Option 2 The Interrelationship Between Software and Hardware

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The interrelationship between software and hardware 415

10
OPTION 2
THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

In this option, we examine the basis of digital computer hardware; data, storage and
processing. We consider the manner in which data is represented within the computer.
Different data types require different methods of binary representation; all are based
on the binary number system. We then examine the circuits that allow us to store and
process this data. Logic gates are the building blocks for integrated circuits. What are
logic gates and how are they combined to perform new and varied functions? We
answer these questions and design some simple integrated circuits. In particular, we
investigate circuits used to perform binary addition and those used to store binary
data.
The final section of this option describes the programming and interfacing of
hardware devices. We examine the data streams required to provide input to various
hardware devices as well as the returned output data streams. The format and
processing required to generate and understand these data streams, is discussed. We
look at a number of practical examples where this infonnation is utilised to control
hardware devices in real world applications.

Consider the following:

Computers can only process binary data; that is strings of zeros and ones. Considering
this fact, it seems remarkable that computers are able to perform such a broad range of
tasks. How can strings of binary digits be used to show videos, track bank account
transactions or control a production line of robots? Many people consider the
computer to be the most significant invention of all time.

GROUP TASK Discussion


Develop a list of tasks that would be impossible to perform without the
assistance of computers. How are computers able to perform all these
tasks using just binary numbers and combinations of circuits?

GROUP TASK Discussion


Why would many people consider the computer to be the most significant
invention of all time? Consider prior inventions and discoveries that were
necessary before the computer, as we know it could be developed.

Software Design and Development - The HSC Course


416 Chapter 10

REPRESENTATION OF DATA WITHIN THE COMPUTER


All data within a computer system is stored and
processed in binary. The binary or base 2 number
system, uses only 2 digits; zero and one. These
binary digits or bits can be stored in a variety of
ways depending on the particular medium. For
example, lands and pits on a CD-ROM,
magnetised needles on the surface of a floppy disk
or high and low voltages sent down a
communication path. Later in this chapter, we will Fig 10.1
examine how binary is stored and processed using Hard disk drives, CDs, D VDs andflash
memory all store binary data.
integrated circuits.
Before considering methods of representing data using binary numbers, we need an
understanding of how the binary system operates. Once we have an understanding of
the binary system, we shall consider common methods for representing characters,
integers and fractions. We conclude by examining binary arithmetic; addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division.
THE BINARY NUMBER SYSTEM
The decimal number system is based on the number ten hence we require ten symbols.
We call these symbols digits; in decimal or base 10 we use the digits 0, 1,2,3,4,5,6,
7,8 and 9. The binary number system is based on the number two, hence we require 2
symbols or digits, and we use 0 and 1.
The placement of each digit in Decimal
relation to other digits 103=1000 102=100 10 1=10 10°=1
Number
determines its place value. For 3407 3 4 0 7
example, the decimal number 968 0 9 6 8
3407 means three thousands, four 1082 1 0 8 2
hundreds, zero tens and seven 6600 6 6 0 0
123 0 1 2 3
units. The four is said to have a
0 0 0 0 0
place value of 100, or 102. The 9999 9 9 9 9
three has a place value of 1000 or
Fig 10.2
103 • In other words, 3407 could Decimal numbers have place values based on
be written as (3 x 103) + powers ofthe number ten.
(4 X 102) + (0 X 10 1) + (7 x 10°).

GROUP TASK Activity


Write down a series of ten decimal numbers between 0 and 1 million.
Create a table, such as the one in Fig 10.2, and complete the table using
your ten numbers.

Binary numbers are based on the number two thus place value is determined by
powers of two. The binary number 11 Olean be written as (1 x 23) + (1 X 22) +
(0 X 21) + (1 x 2°). In decimal, the binary number 1101 has a value of 8 + 4 + 0 + 1,
which is equal to 13. We write this as 11012 = 13 10, the subscript is used to indicate
the base used. Leading zeros have no effect on the value of a number. For example,
0001011 h is equivalent to 1011 h. Zeros between non-zero digits are required to
ensure correct place value. For example, 111 h is not the same number as 1011102 •

Software Design and Development -The HSC Course

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