Chapter 3 exercises
Activity 3.1
Q1a. The architecture has three buses: the data bus, the address bus, and the
control bus.
Q1b. The data bus is used to transfer data between the CPU and memory. It is
bidirectional, meaning that data can be transferred in both directions.
The address bus is used to specify a physical memory address. It is unidirectional,
meaning that data can only be transferred from the CPU to memory.
The control bus is used to transfer control signals between the CPU and other
components of the computer. It carries signals such as read/write signals,
interrupt signals, and clock signals.
Q1c. The bus width and clock speed of a computer can affect its performance in
different ways.
The bus width determines the amount of data that can be transferred between the CPU
and memory at one time. A wider bus allows more data to be transferred at once,
which can improve performance. For example, a 32-bit bus can transfer 32 bits of
data at once, while a 64-bit bus can transfer 64 bits of data at once.
The clock speed determines how fast the CPU can process instructions. A faster
clock speed allows the CPU to process more instructions per second, which can
improve performance. For example, a CPU with a clock speed of 3 GHz can process 3
billion instructions per second.
Q2. The CPU fetches data and instructions required for an application and
temporarily stores them in the cache until they can be processed. The program
counter is used to hold the address of the next instruction to be executed. This
address is copied to the instruction register using the memory address register.
The contents at this address are stored in the memory data register. Each
instruction is then decoded and finally executed by sending out control signals
using the control unit. Any calculations carried out are done using the arithmetic
logic unit (ALU). During any calculations, data is temporarily held in a special
purpose register known as the accumulator.
Activity 3.2
Q1a. Overclock the CPU: Overclocking is a process of increasing the clock speed of
your CPU beyond its default settings. This can help improve CPU performance but it
also comes with risks such as overheating and instability.
Q1b. An instruction set is a set of hard-coded operations that the CPU can perform.
These operations can be, for example, adding two numbers together, jumping to a
different part of the program, or comparing two values. Each operation a computer
can perform is uniquely represented by an opcode.
2a. The inputs needed by the embedded system in a GPS navigation system in a car
include:
GPS receiver
Maps
Compass
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Speedometer
Clock
The outputs produced by the embedded system in a GPS navigation system in a car
include:
Current location
Destination location
Route guidance
Estimated time of arrival (ETA)
Distance to destination
Speed limit information
Traffic information
[Link] devices in cars can be updated without taking the car to the garage every six
months by downloading the latest software and maps from the manufacturer's website
and transferring them to the device or using a SD card, USB, or DVD to update the
GPS. Some GPS providers offer automatic updates over the internet that you can
accept on your navigation system. Updating your GPS is important to have the most
accurate information possible about new and changed roads.
Activity 3.3
2a. One advantage of using QR codes rather than traditional bar codes is that QR
codes can hold roughly one-hundred times as much information as barcodes. This
means that QR codes are more suitable for tracking individual items or touch-free
payment checkout.
Barcodes bring the advantage of being able to be scanned in a line, while QR codes
can be scanned in both horizontal and vertical directions. Barcodes are also made
up of vertical lines, while QR codes are made up of black modules or squares.
b.A square QR code contains 40 × 40 tiny squares (pixels) where each tiny square
represents a 0 or a 1. Since each pixel can represent one bit of data, there are a
total of 1600 bits of data that can be stored on the QR code.
To calculate how many bytes of data can be stored on the QR code, we divide the
number of bits by 8 (since there are 8 bits in a byte). Therefore, a square QR code
can store up to 200 bytes of data.
[Link] three large squares at the corners of the QR code are called position
detection patterns. They are used to help the scanner detect and orient the QR
code.
[Link] disadvantage of using QR codes is that they require a smartphone or other
device with a camera and a QR code reader app to scan them. This means that people
who do not have access to these devices or apps may not be able to scan QR codes.
Activity 3.4
1a. The main differences between laser printers and inkjet printers are:
Inkjet printers use ink cartridges and spray thousands of ink droplets onto the
paper. These printers move across the page, distributing ink droplets to create
vibrant images and graphics. They are suitable for low volume printing and are the
traditional choice of home users.
