Identification of GSM Components – JSS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

GSM components are the physical parts that make a mobile phone work. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications, the system most phones in Nigeria use to make calls and send messages.

Behavioural objectives

1. State what GSM stands for.
2. Name the five main components of a GSM phone.
3. State the function of each component.
4. Identify the screen as both an input and an output device on a smartphone.
5. Give simple care tips for the screen, buttons and battery.

What is a GSM phone?

A GSM phone is a mobile phone that uses a SIM card to connect to a network such as MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9Mobile.

• Portable: it works without being plugged into the wall, because it has a battery.
• Hardware: the parts you can touch and see, such as the screen and battery.
• Components: the separate parts that work together inside one phone.

What are the main components of a GSM phone?

There are five main components of a GSM phone: the screen, the keypad or buttons, the battery, the SIM card and the circuit board.

1. What is the screen (display)?

The screen is the part of the phone you look at, and it is the main output device.

• What it does: it shows the battery level, messages and apps.
• Touchscreen: on a smartphone, the screen also takes your touch, so it acts as an input device.
• Material: it is made of glass, so it is fragile.
• Care tip: use a screen protector to help prevent cracks.

2. What is the keypad (buttons)?

The keypad is the set of buttons used to give commands to the phone.

• Older phones: physical buttons for typing numbers and letters, as on the “Torch” phones.
• Smartphones: mostly a power button and volume buttons on the side.
• What they do: type numbers, switch the phone on or off, and control how loud the sound is.
• Common issue: buttons can get stuck if dust or water gets inside them.

3. What is the battery?

The battery is the part that stores electricity and gives the phone power. It is called the “power house” of the phone.

• What it does: it supplies the energy the phone needs to work.
• Type: most phones use lithium-ion batteries.
• Warning sign: if the phone gets very hot or the back swells, the battery may be old and need replacing.
• Care tip: try not to let the battery drop to 0% often, and use a proper charger.

4. What is the SIM card?

A SIM card is a small card that connects your phone to a network. SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module.

• What it does: it gives you a phone number and a network such as MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9Mobile.
• Without it: you cannot make regular calls with a phone number.
• Sizes: there are three sizes: Standard, Micro and Nano.

5. What is the circuit board (motherboard)?

The circuit board is the main board inside the phone that connects all the other parts together.

• Appearance: it is usually a green or blue board with many tiny parts on it.
• What it does: it holds the “brain” of the phone and controls the other parts, like a nervous system.
• Protection: the outer casing protects the board from water and falls.
• Safety: do not open a phone without permission and proper training.

What are the functions of the main GSM components?

What other parts does a phone have?

Besides the five main components, a phone has other small parts that you can also identify.

• Speaker: gives out sound, such as the voice of the person calling you.
• Microphone: picks up your voice when you speak.
• Camera: takes photographs and videos.
• Charging port: the opening where the charger cable is plugged in.

What is the difference between an input device and an output device?

An input device is a part that sends information or commands into the phone. An output device is a part that shows or gives out information from the phone.

Class activity

1. Hold a mobile phone (with permission). Point to the screen and the volume buttons.
2. Discuss: what do you think happens to a phone if water touches the circuit board?
3. Why is it important to charge your battery before it gets to 0%?

Evaluation

1. What does GSM stand for?
2. List the five main components of a GSM phone.
3. Why is the screen of a smartphone both an input and an output device?
4. Name the three sizes of SIM card.
5. State two signs that a phone battery is getting old.

Assignment

Draw a simple phone in your notebook. Label the screen, buttons, battery, SIM card and circuit board, and write one function beside each.