There are many different types of inputs and outputs that can be interfaced to a computer which include devices such as monitors, webcams, scanners, mice, and many more. 

Another very common device missing in that list is a Keyboard. 

Is a keyboard an input or output device?

A keyboard is an input device because it takes information from the outside world (in the form of physical keystrokes from the user), and sends it to the central processing unit (CPU). 

Information is ‘inputted’ into the computer via the keyboard and is why it is an input device. 

Difference between input and output devices

There are inputs, and there are output devices that can be connected to a computer.

So, what is the difference between input and output? Let’s take a look at each of them individually to better understand the differences between them.

But, before we delve into inputs and outputs, we need to quickly cover what encompasses a computer system. 

A computer system consists of a combination of software and hardware as seen below;

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Software (Operating system)
• Hardware (motherboard, graphics card, sound card, etc)
• Communication ports
• Power system 
• Memory
• Inputs 
• Outputs

What is an input device?

A computer as you might know is a machine. Computers communicate in binary (digital), that is 0’s and 1’s, which is also known as machine code. 

At the heart of any computing system is the Central Processing Unit. The CPU acts like our brain. It has the job of receiving, processing, and transmitting information. 

An input device is responsible for gathering information from the outside world and sending (‘inputting’) this information to the CPU which can then process this data as needed. 

Information in the outside world is analog (not 0’s and 1’s). But in order for the CPU to recognize data, it needs to be presented in digital form. Input devices have the task of converting analog information into digital data which the CPU can process. 

The flow of information starts from the outside world, and makes its way inward to the CPU.

Inputs that can be connected to a computer include devices such as;

• Keyboards
• Mice
• Scanners
• Joystick
• Webcam
• Microphone

What is an output device?

While input devices provide information to the CPU, output devices perform the opposite task.  The CPU sends information to an output device which will perform a particular task in the physical world.

For example, a monitor is an output device which is responsible for displaying information in a format that a human user can read and interpret. 

Other common computer outputs include;

• Monitor
• Printer
• Headphones/ Earphones
• Projector
• Speakers

The flow of information in this scenario starts at the CPU and works its way ‘out’ toward the output. 

Key differences between input and output devices

Is a keyboard an input or output device? An in depth look

So, we just learnt about the differences between an input and output device. So which category does the keyboard belong to?

A keyboard is an input device. This comes down to the fact that it receives information from the outside world (primarily through human interaction) and sends it to the CPU. For example, when you press down on a key, that information is sent to the processor which can process it accordingly.

The main way users interact with a computing system using a keyboard as an input is by using the keys. Underneath the keys are buttons which when pressed send information to the CPU. 

A keyboard consists of many keys each having their own unique purpose. There are keys for letters, numbers, symbols, and other various functions. 

Nowadays with the advent of touchscreens, a keyboard doesn’t have to be physically present. They can be displayed on the touchscreen itself. The keyboard is displayed on screen when needed and the user simply has to press the buttons on the screen. 

Can a keyboard be an output device?

The keyboard is primarily an input device, however, keyboards do include LEDs which are outputs. These LEDs are used to provide certain statuses to the user. Like when you press the caps-lock key, an LED illuminates to let you know that caps-lock is on. 

However, the keyboard still remains primarily an input device.

The post Is a keyboard an input or output device? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

It is capable of converting digital versions of images and text into physical copies by printing it onto paper.

But, is a printer an input or output device?

A printer is an output device. Information (in the form of digital data) is sent to the printer by a host device (such as a computer). This information is then ‘printed’ by the printer onto paper. The main reason that a printer is an output device is that information is sent ‘out’ of the electronic system (I shall explain this in more detail in this article) 

What is input and output device  

To better understand why a printer is an output device, it will help to understand both Inputs and Outputs and see what are the main differences between them.

Input devices

An electronic system will usually include a processor at the center of its operation.

This processor can be a Microcontroller or a Microprocessor depending on the needs, and complexity of the application. 

It is responsible for ‘processing’ information. 

