Course 267: Input/Output Devices II - Technician Level

Describes magnetic and optical memory devices. Explains how signals are converted from analog to digital form, and vice versa. Covers data acquisition systems and common digital transmission standards. Defines error detection techniques used to ensure the accurate transmission of digital data. Concludes with a practical application that combines all of the principles presented in previous lessons.

The lessons, topics, and objectives for this course are listed below.

Lesson 1 - Magnetic and Optical Memory Devices

Topics

Data storage; Magnetic recording; Error correction; Tape cartridge devices; Helical scan tape; Rotating disk storage; Hard and floppy disks; Optical data storage

Objectives

• Discuss the characteristics and uses of the different types of data storage devices.
• Describe the different types of data storage systems and explain their advantages and disadvantages.
• Describe the functions of the controller in data storage systems.
• Identify the differences between hard disk drives and floppy disk drives.
• Explain how optical data storage devices work.

Lesson 2 - Signal Converters and Processors

Topics

Weighted-resistor, binary-ladder, and typical DACs; Dual-slope, successive-approximation, and flash ADCs; Digital signal processors

Objectives

• Describe analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion processes.
• Name the different types of DACs and ADCs.
• Identify the kinds of errors that might be present in an analog circuit.
• Explain digital signal processing in general terms.

Lesson 3: Data Acquisition Systems

Topics

Multiplexers; Programmable gain amplifiers; Computer output; Input signal variations; Isolation; Filtering; Sample-and-hold; Aliasing

Objectives

• List and describe the major components of a data acquisition system.
• Explain the front-end operation of a data acquisition system.
• Name the types of signal inputs used in data acquisition systems.
• Explain how aliasing occurs and how to avoid it.

Lesson 4: Digital Transmission Standards

Topics

Parallel, serial, synchronous, and asynchronous data transmission; Interface standards; UART; USRT; Fiber optics; Error detection

Objectives

• Explain the different types of digital data transmission.
• Tell why transmission standards are needed and how they apply to digital signals.
• Name some of the more important organizations that develop digital data transmission standards.
• Name two types of data transmission error detection techniques.
• Identify different types of digital transmission equipment, and explain how a modem works.

Lesson 5 - Digital I/O Applications

Topics

Automotive engine control application; Single-chip microcomputers

Objectives

• Discuss the digital I/O system operation of an engine control module (ECM).
• Describe how a single-chip microcomputer is used in an ECM.
• Examine the structure of timer-based inputs and outputs.
• Identify the engine control input devices.
• Identify the engine control output devices.
• Explain the concept of real-time control