DIVISIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL AND INTER COLLEGE MODEL TOWN

Unit #3 Exam – Style Questions

1 a) Many mobile phone and tablet manufacturers are moving to OLED screen
technology. Give three reasons why this is happening. [3]

 The plastic, organic layers of an OLED are thinner, lighter and more flexible than the crystal
structures used in LEDs or LCDs.
 The light-emitting layers of an OLED are lighter; OLED layers can be made from plastic rather
than the glass as used in LED and LCD screens.
 OLEDs give a brighter light than LEDs.
 Since OLEDs require no backlighting, they use much less power than LCD screens (most of the
LCD power is used to do the backlighting); this is very important in battery-operated devices such
as mobile phones.

b) A television manufacturer makes the following advertising claim:

“Our OLED screens allow the user to enjoy over 1 million vivid colours in true-to-life
vision”. Comment on the validity of this claim by the manufacturer. [4]

When comparing an LCD or LED (both work by the same principle, but using a different type of
light) screen to an OLED display, you will notice a couple of advantages of the last.

First of all, the colors on the OLED display are just popping out of the screen! With full range of
colors displayed, you will enjoy true-to-life colors. OLED screens are capable of displaying over 60
times more colors than most LCD laptop displays (1.07 billion VS 16.7 million).
Another factor to consider is the color gamut, which represents the range of colors a display can reproduce.
OLED displays typically have a wide color gamut, covering a significant portion of the standard color space .
This allows them to reproduce a broad range of colors more accurately and vividly compared to traditional
display technologies like LCD.

In comparison, when black color is displayed on an OLED display, the pixels where the black appears are
simply turned off until needed, providing you with true black color and amazing 1:1,000,000 contrasts.

While blacks are darker, the whites are brighter! OLEDs are capable of producing up to 600 nits of brightness,
while most laptop LCD screens can produce up to 250 nits (It is also sometimes referred to as "candelas per
square meter" (cd/m²). Nits indicate how much light a display emits over a specific area )

2 a) A company is developing a new games console. The console games will be stored on
a ROM chip once the program to run the new game has been fully tested and
developed.

i. Give two advantages of putting the game’s program on a ROM chip.

 they are non-volatile (the contents are not lost after powering off the computer)
 they are permanent memories (the contents cannot be changed or written to by the user, the
computer or any application/program)

ii. The manufacturers are also using RAM chips on the internal circuit board. Why have
they done this?

When you run an application or program, data is retrieved from secondary storage and placed temporarily
into RAM. Data received from CPU is also stored in RAM and from where it is sent to different devices.
Access time to locate data is much faster in RAM than in secondary or off-line devices.
iii. The games console will have four USB ports. Apart from the need to attach games
controllers, give reasons why USB ports are incorporated. [8]

Incorporating USB ports into the new games console serves various purposes beyond just attaching game
controllers. Here are some reasons for including USB ports:

Expandability and Accessories: USB ports allow users to connect various accessories and peripherals to
enhance their gaming experience. This can include devices like external hard drives, gaming keyboards,
gaming mice, headsets, VR (Virtual Reality) devices, and web cams for streaming, and more.

Multiplayer Gaming: USB ports enable multiplayer gaming by allowing multiple controllers to be
connected simultaneously. Gamers can enjoy local multiplayer experiences by connecting multiple game
controllers to the USB ports.

Software Updates and Patches: USB ports can be used for updating the console's firmware or applying
software patches. This is particularly useful for maintaining and improving the console's performance,
compatibility, and security.

Data Transfer and Storage: USB ports allow users to transfer game saves, profiles, screenshots, videos,
and other data between the console and external storage devices like USB flash drives or external hard
drives. This feature provides additional storage options and facilitates data backup.

Charging Devices: USB ports can serve as charging ports for various devices, such as smart phones,
tablets, or even other gaming accessories.

Accessory Integration: Some gaming peripherals and accessories, like specialized controllers or input
devices, connect via USB. By incorporating USB ports, the console can support a wide range of third-party
gaming accessories developed by different manufacturers.

Future Compatibility: USB technology is versatile and constantly evolving. By including USB ports on
the console, the device remains adaptable to potential future accessories, devices, or technologies that may
emerge.

User Convenience: USB ports offer a familiar and widely accepted standard for connecting devices. Users
can easily plug in their existing devices without the need for specialized connectors or adapters.

b) During development of the games console the plastic parts are being made by a 3D
printer. Give two reasons why the manufacturer would use 3D printers.[2]

1. As a single step manufacturing process, 3D printing saves time and therefore costs associated with
using different machines for manufacture.
2. 3D printers can also be set up and left to get on with the job, meaning that there is no need for
operators to be present the entire time.