In this case, the processor is onboard the computer’s motherboard, which is essentially the brain of the computing system. 

This information can be generated internally by the processor itself, or the information can be received via Inputs.

The reason for being called an input is because information, or power is entering the system. This can be best visualised by the diagram below.

An input device’s main job is reacting to changes in the environment or physical responses by a user which could be as simple as a button press.

The processor can then deal with the information as required.

A note to be made is that embedded systems are usually where you would find a Microcontroller or Microprocessor being used as the processing unit. 

However, an input can also be part of a non-embedded system, which can be void of a microcontroller or microprocessor. 

For example, a flashlight is a simple circuit that does not include a processing unit but includes an input like a button.

There are many different types of input devices available that provide different functionalities in different circuit setups. 

Below is a list of some of the many;

• Buttons
  • Mouse
  • Keyboard
• Switches
• Sensors
  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Light
  • Colour
• Microphones
• Potentiometers
• Light Dependent Resistors (LDR’s)

Below are some common applications that use these input devices;

• Computing (Mouse, Keyboard, Webcam etc)
• Mobile phones (Keypad, Capacitive touch screen)
• Automobile (buttons)
• Entertainment systems (buttons, switches, potentiometers)
• Weather stations (Temperature and Humidity sensors)

Output devices

So, we have seen one half of an electronic system,where information enters it through means of power and information via physical changes in the environment also known as the Input. 

The second half of the system is an Output. 

An output can be best described as information or power leaving the system which can be visualised by the diagram below.

Once the information has been processed by the processor, it can then be sent out of the system into the real world via an output device. 

An example would be displaying information on an Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

Just like an input, outputs can be part of non-embedded systems as well. 

Going back to the flashlight example, when the button (input) is pressed by the user, a light turns on. The light here is the output of this simple electronic system. 

Below is a list of common outputs;

• Motors
  • Servo
  • Stepper
  • Vibration 
• Buzzers
• Speakers
• Displays
• Lighting
  • Light Emitting Diodes
  • Light Bulbs
  • Electroluminescent wire 
• Printers

Below are some common applications that use these output devices;

• Audio systems (Speakers)
• Entertainment (Displays)
• Computing (Printers)
• Interior decorating (LED, Light bulbs)
• Mobile phone (Vibration Motors)

Why a printer is an output device and not an input

So, now that we know the roles of both an input as well an output, we can dive into why a printer is an output device.

As we saw in the flow diagram of output devices, information is sent from processor to an output. 

The printer is a device that receives digital information from a host device (like a computer), and then ‘prints’ this information as a physical media on paper, or whatever other surface it is capable of printing on.  

The flow of information starts from inside the processing unit, and makes its way out toward the printer which is the main reason why it is an output device.

How a printer works as an output device

So, we have seen a printer’s main purpose is to convert digital data into human readable information which it then prints out onto paper.

Let’s take a closer look at how the printer works as an output device.

When it comes to the world of printring, there are many different methods used. But, the two most commonly used methods are Inkjet and Laser.

However the process of how a printer creates a physical copy of digital data remains the same.  

Each printer achieves this using a driver or specialized software whose main job is to convert your image or text into a language that the printer can understand. 

Your image or text is then transferred onto paper using a series of dots. These dots are so small that the naked perceives the end product as a solid image of a series of text and not dots.  

While the process is the same across an Inkjet and Laser printer, what separates the two is how these series of dots are transferred onto paper. 

Inkjet

Inkjet printers use a printer head that contains thousands of tiny holes which drop droplets of ink onto paper at printer speed. 

The liquid ink used is either produced coloured dye, or a liquid that contains solid pigments.

Laser

Instead of using liquid dots, laser printers use dots that are made up of toner (fine power of solid particles).

How does a printer get connected as an output to a computer

Connecting a printer to a computer as an output nowadays is very simple. It only requires a couple of wires  to do so.

The type of wires it uses is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable and a Power cable. 

USB is a type protocol for connection, communication and power supply, which is specified for cables and connectors.

These cables are used for computers, peripherals and other other computers. 

