3

2 A computer has hardware and software.

(a) The hardware includes different types of memory.

(i) Complete the description of computer memory.

Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are both examples of

......................................................................... memory.

One item that is stored in RAM is ......................................................................... .

One item that is stored in ROM is ......................................................................... .

RAM can be either Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM).

SRAM uses transistors arranged as ......................................................................... .

DRAM uses transistors and ......................................................................... .

[5]

(ii) Explain the difference between Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable Programmable
ROM (EPROM) and Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM).

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

© UCLES 2022 9618/11/M/J/22 [Turn over

 4

(b) A magnetic hard disk is used to store data on the computer.

Describe the principal operations of a magnetic hard disk.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [5]

© UCLES 2022 9618/11/M/J/22

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

1(a) 1 mark for: 1

one tebibyte is 1024 gibibytes and one terabyte is 1000 gigabytes

1(b) 1001 1100 1

1(c) 1 mark for working e.g. 2

 Dividing by 16 // converting to binary (11111011)

1 mark for answer

FB

1(d) 1000 1110 1

Question Answer Marks

2(a)(i) 1 mark for each correct term. 5

Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are both
examples of primary memory.

One item that is stored in RAM is currently running software/data/part of

OS.

One item that is stored in ROM is the start-up/boot-up instructions/BIOS.

RAM can be either Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM).

SRAM uses transistors arranged as flip-flops/latches.
DRAM uses transistors and capacitors.

2(a)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point to max 3 3

 PROM can be set once, EPROM and EEPROM can be overwritten

multiple times.

 EPROM needs to be removed from device EEPROM can be erased in

situ.

 EPROM and can be erased using UV light, EEPROM can be erased

using voltage // is flash storage .

 EPROM must be entirely erased before rewriting, EEPROM does not

have to be entirely erased before rewriting.

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 8

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

2(b) 1 mark per bullet point to max 5 5

 The hard disk has (one or more) platter/plate/disk

 Each surface of the platter/disk is (ferrous oxide which is) capable of
being magnetised
 The platters/disks are mounted on a (central) spindle
 The entire mechanism is contained inside a sealed (aluminium) box.
 The disks are rotated (at high-speed)
 (Each surface of the disk) has a read/write head mounted on an arm
(positioned just above the surface)
 Electronic circuits control the movement of the arm (and hence the
heads)
 The surface of the platter/disk is divided into concentric tracks / circles
 The surface of the platter/disk is divided into sectors
 One track in one sector is the basic unit of storage called a block
 The data is encoded as a magnetic pattern for each block
 When writing to disk, a variation in the current in the head produces a
variation in magnetic field on the disk
 When reading from disk, a variation in magnetic field produces a
variation in current through the head

2(c)(i) 1 mark for each correct row. 4

Gate Input 1 Input 2

AND 1 1

0 0
NAND 0 1
1 0

0 1
XOR
1 0

NOR 0 0

2(c)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point 3

 A NAND B
 B XOR C
 OR

(A NAND B) OR (B XOR C)

© UCLES 2022 Page 4 of 8

 4

2 A car has several features.

(a) One feature is a lane detection system. This system monitors the lines on either side of the
lane. If the car gets too close to one line, the system automatically moves the car away from
the line.

Explain why the lane detection system is an example of an embedded system.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Two other features:

• record the number of miles travelled in the current journey, from when the engine is
turned on to when it is turned off
• record the total number of miles the car has travelled since it was built.

Identify the data that will be stored in the primary and secondary storage of the car for these
two features.

Primary .....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Secondary ................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The car has a resistive touchscreen for the user to select options.

Tick (3) one box in each row to show whether each statement about a resistive touchscreen
is true or false.

Statement True False

The screen always has five different layers

A processor determines the horizontal and

vertical coordinates of the point of contact

The touchscreen will work if any object

touches the screen
[1]

© UCLES 2022 9618/12/M/J/22

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

2(a) 1 mark per point to max 2 2

 The lane detection system is built into / integrated into the car

 The lane detection system only performs one task

 The lane detection system is not easily changed/updated by the car
owner

2(b) 1 mark for primary 2

 e.g. Miles travelled in the current journey, before the engine is turned off

1 mark for secondary

 e.g. Total miles travelled since the car was built // miles for most recent
journey after engine switched off

2(c) 1 mark for all correct ticks 1

Statement True False

The screen always has five different layers 

A processor determines the horizontal and


vertical coordinates of the point of contact

The touchscreen will work if any object


touches the screen

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark for correct opcode and 1 mark for corresponding operand 2

OR #255 // OR #154 // XOR #154

e.g.
 OR...
 ... #255

3(b) 1 mark for correct opcode and 1 mark for corresponding operand 2

XOR #255

e.g.
 XOR...
 ... #255

3(c) 7E 1

3(d) 11110000 1

© UCLES 2022 Page 4 of 9

 4

3 Andy likes to play computer games.

(a) Andy uses several input devices to play the games. These include a keyboard and a
microphone.

