In general, input and output devices are considered to be a communication tool which by using specific technology for processing information (like that of a microcontroller) delivers additional information to users. The signals or data that microcontroller receives from the source and is referred to as input, whereas the information and data that are generated in response that are processed in reaction to these inputs and then transmitted to a particular destination is referred to as output. For example, when a computer is installed for general-purpose, commonly used input device are the keyboard and mouse, and other examples of output devices are speakers, printers, and monitors.
In case of Industrial applications, output devices include Valves, Motor starters, Horns and alarms, Stack lights, Control relays, Pumps, Printers, Fans. Input devices include Membrane Keypads, Metal Keyboards, Capacitive Touch Keypads, Silicon Rubber Keyboard and Printed Electronics as Force Sensing Resistors , Limit switches, Proximity sensors, Photoelectric Sensors, Condition sensors, Vacuum switches, Temperature switches, Level switches, Pressure switches. Linepro is leading manufacturer of Customized Input Switches in India since last 29 years.
What is Input Device?
One of the most popular microcontrollers in the world, the Atmega328p has been the microcontroller of choice to a lot of designers who want to avoid the bulkiness of the Arduino boards, but retain the ease of programming, community support, and other features of Arduino Platform
Input devices allow the user to input data to the microcontroller. It is possible to say that they are the devices used to convert human-readable information into a format that is suitable for microcontroller- level processing or devices that digitalize data. Each of these input devices meet certain connectivity requirements (different types of connectors) that transmit data in accordance to a particular protocol. A connector that supports specific types of signaling and can support a specific protocol, which allows for the system to communicate, is known as the interface.
For computers that are installed for general-purpose, the most commonly used interface is the keyboard but other devices can be utilized, either through an USB interface or by the integrated cards.
Other input devices include the sensors attached to an A/D converter. Also, Bluetooth devices that can be used for information exchange and function wirelessly. The joystick of a gaming console or vandal resistant metal keyboard with joystick, can also be called as an input device since its mechanical location is communicated to the microcontroller system in the form of data. While, the mouse is also typically an input tool for managing the computer. The Touch Pad or Touch Screen is similar to the mouse however, it comes with distinct stylus and the combination of sensors for touch can recognize handwriting and transmitting the complex signals to the microcontroller.
Computers specially designed include a few microcontrollers or ‘robots’ within it’s composition which use specific inputs that are usually not standard input devices. The microphone and camera are both input devices. The camera sends an image to its microcontroller created by an image format used for image conversion into the binary format, whereas the microphone functions as an electromechanical inverter that converts an electrical signal. The latter is a device that delivers an analog signal, even though there isn’t any wireless technology included in it. The scanner transforms pictures into binary records.
What is Output Device?
Output devices permit the user to observe the outcomes from the microcontroller. These are devices that convert information from binary format (a record that is zero to one) into a more user-friendly format (image, letter or sound).
Output devices are data processing indicators within the microcontrollers. They may include a simplistic light indicator (either switched on or off) as well as alphanumeric characters, certain display of text or a more sophisticated pointer that is able to display either text or images in any of the modes that are selected. The most commonly used input device is the monitor, which functions as a text/picture display device. The plotter and printer can also display the results of processing, but on paper. A sound system regardless of the method it uses to receive digital or analog signals (whether it is a amplifier or a microcontroller) it will produce an analog signal that is reflected on the speaker’s membrane so that we enjoy sound in a pleasant way. The most commonly used output device is the monitor. It can transmit all system messages to the end user along with the results of the support program. A graphics processing unit (GPU) is the most complicated device that displays images on the monitor screens wherein, multi-media content may be processed alongside textual content.
Difference between Input and Output Device
1. Purpose of Input and Output Device
Input devices are used to enter data into microcontrollers. There is always a component of the device that acts as a means of connecting to the outside world, and is intended to receive specific “signals”. They could include for instance physical, optical or audio signals. The receiving device could be a sensor or microprocessor itself. The input device transforms these signals into electrical signals that are then transmitted to the microcontroller which then interprets them as digital information. Output devices help to read data from microcontroller. Output devices provide microcontrollers the capability to deliver the user with the necessary data.
2. Common devices used for Input and Output Device
The most frequently utilized input devices are keyboard or mouse, webcam scanner, and microphone. Output devices usually comprise speakers, monitors and printer.
3. Interaction of Input and Output Device
The input devices are controlled by the user and output devices are controlled by microcontrollers.
Summary of Input Device vs. Output Device
The primary function of all input devices is to transmit data and other information (alphanumeric, audio or video formats) in the direction of the processing unit in the central unit of the system.
Output devices convert information from the microcontrollers into an externally acceptable format. These are devices that convert binary encoded data that is generated by the microcontroller to an acceptable format for human usage.
At Linepro, we have developed and manufactured lakhs of input switches for electronics industry over a span of 29 years. Our experience includes designing switches for every working condition. Send us an inquiry for your requirements.
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