So, the printer can get connected to a computer and communicate with it using a USB cable.

However, newer printers do not require a USB cable as they are designed and have the capability to connect with a computer using Wi-Fi.

This can be advantageous as the printer does not have to be placed near the computer and can be connected to many host computers all at once.

Where can a printer be used as an output device?

A printer is commonly used as an output device with a computer or a laptop.

But, with the ability of new printers to communicate with host devices using wi-fi, printers can now be used as an output device with many other wi-fi capable devices such as Smartphones and Tablets. 

This means you can now print your favourite meme using your smartphone. 

What are other output devices similar to a printer

A printer is only one of the many output devices that a computer is able to send information to and control. 

There are many other output devices that provide different functionalities that can be connected to a computer.

Below are some of the most common outputs used in conjunction with a computer;

• Monitor
• Speaker
• Headphones
• Lighting
• Projector
• Sound card
• Video card

What is the purpose of printer as an output device in a computer

A Scanner has the job of converting physical media into a digital format.

The printer on the other hand, as we saw previously, has the job of converting digital data into physical media.

With this ability, the printer lends its helping hand to many applications.

Personal – If you need to print form to fill, or a family photo, you will benefit from having a printer at home for personal use. The great thing is that you do not have to buy the most expensive printer out there. Since you won’t be using it all the time, personal use printers are designed for low volume prints while not sacrificing on quality. 

They are also created to be compact and quiet. 

General –  General use printers are great if you need to print a wide variety of prints at a generally high volume and quality is not an issue.

Examples of general use applications include printer invitations for an event, posters for a garage sale and many more. 

Business – Printers designed for business use are capable of printing at different sizes. They are not limited to your standard A4 paper size. 

They are built to handle the high volumes of printing seen in companies while still producing high quality prints. 

The ability to handle these high volumes is thanks to having larger ink cartridges which can carry more ink. 

Below is list of the many other applications that apply to all types printers mentioned above (this is just a small list);

• Images
• Text documents
• Banners
• Invitations
• Pepakura
• Greeting cards
• Photos
• Screen printing
• Art projects 
• Posters
• Forms

What are the features of a printer

When choosing a printer, you need to consider the applications you will be using it for. 

Then accordingly you can decide what features you will require from your printer to best suit those applications.

While print quality and volume are the most obvious things to look at for a printer, there are other features.

Below are some other features to consider for a printer;

• Print speed
• Print quality
• Laser vs Inkjet
• Connectivity (Cable or Wireless) 
• Size
• Support (from the company when things go wrong)
• User interface

Who can use a printer as an output device?

The printer is not restricted to a certain type of person or industry. 

It is beneficial for personal and business use. 

It can be used by anyone who needs to make physical versions of their digital data such as an essay, image, form etc.

It all comes down to your needs and applications.

Can a printer be used as an input device?

No, a printer cannot be used as an input device. 

The printer does not send information to the computer. 

That’s why it cannot be used as an input device.

The post Is a printer an input or output device? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

We were first able to talk to them using phones. 

But, nowadays not only can we talk to them, we get to see them as well! It’s almost like they are in the same room with us.

This is thanks to devices like the Webcam.

It is a device that captures video in real-time and sends this information to a computer which then sends it over the internet to other computers.

But, is a webcam an input or output device?

A webcam is an input device. The webcam captures information in the form of video, and sends it to a computer. The main reason that a webcam is an input device is that the flow of information works its way from the outside world ‘inward’ towards the computer. 

I shall explain in more detail in this article why a webcam is an input device. 

What is input and output device  

To better understand why a webcam is an input device, it will help to understand both Inputs and Outputs and see what the main differences between them are.

Input devices

An electronic system will usually include a processor at the center of its operation.

This processor can be a Microcontroller or a Microprocessor depending on the needs, and complexity of the application. 

It is responsible for ‘processing’ information. 

In this case, the processor is onboard the computer’s motherboard, which is essentially the brain of the computing system. 