3 An air conditioning unit in a car is being controlled by a microprocessor and a

number of sensors.

a) Describe the main differences between control and monitoring of a process.[2]

 Monitoring involves observing and gathering data about the system's various parameters and
performance. In the context of the air conditioning unit, the sensors constantly measure and send
data to the microprocessor, providing information about the current temperature, humidity,
pressure, and other relevant parameters.
 The control process is continuous and ongoing, as the microprocessor continuously receives sensor
data, calculates any deviations from the set parameters, and makes real-time adjustments to
maintain the system's performance within the specified operating range.
b) Describe how the sensors and microprocessor would be used to control the air
conditioning unit in the car. Name at least two different sensors that might be used and
explain the role of positive feedback in your description. You might find drawing a
diagram of your intended process to be helpful. [6]

Controlling the air conditioning unit in a car involves using sensors to measure various parameters and a
microprocessor to process this data and adjust the system settings accordingly. Here's a description of the
process, along with two different sensors that might be used:

Temperature Sensor: A temperature sensor is placed inside the car's cabin to measure the current
temperature. The sensor provides real-time temperature data to the microprocessor.

Humidity Sensor: A humidity sensor is also placed inside the car's cabin to measure the humidity level.
The sensor provides real-time humidity data to the microprocessor.

Microprocessor Control: The microprocessor acts as the central control unit for the air conditioning
system. It continuously receives data from the temperature and humidity sensors, and it uses this
information to determine the appropriate air conditioning settings to maintain the desired cabin climate.

Set point Selection: The driver or passengers can set the desired temperature and other preferences using
the car's control panel. This set point is the target temperature that the microprocessor will aim to maintain.

Cooling Control: Based on the data from the sensors and the set point selected, the microprocessor adjusts
the air conditioning system's parameters, such as compressor speed, fan speed, and the blend of cold and
hot air, to achieve the desired cabin temperature and humidity level.

Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment: The microprocessor continuously monitors the temperature
and humidity data from the sensors and compares it to the set point. It keeps adjusting the system settings
based on the feedback loop until the desired conditions are met.

4 a) Describe differences between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. Include

in your explanation, why both types of IP addressing are used. [4]

When a device connects to a private network, a router assigns a private IP address to it. That IP address is
unique on that network, but might be the same as an IP address on a separate network. However, when a
router connects to the internet it is given a unique public IP address. This is usually supplied by the internet
service provider (ISP). All the devices connected to that router have the same public IP address as the
router but each has their own different private IP addresses.

IP addresses can be static (don’t change) or dynamic (change every time device connects to internet).

Static

Static IP addresses are permanently assigned to a device by the internet service provider (ISP); they don’t
change each time a device logs onto the internet.

Static IP addresses are usually assigned to:

 remote servers which are hosting a website

 an online database
 a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server. FTP servers are used when files need to be transferred to
various computers throughout the network.

Dynamic

Dynamic IP addresses are assigned by the ISP each time a device logs onto the internet. This is done using
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). A computer on the internet, configured as a DHCP server,
is used by the ISP to automatically assign an IP address to a device. A dynamic IP address could be
different every time a device connects to the internet.
Dynamic IP addresses can be an issue when using, for example, VoIP since this type of addressing is less
reliable as it can disconnect and change the IP address causing the VoIP connection to fail

b) What is meant by a MAC address? Describe the two different types of MAC address.
[4]

A MAC address is made up of 48 bits which are shown as six groups of hexadecimal digits with the
general format:

NN – NN – NN – DD – DD – DD

For example, 00 – 1C – B3 – 4F – 25 – FF where the first six hex digits identify the device as made by, for
example, Apple and the second set of six hex digits are the serial number of the device itself (this is
unique). If the NIC card is replaced, the MAC address will also change.

Types of MAC address

It should finally be pointed out that there are two types of MAC address: the Universally Administered
MAC Address (UAA) and the Locally Administered MAC Address (LAA).

The UAA is by far the most common type of MAC address and this is the one set by the manufacturer at
the factory. It is rare for a user to want to change this MAC address. UAA MAC addresses are meant to be
unique across different devices and manufacturers, ensuring that each network device can be uniquely
identified in networking.

