Computers are far from simple machines. They rely on complex bits of technology that only professional technicians have any business maintaining. Some of this technology takes advantage of microchip technology to function as intended, and without them, they wouldn’t be able to function. While the everyday business owner might not need to know much about the specifics, you should at least know a little about how certain chips are used.
Microchips in computers can be made of various materials, but the most common one is by far silicon. The microchips act as semiconductors and give your devices the ability to work the way they need to. They perform various tasks, including the following:
Temporarily Storing Data via RAM
Microchips can temporarily store data for your device. You might have even heard this name before in the form of Random Access Memory, or RAM. While the device is receiving power, this data is stored, but the second it stops receiving power, the data is wiped. Not all devices have the same needs, however, and more resource intensive tasks will plague devices that don’t have enough RAM to properly manage them.
Microprocessors
Microprocessors are generally associated with the device’s CPU, or central processing unit. You can think of it as the brain of the computer, with all the wiring functioning as the nervous system. The CPU is most known for processing all of the machine’s programmable commands using logic and reason. Depending on the device, the strength and type of microprocessor handling all the work will vary. The same microprocessor won’t work for just any old device.
Device-Specific Chips
Device-specific chips are found in those with more specialized roles. For example, devices that have cameras for either video recording or photo taking will have chips specifically designed for these purposes. Others take advantage of chips for networking capabilities. Either way, the point remains that these devices wouldn’t be able to work without these microchips.
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