Laser printers use lasers and mirrors to distribute and heat toner onto a page,
creating sharp text and images. They are ideal for high volume printing, are mostly
utilized in office settings but are also suitable, and are a more economical choice
for home use
1b i. Laser printers are incredibly well-suited to printing text because there is
no chance of smudging, and the text itself tends to be much crisper and clearer
compared to inkjet printers. Laser printers can often print in a smaller font while
maintaining clarity too. They are ideal for high volume printing, are mostly
utilized in office settings but are also suitable, and are a more economical choice
for home use.
Inkjet printers are more popular than laser printers for home use because they’re
smaller, more affordable, and create richer graphics and color photos.
1b ii. Laser printers are ideal for high volume printing, are mostly utilized in
office settings but are also suitable, and are a more economical choice for home
use. They are incredibly well-suited to printing text because there is no chance of
smudging, and the text itself tends to be much crisper and clearer compared to
inkjet printers. Laser printers can often print in a smaller font while maintaining
clarity too.
Inkjet printers are more popular than laser printers for home use because they’re
smaller, more affordable, and create richer graphics and color photos. They are
suitable for low volume printing and are the traditional choice of home users.
2. The correct order of the nine stages in printing a page using an inkjet printer
are:
[Link] data from the document is sent to a printer driver ©.
[Link] printer driver ensures that the data is in a format that the chosen printer
can understand (E).
[Link] data is then sent to the printer and it is stored in a temporary memory known
as a printer buffer (A).
4.A check is made by the printer driver to ensure that the chosen printer is
available to print (e.g., is it busy, is it off-line, is it out of ink, and so on)
(G).
[Link] the printer buffer is empty, the printer sends an interrupt to the CPU in
the computer; this is a request for more data to be sent to the printer; the whole
process continues until the whole of the document has been printed (D).
[Link] there is more data in the printer buffer, then the whole process from stage 5
is repeated until the buffer is finally empty (H).
7.A sheet of paper is then fed into the main body of the printer; a sensor detects
whether paper is available in the paper feed tray – if it is out of paper (or the
paper is jammed) then an error message is sent back to the computer (I).
[Link] the sheet of paper is fed through the printer, the print head moves from side
to side across the paper printing the text or image; the four ink colors are
sprayed in their exact amounts to produce the desired final color (B).
[Link] the end of each full pass of the print head, the paper is advanced very
slightly to allow the next line to be printed; this continues until the whole page
has been printed (F).
3a. LED screens are a type of LCD screen that use LED backlighting instead of the
cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlighting used in traditional LCD screens. LED
screens are thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient than traditional LCD
screens. They also have a wider color gamut, which means they can display more
colors than traditional LCD screens.
LCD-LED backlit screens are a type of LCD screen that use LED backlighting instead
of CCFL backlighting used in traditional LCD screens. The difference between LED
screens and LCD-LED backlit screens is that LED screens use LEDs to light up the
entire screen, while LCD-LED backlit screens use LEDs to light up only specific
areas of the screen. This allows for better contrast ratios and deeper blacks in
LCD-LED backlit screens compared to traditional LCD screens.
3b. There are several advantages to using LEDs as backlighting for LCD screens:
[Link] efficiency: LEDs use less power than traditional cold cathode fluorescent
(CCFL) tubes, which means they are more energy-efficient.
[Link] lifespan: LEDs last longer than CCFL tubes, which means they don’t need to
be replaced as often.
[Link] color accuracy: LEDs can produce a wider range of colors than CCFL tubes,
which means they can produce more accurate colors on an LCD screen.
4. To play music that is digitally stored on a computer through a pair of analog
loudspeakers, Filipe will need to use a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). A DAC
converts digital signals into analog signals that can be played through speakers.
There are several ways to connect a DAC to a computer:
[Link]: A USB DAC connects to a computer via USB and can be used to play music
through an analog amplifier or directly through a pair of analog loudspeakers.
[Link]: An optical DAC connects to a computer via an optical cable and can be
used to play music through an analog amplifier or directly through a pair of analog
loudspeakers.
[Link]: A coaxial DAC connects to a computer via a coaxial cable and can be used
to play music through an analog amplifier or directly through a pair of analog
loudspeakers.
Once the DAC is connected to the computer, Filipe can connect his loudspeakers to
the DAC using speaker wire or RCA cables.
Activity 3.5
1a. Control and monitoring are two important aspects of process management. Control
refers to the process of managing a system or process to ensure that it operates
within certain parameters or specifications. Monitoring refers to the process of
observing a system or process to ensure that it is operating correctly.
