transfer them
to the ps4.

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

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Observation (before you take it apart)
How do you think it works? It uses a large chip that is the x86 architecture so that the
ps4 can you games that is for the PC models.
How does it meet design objectives (overall)? It can obtain high graphic games and is
compatible with them and is very fast when it comes to all the games.
Why is it designed the way it is? So it can carry the architecture chip inside so it can be
used for more options since its supposed to be the next generation of the game system.
Disassemble
How does it work? Under the PS4's hood you'll find an 8-core AMD Jaguar X86 64-bit
processor. It will also have a whole lot of RAM, in the form of 8GB (gigabytes) of GDDR5
(Graphics Double Data Rate, version 5) RAM. Crucially, that RAM is shared between the 64bit CPU and an AMD Radeon GPU (graphics processing unit). Although the model of the GPU
hasn't been named, Sony indicated that this chip is capable of about 2 teraflops of
computing performance. All the technical talk aside, what all of this means is that with the
PS4, you're getting the equivalent of a pretty powerful desktop computer but one that's
geared towards optimizing graphics-intensive gameplay.
How is it made? With a 8-core AMD Jaguar x86-64 CPU Then having a 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD
Radeon Graphics Core Next Engine GPU/ Also with an 8 GB GDDR5 RAM/500 GB removable
and upgradable hard drive storage with a 802.11 b/g/n Wireless and Bluetooth 2.1 and
aUSB 3.0 + Ethernet 10/100/1000 the last one is the 1.21 Gigawatt Flux Capacitor.

Part Name

Quantity

8-core AMD Jaguar x86-64

CPU
1.84 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon
Graphics Core Next Engine
GPU
8 GB GDDR5 RAM
500 GB removable and
upgradable hard drive storage
802.11 b/g/n Wireless and
Bluetooth 2.1
USB 3.0 + Ethernet
10/100/1000
1.21 Gigawatt Flux Capacitor

Material

Function

Chip

Allow it to
play as a PC

RAM
Hard drive

Memory
Memory

Bluetooth

Allow its HD
quality

Overall
Dimensions

Core
Technology

USB
Flux
capacitor

Storage

Any surprises? It has a 1.21 Gigawatt Flux Capacitor with a USB 3.0 + Ethernet
Analyze
Carefully examine and analyze subsystems (i.e. structural, mechanical, and electrical)
and develop annotated sketches that include measurements and notes on components,
system design, safety, and controls. (Attach sketches to this sheet.)
Test
2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

3
Carefully reassemble the product.
Operate the device and record observations about its performance in terms of
functionality (operational and ergonomic) and projected durability.

Documentation
Design (functionality, form (geometry), and materials)

List the major flaws and major successes of the product.

Flaws: Pausing and Queuing Downloads 2.) Dynamic Themes 3.) No YouTube Support
Successes: it has sold more than seven million units in the first six months

of

being on the market. The PS2, in its 13 years, saw over 155 million units
being taken off the shelves by consumers.

Identify any refinements that might enhance the products usefulness. Consider material
choice, manufacturing methods, safety, durability, usability.
A more reliable way to enchance the downloadable process and not have it delayed or pausing.

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

4
The following rubric will be used to assess your
Category
Below Target
The student makes
an unreasonable
Prediction
prediction concerning
how the product
should operate.
The student makes
unreasonable
observations
Observation
concerning how the
product was
designed.
The student
disassembles the
Disassembly
product and records
how some of the
parts work.
The student sketches
and records
information about
Analysis
some of the parts,
their sizes, and how
they are designed
and work.
The student
reassembles the
product and records
Testing
some observations
concerning
performance.
The student
assembles a
notebook containing
some of the
documentation from
the procedures
Documentation
above.

extension activity:
At Target
The student makes a
reasonable prediction
concerning how the
product should
operate.
The student makes
reasonable
observations
concerning how the
product was
designed.
The student
disassembles the
product and records
how many of the
parts work.
The student sketches
and records
information about
most of the parts,
their sizes, and how
they are designed
and work.
The student
reassembles the
product and records
observations
concerning
performance.
The student
assembles a
notebook containing
all the
documentation from
the procedures
above.

Above Target
The student makes
accurate predictions
concerning how the
product should
operate.
The student makes
accurate
observations
concerning how the
product was
designed.
The student
disassembles the
product and records
how all of the parts
work.
The student sketches
and records
information about all
of the parts, their
sizes, and how they
are designed and
work.
The student expertly
reassembles the
product and records
detailed observations
concerning
performance.
The student
assembles a
notebook containing
all the
documentation from
the procedures
above. Additionally,
the student includes
schematics, lists, and
recommendations for
refinements and
upgrades.

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design