CMPT 120 Study Guide - Final Guide: Binary Number

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Computing Science
• Course: CMPT 120
• Professor: Steven Pearce

Document Summary

Differentiate between analog and digital computers: faster than mechanical devices by factor of 105 (compare memory chip to hard drive, electronic devices can be made smaller (quantum level) Any system that can manipulate discrete elements of information. Computer that works on a constant supply of varying signals (physical) Analog computers work in parallel, carrying out multiple tasks simultaneously, utilizes continuous variables. Digital computers work fast; however, can only perform one task at a time, utilizes discrete numbers. Historical reason is because of the electronic revolution and transistors; however, some researchers still maintain that we build analog computers. A bit is a binary digit, where it uses base 2 = {0, 1} Using 0 and 1, where each position is a power of 2 1101 = 1x23 + 1x22 + 0x21 + 1x20. On / off - bistable states most reliable, most consistent with transistors work and logic (t/f) Microscopic on/off switches made from semiconducting materials / elements (solid-state)