In this course we'll give an introduction to variety of topics.

Points: 6 ECTS

Grading: homework + exam

Lecturer: Lauri Võsandi

Introduction to computer hardware

Jargon: Hard disk drive (HDD), Solid state drive (SSD), conventional PCI, PCI Express, USB2.

Exam questions:

• Different buses and their uses
• What are the differences between HDD and SDD? [1]
• What are difference between volatile/non-volatile, RAM, ROM, EEPROM and where are they used?
• What are difference between asynchronous/synchronous, dynmic/static RAM and where are they used?
• What is cache? What is cache coherence? [2]
• What are differences between resistive and capacitive touchscreen? [3]
• Name screen technologies making use of TFT technology? [4]
• What are the differences between linear vs switching power regulation? Understanding
• Name uses for light polarization filters?
• What are the benefits of twisted pair and differential signaling?
• Active matrix vs passive matrix in display technology
• What is resistance? Capacitance? Inductance?