Lecture 5

FCCS1003 Computer Studies
FCCS1003
Computer Studies
Week 5:
The Components of System
Unit
Objectives
Differentiate among various styles Differentiate among the various
of system units types of memory
Identify chips, adapter cards, and other Describe the types of expansion slots and
components of a motherboard adapter cards
Describe the components of a processor and how Explain the differences among a serial port, a parallel
they complete a machine cycle port, a USB port, a FireWire port, and other ports
Identify characteristics of various personal Describe how buses contribute to a

computer processors on the market today computer’s processing speed
Define a bit and describe how a series of bits Identify components in mobile computers
represents data and mobile devices
Explain how programs transfer in

Understand how to clean a system unit
and out of memory
What Computers Do
Receive Process Produce

Information Output
Input
What Computers Do
Store Information
Process Information
 The processor, or
central processing
unit (CPU), processes
information and
performs all the
necessary arithmetic
calculations.
The CPU is like the
“brain” of the
computer.
Store Information
 Memory and storage devices

are used to store information
 Primary storage is the

computer’s
main memory
 Secondary storage uses

disks or other media
The System Unit

 What is the
system unit?
 Case that contains
electronic
components of the
computer used
to process data
 Sometimes called
the chassis
The System Unit

 What are common components inside
the system unit?
power supply drive bays
 Processor
 Memory processo
 Adapter cards
 Sound card ports memor
 Video card
 Ports
 Drive bays
 Power supply
video card sound card
The System Unit

 What is the
motherboard
?
 Main circuit
board in system
unit
 Contains adapter
cards, processor
chips, and
memory chips
 Also called
system board
The System Unit

 What is a chip?
 Small piece of semi-conducting material
on which integrated circuits are etched
 Integrated circuits contain many microscopic
pathways capable of carrying electrical current
 Chips are packaged so they can be

attached to a circuit board
Chip Circuit
Processor
 What is the central processing unit
(CPU)?
 Interprets and carries out basic
instructions that operate a computer
 Control unit directs and coordinates
operations in computer
 Arithmetic logic unit
(ALU) performs
arithmetic, comparison,
and logical operations
 Also called the processor

Processor
Processor
Control
Control Arithmetic
Arithmetic
Unit
Unit Logic Unit
Logic Unit (ALU)
(ALU)
Instructions
Data
Informatio
n
Input Output
Devices
Data Memory Information
Devices
Instructions
Data
Informatio
n
Storage
Devices
Processor
 What is a machine cycle?
 Four operations of the CPU comprise a
machine cycle Step 1. Fetch
Obtain program instruction
or data item from memory
Memory
Step 2.
Step 4. Store Decode
Write result to memory Translate
instruction into
Processor commands
ALU Control Unit
Step 3.
Execute
Carry out command
Processor
 What is pipelining?
 CPU begins fetching second instruction
before completing machine cycle for first
instruction
 Results in faster processing
Processor
 What is a register?
 Temporary high-speed storage area that holds
data and instructions
Stores location
from where instruction
was fetched
Stores Stores data
instruction while it is while ALU
being decoded computes it
Stores results
of calculation
Processor
 What is the system clock?
 Controls timing of all computer operations
 Generates regular electronic pulses, or ticks,
that set operating pace of components of
system unit
Pace of system
clock is clock speed Processor speed can
Each tick Most clock speeds are also be measured in
is a in the gigahertz (GHz) millions of instructions
clock cycle range (1 GHz = one per second (MIPS)
billion ticks of system
clock per second)
Processor
 What are dual-core and multi-core
processors?
 A dual-core processor is a single chip

that contains two
separate processors
 A multi-core processor is a chip with two
or more
separate processors
 Each processor on a dual-core/multi-core
chip generally
runs at a slower clock speed, but
increase overall performance
p. 190
Processor
 Which processor should you select?
Processor
 What are heat
sinks, heat pipes,
and liquid cooling?
 Heat sink—
component
with fins that cools
processor
 Heat pipe—smaller
device for notebook
computers
 Liquid cooling—uses
a continuous flow
of fluids to transfer
heat away
Processor
 What is Control Processor
parallel
processing?
 Using multiple Processor 1 Processor 2 Processor 3 Processor 4
processors Memory Memory Memory Memory
simultaneously
to execute a
program faster
 Requires special Results combined
software to
divide problem
and bring
results together
Latest Processors (Quad Core)

