GCSE Design and Technology > Section A - Understanding a systems approach when designing > Flashcards

Section A - Understanding a systems approach when designing Flashcards

(52 cards)

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1
Q

What questions could you ask to find out how a product containing electronics works

A

What does the product do (What is the output?)

How does it do it (What is the process?)

What happens to allow this to work?)

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2
Q

Draw a simple systems diagram

A

https://computersciencewiki.org/images/a/a9/Ipo.png

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3
Q

What is a systems approach to designing

A

The three elements of output, process and input are what is called a systems approach to designing

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4
Q

What is a systems diagram

A

A systems diagram is a diagram that breaks down an operation into its three main component parts: input, process and output.

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5
Q

In terms of inputs, processes and outputs what may more complex systems have

A

More complex systems may have more than one input, process and output

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6
Q

Draw the systems diagram for the light sensor

A

Input
Light sensor
->
Process
Switching

Output
Light
https://computersciencewiki.org/images/a/a9/Ipo.png
Page 31

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7
Q

Draw the systems diagram for the ice alarm system
(alarm that activates when temp is below 0)

A

Input
Temperature sensor/Thermistor

Process
Transistor switching

Output
Buzzer sounds

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8
Q

What is an input device

A

An input device are electrical and mechanical sensors that use signals from the environment and convert them into signals that be passed into processing devices and components

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9
Q

Name different types of sensing component that could be used as an input for an electronic circuit

A

Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) (light sensor)
Thermistor (Temperature sensor)
Switches
Pressure sensors

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10
Q

What is an LDR

A

An LDR is a component in which the resistance to the flow of electrical current through it changes as the light intensity that falls upon it alters

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11
Q

Uses of LDRs

A

LDRs are used as input devices in light sensing circuit

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12
Q

Where can LDRs be found

A

LDRs can be found in many products such as street lamps, clock radios, and night lights

In mobile phones LDRs are often used to detect light levels when using the camera - if the level of light is low, the flash is automatically turned on when taking a photo

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13
Q

Draw the circuit symbol for an LDR

A

https://startingelectronics.org/beginners/components/LDR-photoresistor/LDR-photoresistor-symbol.png

without the circle

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14
Q

Draw a graph to show resistance against light intesity

A

https://www.elevise.co.uk/uploads/9/8/0/2/98021560/published/screenshot-2021-12-02-at-14-27-16_2.png

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15
Q

What is a thermistor

A

A thermistor is a component in which the resistance to the flow of electrical current through it changes with temperature

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16
Q

What are the two types of thermistor

A

The thermistor with a resistance that increases with temperature increase (positive temperature coefficient - PTC)

The thermistor with a resistance that falls with temperature increase (negative temperature co-efficient - NTC) - the one we learn in physics

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17
Q

What products can thermistors be found in

A

Thermistors can be found in many products to regulate temperature, such has toasters, coffee makers, refrigerators, freezers, hair dryers and many more

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18
Q

Why are thermistors put in products

A

Thermistors can be found in many products to regulate temperature

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19
Q

What does PTC and NTC stand for when using thermistors

A

PTC - Positive Temperature Coefficient

NTC - Negative Temperature Coefficient

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20
Q

Describe how a thermistor works if it has a positive PTC

A

If a thermistor has a positive PTC then as the temperature increases, the resistance of the thermistor also increases

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21
Q

Describe how a thermistor works if it has a negative NTC

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A

If a thermistor has a negative NTC then as the temperature increases, the resistance of the thermistor decreases

22
Q

State the different uses for switches and pressure sensors

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A

They can be used to turn something on

They can be used to know if an object has reached as far as you want it to travel

They can be used to start something by pressing with your finger

They can be used to know if something has closed

They can be used to stop a machine if a guard is opened

23
Q

What are switches used for

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A

Used to sense when objects apply pressure ot them

24
Q

Examples of switches and pressure sensos

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A

Rocker switches
Microswitch
Push-to-make switch
Pressure-pad switch
Push-to-break switch

25
What is a process device
Process devices handle information received and turn outputs on an/or off
26
What is a microcontroller
A microcontroller is a small computer within a single integrated circuit
27
State 4 different places where you might find microcontrollers
Rocker switches Microswitch Push-to-make switch Pressure-pad switch or Car engine control systems Remote controls Office machines Medical devices Toys (most electronic products contain one)
28
State a common form of microcontroller that you may have used at school
PIC chip (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a common form of microcontroller that you may have used in school
29
What do the circuit inside microcontrollers contain
The circuit contains a processor core, memory and programmable input and output capability
30
What can microcontrollers be used as/How can they programmed
Microcontrollers can be used/programmed as counters, timers and for decision making
31
How are microcontrollers produced
Microcontrollers are mass produced by automated systems that reduce the cost of each individual one
32
Example of process components
microcontrollers
33
What is the effect of having these microcontrollers mass produced
Microcontrollers are mass produced by automated systems that reduce the cost of each individual one
34
State a feature of a PIC microcontroller
One of the most useful features of a PIC microcontroller is that you can reprogram them as they use flash memory (flash memory is a data storage medium with no moving parts that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed)
35
In what programming languages can micro-controllers be programmed in
Microcontrollers can be programmed in a variety of computer languages: e.g. BASIC - or other software that allows the use of flowcharts for programming
36
Advantages of flowcharts
Flowcharts allow designers to describe the operation of a program in simple terms.
37
What is an output
An output sends out information, heat, light, sound or mechanical movement to the environment the system is operating in
38
Examples of output components
Lamps LEDs Buzzers Speakers
39
Name 2 different visual outputs that could be used in an electronic circuit
Lamps Light Emitting Diode (LEDs)
40
Name 2 audible outputs that could be used in an electronic circuit
A buzzer (electromechanical or piezoelectric) A loud speaker
41
How do lamps operate
Lamps operate by passing an electric current through a very thin filament, which is usually made of tungsten. The filament operates in an inert gas that is encased in a glass bulb LAMP = light bulb with filament
42
What are the problems of lamps. How is this being solved
Lamps give off a large amount of heat as well as light, and because of this poor energy efficiency they are rapidly being replaced by other forms of lighting such as: LEDs
43
What are lamps being replaced with. Why
Lamps are being replaced by other forms of lighting such as: LEDs Lamps give off a large amount of heat as well as light, and because of this poor energy efficiency they are rapidly being replaced by other forms of lighting such as: LEDs
44
Which is more energy efficient. Lamp or an LED
LED is more energy efficient
45
Purpose of buzzers and speakers
These components give out sound/audible outputs
46
Purpose of lamps and LEDs
These components give out visual output (as light)
47
Two types of buzzer called
Electromechanical Piezoelectric
48
Where are buzzers typically used
They are used in alarm devices, timers, and to confirm user input such as a butten press or a mouse click.
49
What are loudspeakers
Loudspeakers are devices that convert electric signals into a corresponding sound
50
What is the minimum number of inputs a system block diagram has
System block diagrams always have a minimum of one input, one process and one output block
51
Purpose of capacitor
To store charge
52
Unit of capacitor
Farads
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