FREE online courses on the Basics of a Computer - MICROCOMPUTER -
MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS
The present generation of
microcomputers is based on the use of 8-bit microprocessors, i.e. information is
handled within the MPU in 8-bit registers, accumulators etc. There is also a
rapidly evolving new generation built around 16-bit microprocessors. These more
powerful microcomputers provide minicomputer capability at micro prices.
A microcomputer is often designed
so that it can be configured with different amounts of RAM (the equivalent of
central memory). Typical ranges are 4K bytes to 64 K bytes and 32 K to 512 K
bytes, expandable normally in add on steps of 4K and 16K or multiples of the
same. The memory may be built up by adding boards containing RAM chips or by
replacing an existing board with another board containing RAMs of a bigger
capacity. The concept of add on and replacement boards is fundamental to the
design of many microcomputers. It enables systems to be enhanced easily and
faults to be remedied quickly are replacement of a complete unit in which a
problem is known to lie. Maintenance by replacement is only feasible because of
the comparatively low cost involved. Many of the replaced boards may be
subsequently corrected for use again.
A microcomputer is usually
equipped with a typewriter keyboard for input and can normally be linked to a
CRT monitor device (cathode ray tube) for display of input and output. A
terminal printer device may also for display of input and output. A terminal
printer device may also be connected to provide printed copy of output on paper.
Fully configured systems often include a floppy disk drive, and even a hard disk
system (a Winchester
drive) or a cartridge tape system which separately or collectively provide extra
storage space for back-up purposes.
