Inputs and outputs

The micro:bit helps you understand how computers work. When you type on your laptop or touch the screen on your phone, you’re using an input device. Inputs allow computers to sense things happening in the real world, so they can act on this and make something happen, usually on an output like a screen or headphones.

Inputs and outputs are an important part of any computer system. As a very small computer, the BBC micro:bit has plenty of inputs and outputs to learn about and use.

Processor

In between the input and the output, there is the processor. This takes information from inputs like buttons, and makes something happen on outputs, like playing a song in your headphones.

A processor is sometimes called the ‘brains’ of a computer and your BBC micro:bit has a micro processor inside it. It’s an essential part of your micro:bit as it runs the programs you write.

USB interface

USB, or Universal Serial Bus, interfaces are used to connect, communicate, and power computers and digital devices.

The BBC micro:bit has a USB interface to allow you to connect your computer to your micro:bit so you can transfer programs to it, and power it.

Watch the video to learn more about the USB interface on the micro:bit.