Exercise: (True/False)
 A computer chip is a small piece of semi-
conducting material, on which integrated
circuits etched.
 Four basic operations in a machine cycle

are: compare, decode, execute, and
pipeline.
 Processors contain motherboard and

arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
 The central processing unit, sometimes called a
system board, is the main circuit board of the
system unit.
 The pace of the system clock, called the clock

speed, is measured by the number of ticks per
minute.
 The system unit is a case that contains

mechanical components of the computer used to
process data.
Data Representation
 How do computers represent data?
 Most computers are digital
 Recognize only two
discrete states: on
or off
 Use a binary system
to recognize two
states
 Use Number system
with two unique
digits: 0 and 1,
called bits (short for
binary digits)
Data Representation
 What is a byte?
 Eight bits grouped together as a unit
 Provides enough different combinations of
0s and 1s to represent 256 individual
characters
 Numbers
 Uppercase
and lowercase
letters
 Punctuation
marks
 Other
What
Data Representation
are three popular coding systems to
represent data?
 ASCII—American Standard Code for Information Interchange
 EBCDIC—Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code
 Unicode—coding scheme capable of representing all
world’s languages
ASCII Symbol EBCDIC

00110000 0 11110000
00110001 1 11110001
00110010 2 11110010
00110011 3 11110011
Data Representation
 How is a letter converted to binary
form and back? Step 2.
An electronic signal for the
Step 1.
The user presses capital letter T is sent to the
the capital letter T system unit.
(shift+T key) on
the keyboard.
T
Step 3.
Step 4. The signal for the capital letter T
After processing, the binary is converted to its ASCII binary
code for the capital letter T is code (01010100) and is stored in
converted to an image, and memory for processing.
displayed on the output device.
Memory
 What is memory?
 Electronic components
that store instructions,
data, and results
 Consists of one or
more chips on
motherboard or
other circuit board
 Each byte stored
in unique location
called an address,
similar to seats in a
concert hall
Memory
Memory
 How is memory measured?
 By number of bytes available for storage
Term Abbreviation Approximate Size

Kilobyte KB or K 1 thousand bytes
Megabyte MB 1 million bytes
Gigabyte GB 1 billion bytes
Terabyte TB 1 trillion bytes
Memory
 What is random access memory
(RAM)? Memory chips that can be
read from and written
to by processor
Most RAM is
Also called
volatile, it is lost
main memory
when computer’s
or primary
power is
storage
turned off
The more RAM a

computer has, the
faster it responds
Memory
How do program instructions transfer in and
out of RAM? Step 1. When you start the computer, certain
RAM
operating system files are loaded into RAM from
Operating system Operating system the hard disk. The operating system displays the
instructions interface user interface on the screen.
Step 2. When you start a Web browser, the

program’s instructions are loaded into RAM from
Web browser Web browser the hard disk. The Web browser window is
displayed on the screen.
instructions window
Step 3. When you start a word processing
program, the program’s instructions are loaded
Word processing into RAM from the hard disk. The word
Word processing processing program, along with the Web Browser
program
program window and certain operating system instructions are in
instructions
RAM. The word processing program window is
displayed on the screen.
RAM
Step 4. When you quit a program, such as
the Web browser, its program instructions are
removed from RAM. The Web browser is no
longer displayed on the screen.
Web browser program Web browser

instructions are window is no longer
removed from RAM displayed on
desktop
Memory
 What are two basic types of RAM
chips? Do not have to
Most
Most
be re-energized
common
as often as
type
DRAM
Dynamic
Faster and
Must be RAM more reliable
re-energized
(DRAM) than DRAM
constantly Static chips
RAM
 Newer Type: (SRAM)
Magnetoresistive RAM
(MRAM)
Types of RAM
➼ Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – A memory chip that
needs to be refreshed periodically or it will
lose its data
 Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) is synchronized
with the computer’s system clock
 Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) uses a fast bus to
send and receive data within one clock cycle. It
is faster than SDRAM
 Double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) is a
type of SDRAM that can send and receive data
within one clock cycle
Memory dual inline memory module
 Where does memory

reside?
 Resides on small circuit
board called memory
module
 Memory slots on memory slot
motherboard hold memory chip
memory modules
Memory
 How much RAM does an
application require?
 Depends on the types of software you
plan to use
 For optimal performance, you need
more than minimum specifications
Memory
 How much RAM do you need?
 Depends on type of applications you
intend to run on your computer
RAM 256 MB to 1 GB 512 MB to 2 GB 2 GB and up

