UNIT 1: DIGITAL DEVICES
What are Digital Devices?
Digital devices are electronic machines that process data using binary (0s and 1s).
They:
✓ Accept input
✓ Process data
✓ Store data
✓ Produce output
Examples:
• Computers
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Microprocessors
• Digital cameras
• Servers
Digital devices are found:
• At home
• In schools
• In offices
• In industries
• In hospitals
• In transport systems
They are constantly evolving, which affects how individuals, organisations, and societies work.
Learning Objectives
A learner should be able to:
• Identify digital devices and their uses
• Understand how computers are used in embedded systems
• Explain the components of computers
• Describe the purpose and use of different digital devices
• Understand computer systems and peripheral devices
• Know how digital devices are connected using networks
• Understand storage devices and storage units
• Analyse advantages and limitations of different digital devices
Embedded Systems
An embedded system is a computer system built into another device to perform a specific task.
Examples:
• Washing machines
• Microwaves
• Traffic lights
• Digital clocks
• ATMs
• Car engine control systems
Features:
✓ Performs one main task
✓ Usually runs continuously
✓ Uses a microprocessor or microcontroller
Computer Systems
A computer system consists of:
i. Hardware – physical components
ii. Software – programs and operating systems
iii. Data – raw facts
iv. Users – people using the system
v. Procedures – rules for using the system
TYPES OF DIGITAL DEVICES
Mainframe Computers
Mainframe computers are:
i. Very powerful
ii. Very large
iii. Very expensive
Used by:
i. Banks
ii. Governments
iii. Airlines
iv. Large organisations
Uses:
• Processing large volumes of data
• Handling thousands of users at the same time
Microprocessors
A microprocessor is:
✓ A single integrated circuit (chip)
✓ The brain of a computer
✓ Responsible for processing instructions
Found in:
i. Computers
ii. Smartphones
iii. Tablets
iv. Embedded systems
v. Washing machines
vi. Cars
Personal Computers (PCs)
-Personal computers are designed for individual use.
Types:
i. Desktop computers
ii. Laptop computers
iii. All-in-one computers
Used at:
• Homes
• Offices
• Schools
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers:
• Usually stay in one place
• Have separate components:
❖ System unit
❖ Monitor
❖ Keyboard
❖ Mouse
Advantages:
i. More powerful than laptops (same price)
ii. Easy to upgrade
iii. Larger screens
Disadvantages:
i. Not portable
ii. Require more space
All-in-One Computers
All-in-one computers:
• Combine the monitor and system unit into one device
• Save space
• Use fewer cables
Advantages:
• Neat and compact
• Good for offices and homes
Disadvantages:
• Difficult to upgrade
• More expensive to repair
Laptop Computers
Laptops are portable computers.
Features:
i. Built-in screen
ii. Built-in keyboard
iii. Touchpad or trackpad
iv. Rechargeable battery
Advantages:
i. Portable
ii. Can be used anywhere
iii. Use less power
Disadvantages:
i. More expensive than desktops
ii. Harder to upgrade
iii. Smaller screen and keyboard
Some laptops are called desktop replacements because they:
• Are larger
• Have better performance
• Have larger screens
Peripheral Devices
Peripheral devices are devices connected to a computer to extend its functionality.
Types:
• Input devices – keyboard, mouse, scanner
• Output devices – monitor, printer, speakers
• Storage devices – USB flash drives, hard disks
Storage Devices
Storage devices are used to store data and programs.
Examples:
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• Solid State Drive (SSD)
• USB flash drive
• Memory card
• Optical discs (CD, DVD)
Units of Storage
Data is measured using storage units:
i. Bit (b)
ii. Byte (B) = 8 bits
iii. Kilobyte (KB) = 1,000 bytes
iv. Megabyte (MB) = 1,000 KB
v. Gigabyte (GB) = 1,000 MB
vi. Terabyte (TB) = 1,000 GB
Terms used in this section include the following:
i. Digital device – electronic device that processes data
ii. Embedded system – computer inside another device
iii. Microprocessor – chip that processes instructions
iv. Peripheral device – external device connected to a computer
v. Portable – easy to carry or move
Single-Board Computers (SBCs)
-A single-board computer is a complete computer built on a single circuit board.