Describe the principal operation of a microphone.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) Andy plays some of the computer games over the internet. He has several devices that
connect wirelessly to the router in his house.

(i) Identify the topology of Andy’s home network. Justify your choice.

Topology ............................................................................................................................

Justification .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) The router has a wireless access point (WAP) to allow the devices to connect wirelessly.

Identify three functions of the router in Andy’s network.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

3 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[3]

© UCLES 2021 9618/12/O/N/21

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2021

Question Answer Marks

2(b) 1 mark for each correct bullet point 2

• NOT (A AND B) // A NAND B

• NOT the result AND C // the result NAND C

OR

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark for each bullet point to max 3 3

• The microphone has a diaphragm / ribbon

• The incoming sound waves cause vibrations of the diaphragm
• … causing a coil to move past a magnet // causing a magnet to move
past a coil (dynamic microphone) // changing the capacitance (condenser
microphone) // deforms the crystal (crystal microphone)
• An electrical signal is produced

3(b)(i) 1 mark for identification of star topology 2

1 mark for justification

Devices are connected directly to the router independently
// all devices are only connected to the router

3(b)(ii) 1 mark for each correct function to max 3 3

• To receive packets from devices or the Internet

• To forward / route packets to the destination
• To find the destination of the packet
• To assign / allocate private IP addresses to devices on LAN
• To store / update / maintain a routing table
• To find the most efficient path to the destination
• To maintain a table of MAC and IP addresses

© UCLES 2021 Page 4 of 10

 13

5 Kiara has a washing machine and a refrigerator.

(a) She has an embedded system in her washing machine.

Describe what is meant by an embedded system, using the washing machine as an example.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The washing machine’s embedded system makes use of both Random Access Memory
(RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).

State the purpose of RAM and ROM within the washing machine’s embedded system.

RAM ..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

ROM .........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The temperature in her refrigerator must be kept between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius.

The microprocessor in the refrigerator turns on the cooling if the temperature is too high, and
turns off the cooling if the temperature is too low.

Explain why the system in the refrigerator is a control and not a monitoring system.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

© UCLES 2021 9618/11/M/J/21 [Turn over

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

5(a) 1 mark per bullet point to max 2 2

• Definition: Microprocessor/microcontroller within a larger system //

microprocessor/microcontroller that performs one specific task

• Example: e.g. Embedded system in washing machine only controls the

programs for the washing cycle // it is part of the washing machine but
does not perform any other function within it

5(b) 1 mark for RAM, 1 mark for ROM 2

RAM:
• Store the choices/wash program the user has entered // stores the data
read from the sensors // stores the time left in the program // by example

ROM:
• Store the start-up instructions (for the washing cycles)

5(c) 1 mark per bullet point 2

• The system uses feedback

• The system causes the temperature to change // produces an action

Question Answer Marks

6(a) Range (check) 1

6(b) Presence (check) 1

6(c) Existence (check) 1

© UCLES 2021 Page 8 of 10

 6

4 (a) There are two types of RAM: dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM).

Five statements about DRAM and SRAM are shown below.

Draw a line to link each statement to the appropriate type of RAM.

Statement Type of RAM

requires data to be refreshed

periodically in order to retain
the data

has more complex circuitry

DRAM

does not need to be refreshed

as the circuit holds the data as
long as the power supply is on

requires higher power

consumption which is SRAM
significant when used in
battery-powered devices

used predominantly in cache

memory of processors where
speed is important

[5]

© UCLES 2015 9608/13/M/J/15

 7

(b) Describe three differences between RAM and ROM.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(c) DVD-RAM and flash memory are two examples of storage devices.

