3.2 Input and output devices

By the end of this section you should be able to

• 3.2.1 Describe a range of input devices and why they are needed
• 3.2.2 Describe a range of output devices and why they are needed
• 3.2.3 Describe sensors and the data they capture
• 3.2.4 Choose the most suitable sensor for a context

Lessons

1. Input devices
2. Output devices
3. Sensors

Key vocabulary

Input device

Hardware used to enter data into a computer.

Output device

Hardware used to present the results of processing.

Sensor

An input device that measures a physical property of its surroundings.

Actuator

An output device that causes physical movement.

Capacitive touch screen

Detects a touch from the change in electrical charge where a finger touches the screen.

Resistive touch screen

Detects a touch when pressure pushes two layers together.

3D printer

Builds a solid object layer by layer from a digital design.

Proximity sensor

Detects when an object is nearby.