CAMBRIDGE

14 ID
3.2 Input and output devices IGCSE
(0478/0984)

97 AH
9
54 HS
Output devices

N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Output devices

97 AH
9
54 HS
N
03 A
Output device
Any device that can take data stored in digital form
SH
and convert it into another form humans can process

34
such as sound, images or vibrations.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Examples of output devices

97 AH
9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Specific output devices you need to know about for the exam

97 AH
Light-emitting
Actuator
diode (LED) screen

9
54 H
Digital light Liquid crystal

S
processing (DLP) display (LCD)
projector projector/screen

N
03 A
Inkjet printer Speaker
SH
34
AF

Laser printer 3D printer

3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
A note from the exam board
This section of the syllabus has been greatly simplified for

97 AH
exams taking place from 2023 onwards.
In the old syllabus, candidates needed to know details of how

9
each output device operates – for example, how a laser printer
actually replicates a digital image on paper.

54 H
Now, candidates only need to know:

S
• what each device does;
• why it does it; and

N
• when it might be used.
There are still many textbooks, revision books and online

03 A
videos that go into depth about how each device physically
functions – you will not be examined on this.
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Actuator
What does it do?

97 AH
Actuators come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each version is purpose-built for a specific function, but they
essentially all achieve the same goal, which is to carry out some sort of physical movement.

9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Actuator
What does it do?

97 AH
Actuators come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each version is purpose-built for a specific function, but they
essentially all achieve the same goal, which is to carry out some sort of physical movement.

9
What is it typically used for?

54 H
• Starting and stopping a pump or flow control device.
• Opening and closing an automatic door.

S
• Turning a wheel.
• Opening and closing a valve.

N
• Starting and stopping a conveyer belt.
• Operating an aircraft’s wing flaps.

03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Actuator
What does it do?

97 AH
Actuators come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each version is purpose-built for a specific function, but they
essentially all achieve the same goal, which is to carry out some sort of physical movement.

9
What is it typically used for?

54 H
• Starting and stopping a pump or flow control device.
• Opening and closing an automatic door.

S
• Turning a wheel.
• Opening and closing a valve.

N
• Starting and stopping a conveyer belt.
• Operating an aircraft’s wing flaps.

03 A
SH
Why is it required?

34
• Actuators are commonly used in conjunction with a motor to translate digital signals into actual,
real-world movement of physical objects in all manner of ways.
• They are also often used with sensors to control many kinds of mechanisms.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Digital light processing (DLP) projector
What does it do?

97 AH
DLP systems use millions of micro-mirrors arranged in a matrix grid and placed on a small microchip
within the projector itself. White light is then shone through a rotating colour filter to produce the
image, while an angled mirror changes the colour intensity.

9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF

White light Condensing lens Colour filter Shaping lens DMD chip Lens Screen
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Digital light processing (DLP) projector
What does it do?

97 AH
DLP systems use millions of micro-mirrors arranged in a matrix grid and placed on a small microchip
within the projector itself. White light is then shone through a rotating colour filter to produce the
image, while an angled mirror changes the colour intensity.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for and why is it required?
• Projecting a computer output onto a wall, whiteboard, projection screen, etc.

S
• Personal/home and professional settings.

N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Digital light processing (DLP) projector
What does it do?

97 AH
DLP systems use millions of micro-mirrors arranged in a matrix grid and placed on a small microchip
within the projector itself. White light is then shone through a rotating colour filter to produce the
image, while an angled mirror changes the colour intensity.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for and why is it required?
• Projecting a computer output onto a wall, whiteboard, projection screen, etc.

S
• Personal/home and professional settings.

N
Advantages over LCD projectors:

03 A
• Higher contrast ratios.
• Smoother video.
SH
• Smaller, lighter and more portable.

34
• Better suited to dusty or smoky atmospheres.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Liquid crystal display (LCD) projector
What does it do?

97 AH
LCD projectors use three mirror filters to separate an image into its red, green and blue
wavelengths. These images are then passed through a prism and recombined. Finally, the full
colour image is passed through a lens and projected.