-Features
✓ Low cost
✓ Small size
✓ Low power consumption
✓ Used in embedded computing projects
✓ Used in physical computing
Example: Raspberry Pi
• A popular single-board computer
• Used in:
❖ Education
❖ Robotics
❖ Embedded systems
• Uses a microSD card for storage
• Affordable and flexible
Embedded Computing
Embedded computing:
Computing systems placed inside physical devices to monitor and respond to the real world.
Examples:
i. Traffic lights
ii. Washing machines
iii. Smart sensors
iv. Medical devices
Mobile Phones
-Mobile phones use a SIM card to connect to a mobile phone network.
SIM Card
• SIM(Subscriber Identity Module)
• Identifies the user on a mobile network
• Allows:
i. Making calls
ii. Sending SMS
iii. Accessing mobile data
Specialist Mobile Phones
Designed to meet the needs of specific users.
Emergency Phones
• Have an emergency button
• Button is linked to a list of contacts
• When pressed:
✓ Phone automatically calls contacts
✓ Continues until someone answers
Useful for:
• Elderly users
• Users with medical conditions
• Vulnerable users
Accessibility and Special Phones
-Accessibility:
A measure of how easily something can be used, especially by people with disabilities.
Examples of Accessible Phones
• ATiZ 2:
❖ Designed for blind and partially sighted users
❖ Provides:
▪ Large buttons
▪ Braille over buttons
▪ High-volume speakers
▪ Connections for hearing aids
-User:
A person who uses a computer system or digital device.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
• Wireless technology
• Connects devices to networks without cables
• Used for internet access
Mobile Data
• Uses cellular networks
• Allows internet access when Wi-Fi is unavailable
Virtual Keyboard
A virtual keyboard:
• Is software-based
• Displayed on a screen
• Used via a touch screen
• Common on:
❖ Smartphones
❖ Tablets
Smartphones
-Smartphones are advanced mobile phones that:
• Can access the internet
• Can install and run applications
• Have computing capabilities similar to small computers
Features
• Touch screen
• Internet access
• Wi-Fi and mobile data
• Apps (applications)
• Virtual keyboard
• Camera
• GPS
• Sensors
Applications (Apps)
• Downloaded from online stores
Used for:
❖ Communication
❖ Games
❖ Productivity
❖ Entertainment
❖ Education
Limitation
• Shorter battery life
• Require regular charging
Standard Mobile Phones vs Smartphones
Standard Mobile Phones
• Used mainly for:
i. Calls
ii. Text messages
• Longer battery life
• Less powerful
Smartphones
• More processing power
• More features
• Shorter battery life
Tablets
Tablets are:
• Bigger than smartphones
• Smaller than laptops
• Touch-screen devices
Features
• Touch screen
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Some use SIM cards
• Can access the internet
• Use virtual keyboards
Uses
• Browsing the internet
• Reading
• Watching videos
• Learning and presentations
Cameras and Camcorders
Digital Cameras
• Capture still images
• Use light sensors
• Most modern devices (phones, tablets) have built-in cameras
Camcorders
• Designed to capture moving images (videos)
• Optimised for video recording
Frame Rate (Video Quality)
-Frame rate:
The number of frames (images) displayed per second in a video.
Measured in:
• Frames per second (fps)
Effects
• High frame rate:
❖ Smooth motion
• Low frame rate:
❖ Jerky or stuttering video
Image Quality Factors
Image Processor
• Processes raw image data
• Reduces noise
• Enhances colour and clarity
Lens Quality
• Affects sharpness
• Poor lenses distort images
Pixels
-A pixel is the smallest dot that makes up an image.
Digital Images
• Made up of millions of pixels
• More pixels = higher image detail
Sensors
• Capture colour or wavelength of light
• Some cameras use multiple sensors:
-Each sensor captures different colours
Resolution
-The number of pixels used to create an image.
Higher resolution:
• More detail
• Better image quality
• Larger file size
Maximum Display Size and Resolution
Resolution Megapixels Max Display Size
1280 × 800 1.3 MP Small displays
1600 × 1200 2 MP Medium displays
2048 × 1536 3 MP Larger displays
2272 × 1704 4 MP Very large displays
Image Enlargement Effect
When an image is enlarged too much:
• Pixels become visible
• Image appears blurred or pixelated
• Loss of quality occurs
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