However, there are some occasions when a user or organization wishes to change their MAC address. This
is a relatively easy task to carry out, but it will cause big problems if the changed address isn’t unique.
There are a few reasons why the MAC address needs to be changed using LAA:

 certain software used on mainframe systems need all the MAC addresses of devices to fall into a
strict format.
 it may be necessary to bypass a MAC address filter on a router or a firewall; only MAC addresses
with a certain format are allowed through, otherwise the devices will be blocked if their MAC
address doesn’t adhere to the correct format
 to get past certain types of network restrictions it may be necessary to emulate unrestricted MAC
addresses.

5 a) Five statements about two types of RAM memory (DRAM and SRAM) are shown
below.

By drawing lines, link each statement to the correct type of RAM.

The data has to be refreshed constantly in order
to retain data

DRAM
This type has the more complex circuitry

It does not need to be refreshed as long as the

power supply is still on

It requires higher power consumption which is SRAM

significant when installed in battery-powered
devices, such as a laptop

It is mostly used in the cache memory of the

CPU where operational speed is important
b) Describe three of the differences between RAM and ROM. [3]

Random Access Memory Read Only Memory

1. RAM is volatile memory, which means 1. ROM is non-volatile memory, meaning
that it loses its stored data when the it retains its data even when the power is
power is turned off or interrupted turned off.
2. RAM is readable and writable. It allows
2. ROM is typically read-only, meaning
for data to be read from and written to that data can be read from it but not
quickly. written to.
3. RAM is used as the main memory for 3. ROM is used for storing essential
active data and programs that are firmware, boot loaders, and system-level
currently being used by the computer. software that are required to start up the
computer.
c) Compare the two optical storage devices: DVD and Blu-ray. Your answer should
include:

 technology differences
 capacity differences
 other features of the two types of storage. [6]

Technology Differences:

DVD: DVDs use a red laser with a wavelength of around 650nm to read and write data. This laser reads
pits and lands on the disc's surface, which represent binary data.

Blu-ray: Blu-ray technology employs a blue-violet laser with a much shorter wavelength of around
405nm. This shorter wavelength allows for smaller pits and lands on the disc's surface, enabling
significantly higher data density. Blu-ray discs can store more data on the same physical-sized disc.

Capacity Differences:

DVDs have relatively smaller storage capacities compared to Blu-ray discs. A standard single-layer DVD
can hold about 4.7GB of data, while a dual-layer DVD can hold up to 8.5GB.

Blu-ray discs offer significantly larger capacities. A single-layer Blu-ray disc can store about 25GB of
data, and a dual-layer Blu-ray disc can hold up to 50GB. There are even triple-layer and quadruple-layer
Blu-ray discs with even higher capacities.

Other Features:

Video Quality: Blu-ray discs generally offer better video quality compared to DVDs.

Compatibility: DVDs are more universally compatible across various players and drives due to their
widespread use and longer presence in the market.

Data Transfer Rates: Blu-ray typically has higher data transfer rates, which can result in smoother
playback of high-definition content and faster data transfers.

Backward Compatibility: Many Blu-ray players are designed to be backward compatible with DVDs,
allowing users to play their existing DVD collections on Blu-ray players.

6 a) Name two types of touch screen technology used on mobile phones. For each
named technology, describe how the position of where a finger touched the screen can
be identified. [6]

Infrared touch screens

Infrared touch screens use a glass screen with an array of sensors and infrared transmitters. The sensors
detect the infrared radiation. If any of the infrared beams are broken (for example, with a finger touching
the screen), the infrared radiation reaching the sensors is reduced. The sensor readings are sent to a
microcontroller that calculates where the screen was touched:
Resistive touch screens

Resistive touch screens are made up of two layers of electrically resistive material with a voltage applied
across them. The upper layer is made of flexible polyethylene (a type of polymer) with a resistive coating
on one side. The bottom layer is made of glass also with a resistive coating (usually indium tin oxide) on
one side. These two layers are separated by air or an inert gas (such as argon). When the top polyethylene
surface is touched, the two layers make contact. Since both layers are coated in a resistive material a circuit
is now completed which results in a flow of electricity. The point of contact is detected where there was a
change in voltage. A microcontroller converts the voltage (created when the two resistive layers touch) to
digital data, which it then sends to the microprocessor.

b) Organic LED (OLED) screens are now becoming increasingly common.

i. Briefly describe the technology behind OLED screens.