Use • Home and business • Users requiring more advanced • Power users creating
users managing multimedia capabilities professional Web sites
personal finance • Running numberintensive • Running sophisticated
• Using standard accounting, financial, or CAD, 3D design, or
application software spreadsheet programs other graphicsintensive
such as word processing • Using voice recognition software
• Using educational • Working with videos, music, and
or entertainment digital imaging
CDROMs • Creating Web sites
• Communicating with • Participating in video conferences
others on the Web • Playing Internet games
Memory
 What is cache?
 Helps speed computer processes by storing
frequently used instructions and data
 Also called memory cache
 L1 cache built into processor
 L2 cache slower but has larger
capacity
 L2 advanced transfer cache is
faster, built directly on
processor chip
 L3 cache is separate from
processor chip on motherboard
(L3 is only
on computers that use L2
advanced transfer cache)
Memory
 What is read-only memory (ROM)?
Memory chips that store Nonvolatile memory, it is not
permanent data lost when computer’s
and instructions power is turned off
EEPROM
Three types: (electrically
erasable programmable
read-only memory)—
Firmware— Type of PROM
Manufactured with containing microcode
permanently written PROM
programmer
data, instructions, (programmable can erase
or information read-only
memory)—
Blank ROM
chip onto which
a programmer
can write permanently
Memory
 What is flash memory?
 Nonvolatile memory that can be erased electronically and
rewritten
 Used with PDAs, smart phones, printers, digital cameras,

automotive devices, audio players, digital
Step 3.vocie recorders,
Plug the headphones into the MP3
Step and
1. pagers player, push a button on the MP3
Purchase and download MP3 music tracks flash memory player, and listen to the music through
from a Web site. With one end of a special chips the headphones.
cable connected to the system unit, connect
the other end into the MP3 player.
USB port
Step 2.
Instruct the computer to copy the MP3 music track
MP3 Player
to the flash memory chip in the MP3 player.
Memory
 What is CMOS?
Complementary Used in some

metal-oxide RAM chips, flash
semiconductor memory chips, and
memory other types of
memory chips
Uses battery Stores date,

power to retain time, and
information when computer’s
other power is startup
turned off information
Memory
 What is access time?
 Measured in nanoseconds (ns),
one billionth of a second
 Amount of time it takes processor
to read data from memory

 It takes 1/10 of a second to blink
your eye; a computer can perform
up to 10 million operations in
same amount of time
Term Speed
Millisecond Onethousandth of a second
Microsecond Onemillionth of a second
Nanosecond Onebillionth of a second
Picosecond Onetrillionth of a second
 A gigabyte (GB) equals
approximately 1 trillion bytes.
 Memory cache helps speed the

processes of the computer because it
stores seldom used instructions and
data.
 Most computers are analog, which means
they recognize only two discrete states: on
and off.
 Most RAM retains its contents when the

power is removed from the computer.
 Read-only memory (ROM) refers to

memory chips storing temporary data and
instructions.
Expansion Slots and Adapter

Cards
 What is an adapter card?
 Enhances system unit or provides
connections to external devices called
peripherals
 Also called an expansion card

Cards
 What is an
expansion slot?
 An opening, or
socket,
on the
motherboard
that can hold an
adapter card
 With Plug and Play,
the computer
automatically
configures cards

Cards
 What are PC cards, and
flash memory cards?
 A PC card adds memory,
storage, sound,
fax/modem,
communications, and
other capabilities to
notebook computers
 A flash memory card
allows users to transfer
data from mobile devices
to desktop computers
Ports and Connectors

 What are ports and connectors?
 Port connects external devices to system unit
 Connector joins cable to peripheral
 Available in one of two genders: male and female

 What are different types of
connectors?

