Theory Unit - 1 Data Representation in the Computer

Lesson – 1
Data Representation in the Computer

Data is stored in each memory location as a pattern of bits. These bit patterns can represent
different types of data such as numbers, text, audio, images and graphics and video.
Computers store and manipulate data in the form of electronic pulses.
Computer represents data in two signal states (ON or OFF).
The High voltage level is represented as ON and Low voltage level is represented as OFF signal in
the computer.
This digitised data is represented numerically using the binary number system (base 2) which
uses only 1 and 0.

Binary Digit Electronic Charge Electronic System

1 ON
0 OFF

Since there are only two states in a computer, it is called as a bi-stable device.

Example of the Binary Code in action:

When you type the letter A on your keyboard, electrical signals are sent from the keyboard to the
CPU.
The CPU turns the signals into binary code. Then, the computer reads the code and sends it on to
the monitor to display the letter A.

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Theory Unit - 1 Data Representation in the Computer
Binary representations

Bits and Bytes

Bit (Binary Digit)

Is a single digit in a binary number; it is either a 0 or a 1.

It is the smallest unit of memory the computer storage, since all data is stored as binary codes.

Byte

Is a group of eight (8) bits, representing a single character.

This is normally the smallest grouping used by computers.
The capacity of a computer and of its peripherals is measured in bytes – or more conveniently in
multiples such as kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes or terabytes.

1 Bit = 0 or 1

8 bits = 1 byte

1024 bytes =1 kibibyte (1 KiB)

1024 kibibyte (1 KiB) = 1 mebibyte (1 MiB)

1024 mebibyte(1 MiB) = 1 gibibyte (1 GiB)

1024 gibibyte (1 GiB) =1 tebibyte (1 TiB) and so on.

Kibi: a prefix representing the factor 210 (1024) written as the symbol Ki
Mebi: a prefix rep resenting the factor 220 (1048576) written as the symbol Mi
Gibi: a prefix representing the factor 230 written as the symbol Gi
Tebi: a prefix representing the factor 230 written as the symbol Ti