The main differences between control and monitoring are:
[Link] is proactive, while monitoring is reactive. Control involves actively
managing a system or process to ensure that it operates within certain parameters,
while monitoring involves observing a system or process to ensure that it is
operating correctly.
[Link] involves taking action to correct problems, while monitoring involves
identifying problems. When a problem is identified during monitoring, control
measures can be taken to correct the problem.
[Link] involves setting parameters or specifications for a system or process,
while monitoring involves observing whether those parameters or specifications are
being met.
[Link] mechanics of automated climate control require temperature and humidity
sensors to be placed in the cabin. These sensors continuously read the temperature
and humidity values of the area and feed it to the microcontroller (MCU). The MCU
then compares these readings to the setting defined by the occupants and adjusts
heating/cooling appropriately.
One example of a sensor that might be used is a thermistor-based refrigerant charge
sensor. Another example is an evaporator sensor that can detect refrigerant in an
A/C circuit.
Positive feedback can be used to maintain a desired temperature by increasing or
decreasing heating/cooling output based on how far away from the desired
temperature the current temperature is.
2. A soil pH sensor can be used to determine if you need to adjust the acidity of
the soil in a greenhouse. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and helps differentiate
between acidity and alkalinity. An environment is neutral when pH is 7. The sensor
can measure pH with a very acidic concentration (pH 0) up to a very alkaline
solution (pH 14) and can work at -10 up to 50 °C a water temperature.
Positive feedback can be used to maintain a desired pH level by increasing or
decreasing acidity based on how far away from the desired pH level the current pH
level is.
3. Sensors can be used to monitor the temperature of the water in a reactor. The
microprocessor can then send out a signal to an actuator utilizing a DAC (digital
to analogue converter) so that action can be taken (i.e., switching on the heater)
if the conditions need to be amended. This forms a feedback loop where the data
from the sensors is continuously monitored.
Gas pressure can also be monitored using sensors. If the pressure is too high or
too low, the microprocessor can send out a signal to an actuator that will adjust
the pressure.
Other hardware devices that may be needed include actuators, digital-to-analog
converters (DACs), and feedback loops.
[Link] in the road are used to detect vehicles and pedestrians at a junction.
These sensors can be wire sensors laid beneath the road surface or digital sensors
mounted on traffic lights themselves. The data collected by these sensors is then
sent to a central monitoring system which takes control over traffic movement.
Based on this data, a microprocessor is able to change the colour sequence of the
lights. For example, if a road has a significant amount of traffic, then it
receives the highest priority, which means it takes a long time for vehicles to
travel, and it will be given a long green-signal time.
Activity 3.6
1a. In a microwave oven, RAM stores the instructions given by the user like
defrosting and time chosen while ROM stores the main instructions like for heating
which equipment is used, an electronic timer (setting, stop, start and countdown)
or cooking program selection buttons.
b. In a refrigerator, RAM is used to store data such as temperature settings and
door open/close events while ROM is used to store the firmware that controls the
refrigerator's operation.
c. In a remote-controlled model aeroplane, RAM is used to store temporary data such
as current position of control surfaces while ROM is used to store permanent data
such as control surface deflection limits.
Activity 3.7
1. The two types of memory used in a mobile phone are Random Access Memory (RAM)
and Read-Only Memory (ROM).
RAM is used for temporary storage of data that is currently being used by the
phone’s operating system and apps. The more RAM a phone has, the more apps it can
run simultaneously without slowing down.
ROM is used for permanent storage of data that cannot be changed by the user such
as the phone’s operating system and pre-installed apps.
2a. A memory management system that makes use of secondary storage and software to
enable a computer to compensate for the shortage of actual physical RAM memory.
2b. Virtual memory is a feature of an operating system that enables a computer to
be able to compensate for shortages of physical memory by temporarily transferring
pages of data from random access memory (RAM) to disk storage.
When RAM is full, virtual memory allows the computer to move data from RAM to a
space called a paging file on the hard drive so that it can free up memory for
other applications.
In this case, program 5 can access RAM by using virtual memory which will
temporarily transfer pages of data from RAM to disk storage so that it can free up
memory for program 5 without losing any data from the other four programs.
