Heaven's Light Is Our Guide
Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
Lab 02
Course Title: Introduction to computer system
Course Code: ECE 1100
Date of Experiment: 20.11.2024
Date of Submission:
Submitted to Submitted by
Md. Omaer Faruq Goni Md. Yousuf
Assistant Professor Roll No: 2310023
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Registration No: 1076
RUET Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Index
Experiment No: 02 ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Experiment Name: Introduction to computer hardware ......................................................................... 1
Objective: To get familiar with computer hardware parts. .................................................................. 1
➢ Power Supply Unit (PSU............................................................................................................... 1
➢ Transformer ................................................................................................................................. 1
➢ Heatsink ....................................................................................................................................... 2
➢ Thermal Paste .............................................................................................................................. 2
➢ Bridge Rectifier ............................................................................................................................ 2
➢ Colling Fan: .................................................................................................................................. 2
➢ Random Access Memory(RAM): .................................................................................................. 3
➢ Hard Disk..................................................................................................................................... 3
➢ Processor ..................................................................................................................................... 3
➢ HDMI Port: ................................................................................................................................... 4
➢ USB Port ....................................................................................................................................... 4
➢ Ethernet Port ............................................................................................................................... 4
➢ SATA Cable ................................................................................................................................... 5
➢ SSD(Solid-State Drives ............................................................................................................... 5
➢ Aux Port: ..................................................................................................................................... 6
➢ Capacitor...................................................................................................................................... 6
➢ Inductor........................................................................................................................................ 7
➢ Inductor SMD Resistor ................................................................................................................ 7
➢ SMD Capacitor ............................................................................................................................ 7
➢ Diode ........................................................................................................................................... 8
➢ Transistor ..................................................................................................................................... 8
➢ IC(Integrated Circuit) .................................................................................................................. 9
➢ Resistor ........................................................................................................................................ 9
➢ SMD Inductor .............................................................................................................................. 9
➢ Speaker ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Discussion: .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Precautions: ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Introduction To Computer System Lab - 02 2310023
Experiment No: 02
Experiment Name: Introduction to computer hardware
Objective: To get familiar with computer hardware parts.
Brief Description of Computer Hardware Parts are given below:
Power Supply Unit (PSU): A power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC into low-voltage
regulated DC power to operate a desktop computer’s internal components. Modern personal
computers universally use switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) for their efficiency and compact
design. Some PSUs include a manual switch for selecting input voltage, while others automatically
adjust to the mains voltage. Most modern desktop computer power supplies
follow the ATX specification, which defines form factors and voltage
tolerances. An ATX PSU, when connected to the mains, continuously
supplies a 5-volt standby (5VSB) power to support standby functions in the
computer and certain peripherals. The motherboard controls the PSU’s power
state, turning it on and off via a signal. Additionally, the PSU sends a signal
to the motherboard to confirm when DC voltages are stable, ensuring a safe Figure 1: Supply Unit
power-up and boot process. As of mid-2024, the latest ATX PSU standard is
version 3.0.[1]
Transformer: A transformer is an electrical device that transfers energy
between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. Its
primary function is to adjust voltage levels in an alternating current (AC)
system, either stepping up the voltage to meet high-power demands or
stepping down the voltage for safer, low-power applications. This makes Figure 2: Transformer
transformers essential for efficient power distribution across various systems and components.[2]
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➢ Heatsink: A heatsink is a passive cooling device designed to draw
heat away from components like CPUs, GPUs, power transistors,
or LEDs, helping to prevent overheating and maintain optimal
performance. By maximizing surface area, it efficiently transfers
heat from the component to the surrounding air, promoting faster Figure 3: Heatsink
heat dissipation and ensuring stable operation.[3]
➢ Thermal Paste: Thermal paste, also called thermal compound, thermal grease, or thermal
interface material (TIM), enhances heat transfer between a CPU or GPU and a heatsink or
cooling solution. By filling microscopic gaps and imperfections
between the two surfaces, it eliminates air pockets that would
otherwise impede heat transfer. Since air is a poor conductor, thermal Figure 4: Thermal Paste
paste significantly improves heat conduction, allowing for more
efficient dissipation and helping to prevent overheating.[4]
➢ Bridge Rectifier: A bridge rectifier is an electronic circuit that converts
alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) using four diodes arranged in a
bridge configuration. This design allows both halves of the AC waveform to
be rectified, resulting in a more stable and efficient DC output compared to a
single-diode rectifier. Its ability to maximize power conversion makes it ideal
for various applications requiring reliable DC power.[5]
Figure 5: Bridge Rectifier
➢ Cooling Fan: A cooling fan is a mechanical device designed to circulate
air or coolant over components, aiding in heat dissipation and
temperature regulation. Commonly found in computers, electronics, and
automotive systems, it plays a critical role in preventing overheating and
ensuring optimal performance and longevity of devices.[6]
.