This information can be generated internally by the processor itself, or the information can be received via Inputs.

The reason for being called an input is because information, or power is entering the system. This can be best visualised by the diagram below.

An input device’s main job is reacting to changes in the environment or physical responses by a user which could be as simple as a button press.

The processor can then deal with the information as required.

A note to be made is that embedded systems are usually where you would find a Microcontroller or Microprocessor being used as the processing unit. 

However, an input can also be part of a non-embedded system, which can be void of a microcontroller or microprocessor. 

For example, a flashlight is a simple circuit that does not include a processing unit but includes an input like a button.

There are many different types of input devices available that provide different functionalities in different circuit setups. 

Below is a list of some of the many;

• Buttons
  • Mouse
  • Keyboard
• Switches
• Sensors
  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Light
  • Colour
• Microphones
• Potentiometers
• Light Dependent Resistors (LDR’s)

Below are some common applications that use these input devices;

• Computing (Mouse, Keyboard, Webcam etc)
• Mobile phones (Keypad, Capacitive touch screen)
• Automobile (buttons)
• Entertainment systems (buttons, switches, potentiometers)
• Weather stations (Temperature and Humidity sensors)

Output devices

So, we have seen one half of an electronic system,where information enters it through means of power and information via physical changes in the environment also known as the Input. 

The second half of the system is an Output. 

An output can be best described as information or power leaving the system which can be visualised by the diagram below.

Once the information has been processed by the processor, it can then be sent out of the system into the real world via an output device. 

An example would be displaying information on an Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

Just like an input, outputs can be part of non-embedded systems as well. 

Going back to the flashlight example, when the button (input) is pressed by the user, a light turns on. The light here is the output of this simple electronic system. 

Below is a list of common outputs;

• Motors
  • Servo
  • Stepper
  • Vibration 
• Buzzers
• Speakers
• Displays
• Lighting
  • Light Emitting Diodes
  • Light Bulbs
  • Electroluminescent wire 
• Printers

Below are some common applications that use these output devices;

• Audio systems (Speakers)
• Entertainment (Displays)
• Computing (Printers)
• Interior decorating (LED, Light bulbs)
• Mobile phone (Vibration Motors)

Why a webcam is an input device and not an output

So, now we know the roles of an input as well an output device, we can dive into why a webcam is an input device and not an output.

As we saw in the flow diagram of input devices, information is sent from the input to the processor.

The webcam is a device that captures information and sends it to the processor (in this instance a computer). 

It converts visual analog information and converts it to digital data which it then sends to a computer for processing. 

The flow of information starts from the outside world, and makes its way toward the computer. 

How a webcam works as an input device

The webcam is essentially a video camera.

But, rather than recording video and storing it in memory to view later, the webcam is connected to a computer to send video in real-time (it does not have onboard storage).

It just captures and transmits. 

However, in saying that, you can record video and images and store it on a computer to view later (as a computer has storage). The webcam itself doesn’t have storage though.

While a video camera is a stand alone device, the webcam is useless by itself. It needs to be connected to a computer as an input so that the computer can process the information sent to it by the webcam.

How does a webcam capture video?

The way a webcam works is similar to that of a digital camera. 

It has a small lens at the front which captures light using a grid of light sensors built onto an image sensing integrated chip.

Since the computer only understands binary ( 0’s and 1’s), the information captured by the webcam’s sensors needs to be converted to digital data. 

Where can a webcam be used as an input device?

As mentioned above, unlike video cameras, webcams cannot work alone. They need a processor to interpret the information that it captures.

Webcams are designed to be used with computers, but can also be used for laptops and gaming consoles.

I know most laptops come inbuilt with webcams these days, so why would you connect a webcam to it?

The inbuilt webcam that comes with your laptop might not be the best quality and have low resolution. 

So, you can always acquire a better external webcam and connect it to your laptop to increase your video quality.

Twitch is a platform used by gamers to stream games live. 

A webcam can be used in conjunction with gaming consoles like an Xbox or Playstation to stream games live. 

How do input devices like a webcam get connected?

