Systems Architecture
Systems Architecture
7th Edition
ISBN: 9781305080195
Author: Stephen D. Burd
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Chapter 2, Problem 1RQ
Program Plan Intro

Mechanical computation:

  • A mechanical device is an adding machine which performs addition and displays the result based on mathematics of gear ratios.
  • Mechanical devices can perform complex computational functions using mathematical calculations.
  • Mechanical devices speed up tedious repetitive computation tasks that are performed by humans.

Electronic computation:

  • The movement of electrons in an electronic computing device performs the same function as the movement of gears and wheels in a mechanical computing device.
  • The computational functions performed within an electronic circuit can be determined by mathematical relationships among the components and electron flow.

Optical computation:

  • In optical devices, a moving photon’s energy can perform computational work.
  • A particle of light known as a photon moves at a high rate of speed.
  • Optical discs are used to store large video files.
  • Some input/output devices are based on optical technologies and devices.

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