Page 80 - DCAP210_INTRODUCTION__TO_MICROPROCESSORS

Introduction to Microprocessors

Notes “clones” became commonplace, and the terms “Personal Computer,” and especially “PC”,
stuck with the general public.
Questions:

1. Give brief description of the “home computers.”
2. Differentiate between minicomputer and microcomputer.

5.6 Summary

• The term microcomputer is used to describe a system that includes a minimum of a
microprocessor, program memory, data memory, and input/output (I/O).
• The computer will be of no use unless it is able to communicate with the outside world.
Input/output devices are required for users to communicate with the computer.
• A microcontroller executes a user program which is loaded in its program memory.

• Memory is an important part of a microcomputer system. Depending upon the application
we can classify memories into two groups: program memory and data.
• Basically, two types of architectures are used in microcontrollers: Von Neumann architecture
and Harvard architecture.

5.7 Keywords

• Backspace: This key is used to move the cursor one position to the left and also delete the
character in that position.

• Caps Lock: Cap Lock is used to toggle between the capital lock features. When ‘on’, it locks
the alphanumeric keypad for capital letters input only.
• Enter: It is similar to the ‘return’ key of the typewriter and is used to execute a command or
program.
• Numeric Keypad: Numeric keypad is located on the right side of the keyboard and consists
of keys having numbers (0 to 9) and mathematical operators (+ – * /) defined on them. This
keypad is provided to support quick entry for numeric data.
• Shift: This key is used to type capital letters when pressed along with an alphabet key. Also
used to type the special characters located on the upper side of a key that has two characters
defined on the same key.
• Spacebar: It is used to enter a space at the current cursor location.

• Tab: Tab is used to move the cursor to the next tab position defined in the document. Also,
it is used to insert indentation into a document.

1. Give the Connecting the I/O devices into the computer system.
2. Explain the Register in the term of processing.

5.8 Self-Assessment Questions

1. Double Click : Used to ........................... a program or open a file.
(a) Start (b) Select
(c) Move (d) Open

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