← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Benefits of USB

One standard connector fits many devices, devices are detected automatically, older devices work in newer ports, power comes through the cable, and fast serial transfer is used.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 2.1 Data Transmission Types and Methods — Module 38

Understanding Benefits of USB in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: Backwards compatibility means an older device is accepted by a newer port. USB sends power through the cable, so many devices need no separate power supply. USB is an industry standard, so one connector type works with many peripherals. This reduces the number of different ports a computer needs. Automatic detection is a benefit of USB. The operating system recognises the new device and looks for the right driver, so setup is easy. USB cables carry power as well as data. This lets devices such as flash drives and phones charge or run directly from the computer. USB uses serial transmission. Sending bits one at a time avoids data skew and allows fast, reliable transfer over a cable.

Common mistakes: USB uses one standard connector for many different devices. It should be connector = "standard USB", not a unique shape for each device. USB devices are detected automatically, so the user does not need to set them up by hand. manual_setup should be False.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 131–141) and word search (Modules 121–141).

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Learning
Duo
Which statement describes a benefit of USB being a standard connector?
Each device needs its own special port made only for that deviceOne type of port can be used by many different devices, such as keyboards, mice and printers
Matches
User must tell the computer a USB device is connected
↓
USB devices are detected automatically. The user does not need to tell the computer.
Applying
Meanings
Term
USB benefits
Meaning
One standard connector fits many devices, devices are detected automatically, older devices work in newer ports, power comes through the cable, and fast serial transfer is used.
Practice
connector ← "USB standard"
Testing
Gaps
plug mouse INTO port
Check Answer
Spots
1device = "keyboard"
2connector = "unique shape"

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Quick Questions

1. Which statement describes a benefit of USB being a standard connector?
A. Each device needs its own special port made only for that device
B. One type of port can be used by many different devices, such as keyboards, mice and printers ✓
USB is an industry standard, so one connector type works with many peripherals. This reduces the number of different ports a computer needs.
2. What happens when a USB device is plugged into a computer?
A. The computer automatically detects the device and can load a driver for it ✓
B. The user must restart the computer so it can find the device
Automatic detection is a benefit of USB. The operating system recognises the new device and looks for the right driver, so setup is easy.
3. An old USB 2.0 flash drive is plugged into a newer USB 3.0 port. What is likely to happen?
A. It still works because USB is backwards compatible ✓
B. It will not work because the port is a newer version
Backwards compatibility means older devices still work in newer ports, although they may run at the older, slower speed.
4. Which is a benefit of USB when using a small device like a phone or a flash drive?
A. The cable can supply power to the device, so it may not need its own power supply ✓
B. The cable can only carry data, so every device needs its own battery or plug
USB cables carry power as well as data. This lets devices such as flash drives and phones charge or run directly from the computer.
5. Which describes how USB sends data quickly?
A. It uses parallel transmission, sending all bits side by side, which causes skew
B. It uses fast serial transmission, sending bits one after another along a wire ✓
USB uses serial transmission. Sending bits one at a time avoids data skew and allows fast, reliable transfer over a cable.

Match the Pairs

USB_PORT <- keyboard, mouse, printer → One standard connector works with many different types of device
IF device_plugged_in THEN detect(device) → The computer recognises the device automatically when it is connected
Older USB devices still work when plugged into newer USB ports (backwards compatible) → USB2_DEVICE -> USB3_PORT : works
The USB cable supplies power to the device as well as carrying data → cable.carry(data, power)
User must tell the computer a USB device is connected → USB devices are detected automatically. The user does not need to tell the computer.
Every device needs a different type of USB connector → USB uses a standard connector, so one type of port works with many devices.

Key Term

USB benefits
One standard connector fits many devices, devices are detected automatically, older devices work in newer ports, power comes through the cable, and fast serial transfer is used.

Fill in the Blanks

1. plug mouse INTO USB port
Hint: Type the name of the one standard connector that fits many different devices.
2. IF pluggedIn = TRUE THEN detected ← TRUE ENDIF
Hint: Type the Boolean value showing the device is recognised automatically, without the user setting it up.
3. IF deviceVersion <= portVersion THEN works ← TRUE ENDIF
Hint: Type the comparison operator meaning lower than or equal to, so an older device still works in a newer port.
4. device.power ← usbCable.power
Hint: Type the word for what the cable supplies besides data, so no separate charger is needed.
5. mode ← SERIAL speed ← FAST sendBits(mode, speed)
Hint: Type the transmission type USB uses, sending bits one after another along a single wire.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A device = "keyboard"
B connector = "unique shape"
C print(device, connector)
Line B — USB uses one standard connector for many different devices. It should be connector = "standard USB", not a unique shape for each device.
Question 2
A plug_in("mouse")
B manual_setup = True
C if not manual_setup:
D print("Auto detected")
Line B — USB devices are detected automatically, so the user does not need to set them up by hand. manual_setup should be False.
Question 3
A device = 2 # older device
B port = 1 # newer port
C ok = device <= port
D print(ok)
Line B — Backwards compatibility means older devices work in newer ports. The newer port needs a higher version number than the older device, so it should be port = 3.
Question 4
A usb_gives = "data only"
B device = "phone"
C print(device, usb_gives)
Line A — A USB cable supplies power as well as carrying data. It should be "power and data", not data only.
Question 5
A usb_mode = "serial"
B bits_at_once = 1
C speed = "very slow"
D print(usb_mode, speed)
Line C — USB uses serial transmission and transfers data quickly. The speed should be "fast".

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