Describe two differences in how they operate.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

© UCLES 2015 9608/13/M/J/15 [Turn over

 Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge International AS/A Level – May/June 2015 9608 13

4 (a)

requires data to be refreshed

periodically in order to retain the data

has more complex circuitry

DRAM

does not need to be refreshed as the

transistors hold the data as long as
the power supply is on

SRAM

requires higher power consumption

which is significant when used in
battery-powered devices

used predominantly in cache

memory of processors where speed
is important

[5]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

Page 5 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge International AS/A Level – May/June 2015 9608 13

(b) maximum of two marks for RAM and maximum of two marks for ROM

RAM

• loses contents when power turned off/volatile memory/temporary memory

• stores files/data/operating system currently in use
• data can be altered/deleted/read from and written to
• memory size is often larger than ROM

ROM

• doesn’t lose contents when power turned off/non-volatile memory/permanent memory

• cannot be changed/altered/deleted/read only
• can be used to store BIOS/bootstrap [3]

(c) one mark for DVD-RAM, one mark for flash memory.

DVD-RAM

• data is stored/written using lasers/optical media

• DVD-RAM uses phase changing recording, in which varying laser intensities cause
targeted areas in the phase change recording layer to alternate between an amorphous
and a crystalline state.
• uses a rotating disk with concentric tracks
• allows read and write operation to occur simultaneously

flash memory

• most are NAND-based flash memory

• there are no moving parts
• uses a grid of columns and rows that has two transistors at each intersection
• one transistor is called a floating gate
• the second transistor is called the control gate
• memory cells store voltages which can represent either a 0 or a 1
• essentially the movement of electrons is controlled to read/write
• not possible to over-write existing data; it is necessary to first erase the old data then
write the new data in the same location [2]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

 2

1 (a) Give three differences between Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and Static RAM (SRAM).

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

(b) (i) Examples of primary and secondary storage devices include:

• hard disk
• DVD-RW
• flash memory

For each device, describe the type of media used.

Hard disk ...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

DVD-RW ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Flash memory ...................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[3]

(ii) Describe the internal operation of the following devices:

DVD-RW ............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

DVD-RAM ..........................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[2]

© UCLES 2015 9608/12/O/N/15

 3

2 (a) Describe how a laser mouse operates.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

(b) The following table shows a list of five statements which describe the stages when a page is
printed using an inkjet printer.

Put each statement in the correct sequence by writing the numbers 1 to 5 in the right-hand
column.

Sequence
Statement
number
Paper feed stepper motor activated; sheet of paper fed from
paper tray
Printer driver translates data into a suitable format for the
printer
The print head moves across the page; ink is sprayed each
time the print head pauses for a fraction of a second
Paper feed stepper motor advances paper a fraction of a
cm after each complete head pass
Printer receives data from the computer and stores the data
in the printer’s buffer
[5]

© UCLES 2015 9608/12/O/N/15 [Turn over

 Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge International AS/A Level – October/November 2015 9608 12

1 (a) Hard disk – magnetic (storage media)

DVD-RW – optical (storage media)

Flash memory – solid state (memory device) [3]

(b) DVD-RW

– uses a single spiral track

– only allows write OR read operation to occur as separate operations
– requires special packet reading/writing software
– in order to write new data to the disc the existing data must be completely erased
– performance degrades/becomes unreliable after 1000 record/erase cycles
– single sided, 4.7 Gb capacity
– disc rotates at different speeds/constant linear velocity

DVD-RAM

– uses several concentric tracks

– allows simultaneous read/write operations
– requires no special read/write software
– makes use of sectors to store data
– repeatedly read, write and erase/100 000 record/erase cycles possible
– single or double sided, 4.7 Gb capacity per side
– disc rotates at a constant speed/constant angular velocity [4]

2 (a) – laser/light shines onto a surface

– through a (polished) ring at the base
– the light is reflected from the surface through the ring
– sensor detects reflected light
– capturing details/photograph of surface (under the ring)
– at about 1500 times per second
– as the mouse moves the sensor detects changes in the surface detail/photograph
– which are translated into movement (change of x and y co-ordinates)
– the computer/software updates the position of the cursor on the screen [3]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

 Page 3 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge International AS/A Level – October/November 2015 9608 12

(b)

Statement Sequence
number

Paper feed stepper motor activated; sheet of paper fed from

3
paper tray

Printer driver translates data into a suitable format for the printer 1

The print head moves across page; ink is sprayed each time the
4
print head pauses for a fraction of a second

Paper feed stepper motor advances paper a fraction of a cm after

5
each complete head pass

Printer receives data from the computer and stores the data in
2
the printer's buffer
[5]

3 (a) (i) 4 6 C [1]

(ii) 1 0 1 0 0 0 [1]

(b) (i) 1 bit [1]

(ii) – 8 bits are needed

– Each colour is represented by one of 256 values
– values 0 to 255/0000 0000 to 1111 1111
– 256 = 28 [2]

© Cambridge International Examinations 2015

 4

3 When an application program requests a file stored on a hard disk, the computer system reads
the file. Use the statement labels A to H to complete the sequence of steps that describe how this
happens.

