IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1 Definitions Worksheet: 2.1 Data Transmission Types and Methods (Modules 131–141)
Name:
Date:
Class:
✎
Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
simplex
2
half-duplex
3
full-duplex
4
direction trade-off
5
transmission method
6
USB
7
USB serial transmission
8
plug and play
9
USB standard connector
10
USB benefits
Answer Key
IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1 · Modules 131–141 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1simplex — Data transmission in one direction only, from sender to receiver, with no reply possible. Example: a keyboard sending key presses to a computer.
2half-duplex — Data can travel in both directions, but only one direction at a time, so devices take turns, like a walkie-talkie.
3full-duplex — Data is sent in both directions at the same time, so both devices can send and receive at once, for example during a telephone call or over a broadband connection.
4direction trade-off — Simplex is one-way only but simple and has no collisions. Half-duplex is two-way by turns, so slower. Full-duplex is two-way at once and fastest, but needs more capacity and costs more.
5transmission method — Pick the direction (simplex, half-duplex or full-duplex) and the bit arrangement (serial or parallel), then justify both using the scenario's distance, speed and two-way needs.
6USB — Universal Serial Bus: a standard interface for connecting devices like keyboards, drives and phones to a computer and transferring data between them.
7USB serial transmission — USB sends data serially, one bit at a time, down a single cable. It works in both directions: half-duplex in older versions, full-duplex in later ones. The cable can also carry power.
8plug and play — When a USB device is plugged in, the computer automatically detects it and loads the driver it needs, so the device works straight away with no need to restart.
9USB standard connector — A USB port and plug of a set shape and wiring, so one cable type connects many different devices to a computer, such as a keyboard, a printer or a phone.
10USB 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.