9
54 H
Screen

S
N
Lens

03 A
Mirror Mirror
Prism
SH
LCD

34
AF

Light
source
Dichromic mirrors
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Liquid crystal display (LCD) projector
What does it do?

97 AH
LCD projectors use three mirror filters to separate an image into its red, green and blue
wavelengths. These images are then passed through a prism and recombined. Finally, the full
colour image is passed through a lens and projected.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for and why is it required?
• Projecting a computer output onto a wall, whiteboard, projection screen, etc.

S
• Personal/home and professional settings.

N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Liquid crystal display (LCD) projector
What does it do?

97 AH
LCD projectors use three mirror filters to separate an image into its red, green and blue
wavelengths. These images are then passed through a prism and recombined. Finally, the full
colour image is passed through a lens and projected.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for and why is it required?
• Projecting a computer output onto a wall, whiteboard, projection screen, etc.

S
• Personal/home and professional settings.

N
Advantages over DLP projectors:

03 A
• Sharper image.
• Better colour reproduction.
SH
• Typically less expensive.

34
• Quieter operation.
• Lower power usage and heat production.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Inkjet printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Inject printers force tiny droplets of liquid ink though very fine nozzles onto a sheet
of paper to replicate a digital document or image.

9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Inkjet printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Inject printers force tiny droplets of liquid ink though very fine nozzles onto a sheet
of paper to replicate a digital document or image.

9
What is it typically used for?

54 H
• Mostly used for small-scale print jobs.
• Usually cheaper and smaller, so they are popular for personal use.

S
• Excellent for printing out high-quality photos, especially when used with
specialist photo paper.

N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Inkjet printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Inject printers force tiny droplets of liquid ink though very fine nozzles onto a sheet
of paper to replicate a digital document or image.

9
What is it typically used for?

54 H
• Mostly used for small-scale print jobs.
• Usually cheaper and smaller, so they are popular for personal use.

S
• Excellent for printing out high-quality photos, especially when used with
specialist photo paper.

N
Why is it required?

03 A
• Even now, in this age of technology, there is still a need to produce physical
SH
copies of information stored in an electronic format.

34
• Printouts or hard copies can be easily transported and viewed at any time
without the need for an electronic device or internet connection.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Laser printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Laser printers use toner cartridges, which contain powdered, electro-optically charged
ink. Using a laser, a mirror image of the printer page is drawn onto a drum by creating
negatively charged areas. The drum then picks up the positively charged ink particles and

9
bonds them to the paper using heat.

54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Laser printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Laser printers use toner cartridges, which contain powdered, electro-optically charged
ink. Using a laser, a mirror image of the printer page is drawn onto a drum by creating
negatively charged areas. The drum then picks up the positively charged ink particles and

9
bonds them to the paper using heat.

54 H
What is it typically used for?

S
• High-quality, inexpensive printing.
• Very fast and accurate for non-colour documents and images.

N
• Lower running cost per page compared to an inkjet printer.
• Often found in schools and offices.

03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Laser printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Laser printers use toner cartridges, which contain powdered, electro-optically charged
ink. Using a laser, a mirror image of the printer page is drawn onto a drum by creating
negatively charged areas. The drum then picks up the positively charged ink particles and

9
bonds them to the paper using heat.

54 H
What is it typically used for?

S
• High-quality, inexpensive printing.
• Very fast and accurate for non-colour documents and images.

N
• Lower running cost per page compared to an inkjet printer.
• Often found in schools and offices.

Why is it required?
03 A
SH
34
• Even now, in this age of technology, there is still a need to produce physical
copies of information stored in an electronic format.
• Printouts or hard copies can be easily transported and viewed at any time
AF

without the need for an electronic device or internet connection.

3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Liquid crystal display (LCD) screen
What does it do?

97 AH
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are made up of millions of tiny liquid crystals. These crystals
form a matrix of pixels, which can be affected by changes in applied electric fields. LCD
screens require a form of backlighting, often provided by a fluorescent lamp or LEDs.

