Computer Engineering Skills

• Major components of a computer system include the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices

  
• The CPU is responsible for executing instructions and managing the system's resources
• Memory is used to store data and instructions processed by the CPU
• Storage is used to store data not currently being processed by the CPU
• Input/output devices are used to communicate with the outside world, such as keyboards, mice, and printers
• The case of a computer houses internal components like the power supply, motherboard, CPU, memory, disk drives, and adapter cards
• Common desktop computer case form factors include horizontal case, full-size tower, compact tower, and all-in-one
• Power supplies in computers convert AC power into lower voltage DC power required by internal components
• Desktop computer power supply form factors include Advanced Technology (AT), AT Extended (ATX), ATX12V, and EPS12V
• A power supply includes connectors like 20-pin or 24-pin slotted connector, SATA keyed connector, Molex keyed connector, Berg keyed connector, 4-pin to 8-pin auxiliary power connector, and 6/8-pin PCIe power connector
• The different connectors in a power supply provide different voltages, with the most common being 3.3 volts, 5 volts, and 12 volts
• The motherboard is the main printed circuit board in a computer, holding and allowing communication between crucial components like the CPU, memory, and input/output devices
• Major components on a motherboard include the CPU, RAM, expansion slots, chipset, BIOS chip, UEFI chip, SATA connectors, and internal USB connector
• Chipset on a motherboard controls how system hardware interacts with the CPU and motherboard, consisting of Northbridge and Southbridge
• Common motherboard form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and ITX, determining how components attach, the type of power supply required, and the shape of the computer case
• The CPU interprets and executes commands, residing within a CPU package connected to the motherboard via a CPU socket
• Modern CPU sockets and processor packages follow architectures like Pin Grid Array (PGA) and Land Grid Array (LGA)
• Computer components perform better when kept cool, using active and passive cooling solutions
• Passive cooling solutions involve reducing component speed or adding heat sinks, while active solutions require power
• Different types of memory are used in computers for various purposes
• A block diagram of a typical computer system shows major components like the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices

  
• The CPU is the central processing unit responsible for executing instructions and managing the system's resources
• Memory is used to store data and instructions processed by the CPU, while storage is used for data not currently processed
• Input/output devices like keyboards, mice, and printers are used to communicate with the outside world
• Different types of memory chips store data in bytes, with Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM) being common types
• ROM includes ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM chips, while RAM includes DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and more
• Memory modules are created by soldering memory chips to a circuit board, with types like DIP, SIMM, DIMM, and SODIMM
• Different error checking methods for memory include Nonparity, Parity, and ECC memory
• Adapter cards like sound adapters, NICs, video adapters, and USB controllers increase a computer's functionality
• Expansion slots on the motherboard are used to install adapter cards, with common types like PCI, PCIe, and AGP
• Data drives provide non-volatile storage, classified as magnetic (HDD, tape drive), solid-state (SSD), or optical (CD, DVD, Blu-ray)
• Storage devices connect to the motherboard using SATA connections, with SATA 1, SATA 2, and SATA 3 being common standards
• Magnetic media storage includes HDDs and tape drives, while semiconductor storage uses SSDs and NVMe for faster data storage
• Optical drives like CD, DVD, and BD overcome storage limitations of magnetic media, with options for pre-recorded, recordable, or re-recordable media
• Video ports and cables like DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI connect monitors to computers using analog or digital signals
• The three main components of a computer are: input devices, output devices, and internal components

  
• A computer power supply unit (PSU) supplies power to the various components of a computer and can be a source of electrical hazards if not handled properly
• Laser debonding is a process used to separate two bonded surfaces by using a laser to heat and melt the adhesive, often used to remove components from printed circuit boards (PCBs) or to separate other types of bonded materials

  
• The computer motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer, holding and allowing communication between crucial components like the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and input/output devices

  
• A block diagram of a typical computer system shows major components including the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices