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Understanding Embedded Systems

August 26, 2010 By: lilybird Category: Hardware

Whenever the word microprocessor is referred, it conjures up a picture of a desktop or laptop PC running an application such as a word processor or a spreadsheet. While this is a common application for microprocessors, it is not the only one and the fact is most people use them indirectly in common objects and consumer electronics without realising it. Without the microprocessor, these products would not be as sophisticated or cheap as they are today. The embedding of microprocessors into equipment and consumer appliances started before the appearance of the personal computer and consumes the majority of microprocessors that are made today. In this way, embedded microprocessors are more deeply ingrained into everyday life than any other electronic circuit that is made. A large car may have over 50 microprocessors controlling functions such as the engine through engine management systems, brakes with electronic anti-lock brakes, transmission with traction control and electronically controlled gearboxes, safety with airbag systems, electric windows, air-conditioning and so on. With a well-equipped car, nearly every aspect has some form of electronic control associated with it and thus a need for a microprocessor within an embedded system.

A washing machine may have a risc microcontroller that contains the different washing programs, provides the power control for the various motors and pumps and even controls the display that tells you how the wash cycles are proceeding. Mobile phones contain more processing power than a desktop processor of a few years ago. Many gadgets contain microprocessors and there are even kitchen appliances such as bread machines that use microprocessor-based control systems. The word control is very apt for embedded systems because in virtually every embedded system application, the goal is to control an aspect of a physical system such as temperature, motion, and so on using a variety of inputs. With the recent advent of the digital age replacing many of the analogue technologies in the consumer world, the dominance of the embedded system is ever greater. Each digital consumer device such as a digital camera, DVD or MP3 player all depend on an embedded system to realise the system. As a result, the skills behind embedded systems design are as diverse as the systems that have been built although they share a common heritage.

There are many definitions for this but the best way to define it is to describe it in terms of what it is not and with examples of how it is used.

An embedded system is a microprocessor-based system that is built to control a function or range of functions and is not designed to be programmed by the end user in the same way that a PC is. Yes, a user can make choices concerning functionality but cannot change the functionality of the system by adding/replacing software. With a PC, this is exactly what a user can do: one minute the PC is a word processor and the next it’s a games machine simply by changing the software. An embedded system is designed to perform one particular task albeit with choices and different options. The last point is crucial because it differentiates itself from the world of the PC where the end user does reprogram it whenever a different software package is bought and run. However, PCs have provided an easily accessible source of hardware and software for embedded systems and it should be no surprise that they form the basis of many embedded systems. To reflect this, there are many advanced microcontroller projects to build a simple hobby gadget or a sophisticated data logging system for a race car.

If this need to control the physical world is so great, what is so special about embedded systems that has led to the widespread use of microprocessors? There are several major reasons and these have increased over the years as the technology has progressed and developed.

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Basic Information About LCD Computer Monitors

August 24, 2010 By: lilybird Category: Hardware

In general, it is very hard to say which computer component is most important. Probably there is no such component. Every part is essential to perform some task otherwise we wouldn’t need it. But there is one difference. With some computer components we have direct contact. One of such components is monitor. Computer monitor communicates with us in a very special way. It displays all the information about the status of the computer as well as windows of currently active applications. Therefore, it is crucial that this computer component is carefully selected and that it displays stable and sharp picture.

Currently LCD is the predominant technology for computer monitors. There is no big difference between computer LCD monitors and LCD TV sets. The only major difference is the additional interface electronics that makes a LCD TV set look like a television and LCD monitor to look as computer monitor.

Usually, when buying computers we look at the price tag. This is normal since price ranges can vary significantly. But the price should not be the only parameter upon which we will make a decision. When buying computer monitors we should consider the following:

Main Purpose of Our Computer
We can use the computer as office tool, gaming machine, designer’s drawing board, or a combination of listed and also other purposes. Each purpose needs emphasis on a different parameter. For example, designers working in desktop publishing need large desktops and realistic color reproductions, games need monitors with fast response, etc. The first step in choosing monitor is to define the main purpose of the computer.

Size
The bigger the better. This simple rule is valid for all computer purposes. With larger working area you will easily work with many applications at the same time. Application windows will not be squeezed to small cluttered rectangles, the taskbar will look as a nice informative bar and not like a bar with many small buttons, on the desktop you will be able to put more icons for frequently used programs, etc. Because all LCD monitors are flat there will be no problem with the space on the table. So the only disadvantage with large monitors is maybe higher price.

Resolution
Again, the bigger the better. The resolution tells us how many pixels or points the monitor can display. More pixels means larger monitor or smaller image dots. A typical resolution for multipurpose computer is 1920×1200 pixels. It allows comfortable work with office programs, web browsing and also good experience with CAD programs.