9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Liquid crystal display (LCD) screen
What does it do?

97 AH
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are made up of millions of tiny liquid crystals. These crystals
form a matrix of pixels, which can be affected by changes in applied electric fields. LCD
screens require a form of backlighting, often provided by a fluorescent lamp or LEDs.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for?
• TVs, monitors, laptops, mobile devices, etc.

S
• Gradually being phased out in favour of newer technologies like LED and OLED.

N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Liquid crystal display (LCD) screen
What does it do?

97 AH
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are made up of millions of tiny liquid crystals. These crystals
form a matrix of pixels, which can be affected by changes in applied electric fields. LCD
screens require a form of backlighting, often provided by a fluorescent lamp or LEDs.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for?
• TVs, monitors, laptops, mobile devices, etc.

S
• Gradually being phased out in favour of newer technologies like LED and OLED.

N
Why is it required?

03 A
• We need to be able to output digital information in a visual way.
• Although display technology is constantly evolving, there will probably always be
SH
a need for screens in some form.

34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Light-emitting diode (LED) screen
What does it do?

97 AH
These displays use tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce a bright image
almost instantly without the need for any additional backlighting.

9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Light-emitting diode (LED) screen
What does it do?

97 AH
These displays use tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce a bright image
almost instantly without the need for any additional backlighting.

9
What is it typically used for?

54 H
• Replacing LCD displays in more and more situations including TVs, monitors,
laptops and mobile devices.

S
• Multiple LED screens can be joined together, making them ideal for very
large displays used in concerts, festivals and sporting events.

N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Light-emitting diode (LED) screen
What does it do?

97 AH
These displays use tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce a bright image
almost instantly without the need for any additional backlighting.

9
What is it typically used for?

54 H
• Replacing LCD displays in more and more situations including TVs, monitors,
laptops and mobile devices.

S
• Multiple LED screens can be joined together, making them ideal for very
large displays used in concerts, festivals and sporting events.

N
Why is it required?

03 A
• LED technology is generally considered better than LCD because it:
SH
o Offers better image quality and viewing angles.

34
o Has a longer lifespan.
o Requires no additional backlighting, so it’s thinner and lighter.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Speaker
What does it do?

97 AH
Essentially, a speaker is the counterpart to a microphone (an input device) and works
in the opposite way.

9
A digital representation of sound is passed through a digital-to-analog convertor
(DAC), which can then be further boosted by an amplifier before being passed to a

54 H
speaker to create analog sound waves.

S
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Speaker
What does it do?

97 AH
Essentially, a speaker is the counterpart to a microphone (an input device) and works
in the opposite way.

9
A digital representation of sound is passed through a digital-to-analog convertor
(DAC), which can then be further boosted by an amplifier before being passed to a

54 H
speaker to create analog sound waves.

S
What is it typically used for?
• TV, film and video games

N
• Live music
• Music recording playback

03 A
• Alarms
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Speaker
What does it do?

97 AH
Essentially, a speaker is the counterpart to a microphone (an input device) and works
in the opposite way.

9
A digital representation of sound is passed through a digital-to-analog convertor
(DAC), which can then be further boosted by an amplifier before being passed to a

54 H
speaker to create analog sound waves.

S
What is it typically used for?
• TV, film and video games

N
• Live music
• Music recording playback

03 A
• Alarms
SH
Why is it required?

34
• Speakers provide us with a way to take digital sounds or recordings and
output them in a form that can be heard by the human ear.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
3D printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Based on inkjet and laser printer technology, 3D printers work by depositing layers of
material (often plastic) on top of each other to slowly build a 3D object. They can also use
powered resin or metal, paper, ceramic, concrete – or even certain foods.

9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
3D printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Based on inkjet and laser printer technology, 3D printers work by depositing layers of
material (often plastic) on top of each other to slowly build a 3D object. They can also use
powered resin or metal, paper, ceramic, concrete – or even certain foods.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for?
• Inexpensive prosthetics

S
• Spare parts
• Rapid prototyping

N
• Personalised items

03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
3D printer
What does it do?