3. 1. storage environment where the client and remote
storage provider are different companies - Cloud storage
2. high rate of HDD read/write operations causing
large amount of head movement - thrashing
3. space on HDD or SSD reserved for data used in
virtual memory management - swap space
4. situation where a HDD is so busy doing read/write
operations that execution of a process is halted - thrash point
5. method of data storage where the data is stored on
hundreds of off-site servers - public cloud
4a. RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory) are two types of computer
memory that are used to store data and programs temporarily or permanently. Here
are four differences between RAM and ROM chips:
1. Volatility: RAM is volatile memory, meaning that it requires power to maintain
its contents. When the power is turned off, the data stored in RAM is lost. In
contrast, ROM is non-volatile memory, meaning that it retains its contents even
when the power is turned off.
[Link]/Write Access: RAM is read-write memory, meaning that data can be both read
from and written to it. In contrast, ROM is read-only memory, meaning that data can
only be read from it.
[Link]: RAM is faster than ROM because it can be accessed randomly and has a
shorter access time. In contrast, ROM has a longer access time because it can only
be accessed sequentially.
[Link]: RAM has a smaller capacity than ROM because it is more expensive to
manufacture and requires more power to operate.
4b. RAM: RAM is used to store data and programs that are currently being used by
the computer’s CPU. For example, when you open a program on your computer, it is
loaded into RAM so that the CPU can access it quickly.
ROM: ROM is used to store data and programs that are needed by the computer’s BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System) to boot up the computer. For example, the BIOS firmware
is stored in ROM.
5a. Solid state devices control the movement of electrons within a semiconductor
chip. The device is made up of a diode and at each junction there is a base and an
emitter transistor. Electrons are attracted towards holes when a voltage is
applied.
Solid state memories work by using a floating gate transistor. The transistor has a
control gate and an intersection between the control gate and the floating gate
called the NAND gate. The floating gate is made of a material that can store
electrons, which can be either positive or negative. When a voltage is applied to
the control gate, electrons are attracted towards the NAND gate and can be stored
in the floating gate.
b. There are several advantages of using SSDs over HDDs in laptop computers. Here
are some of them:
Speed: SSDs are much faster than HDDs. They have faster read and write speeds,
which means that they can access data more quickly than HDDs.
Durability: SSDs are more durable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. This
means that they are less likely to break down or fail due to physical damage.
Energy efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which means that they can
help extend the battery life of laptops.
These advantages make SSD technology particularly suitable for use in laptop
computers.
c. One disadvantage of solid state technology is that it has a limited lifespan
compared to HDDs. This is because SSDs have a finite number of write cycles before
they start to degrade. However, this is not usually a problem for most users
because modern SSDs are designed to last for many years.
Activity 3.8
1 a. Network interface card (NIC): A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware
component that connects a computer to a network. It provides the physical
connection between the computer and the network, and allows the computer to
communicate with other devices on the network1.
b. MAC address: A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a network
interface controller (NIC) for use as a network address in communications within a
network segment2. It is used by switches to forward data to its intended
destination.
c. IP address: An IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each
device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for
communication3. It is used by routers to forward data between networks.
d. Router: A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between
computer networks4. It connects two or more networks together and routes data
between them.
e. DHCP server: A DHCP server is a network server that automatically assigns IP
addresses and other network configuration information to client devices2. It
assigns an IP address to a device based on its MAC address.
2a. Dynamic IP addresses are temporary and may change when you reboot your system
or the router. They are commonly used for workstations, phones and tablets1.
Dynamic IP addresses are easier to manage and cheaper to deploy than static IP
addresses2. The DHCP server automatically assigns the device the next available IP
address2.
b. Static IP addresses are typically used for servers, routers and switches3. They
are manually assigned by an administrator and do not change unless manually
reconfigured2. Static IP addresses provide a fixed address for devices that require
permanent access from other devices on the network2.
c. We need both types of IP addresses because they serve different purposes.
Dynamic IP addresses are easier to manage and cheaper to deploy than static IP
addresses2. They are commonly used for workstations, phones and tablets. Static IP
addresses, on the other hand, provide a fixed address for devices that require
permanent access from other devices on the network2. They are typically used for
servers, routers and switches.
3. Address type: A MAC address is a 48-bit physical address that identifies a
device on a network. An IP address is either a 32-bit (IPv4) or a 128-bit (IPv6)
logical address that identifies a device on a network.