Label Statement

A When the hard disk drive has read the file, it generates an interrupt.

While the file continues, the head reads successive clusters of

B
sectors from the disk and writes data into the disk buffer.
The head reads the first cluster of sectors from disk and writes data
C
into the disk buffer.

D The head moves to the correct track.

The operating system transfers the contents of the disk buffer to the
E
application program’s data memory.
In the relevant directory file, the operating system looks up the track
F
and sector where the file begins.
Application program passes file read request to the operating
G
system.
The hard disk drive waits for the correct sector to arrive under the
H
head.

1. The application program executes a statement to read a file.

2. ............................

3. The operating system begins to spin the hard disk, if it is not currently spinning.

4. ............................

5. ............................

6. ............................

7. ............................

8. ............................

9. ............................

10. ............................
[8]

© UCLES 2016 9608/12/O/N/16

 Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge International AS/A Level – October/November 2016 9608 12

3 ONE mark for each letter in the correct place.

Then ONE mark for any pair of letters in the correct order, but not in the correct place

1 The application program executes a statement to

read a file.

2 G

3 The operating system begins to spin the hard disk, if

it is not currently spinning.

4 F

5 D

6 H

7 C

8 B

9 A

10 E
[8]

© UCLES 2016
 4

2 (a) (i) The following sequence of steps (1 to 7) describe how a single page is printed on a laser
printer.

The statements A, B, C and D are used to complete the sequence.

The paper passes through a fuser, which heats up the paper. The toner melts and
A
forms a permanent image on the paper.

B The electrical charge is removed from the drum and the excess toner is collected.

C The image is converted on the drum into an electrostatic charge.

The oppositely-charged paper picks up the toner particles from the drum. After
D
picking up the toner, the paper is discharged to stop it clinging to the drum.

Complete the sequence by writing one of the letters A, B, C or D on the appropriate row.

1. A laser beam and a rotating mirror are used to draw an image of the page on the
photosensitive drum.

2. .........................

3. Electrostatic charge attracts toner.

4. The charged paper is rolled against the drum.

5. .........................

6. .........................

7. ......................... [3]

(ii) A computer user has a laser printer to print letters and documents. The user also prints
digital photographs taken using a digital camera.

State the most suitable type of printer for printing the photographs.

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) The user is considering the purchase of a new laptop computer. She has read many product
reviews and knows that there are different types of internal secondary storage available.

List two options for internal secondary storage.

Option 1 ....................................................................................................................................

Option 2 ....................................................................................................................................

Describe one advantage of one of the options.

Advantage of choosing option 1 / 2 (circle)

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]
© UCLES 2017 9608/11/M/J/17
 9608/11 Cambridge International AS/A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2017
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

2(a)(i) A laser beam and a rotating mirror are used to draw an 3

1
image of the page on the photosensitive drum.
C // The image is converted on the drum into an
2
electrostatic charge.
3 Electrostatic charge attracts toner.
4 The charged paper is rolled against the drum.
D // The oppositely-charged paper picks up the toner
5 particles from the drum. After picking up the toner, the
paper is discharged to stop it clinging to the drum.
A // The paper passes through a fuser, which heats up
6 the paper. The toner melts and forms a permanent
image on the paper.
B // The electrical charge is removed from the drum and
7
the excess toner is collected.

C in the correct place 1

DA, 1
AB 1

2(a)(ii) Inkjet printer 1

2(b) Hard disk drive // HDD 1 3

Solid state drive //SSD // flash memory 1
One from:
Hard disk
Inexpensive per unit of storage 1
Larger storage capacity than flash drive 1

Solid state storage

No moving parts / noise 1
Robust 1
Low latency // Fast read/write time 1

© UCLES 2017 Page 3 of 8