Figure 6: Colling Fan
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➢ Random Access Memory(RAM): RAM (Random Access
Memory) is a type of high-speed, volatile memory that
temporarily stores data actively used or processed by a
computer or electronic device. It provides the processor with
fast access to data, significantly boosting system speed and
performance. Since RAM relies on constant power to retain
data, all information is lost when the system is powered off,
unlike non-volatile storage such as hard drives or SSDs. Its rapid Figure 7: RAM
read and write capabilities make it essential for handling tasks
that require frequent and immediate data access by the CPU.[7]
➢ Hard Disk: A hard disk, or hard disk drive (HDD), is a data storage
device that uses magnetic technology to store and retrieve digital
information. It consists of one or more spinning platters coated with
a magnetic material, with data being written to and read from these
platters by a moving read/write head. Hard disks are widely used in
computers, laptops, and servers to store operating systems, software,
files, and other data. Known for offering large storage capacities at a
lower cost compared to solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disks are Figure 8: Hard Disk Drive
typically slower in data access speed but remain a reliable and
economical option for many storage needs.[8]
➢ Processor: A processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is the core
component of a computer responsible for executing most of the
processing tasks. It carries out instructions from programs by
performing fundamental operations such as arithmetic, logic, control,
and input/output functions. Often referred to as the "brain" of the
computer, the CPU drives the execution of tasks that make software
run. Modern processors feature multiple cores, enabling them to
Figure 9: Processor
perform parallel processing and handle multiple tasks at once, thereby
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Introduction To Computer System Lab - 02 2310023
boosting overall performance. Additionally, they include cache memory to store frequently accessed
data and instructions, further enhancing processing speed and efficiency.[9]
➢ HDMI Port: An HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port is a
widely used connector designed to transmit high-quality audio and
video signals between devices, such as computers, televisions, gaming
consoles, monitors, and projectors. By combining both audio and video
Figure 10: HDMI Port
transmission into a single cable, HDMI streamlines connections while
ensuring superior digital clarity and performance. This technology enables seamless, high-definition
multimedia experiences across a variety of entertainment and computing devices.[10]
➢ USB Port: A USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is a versatile
interface used to connect a wide range of devices to computers
and other electronic systems. It facilitates both data transfer
and power delivery between devices like computers,
smartphones, printers, external storage, and more. One of its
key features is the ability to hot-swap devices—users can plug
in or remove devices while the system is running, offering
Figure 11: USB Port
convenience and flexibility without the need to power down
the computer.[11]
➢ Ethernet Port: An Ethernet port, also known as an RJ45 or network
port, is a physical interface used to connect devices such as
computers, routers, switches, and other networking equipment to a
local area network (LAN) or the internet. It enables wired
communication between devices using Ethernet cables (typically
Cat5e, Cat6, or higher) to transmit data. Wired Ethernet connections
offer lower latency compared to wireless networks, making them
Figure 12: Ethernet Port
particularly well-suited for real-time applications like gaming, video
conferencing, and VoIP (Voice over IP), where a stable and fast connection is crucial.[12]
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➢ SATA Cable: A SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) cable
is a data cable used to connect storage devices, such as hard drives
(HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray
drives), to a computer's motherboard or host controller. Commonly
found in modern desktop computers, laptops, and servers, SATA
cables facilitate efficient data transfer between storage devices and
Figure 13: SATA Cable
the rest of the system. SATA also supports hot swapping, allowing devices
to be connected or disconnected without powering down the system—though this feature is typically
leveraged in servers or systems with dedicated SATA controllers for enhanced flexibility and
uptime.[13]
➢ SSD(Solid-State Drives): An SSD (Solid State Drive) is
a data storage device that utilizes flash memory to store
data, replacing the spinning disks and moving parts found
in traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Known for their
exceptional speed, reliability, and energy efficiency,
SSDs are a popular choice for both personal and enterprise Figure 14: SSD
computing. Unlike HDDs, which rely on mechanical
components, SSDs use NAND flash memory, a non-volatile storage medium that retains data
even when the power is off. This memory is composed of millions of tiny cells that store data
in binary form (0s and 1s). Because SSDs have no moving parts, they are more durable and
consume less power compared to HDDs.[14]
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➢ Aux Port: An Aux port (short for auxiliary port) is a 3.5mm
audio jack used to connect audio devices, such as headphones,
speakers, or smartphones, to sound systems, car stereos, or other
audio equipment. Commonly found on smartphones, laptops,
car audio systems, and portable speakers, the Aux port provides
an analog connection for simple audio transmission. However,
it does not support digital features such as data transfer or
audio/video synchronization. For superior audio quality or
Figure 15: Aux Port
additional functionalities, digital connections like USB or
Bluetooth are typically preferred. [15]
➢ Capacitor: A capacitor is an essential electronic component
that stores and releases electrical energy within a circuit. It is
widely used to smooth electrical signals, filter noise,
temporarily store energy, and stabilize power supply voltages.
