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Prescription:HF100 Hardware Fundamentals |
| Aim of Module | Students will gain an understanding of the operation of computer systems and of basic data communications.
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| Credits | 7
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| Suggested Time | 70 student learning hours
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| Prescription Expiry Date | Nov 2002
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| Note | THIS IS A COMPULSORY CBC MODULE
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Student Will
| | | | | C | 1 | Identify the main components of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), including internal memory, explain the way in which they interact, and describe an example of a current CPU. | | | C | 2 | Identify the main types of memory and storage and their characteristics, explain the various terms associated with these, and examine the various types of media used. | | | C | 3 | List the features and describe the operation and application of various input and output devices. | | | C | 4 | List the various categories of computers, identify their characteristics and examine their utilisation in modern applications. | | | C | 5 | Explain process control systems, the concept of ‘’real time’’ processing, event-driven systems, and the application of these systems. | | | C | 6 | Explain the basic principles of ergonomics and the environmental requirements for equipment. | | | C | 7 | Define the various terms and identify the characteristics of the equipment associated with data communications and networks and describe the application of each. | |
The use of local installations as examples, where applicable, is recommended. |
CONTENT
| | | | > | The interaction of the CPU components will be examined using the execution of a simple instruction sequence such as: input 2 numbers, add them, and output the sum. | | | | > | A selection of current CPUs will be compared in the following terms: | | | | | -name | | | -manufacturer | | | -word size | | | -bus width | | | -clock speed | | | -MIPS
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| | | | > | In examining the various types of memory and storage the purpose and use of each type will be explained.
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| | | | > | Input and output devices will include the following: | | | | | - keyboard | | | - mouse | | | - printer | | | - screen | | | | | and may include: | | | | | - modem | | | - scanner/digitiser | | | - optical reader | | | - voice recognition | | | - magnetic card reader | | | - plotter | | | - any other relevant device | |
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| | | | > | The various categories of computers from PCs to Mainframes will be examined in light of their differences including: | | | | | - size | | | - cost | | | - memory and storage capacity | | | - processing capability
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| | | | > | At least two examples of the application of these systems; eg. traffic light control, will be examined.
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| | | | > | The application of ergonomics to workstation design will include discussion about Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS). | | | | > | Equipment environmental requirements will include considerations such as: | | | | | - temperature control | | | - provision | | | - quality and stability of power supply
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| | | | > | Data communications terms will include: | | | | | - bandwidth | | | - baud/bit rate (and their units of measurement) | | | - frequency (and the unit of measurement) | | | - channel | | | - protocol | | | - host | | | - terminal | | | - local and remote | | | | > | Data communications equipment will include modems and multiplexers. | | | | > | Network terms will include: | | | | | - local area (LAN) | | | - wide area (WAN) | | | - switched (PSTN) | | | - packet switching (PSN) | | | - digital data network (DDN) | | | - Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) | | | | | and may include: | | | | | - frame relay | | | - asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) | | | - those associated with other current network protocols | | | | > | Network topologies will include: | | | | | - point-to-point | | | - multipoint | | | - star | | | - ring | | | - bus | | | - mesh | | | | > | Mention should be made of the practical implications and problems associated with the networking of terminal equipment.
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