Chapter Summary:
Understanding the inner networkings of a computer is important if you are planning a career in
computers.
Transistors are the smallest hardware unit in a computer and are used to represent 1s and 0s in a
computer.
Transistors are arranged into circuits that provide basic Boolean Logic.
The BASIC Boolean operators can be implemented as digital circuits or gates; simple gates can be
combined to form complex circuits that perform specific functions.
The main circuits that make up the CPU are: adders, decoders, shifters and flip-flops.
Von Neumann architecture, characterized by a fetch-execute cycle and the 3 components of CPU,
memory, and I/O devices is the current standard for computers and has been for more than 60 years.
Mass storage is nonvolatile and used to store large amounts of data semi-permanently.
I/O systems consist of input devices, such as: keyboards, mice and output devices such as: monitors
and printers.
The CPU interfaces with I/O devices via techniques such as polling and interrupt handling.
Key Terms:
Truth table (105)
USB (122)
VLSI (115)
XOR (110)
(cont)
A table representing the inputs and outputs of a logic circuit; truth tables can represent basic logic circuits as well as complex ones
A high-speed interface between a computer and I/O devices; multiple USB devices can be plugged into a computer without having to
power off the computer.
The current point of evolution in the development of the I.C. VLSI chips typically have more than 100,000 transistors.
A logical operator that returns a true value if one, but not both of its operands is true.
The purpose of the main board is to house the CPU [actual computer] as well as the various slot that
allows memory and cards that allow peripheral devices to be connected to the motherboard.
Allowing the computer to have added functionality.
The purpose of the decoding circuit is to react to specific bit patterns by setting an output of 1 when the
pattern is recognized. Decoders are often used to select a memory location based on a binary address.
7.) What type of table is used to represent the inputs and outputs of a logic circuit?
Truth table.
Decoder
10.) Which gate is combined with an AND to form the NAND gate?
NOT.
11.) What symbol is used for the OR Boolean operator in a Boolean expression?
A bus is: A collection of conductors, connectors and protocols that facilitates communication between the
CPU, memory and I/O devices.
Control
Access
Data
The purpose of cache memory is to hold frequently accessed instructions and data in a computer to avoid
having to retrieve them from slower system DRAM.
15.) What part of the CPU is responsible for the mathematical operations?
ALU
16.) A ________________in computer terminology is a set of wires and protocols designed to facilitate
data transfer?
Bus
17.) Most computers these days use the _________________ bus.
PCI
18.) The ________________ contains instructions and data that provide the startup program for a
Computer.
BIOS
19.) High speed _________________ is used to speed processing in a computer system?
Cache memory
20.) The quality of a printer is measured in ________________
dpi