Newer LED technology is making use of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

These use organic materials (made up of carbon compounds) to create semiconductors that are very
flexible. Organic films are sandwiched between two charged electrodes (one is a metallic cathode and the
other a glass anode). When an electric field is applied to the electrodes, they give off light. This means that
no form of backlighting is required. This allows for very thin screens. It also means that there is no longer a
need to use LCD technology, since OLED isa self-contained system.

ii. Give three advantages of OLED screens compared to LED/LCD screens. [3]

 The plastic, organic layers of an OLED are thinner, lighter and more flexible than the crystal
structures used in LEDs or LCDs.
 The light-emitting layers of an OLED are lighter; OLED layers can be made from plastic rather
than the glass as used in LED and LCD screens.
 OLEDs give a brighter light than LEDs.
 OLEDs do not require backlighting like LCD screens – OLEDs generate their own light.
 OLEDs have a very large field of view, about 170 degrees, which makes them ideal for use in
television sets and for advertising screens.

7 A zoo has an information point.

 Visitors use a menu to select information about animals.

 The menu includes 500 different animals.
 The information is provided only using high definition video with an audio track.

a) State one input device that could be used for the information point. [1]

One input device that could be used for the information point at the zoo is a Touch screen.

b) The output is shown on a monitor. State one other output device that could be used
for the information point. [1]

One other output device that could be used for the information point at the zoo is Headphones.

c) The video files are stored at the information point. State one secondary storage
device that could be used. [1]

One secondary storage device that could be used to store the high-definition video files and audio tracks for
the information point at the zoo is a Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

d) The zoo decides to introduce Quick Response codes in different places in the zoo.
These provide further information about the animals.
Describe how customers obtain information from the Quick Response codes.[4]

 Displaying QR Codes throughout a zoo can connect visitors to online resource hubs, from learning
more about animals to bringing in more traffic to the zoo's online website, and more.
 There are a few different uses for these QR Codes, One being to help get more information on the
animal you are viewing, but the main objective is to obtain "badges". The Zoo uses QR Code
plaques outside every animal exhibit. Once scanned, they direct visitors to information about the
respective animal.
 Scanning the QR code allows access to a virtual zoo keeper, sharing information about the
exhibited species.
 One of the most significant benefits of QR codes for a virtual zoo keeper is increased accessibility
to people with hearing difficulties.

8 Anna has a farm that grows fruit. She has a system that monitors the conditions for
growing the fruit. Sensors are used in this system.

a) Explain what is meant by the term sensor. [2]

Sensors are input devices which read or measure physical properties from their surroundings. A sensor is a
device or instrument that detects and measures physical properties or changes in the environment and
converts them into electrical signals or other readable forms.

Examples: Temperature sensor, pressure sensor, light sensor etc.

b) State two sensors that could be used in this system and describe how they could be
used. [6]

Light Sensor (Sunlight Sensor):

A light sensor, also known as a sunlight sensor or photometer, measures the intensity of light in the
environment. Monitoring light levels can help farmers optimize crop management strategies and ensure
proper fruit ripening.

How it is used:

Sunlight Exposure: Light sensors can be strategically placed throughout the farm to assess the amount of
sunlight reaching different areas. This data allows farmers to identify shaded spots and rearrange plants or
trees to maximize their exposure to sunlight.

Photosynthesis Monitoring: Light is a crucial component of photosynthesis, By monitoring light levels,

farmers can ensure that plants receive enough light to carry out the process efficiently.

Ripening Control: Some fruits require specific amounts of light to ripen properly. Monitoring light levels
can help farmers to manage the ripening stages of fruit crops, ensuring better quality produce.

Soil Moisture Sensor

Monitors soil moisture levels for precise irrigation and plant health management.

How it is used:

Irrigation Management: Soil moisture sensors help in determining when to irrigate the crops. When the
soil moisture drops below a certain threshold, the sensor sends a signal to the irrigation system to water the
plants, which prevents under or over-watering.

Plant Health Monitoring: By tracking the soil moisture levels, farmers can assess the health of their
crops. Consistently low or high moisture levels may indicate water stress or drainage issues, allowing
farmers to take appropriate corrective actions.
9 The diagram shows five output devices and five descriptions.

Draw a line between each output device and its description. [4]

Output device Description

Inkjet Printer Flat panel display that uses the light modulating
properties of liquid crystals.

LCD Screen Flat panel display that uses an array of light

emitting diodes as pixels.

2D cutter
Droplets of ink are propelled onto paper.

LED Screen
Electrically charged powdered ink is transferred
onto paper.
Laser Printer
2D High-powered laser that uses the X-Y plane.
cutter