Interfaces
Almost all computer LCD monitors have DVI input. This is standard for computer graphics cards. If we intend to connect multimedia devices we also need a HDMI input. Many monitors have also integrated USB hubs. This is very handy to connect keyboard, mouse and external disks. Some computer monitors have also a TV tuner which converts them into a real TV set.

Choosing computer monitor is not an easy task even if you know what to look for. For more tips and hints you can visit the LCD computer monitors website which provides few basic facts about computer LCD monitors. Perhaps the most important fact you should remember is that you will be staring for hours into this flat panel. Make sure it will look pretty.

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Preventing Hardware Failure

July 26, 2010 By: lilybird Category: Hardware

High technology is wonderful, but for some strange reason everything seems more fragile than ever. Gone are those days when something was built to last; it is telling that warranties on consumer electronics typically cover only a year at most – many do only thirty days! Especially when it comes to a video gaming system, which if broken not only means that you’ve lost the console but also the software, which are now all useless. Sony’s original Playstation was incredibly durable, able to withstand multiple falls off tables and bookshelves without hindering performance. Just six years later came the PS2, which has gone through at least twelve versions, each one designed to fix a previous flaw. Here then is a reminder of some common sense precautions can go a long way towards protecting your investment.

The main culprit in hardware failure remains heat. Heat buildup is dangerous, and will drastically shorten the lifespan of your device, so do everything you can to keep them cool and well ventilated. Keep away from direct sunlight and do not put it on the carpet or your bed. Keep the vents or fan intake unobstructed, and it’s also a good idea to periodically clean those areas of dust. For a PC, another solution is simply to purchase more cooling fans, which you can buy for as little as ten or fifteen dollars. They are pretty generally very easy to install, depending on the brand of your PC, or more specifically, it’s case; and they do an excellent job of keeping the internal components of your PC nice and cool. For far more advanced PC, usually gaming rigs and the like, there are water cooling systems as well, but these are much more expensive and complicated.
After heat, dust and other airborne particles are the biggest villains. Over time they will jam up your system, including blocking ventilation – helping to create the number one nemesis of dangerous heat buildup. This especially can cause your machine to overheat and crash. Keep it clean by cleaning it regularly as per manufacturer instructions and you will have eliminated another main cause of electronics failure.

Those two are the most common reasons people’s devices stop working suddenly, or start behaving erratically or otherwise no longer perform as new. Less common but even more instantly fatal are electric spikes, surges in electric current caused by storms or, typically, not using adequately grounded connections. Surge protectors are the answer, and many high quality models can be had for just thirty dollars.

Finally, do not leave your device powered on for an extended period of time if you’re not using it. Simply turn them off or at least ensure they go into some kind of standby or sleep mode after a period of time. You’re simply allowing unnecessary heat buildup, not to mention wasting money and electricity. Treat your electronics nicely and they’ll work longer for you.

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It’s Simple To Add System Memory

June 17, 2010 By: lilybird Category: Hardware

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So many applications today require a large amount of system memory(RAM) to run these days. Let me explain how to simply upgrade yours. Upgrading is very affordable these days if your machine is few years old.

The first thing you need to do is to identify exactly what type in in your computer of mac. Please visit crucial.com and on the very main page, there is a small application you can run and check your system. It will tell you the type, speed, maximum amount your machine can handle, and how many slots you have available. After running the application on the website, it will give you a list of purchase options, just write down or print all of information from the system scan and shop elsewhere on the internet. You can surely find better pricing. It will save you a few dollars.

Ok, so you have shopped around, ordered your new memory, it has arrived, or you picked it up in the store and you are ready to install.

Now, you can add the new chips to the current setup if you have available slots and purchased identical or a very similar RAM upgrade. You can also remove what is currently in there and load it up with your new stuff.

IMPORTANT: POWER DOWN YOUR COMPUTER AND REMOVE POWER CABLE.

1. Open the case of your computer, look for one to four, 3 to 4 inch long, about an inch high, thin, green, chips standing on their edge. Usually located a bit off the center of the main board towards a corner. One way to match it up is to look at your new purchase and match it with what is inside the computer.

2. If removing memory, there is a little tab on each side of each stick attached to the board that swings down and away on each side. Use your thumb or finger to release it on each side of each chip and pull up easy to remove.

3. Now you want to put in your new hardware. Take note of the notch on the bottom of each piece, it is usually slightly off center and must be lined up correctly with the slot on the main board to install correctly. Very carefully line it up over the slot, then push down with evenly with both thumbs until the tab on the ends click and lock into place. You will see, hear, and feel this occur if done correctly. Follow the same procedure until all is installed.

4. Put your case back together. Plug it back in and turn on your computer, it will warn you system memory has changed. Hit the corresponding button that says “setup” to enter the BIOS, then save and exit out of the BIOS, then your system will restart.