Connecting devices to a computer can sometimes get a bit hectic, especially when there are many cables involved. 

But, connecting the webcam as an input device isn’t a stressful task and only requires one cable; USB cable.

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a connection standard for the specifications of cables and connectors and their protocols. 

It specifies the communication protocols and power supply between computers, peripherals and other computers.

This means that communication and power supply can be contained all in one cable. 

But, there are newer webcams however, that do not require cables at all! 

These types of webcams transmit information through means of Wi-Fi to a router, which can then stream the video to the internet. 

What are other input devices similar to a webcam

A webcam is only one of the many input devices that sends data to a computer (in the form of video and image)

There are many other input devices that provide different types of data to computers like audio, and motion.

Below are some of the most common inputs used in conjunction with a computer;

• Keyboard 
• Mouse
• Scanner
• Digital camera
• Microphone
• Joystick

What are the applications of webcam as an input device

With the ability to stream images and video over the internet, this opens up many doors with a range of applications for a webcam.

Communication (Long distance) – As mentioned in the start, we were able to keep in touch with family and friends by talking to them over the phone. But, talking to someone is only one part of the conversation. Being able to see them is another. The webcam enables you to both talk and see your loved ones as if they are in the same room as you.

Working from home – The conventional 5 day work week is starting to fade away. We are starting to realise that you do not have to go to work everyday to get work done. As long as you have an internet connection, you can be in your pyjamas working from home and still be productive.

But, you can never get away from meetings. With a webcam and softwares like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, you can interact with your colleagues while in the comfort of your living room.

Going live – Whether you are using a social network like Facebook or Instagram, or a video sharing platform, these sites allow you to ‘go live’ which is essentially broadcasting live video and images (which have their own applications). 

Also you saw earlier, a webcam can also be used with a gaming console to stream live games. 

Whatever the reason,a webcam will be an essential tool for going live. 

Who would use a webcam as an input device?

The webcam is not restricted to a certain application or type of person. 

Anyone who needs to stream video or images can use a webcam as an input device to do so. Whether it be for business purposes or personal use which again comes down to the application. 

Can a webcam be used as an output device?

No, a webcam cannot be used as an output device. 

The computer does not send information to the webcam in any way, but rather receives information from it. That’s why it cannot be used as an output device.

The post Is a webcam an input or output device? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

However, it should not be confused with a speaker, as a speaker is able to play a variety of sounds, whereas a buzzer can play a specific tone depending on the voltage applied to it. 

Buzzers have many applications and can find themselves in alarms, electronic toys, timers and many more. 

But, is a buzzer an input or output device? The buzzer is mainly used as an output device in an electronic circuit. An output in an electronic system is where power or information leaves the system. In the case of the buzzer, power is leaving it through means of audible sound and is the main reason a buzzer is an output device.

There are instances however, where certain types of buzzers can be used as an input as well. I shall discuss these later in the article. 

Deeper look at input and output devices

Electronic systems can be very simple or very complicated. 

They can include systems inside of systems.

But, one thing common with every system is that it will have inputs, and outputs. 

So, let’s take a closer look at both input and output devices to understand better why a buzzer is an output device, but can also sometimes be used as an input device. 

Input devices

An electronic system will usually include a processor at the center of its operation.

This processor can be a Microcontroller or a Microprocessor depending on the needs, and complexity of the application.

It is responsible for ‘processing’ information.

This information can be generated internally by the processor itself, or the information can be received via Inputs.

The reason for being called an input is because information, or power is entering the system which can be best visualised by the diagram below.

An input device’s main job is reacting to changes in the  environment or physical responses by a user which could be as simple as a button press.

The processor can then deal with the information as required.

A note to be made is that embedded systems are usually where you would find a Microcontroller or Microprocessor at the processing unit. 

An input can also be part of a non-embedded system, which can be void of a microcontroller or microprocessor. 

For example, a flashlight is a simple circuit that does not include a processing unit but includes an input like a button.

There are many different types of input devices available that provide different functionalities in different circuit setups. 