Capacitors play a crucial role in a variety of electronic
applications, including power systems, signal processing, and
energy storage. They come in several types, such as ceramic,
Figure 16: Capacitors
electrolytic, film, and supercapacitors, each designed for specific
applications based on factors like capacitance, voltage rating, and physical size. These
versatile components are key to enhancing the performance and reliability of electronic
devices.[16]
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➢ Inductor: An inductor is an electronic component that stores
energy in the form of a magnetic field when electrical current
flows through it. As a passive component, it does not generate
energy but instead stores and releases it. Inductors are essential
in electronic circuits for functions such as filtering, energy
storage, and inductive coupling, playing a vital role in
applications from power supplies to radio frequency circuits.
Due to its ability to resist changes in current, an inductor is Figure 17: Inductor
particularly useful for filtering signals, processing energy, and
stabilizing circuits. Inductors come in various types, including
air-core, iron-core, and ferrite-core, each optimized for specific applications.[17]
➢ Inductor SMD Resistor: An SMD resistor (Surface-Mount Device
resistor) is a type of resistor specifically designed for surface-
mount technology (SMT) circuits. Unlike traditional through-hole
resistors, which are inserted into holes on a printed circuit board
Figure 18: Inductor SMD Resistors
(PCB), SMD resistors are directly mounted on the board's surface.
This design makes them smaller, more compact, and ideal for automated assembly
processes, allowing for higher-density circuit designs and improved manufacturing
efficiency.
➢ SMD Capacitor: An SMD capacitor (Surface-Mount Device
capacitor) is a type of capacitor designed for surface-mount
technology (SMT) circuits. Like SMD resistors, these capacitors
are small and compact, mounted directly onto the surface of a
printed circuit board (PCB) instead of being inserted through holes.
This design allows for efficient automated assembly, enabling
high-density, compact circuit layouts in modern electronics.[18] Figure 19: SMD Capacitors
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➢ Diode: A diode is a semiconductor device that permits current to
flow in only one direction, effectively blocking current in the
opposite direction. It typically has two terminals: an anode
(positive) and a cathode (negative). The primary function of a
diode is to control the direction of current flow, making it an
essential component in electronic circuits for tasks such as
rectification (converting alternating current to direct current),
Figure 20: Diode
voltage regulation, and signal modulation. Diodes are commonly
made from semiconductor materials like silicon, though they can also be made from
germanium or other materials. The most common type is the PN junction diode, where a
region of semiconductor material is doped to form a positive (P) side and a negative (N) side,
with the junction between them creating the diode's unique electrical properties.[19]
➢ Transistor: A transistor is a semiconductor device that can
amplify electrical signals or function as a switch. It consists of
three layers of semiconductor material, typically called the
emitter, base, and collector. Transistors come in two main types
based on the arrangement of these layers: NPN and PNP. As a
core component of modern electronics, transistors are crucial in
enabling technologies like computers, smartphones, and countless Figure 21: Transistors
other devices. Their ability to control and amplify electrical
signals has made them foundational to the advancement of electronic circuits and systems.[20]
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➢ IC(Integrated Circuit): An IC (Integrated Circuit) is a compact
electronic device that integrates a complete circuit, including multiple
components such as transistors, diodes, resistors, and capacitors, into
a single package. These components are interconnected on a single
piece of semiconductor material, typically silicon, commonly referred
to as a chip or microchip. ICs are fundamental to modern electronics,
enabling the miniaturization of circuits and the development of
Figure 22: IC
powerful, efficient devices.[21]
➢ Resistor: A resistor is a passive electronic component that limits the flow
of electric current within a circuit. It is used to control the current passing
through different circuit sections, divide voltages, and adjust signal levels.
Resistors are essential in electrical and electronic systems, playing a
critical role in current regulation, voltage division, and safeguarding Figure 23: Resistors
sensitive components from damage.[22]
➢ SMD Inductor: An SMD inductor (Surface-Mount Device
inductor) is an inductor designed for surface-mount technology
(SMT), allowing it to be directly placed on the surface of a printed
circuit board (PCB) without the need for through-hole mounting.
SMD inductors are commonly used in electronic circuits for a
Figure 24: SMD Inductors
variety of functions, including filtering, energy storage, and
inductive coupling, offering compactness and efficiency in modern
circuit designs.[23]
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➢ Speaker: A speaker is an electroacoustic device that converts electrical
signals into sound. As a type of transducer, it transforms electrical energy
into acoustic energy, producing audible sound. Speakers are widely used
in various devices, including audio systems, televisions, computers,
smartphones, and musical instruments, to reproduce sound, music, and
speech with clarity and precision.[24]
Figure 25: Speaker
Discussion:
The experiment offered a valuable hands-on introduction to computer hardware, providing
practical experience in identifying, handling, and understanding the various components that
constitute a computer system. This foundational knowledge is crucial not only for advancing
studies in computer science and engineering but also for individuals working in IT support,
system assembly, or troubleshooting. The skills acquired from this experiment form a strong
base for tackling more complex topics in the field and are indispensable in real-world
applications.
Precautions:
1. Components like the CPU, RAM, and motherboard was handled by their edges & avoided
touching the electrical contacts or pins to prevent damage.
2. Excess force has not applied on the components & all the components were handled with
care.
3. Power supply was turned off and the computer was unplugged from the wall socket before
starting assembling or modifying the system.
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Reference:
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