Layer of operation: MAC addresses operate in the data link layer of the Open
Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. IP addresses operate in the network layer.
Scope: A MAC address is used to identify devices on the same local network. An IP
address is used to identify devices globally.
Exam Style Questions.
1a. Here are three reasons why mobile phone and tablet manufacturers are moving to
OLED screen technology:
Better image quality: OLED screens offer better image quality than traditional LCD
screens. They have a higher contrast ratio, which means that they can display
deeper blacks and brighter whites. They also have a wider viewing angle than LCD
screens.
Thinner and lighter: OLED screens are thinner and lighter than traditional LCD
screens. This makes them ideal for use in mobile devices where space is at a
premium.
Energy efficient: OLED screens are more energy efficient than traditional LCD
screens. This is because they do not require a backlight to function. Instead, each
pixel emits its own light, which means that the screen only uses power when it
needs to display bright colors.
1b. The claim made by the television manufacturer that “Our OLED screens allow the
user to enjoy over 1 million vivid colours in true-to-life vision” is valid. OLED
screens are capable of displaying a wider range of colors than traditional LCD
screens. They also have a higher contrast ratio, which means that they can display
deeper blacks and brighter whites. This makes them ideal for use in televisions
where image quality is important.
2a i. Here are two advantages of putting the game’s program on a ROM chip:
Non-volatile: ROM chips are non-volatile, which means that they retain their data
even when the power is turned off. This makes them ideal for storing programs that
need to be loaded quickly when the device is turned on.
Read-only: ROM chips are read-only, which means that the data stored on them cannot
be changed. This makes them ideal for storing programs that do not need to be
updated frequently.
ii. The manufacturers are using RAM chips on the internal circuit board because RAM
chips are volatile, which means that they can be written to and read from quickly.
This makes them ideal for storing data that needs to be accessed frequently. In the
case of a games console, RAM chips are used to store game data while it is being
played. This allows the console to access the data quickly and efficiently.
iii. The games console will have four USB ports for several reasons:
Game controllers: The primary reason for having USB ports on a games console is to
allow game controllers to be connected to the console. This allows players to
control the game using a physical controller rather than relying on the console’s
built-in controls.
External storage: USB ports can also be used to connect external storage devices to
the console. This allows players to store game data and other files on an external
hard drive or flash drive.
Other peripherals: USB ports can also be used to connect other peripherals such as
keyboards, mice, and headsets to the console.
b. The manufacturer is using 3D printers to make the plastic parts for the games
console for two reasons:
Rapid prototyping: 3D printers allow manufacturers to quickly create prototypes of
their products. This allows them to test the design and functionality of the
product before committing to mass production.
Customization: 3D printers also allow manufacturers to create customized parts for
their products. This can be useful in cases where a part needs to be modified or
customized for a specific application.
3a) Control is the process of making adjustments to a system to ensure that it
behaves in a desired way. Monitoring is the process of observing a system to detect
any changes from its normal operating conditions. In other words, control is the
process of making changes to a system to keep it within certain limits while
monitoring is the process of observing the system to ensure that it stays within
those limits².
b) The sensors and microprocessor would be used to control the air conditioning
unit in the car by measuring various parameters such as temperature, humidity,
pressure, and air flow rate. The microprocessor would then use this information to
adjust the air conditioning unit's settings such as fan speed, temperature, and air
flow rate. Two different sensors that might be used are:
- Temperature sensor: This sensor measures the temperature of the air coming into
the car and sends this information to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then
uses this information to adjust the temperature of the air conditioning unit.
- Humidity sensor: This sensor measures the humidity of the air coming into the car
and sends this information to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then uses this
information to adjust the humidity of the air conditioning unit.
Positive feedback is used in this process to ensure that any changes made by the
microprocessor are amplified. For example, if the temperature inside the car is too
high, the microprocessor will increase fan speed and decrease temperature. This
will cause more cool air to be circulated inside the car which will further
decrease temperature.
4a) A static IP address is an IP address that is manually assigned to a device and
does not change over time. A dynamic IP address is an IP address that is
automatically assigned to a device by a DHCP server and can change over time.
