Sensors and Computer Hardware Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does a moisture sensor primarily measure?

The temperature of the surrounding air

The brightness of light in a space

The amount of water vapor in the air

The water levels in soil (correct)

The function of a temperature sensor is to:

Measure the amount of water vapor in the air

Control the water level in soil

Detect light intensity in an area

Control or monitor temperature for various processes (correct)

How does a light sensor operate?

It detects humidity levels in the air

It uses photoelectric cells to produce an electric output based on light levels (correct)

It monitors moisture levels in soil

It measures temperature differences in the environment

What is the main difference between humidity and moisture sensors?

Humidity sensors measure water vapor in the air, whereas moisture sensors measure water levels in soil Signup and view all the answers

In which application would a temperature sensor NOT be appropriate?

Monitoring moisture levels in food processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the memory register (MDR) in the CPU process?

To temporarily hold data being transferred from RAM. Signup and view all the answers

How does increased clock speed affect computer performance?

It increases the number of processing cycles per second. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential issue associated with overclocking a CPU?

It might cause overheating of the CPU. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using multiple cores in a CPU?

It allows for simultaneous execution of multiple tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What does a clock speed of 3.5GHz indicate?

The CPU operates at 3.5 billion clock cycles per second. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of QR codes over traditional barcodes?

QR codes can hold more information. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a digital camera is responsible for converting light into electrical signals?

The light-sensitive cell Signup and view all the answers

How do QR codes provide greater protection compared to traditional barcodes?

By allowing for encryption. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the analogue to digital converter (ADC) in a digital camera?

To process electric charges into a digital image. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the embedded system play in a camera?

It controls functions like shutter speed and focus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage associated with QR codes?

They can be used to transmit malicious codes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of device is primarily used to convert analogue sound signals into digital information?

Microphone Signup and view all the answers

In a digital camera, what are the tiny components that make up the image known as?

Pixels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an analogue to digital converter (ADC)?

To convert physical quantities to a digital format Signup and view all the answers

Why are ADCs necessary for computer systems?

Computers cannot process analogue signals directly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an analogue data source for an ADC?

Digital cameras Signup and view all the answers

What type of output data format does an ADC produce?

Binary code Signup and view all the answers

How does feedback influence the operation of a microprocessor connected to sensors?

It enables the microprocessor to adjust outputs based on sensor readings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the extra component, Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC)?

To convert digital signals back to analogue form Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following attributes correctly describes analogue data?

It is continuous and subject to variation Signup and view all the answers

Which sensor application may require constant adjustment of outputs based on changing conditions?

Feedback control systems in HVAC Signup and view all the answers

What action does the microprocessor take when the sensor data is below the stored value?

A signal is sent to switch on the street lamp. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ADC in the anti-lock braking system?

To convert analogue sensor data into digital data. Signup and view all the answers

How often does the microprocessor take readings of the wheel speeds in the ABS system?

Several times a second. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition will the central heating system take action to heat the space?

When the temperature reading is lower than the pre-set value. Signup and view all the answers

What is the required temperature for the chemical process to function correctly?

Above 70°C. Signup and view all the answers

What type of sensor data is used to control the chemical process?

Both temperature and pH level data. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the pH level is above 3.5 in the chemical process control?

The system will shut down automatically. Signup and view all the answers

In the central heating control process, what signals are sent via the DAC?

To open the gas valve and turn on the water pump. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ALU in a CPU?

To perform arithmetic and logic operations Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for storing the address of the next instruction to be executed?

PC Signup and view all the answers

Why might doubling the number of CPU cores not double performance?

Increased communication delays between cores. Signup and view all the answers

What role does cache memory play in CPU performance?

It improves CPU performance by providing faster access to frequently used data. Signup and view all the answers

In a multi-core CPU design, which element eliminates the need for parallel processing?

CU Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Multi Core' refer to in computer architecture?

A CPU with multiple processing cores within the same chip. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Circuit Instruction Register (CIR)?

To hold the current instruction being executed. Signup and view all the answers

When measuring computer performance, what factor might be underestimated?

The overhead involved in inter-core communication. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term MAR stand for in CPU architecture?

Memory Address Register Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a Dual Core processor?

A single CPU with two cores processing simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is one limitation of using multiple CPU cores?

Challenges in software optimization for multi-core systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is involved in data transfer within the CPU?

MDR Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the CPU acts as the brain responsible for executing instructions?

Control Unit Signup and view all the answers

What impact does cache memory have on a CPU with a high number of cores?