 What is a serial port?
 Transmits one bit of data
at a time
 Connects slow-speed
devices, such as mouse,
keyboard, modem

 What is a parallel
port?
 Connects devices that
can transfer more than
one bit at a time, such
as a printer

 What are USB ports?
USB (universal serial bus) port can connect
up to 127 different peripherals together
with a single connector type
PCs typically have Third USB

six to eight USB ports Single USB port can device connects
be used to attach to second USB
on front or back of device, and so on
the system unit multiple peripherals
in a daisy chain
Second USB
device connects
to first USB
First USB device
USB 2.0 device connects
to USB port
on computer

 What are FireWire ports?
 Connects multiple types of devices that
require faster data transmission speeds
 Allows you to connect up to 63 devices
together

 What are special-purpose ports?
 Allow users to attach specialized peripherals
or transmit data to wireless devices
 MIDI (Musical
Instrument Digital
Interface) port
 SCSI (small
computer system
interface) port
 IrDA (Infrared Data
Association) port
 Bluetooth port
Buses
 What is a bus?
 Channel that allows
devices inside computer
to communicate with
each other
 System bus connects
processor and RAM
 Bus width determines
number of bits
transmitted at one time
 Word size is the
number of
bits processor can
interpret
and execute at a given
time
Buses
 What is an expansion bus?
 Allows processor to communicate with external
peripherals attached to the adapter card.
 Data from external device goes to expansion
bus and system bus and finally to memory or
processor.
PC Card FireWire USB AGP PCI

Bus Bus Bus Bus Bus
Bays
 What is a
bay?
 Open area
inside system
unit used to
install
additional
equipment
 Drive bays
typically hold
disk drives
Power Supply
 What is a power supply?
Converts Fan keeps

AC Power system unit
into components
DC Power cool
External peripherals
might use an AC
adapter, which is an
external power supply
Mobile Computers and Devices

 What is a mobile
computer?
 Notebook, weighing
between 2.5 and 9
pounds, or mobile
device such as a
PDA

 What ports are on a notebook computer?

 What ports and slots are on a tablet
PC?
Putting It All Together

What are suggested processor, clock
speed, and RAM requirements based on
the needs of various types of users?
Keeping Your Computer Clean

Over time, the system unit collects dust
– even in a clean environment
 Preventative maintenance requires a few basic
products:
 An AC adapter is a socket on the
motherboard that can hold an adapter
card.
 Built into the power supply is a heater that

keeps components of the system unit
warm.
 Serial ports can connects up to 127

different peripherals together with a single
connector.
Summary of the Components of the
System Unit
Components of the system unit

Comparison of various personal computer
processors on the market today
How memory stores data, instructions,
and information
How to clean a system unit
Sequence of operations that occur when a
computer executes an instruction

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FCCS1003 Computer Studies

Identify characteristics of various personal Describe how buses contribute to a

Explain how programs transfer in

Receive Process Produce

 Memory and storage devices

 Primary storage is the

 Secondary storage uses

The System Unit

The System Unit

The System Unit

The System Unit

 Chips are packaged so they can be

 Also called the processor

 A dual-core processor is a single chip

Latest Processors (Quad Core)

 Four basic operations in a machine cycle

 Processors contain motherboard and

 The pace of the system clock, called the clock

 The system unit is a case that contains

ASCII Symbol EBCDIC

Term Abbreviation Approximate Size

The more RAM a

Step 2. When you start a Web browser, the

Web browser program Web browser

Memory dual inline memory module

 Where does memory

motherboard hold memory chip

RAM 256 MB to 1 GB 512 MB to 2 GB 2 GB and up

 Used with PDAs, smart phones, printers, digital cameras,

Complementary Used in some

Uses battery Stores date,

to read data from memory

 Memory cache helps speed the

 Most RAM retains its contents when the

 Read-only memory (ROM) refers to

Expansion Slots and Adapter

Expansion Slots and Adapter

Expansion Slots and Adapter

Ports and Connectors

Ports and Connectors

Ports and Connectors

Ports and Connectors

Ports and Connectors

PCs typically have Third USB

Ports and Connectors

Ports and Connectors

PC Card FireWire USB AGP PCI

Converts Fan keeps

Mobile Computers and Devices

Mobile Computers and Devices

Mobile Computers and Devices

Putting It All Together

Keeping Your Computer Clean

 Built into the power supply is a heater that

 Serial ports can connects up to 127

Components of the system unit

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