Pinkert J R, Wear L L
California State University, Chico.
J AHIMA. 1992 Oct;63(10):101-7.
In this article, we looked at several peripherals, described their characteristics, and described how they are connected to computers. We included some discussions of problems caused by electrical and mechanical differences between computers and peripheral devices. During the past few years, many companies have addressed such problems. Numerous standards have been defined as a result of this work. These standards specify everything from what type of connectors will be used to the timing of electrical signals. They make it easier for peripheral manufacturers to design their devices for a wide range of computers. Peripherals and their controllers are important components of any computer system. Sometimes, however, other parts of the system, such as the control unit and main memory, receive more attention. Many engineers want to design new processors, but shy away from the design of peripherals and controllers; they consider such designs less glamorous. In reality, designs for some peripherals and their controllers can be more challenging than the design of the CPU itself. A computer without peripherals is of little use, other than as a paper weight. Until we attach peripherals to the computer, none of its power is accessible to the user. Peripherals turn computers into useful tools.
在本文中，我们研究了几种外围设备，描述了它们的特性，并说明了它们是如何与计算机相连的。我们还讨论了计算机与外围设备之间的电气和机械差异所导致的一些问题。在过去几年中，许多公司都已着手解决此类问题。这项工作催生了众多标准。这些标准规定了从将使用何种类型的连接器到电信号的定时等方方面面的内容。它们使外围设备制造商更容易为各种计算机设计其设备。外围设备及其控制器是任何计算机系统的重要组成部分。然而，有时系统的其他部分，如控制单元和主存储器，会受到更多关注。许多工程师想设计新的处理器，但却对设计外围设备及其控制器避而远之；他们认为此类设计不那么吸引人。实际上，某些外围设备及其控制器的设计可能比CPU本身的设计更具挑战性。没有外围设备的计算机几乎毫无用处，顶多只能当镇纸。在我们将外围设备连接到计算机之前，用户无法使用其任何功能。外围设备将计算机变成了有用的工具。
