Systems Architecture
Systems Architecture
7th Edition
ISBN: 9781305080195
Author: Stephen D. Burd
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
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.

Blurred answer
Students have asked these similar questions
Do Computer Science and Computer Engineering differ?
To what extent do Computer Science and Computer Engineering vary from one another?
Why is computer science so popular among people of all ages?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Computer Science
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, computer-science and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Systems Architecture
Computer Science
ISBN:9781305080195
Author:Stephen D. Burd
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Principles of Information Systems (MindTap Course...
Computer Science
ISBN:9781285867168
Author:Ralph Stair, George Reynolds
Publisher:Cengage Learning