So, there you go. The entire process should take no more than 15 minutes, you saved yourself some money, and now have some more power.

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Wireless Keyboards With Trackball A Personal Review

May 26, 2010 By: lilybird Category: Hardware

This is an superb sleek and stylish all-in-one keyboard/trackball/media remote handle. But it does have a few flaws.

I got this to be used from my sofa to perform usual but light computing activities for example writing emails and exploring the internet. I already have my Media Centre remote handle for all my media centre functions.

The keyboard is definitely an superb accompaniment to my media remote. It can be soft and so sits perfectly upon your knees with no any discomfort. it has a eye-catching structure that tends to make it easy to grip unlike numerous other handheld keyboards which have too sleek surfaces. The keys are designed similar to a laptop computer and are fine for keying e-mail etc. You do need to press with a tad a lot more force than you would having a good full-sized keyboard.

Wireless keyboard trackball have a lot many other features. Indeed it is multi-featured and one of the most stat of the art keyboard. Its powerful and feels great to steer the cursor with utilizing your proper thumb (I have actually discovered much more handle by rolling my index finger along with middle fingers making use of my thumb to pinch – to each their own!). The standard settings are too sensitive however but you are able to very easily adjust this using the mouse properties inside the manage panel. The mouse buttons are located on the left operated with the correct thumb. Takes getting used to but its efficient.

You will find 7 programmable keys about the left side which are helpful but haven’t so much programmed them yet.

My Windows 7 picked up the keyboard without having any require for extra software/drivers being installed. Nonetheless, you do require to install the included cd computer software to program the they keys that can be programmed.

The media remote is really a big fail. It might work its extremely fundamental objective nevertheless falls far as well short being a substitution for my role-specific media remote. There’s no come back to last list on it. Neither are there the navigation control keys. I think we’re anticipated to utilize the cursor keys that are just to the bottom left with the pad nevertheless that weakens the point from the linked media remote at the side. It does not also include virtually any forwards and also backwards skips. I discover making use of the trackball easier to navigate my media center than the media remote.

Due to the fact the media remote is really a large fail, I would most likely rather have a numeric keyboard get its place.

Keeping in view the overall performance, despite my small gripes, this is still a great buy if you require a Wireless Keyboards with trackball combo to make use of with your media center from the comfort and ease of your own sofa or armchair. Nonetheless it won’t replace your media middle remote. I would notrecommend it for your desk as its not meant being used for heavier computing use.

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Understanding Port Replicators

May 16, 2010 By: lilybird Category: Hardware

A port replicator is outlined as a device that is used to connect such moveable computers as laptops, notebooks and netbooks to such non-peripheral units as scanners, keyboards, printers and monitors. When you have a non-peripheral device, you do not straight connect it to your laptop. As an alternative, you first connect it to the replicator then connect the laptop to the replicator. The advantage of that is that it allows you to connect 2 or 3 peripherals concurrently, relying on your needs, to single notebook computers. What this means is you could print, scan and even play video games all at the same time.

Port replicators comprise such laptop ports as parallel, USB and serial. Should you take a detailed look at the port replicator, you’ll discover that it accommodates 2 or three of each of the three distinct ports and never just one. That is what makes it simple to connect it with quite a few peripherals all at once. It is important to notice that there are port replicators that include Ethernet controllers. Others yet come with dial-up capabilities. The replicators with dial-up capability are particularly helpful to those people who wish to access the internet utilizing their laptop computers.

While port replicators appear very similar to dock stations, it is worth noting that they’re different. In contrast to dock stations, replicators are much less versatile. The reason for that is that replicators don’t come with ports for your portable storage gadgets. For a port replicator to be able to establish a connection, you need to put it in direct contact with your laptop. However, a dock station solely needs a cable to make a connection. Another factor that differentiates port replicators from dock stations is the absence of an expansion slot. What is more, replicators are smaller and more expensive.

It is rather easy to attach the port replicator onto your notebook computer. All you must do is attach the units that you need to use to the replicator. Subsequently, it is best to close the display panel of your notebook and align the replicators’ connectors to the ports on your notebook. Lock the securing tabs into place by gently pressing down your notebook. At this level, you might open the pc’s display panel and start utilizing it.

There are a variety of reasons why port replicators are a favorite with many notebook and laptop owners. The primary has to do with the truth that the gadget increases the ports that you can use to attach such peripheral gadgets as printers, keyboards and monitors. The other motive is that with a port replicator, you do not need to unplug or disconnect your peripheral units if you wish to move or take your notebook pc to another office. All you need to do is unplug the replicators and reconnect it when you need to use the peripherals. The good thing about this is that it saves you from the trouble of plugging and unplugging your peripherals repetitively.

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