97 AH
Based on inkjet and laser printer technology, 3D printers work by depositing layers of
material (often plastic) on top of each other to slowly build a 3D object. They can also use
powered resin or metal, paper, ceramic, concrete – or even certain foods.

9
54 H
What is it typically used for?
• Inexpensive prosthetics

S
• Spare parts
• Rapid prototyping

N
• Personalised items

Why is it required?
03 A
SH
• 3D printing allows us to produce real-world models of virtual objects created

34
using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• It can create objects with intricate internal spaces and moving parts, and it
provides a means of manufacturing with minimum waste.
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Output devices

97 AH
Output device: Any device that can take data stored in digital form and convert it into another form humans can process

9
such as sound, images or vibrations.

54 H
• Actuator: Allow physical movements to be carried out, often used in conjunction with a motor and sensor.

S
o Opening and closing valves and doors.
o Starting and stopping motorised objects like conveyor belts.
• Digital light processing (DLP) projector: Millions of micro-mirrors arranged in a matrix grid, placed on a small

N
microchip within the projector itself.
o Higher contrast and smoother video than LCD projectors.

03 A
o Small, light and portable.
• Liquid crystal display (LCD) projector: Uses three separate mirror filters and a prism to create an image.
SH
o Provide a sharper image with better colour reproduction than LED projectors.

34
o Quieter, use less power and produce less heat.
• Inkjet printer: Uses liquid link forced through fine nozzles.
AF

o Produces high-quality photo prints.

o Tends to be cheaper, popular for home setups.
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Output devices

97 AH
• Laser printer: Uses dry powder fused onto paper using heat.

9
o Very fast and accurate for bulk printing non-colour documents.

54 H
o Lower running cost per page than inkjet printers.
o Often used in schools and offices.

S
• Liquid crystal display (LCD) screen: Made up of millions of liquid crystals, requires backlighting.
o TVs, monitors, laptops.
o Generally considered an older form of display technology.

N
• Light-emitting diode (LED) screen: Uses tiny LEDs to produce bight images without the need for additional backlighting.
o Superior picture quality compared to LCDs.

03 A
o Slimmer and lighter.
• Speaker: Converts digital representations of sound into analog waves that can be heard by the human ear.
SH
o TV, film, video games.
o Live music, recording playback.
o Alarms and sirens.
34
AF

• 3D printer: Deposits layers of material to build a 3D object.

o Usable materials include plastic, powdered metal and resin, paper, ceramic, concrete and some foods.
o Used to produce prosthetics, spare parts, models and personalised items.
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Blurring the lines Is this gaming controller an input or
output device?

97 AH
9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Blurring the lines It translates button presses and
stick movements into digital signals.

97 AH
So, it’s an input device… right?

9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Blurring the lines Not exactly. Modern controllers
also have built-in speakers and
haptic feedback technology – these

97 AH
make it an output device as well.

As far as the exams are concerned,

9
you can consider a game controller

54 H
an input device primarily.

S
However, be aware that the lines
can sometimes be blurry, so always
be sure to justify your answer.

N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Appropriate devices for specific situations What input and output devices
might be used as part of this
cashpoint system?

97 AH
9
54 HS
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Appropriate devices for specific situations What input and output devices
might be used as part of this
cashpoint system?

97 AH
Input devices
• Card reader

9
• Keypad

54 H
• Buttons
• Camera

S
N
03 A
SH
34
AF
3.2 Input and output devices | Output devices CAMBRIDGE IGCSE (0478/0984)

14 ID
Appropriate devices for specific situations What input and output devices
might be used as part of this
cashpoint system?

97 AH
Input devices
• Card reader

9
• Keypad

54 H
• Buttons
• Camera

S
Output devices
• Monitor

N
• Printer
• Speakers

03 A
• Actuator/motor
SH
34
AF