Static IP addresses are typically used for servers, routers, and switches while
dynamic IP addresses are commonly used for workstations, phones, and tablets¹. Both
types of IP addressing are used because they have their own advantages and
disadvantages. Static IP addresses are more secure but difficult to designate while
dynamic IP addresses are less secure but easy to designate.
b) A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a
network interface controller (NIC) for use as a network address in communications
within a network segment. There are three primary types of MAC addresses:
- Unicast: Unicast MAC address is assigned to a particular destination device's NIC
in a network.
- Multicast: A multicast MAC address is used to transmit information to a bunch of
devices in a network.
- Broadcast: Broadcast MAC addresses are used to send data to all the devices on a
particular network.
5a. This type has the more complex circuitry: DRAM
The data has to be refreshed constantly in order to retain data: DRAM
It does not need to be refreshed as long as the power supply is still on: SRAM
It requires higher power consumption which is significant when installed in
battery-powered devices, such as a laptop: DRAM
It is mostly used in the cache memory of the CPU where operational speed is
important: SRAM
b) RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory that stores data temporarily
while the computer is running. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a non-volatile memory that
stores data permanently and cannot be modified. Here are three differences between
RAM and ROM:
- RAM is volatile while ROM is non-volatile.
- RAM can be written to and read from while ROM can only be read from.
- RAM is used for temporary storage while ROM is used for permanent storage.
c) DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and Blu-ray are both optical storage devices that
use a laser to scan the surface of a spinning disc made from metal and plastic.
Here are some differences between DVD and Blu-ray:
- Technology differences: Blu-ray uses a blue laser which has a shorter wavelength
than the red laser used by DVD. This allows more data to be stored on a Blu-ray
disc than on a DVD.
- Capacity differences: A single-layer DVD can hold up to 4.7 GB of data while a
single-layer Blu-ray disc can hold up to 25 GB of data. Dual-layer DVDs can hold up
to 8.5 GB of data while dual-layer Blu-ray discs can hold up to 50 GB of data.
- Other features of the two types of storage: Blu-ray discs have higher video and
audio quality than DVDs. They also have more interactive features such as picture-
in-picture and online connectivity.
6a) Two types of touchscreen technology used on mobile phones are:
Capacitive touchscreens: These screens use a layer of capacitive material to detect
the electrical charge of a finger on the screen. When you touch the screen, your
finger disrupts the electrical field and the device can detect where you touched1.
Resistive touchscreens: These screens use two layers of conductive material
separated by an air gap. When you touch the screen, the two layers come into
contact and the device can detect where you touched.
b) Organic LED (OLED) screens are becoming increasingly common. Here’s some
information about OLED screens:
i) OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. OLED screens are made up of
organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is passed through them.
ii) Here are three advantages of OLED screens when compared to LED/LCD screens:
Better contrast: OLED screens have better contrast than LED/LCD screens because
they can produce true blacks by turning off individual pixels.
Thinner and lighter: OLED screens are thinner and lighter than LED/LCD screens
because they don’t require a backlight.
7a) One input device that could be used for the information point is a touch
screen. Visitors can use the touch screen to select information about animals from
the menu.
b) One output device that could be used for the information point is a speaker. The
audio track can be played through the speaker so visitors can hear the information.
c) One secondary storage device that could be used is a hard disk drive (HDD). The
video files can be stored on the HDD so they can be accessed by the information
point.
d)Customers can obtain the information from the Quick Response (QR) codes by
scanning them with their smartphone or tablet. Most modern smartphones and tablets
have a built-in QR code reader in their camera app. When the QR code is scanned,
the device will automatically open a web page or app that contains further
information about the animal.
8a) A sensor is a device that detects or measures a physical property and records,
indicates, or otherwise responds to it. In this case, the sensors are used to
monitor the conditions for growing the fruit.
b) Two sensors that could be used in this system are:
Temperature sensor: This sensor can be used to measure the temperature of the air
or soil. It can help Anna determine if the temperature is within the optimal range
for growing fruit.
Moisture sensor: This sensor can be used to measure the moisture content of the
soil. It can help Anna determine if the soil is too dry or too wet for growing
fruit.
9. LCD screen: Flat panel display that uses the light modulating properties of
liquid crystals.
Inkjet printer: Droplets of ink are propelled onto paper.
LED screen: Flat panel display that uses an array of light emitting diodes as
pixels.
Laser printer: Electrically charged powdered ink is transferred onto paper.
2D cutter: High-powered laser that uses the X-Y plane.