A key component of almost all computer devices — in fact the sole purpose of many common devices — is an output device. As a user, we rely on output devices to understand what is happening with the device we are using. This post is aimed at students studying the DBE CAPS CAT and Cambridge IGCSE curricula.
Required knowledge:
1. Screens
Screens are generally the primary output device of any computer.
See the post Screens for more.
2. Data Projectors
See the post Data projectors for more.
3. Printers
Printers create “hard copies” of digital documents, images, or even 3D models.
See the post Printers for more.
4. Plotters
Plotters are devices that draw on continuous feed paper with one or more pen-like components. You see them in the movies in the form of lie-detector test machines and in hospitals as part of ECG machines.
5. Speakers
Speakers are used to output anything from a simple warning beep to high-bitrate audio for music and video. Digital data (binary) is converted to an analogue signal (electricity) when passing through a digital to analogue converter (“DAC”) which then drives a speaker to produce sound. [1]
In the above image, the left-hand side of the speaker is the speaker cone (or diaphragm) with the magnet on the back to the right. The two terminals connect to the speaker wires.
6. Haptics
Haptics is output that is relayed using vibrational movement.
See the post Haptics for more.
References:
- Watson, D. & Brown, G., 2021. Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology. 3rd ed. London: Hodder Education, pp. 53-55.