Below is a list of some of the many;

• Buttons
• Switches
• Sensors
  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Light
  • Colour
• Microphones
• Potentiometers
• Light Dependent Resistors (LDR’s)

Below are some common applications that use these input devices;

• Computing (Mouse, Keyboard, Webcam etc)
• Mobile phones (Keypad, Capacitive touch screen)
• Automobile (buttons)
• Entertainment systems (buttons, switches, potentiometers)

Output devices

So, we have seen one half of an electronic system,where information enters it through means of power and information via physical changes in the environment also known as the Input. 

The second half of the system is an Output. 

An output can be best described as information of power leaving the system as can be visualised by the diagram below.

Once the information has been processed by the processor, it can then be sent out of the system into the real world via an output device. 

An example would be displaying information on an Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

Just like an input, outputs can be part of non-embedded systems as well. 

Going back to the flashlight example, when the button (input) is pressed by the user, a light turns on. The light here is the output of this simple electronic system. 

Below is a list of common outputs;

• Motors
  • Servo
  • Stepper
  • Vibration 
• Buzzers
• Speakers
• Displays
• Lighting
  • Light Emitting Diodes
  • Light Bulbs
  • Electroluminescent wire 
• Printers

Below are some common applications that use these output devices;

• Audio systems (Speakers)
• Entertainment (Displays)
• Computing (Printers)
• Interior decorating (LED, Light bulbs)
• Mobile phone (Vibration Motors)

What is a buzzer?

If you ever need to add sound to your next project, the buzzer is a great device that will enable you to do so. 

The main working principle is that when a voltage is applied to a buzzer, a material within the buzzer oscillates causing a buzzing sound. 

Changing the frequency of the buzzer will change the pitch of the sound. 

There are three types of buzzer;

• Electromechanical 
• Mechanical
• Piezoelectric

The Electromechanical buzzer was the earlier of the three invented in 1831 by Joseph Henry. These were commonly used as doorbells. 

The piezoelectric buzzer is the most commonly used today. 

Why a buzzer is an output device

So, with the knowledge of what an output is, as well as what a buzzer does, we can see why a buzzer is an output device. 

A sound is produced by the buzzer based on events that might be controlled by an input or just internal conditions in the processing unit.

Example of when the buzzer responds to an input, would be a simple doorbell. When the user presses the doorbell button, the buzzer is sounded.

An example of  an internal condition is a Timer. When specific software statements are met within the processing unit, the buzzer can be triggered. 

Power (in the form of sound) is leaving the system therefore putting the buzzer in the output device category.

Common circuits where a buzzer is used as an output device

There are a couple of circuit configurations when using a buzzer as an output device.

It can either be used in a circuit with a microcontroller, or without a microcontroller. 

Below is the circuit of buzzer when used with a microcontroller

The next circuit is a buzzer used in a circuit with a microcontroller. 

When a buzzer can be used as an input device 00

While the buzzer is primarily an output device, the piezoelectric type buzzers can also be used as an input.

Inside the piezoelectric buzzer is a piezoelectric transducer disc.

As an output, voltage is applied to the piezoelectric disc which causes the disc to oscillate thereby generating sound.

The piezoelectric disc has a neat trick however. 

When a force is applied to the disc, it can generate a small voltage at its terminals, thus now making the buzzer an input device.

It can be connected to a microcontroller which has the ability to interpret these voltages via the Analog to Digital Converter.

This opens up the door to many more applications. 

Why would you want to use a buzzer as an input device?

But, there are force sensors available that perform the same function as a buzzer when used as an input device.

So, why would you want to use a buzzer as a force sensor?

The main reason being that buzzers are much cheaper than force sensors. So, being able to take them apart and use the piezoelectric disc is a much better option.

Applications of a buzzer as an output device

Below are some common applications where a buzzer is used an output device:

• Alarms
  • Burglar alarms
  • Fire alarms
  • Alarm clocks
• Timers
• Doorbells
• Electronic toys
• Electronic musical instruments

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