Editing Dive computer (section)

== Components ==
{{see also|Glossary of underwater diving terminology}} 
[[File:Tauchcomputer_Suunto_Vyper_Air.JPG|thumb|A dive computer incorporating Nitrox functions (Suunto Vyper Air)]]
Some components are common to all models of dive computer as they are essential to the basic function:
{{glossary}}
{{term|1=ambient pressure transducer}}
{{term|1=pressure sensor|multi=yes}}
{{defn|1=Component that converts ambient pressure to an electrical signal<ref name="Tek lite 1" /> [[Piezoresistive pressure sensor]]s are frequently used for this purpose.<ref name="amsys" /><ref name="TE specs" />}}

{{term|1=analog-to-digital converter}}
{{defn|1=Component that converts the voltage output from the pressure transducer to a binary signal that can be processed by the computer.<ref name="Tek lite 1" />}}

{{term|1=buttons}}
{{defn|1=User input interface in the form of push-buttons or external contacts which accept manual input from the user to set the user preferences and select display options.<ref name="Perdix AI" /><ref name="Azzopardi and Sayer 2010" />}}

{{term|1=clock}}
{{defn|1=Circuitry that synchronises the steps of the processor and keeps track of elapsed time. It may also keep track of time of day.<ref name="Tek lite 1" />}}

{{term|1=display}}
{{defn|1=Screen to present the results of computation to the diver in real time.<ref name="Tek lite 1" />}}

{{term|1=faceplate}}
{{defn|1=The transparent glass or plastic window covering the screen. Tempered glass and synthetic sapphire are most scratch resistant, but brittle, and can fracture on impact, causing the housing to leak, which can destroy the electronics. These materials are popular on wristwatch style units, which are expected to be worn out of the water. The larger units are more likely to be worn only while diving, and the more impact resistant polycarbonate faceplates used for these computers are more sensitive to scratching, but are less likely to flood. Disposable transparent self-adhesive faceplate protectors are available for some models.<ref name="Azzopardi and Sayer 2010" />}}

{{term|1=housing}}
{{defn|1=The waterproof container in which the other components are installed to protect them from the environment.<ref name="Tek lite 1" /> Three basic form factors are used: Wristwtch, wrist or console mount circular (puck), Rectangular or contoured wrist mount, and housed smartphone.<ref name="wristwatch" /><ref name="DivePhone" />}}

{{term|1=microprocessor}}
{{defn|1=The logic-processing microcircuitry that converts the input signals into real time output data modelling the diver's decompression status using the chosen algorithm and other input data.<ref name="Tek lite 1" />}}

{{term|1=power supply}}
{{defn|1=The battery that provides electrical power to run the device. It may be rechargeable, or user replaceable, or may require replacement by an authorised agent or the manufacturer.<ref name="Tek lite 1" />}}

{{term|1=random access memory (RAM)}}
{{defn|1=Temporary storage for the variable data and results of computation.<ref name="Tek lite 1" />}}

{{term|1=read only memory (ROM)}}
{{defn|1=Non-volatile memory containing the program and constants used in the algorithm.<ref name="Tek lite 1" />}}

{{term|1=strap}}
{{defn|1=Band used to secure the housing to the user's wrist. Several types may be used. Double straps may be used for greater security. An alternative to straps is console mounting, usually limited to puck form factor recreational dive computers.}}

{{term|1=temperature sensor}}
{{defn|1=Component that measures the temperature of the pressure transducer to compensate for temperature variations. The output may be recorded and displayed, but the primary function is to allow accurate pressure measurement. <ref name="Wright et al 2016" />}}

{{glossary end}}

Additional components may be necessary for additional or extended features and functionality.

{{glossary}}

{{term|1=accelerometer}}
{{defn|1=used to detect directional tapping input and pitch and tilt angles.<ref name="tdc-3" />}}

{{term|1=Bluetooth hardware}}
{{defn|1=Used for communication with smartphones or personal computers to upload data and download firmware updates.<ref name="Perdix AI" /> }}

{{term|1=buzzer}}
{{defn|1=Used to provide audible and vibratory alarms.<ref name="Perdix AI" /> }}

{{term|1=external electrical contacts}}
{{defn|1=May be used for several purposes at the surface, including battery charging and communication with a personal computer.<ref name="iX3M" /> }}

{{term|1=GPS receiver}}
{{defn|1=Used for position identification at the surface.<ref name="iX3M" /> }}

{{term|1=fluxgate compass}}
{{defn|1=Used to provide compass functionality for navigation.<ref name="iX3M" /> }}

{{term|1=infrared data transfer hardware}}
{{defn|1=Used for date transfer to and from personal computer.<ref name="Azzopardi and Sayer 2010" />}}

{{term|1=light sensor}}
{{defn|1=Used to provide automatic display intensity<ref name="iX3M" />}}

{{term|1=screen protector}}
{{defn|1=Transparent sacrificial film or lens covering the screen to protect the screen against scratches.<ref name="Perdix AI" /> }}

{{term|1=ultrasonic communications hardware}}
{{defn|1=Used for wireless communications with pressure sensors on gas cylinders for gas-integrated systems, and in some cases, other peripherals.<ref name="Perdix AI" /> }}

{{term|1=watertight electrical connections}}
{{defn|1=To receive input from oxygen cells, and to communicate with electronically controlled rebreathers.<ref name="HSE Manual" /> }}

{{term|1=wireless charging coil}}
{{defn|1=Used to recharge the battery.<ref name="Peregrine" />}}

{{glossary end}}
{{expand section|more optional components|date=April 2024}}