5.6

Question 1

What does CPU stand for?

Answer 1

Central Processing Unit

Question 2

What is the job of a microprocessor (CPU)

Answer 2

Performs all mathematical and logic functions of manipulation data in memory. Dictated by programming to arrive at destination.

Question 3

What does ROM stand for?

Answer 3

Read Only Memory

Question 4

What is the purpose of ROM?

Answer 4

Contains the main programme which instructs the CPU exactly what to do.

Question 5

What I does RAM do?

Answer 5

Used as a temporary storage until data is needed for processing

Question 6

What does RAM stand for?

Answer 6

Random Access Memory

Question 7

What does I/O stand for?

Answer 7

Input/ Output Device

Question 8

What does am I/O do?

Answer 8

Provides and interface between the microprocessor and the outside world, whether digital display, teletype, CRT or various other devices.

Question 9

What are the three types of buses and what do they do?

Answer 9

Data bus - Used to carry the data associated with a memory or input/ output transfer

Address Bus - used to specify the memory location or input/ output port involved in transfer

Control Bus - made up of various control lines generated by the CPU

Question 10

What are the two types of Memory?

Answer 10

• Random access memory (RAM)

- Read Only Memory (ROM)

Question 11

Which type of memory is volatile?

Answer 11

RAM because unsaved data stored in the RAM is lost at power off

Question 12

What is RAM used for??

Answer 12

Used to store data which changes during the operation of the computer, such as results of calculations.

Question 13

What is ROM used for?

Answer 13

Used to store programme steps and values, where memory values do not change e.g a dedicated system

Question 14

Can contents of a ROM change after manufacturer?

Answer 14

No, due to the special masking technique adopted when programming the ROM

Question 15

Why where PROMS’s invented?

Answer 15

To meet the needs of a user who may wish to do his own full programming or alter existing programmes.

Question 16

What is normally used to write a programme into a PROM?

Answer 16

A special PROM programmer operating under computer control

Question 17

What are the two other categories of PROM?

Answer 17

Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)

Electrically Alterable Read Only Memory (EAROM)

Question 18

What does EPROM stand for?

Answer 18

Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

Question 19

How is EPROM altered?

Answer 19

Exposing to ultra-violet light through a window in the cover.

Question 20

How is EAROM more advantageous than EPROM?

Answer 20

Each individual element can be changed without erasing all the data in other elements

Question 21

Define Hardware

Answer 21

All parts and devices that are used to process digital data.

Question 22

Define Software

Answer 22

Refers to all the programmes and instructions for the CPU

Question 23

What can computers be classed by hardware?

Answer 23

Analogue, Digital or Hybrid

Question 24

What are computers often classified as?

Answer 24

Tasks or application

Question 25

What is a reference computer?

Answer 25

Used as a source of information or data. Signals from thus computer may be self-contained and it only provides outputs E.G - Inertial Reference System (IRS)

Question 26

What is an informational, computer?

Answer 26

Collects data from various places, processes it, and formats it for display. Main task is to collect data and display it in a central place. E.G - Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS)

Question 27

What are parameters set and monitored engine thrust displayed on?

Answer 27

CRT - Cathode Ray Tube

Question 28

What computer would Maintenance personnel use to get maintenance information?

Answer 28

Informational Computers

Question 29

What do storage/monitor computers do?

Answer 29

Retains information provided to the by other systems and computers. Information stored can be used by other computers E.G - Electronic Engine Control Monitor (EECM)

Question 30

What do controlling computers do?

Answer 30

Primary task of controlling something such as FSEU (Flap/ Slat Electronic Unit) which provides a means of monitoring the flap level position.

Question 31

What is the largest category of computer?

Answer 31

Controlling Computer

Question 32

What is an Interactive Computer?

Answer 32

Perform several different tasks depending on operators inputs. Display information to operator and then manipulate it depending on interaction E.G Flight Management Computer (FMC)