It can enhance performance by reducing access times. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Science Study Notes

This document contains study notes about computer science topics.
It covers several aspects of computer systems, including the central processing unit (CPU), architecture, and various components.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the central component of all modern computer systems.
It's often installed as an integrated circuit on a single microchip.
The CPU is responsible for executing instructions and processing data within a computer application.

Von Neumann Architecture

Early computers fed data while running, making human intervention necessary.
John von Neumann developed the stored-program computer concept in the mid-1940s.
This architecture is the foundation for modern computers.
The Von Neumann architecture introduced the concept of a central processing unit (CPU).
The CPU directly accesses the memory.
Computer memories store both programs and data sequentially.

CPU Components

CU (Control Unit): The coordinator that reads instructions, decodes them, and sends commands to other components to execute them.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs mathematical and logical operations on data.
MAR (Memory Address Register): Stores the memory address of the data to be read or written.
MDR (Memory Data Register): Stores data that has just been read from memory or data waiting to be written to memory.
PC (Program Counter): Stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched.
ACC (Accumulator): A register used for calculations; it temporarily stores data during calculations.
MAR, PC, MDR, CIR, and ACC are all special-purpose registers.

System Buses

Address Bus: Carries the address between the memory unit and CPU.
Data Bus: Carries data between the memory unit and CPU, and to/from input/output devices.
Control Bus: Carries signals from the control unit (CU) to all other computer components.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is a volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data regularly used by the computer.
The CPU rapidly accesses data held in RAM.
Data and programs are temporarily copied into RAM from hard drives.

Registers

Registers are special-purpose registers within the CPU.
CIR (Current Instruction Register): Stores the currently executing instruction.
ACC (Accumulator): Stores data temporarily for ALU calculations.
MAR (Memory Address Register): Stores the address of the memory location currently being accessed.
MDR (Memory Data Register): Stores data that has been read from or is being written to memory.
PC (Program Counter): Stores the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

Modern computers use the fetch-decode-execute cycle to process data.
This cycle happens very quickly, facilitating logical processing of data for the user.

Clock Speed, Cache Memory, and Cores

Other factors, like cache memory and the number of cores, can significantly affect a computer's operating speed.
Clock speed measures the frequency of electrical pulses in a CPU.
Overclocking means running the CPU above its designed clock speed.

Cache Memory

Cache memory, located within the CPU, provides faster data access than RAM.

Cores

CPUs have different core numbers, like dual-cores or quad-cores.
More cores alleviate the need to continuously increase clock speeds.

Input Devices

Input devices provide instructions to a computer.
Keyboards input characters, enabling data entry.
Keyboards are connected to the computer via USB or Bluetooth.

Output Devices

Output devices display or send processed computer data.
Monitors, printers, speakers, and projectors are examples of output devices.
Different display technologies (LCD, LED, OLED) differ in how they produce images.
Projectors connect to a computer for displaying data on a wider surface.
Printers produce hard copy output through various techniques (laser, inkjet, 3D).
Speakers translate digital audio signals into audible sound.
Devices like actuators are mechanical motors that carry out actions triggered by the computer.

CPU Registers

Some crucial registers are involved in operations.

Memory

Primary memory (RAM and ROM) is fast, directly accessed by the CPU.
Secondary storage (HDD, SSD, optical disks) is slower, used for files and applications.

Virtual Memory

When there's insufficient primary memory, virtual memory uses secondary storage temporarily.
It creates an illusion of more RAM.

Cloud Storage

Data stored on remote servers, accessible from anywhere with internet access.
Remote backup, disaster recovery possible, but can be expensive depending on needed storage capacity.

Optical Storage

Data stored using pits and lands on a disc surface.
Laser light is used in read/write operations. (e.g., CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray)

3D Scanners

Reflecting laser light is used to create 3D models from scanned objects.
The models are used in design and manufacturing applications

Barcodes

Barcodes, using infrared light, contain product information readable by a computer

Quick Response (QR) codes

QR codes are digital, two-dimensional (2D) codes that store and convey information.

Digital Camera (Webcam)

Digital cameras (webcams) capture digital images that can be viewed on a screen as video.

Microphones

Microphones convert analog sound waves into digital data, important in videoconferencing.

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) change continuous data into digital format for computer use.

Sensors

Sensors provide data like temperature levels, pressure, and light intensity for an application.

Feedback

Feedback in computer systems is when the output of a component affects subsequent input.

Questions to Attempt (Workbook)

This section includes practical questions on the topics covered, focusing on real-world applications and analysis.

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Description

Test your knowledge on sensors and their applications, temperature regulation, and CPU performance. This quiz covers moisture sensors, temperature sensors, light sensors, and digital imaging technology like QR codes. Explore the functions of various digital components and their advantages and disadvantages.