In-depth knowledge and Understanding

• What is the title of Chapter 6 in the study material?

  Electronic systems, programmable components and mechanical devices
• What is the unit of voltage?

  Volts (V)
• What is the unit of current?

  Amps (A)
• How is current defined in an electrical circuit?

  Current is a measure of the actual electricity flowing.
• What does the voltage at a point in a circuit represent?

  It is a measure of the electrical ‘pressure’ trying to cause a current to flow.
• What is the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance according to Ohm's law?

  Voltage = Current × Resistance
• If the current is $0.02 \text{ A}$ and the resistance is $600 \, \Omega$, what is the voltage?


  $V =$$I \times R =$$0.02 \times 600 =$$12 \text{ V}$
• What is the preferred value series for resistors mentioned in the study material?

  The E12 series
• What is a switch in electronic systems?

  A switch is a simple electronic component that can be either off or on.
• What does a push-to-make switch do?

  It produces a digital signal that is on when pressed.
• What is the difference between a momentary-push-button switch and a latching switch?

  A momentary switch turns off when released, while a latching switch stays on until pressed again.
• What is the function of a tilt switch?

  A tilt switch is on when upright and off when inverted.
• How does a reed switch operate?

  A reed switch is operated by a magnet and turns on when the magnet is near.
• What is the purpose of a transistor in electronic systems?

  A transistor amplifies a small signal into a bigger one.
• What is a potential divider?

  A potential divider is two resistors used to produce a known output voltage signal.
• How do you calculate the output voltage of a potential divider?

  $V_{out} =$$V_s \times \frac{R_2}{R_1 + R_2}$
• What happens to the resistance of a light-dependent resistor (LDR) as light level increases?

  The resistance decreases as light level increases.
• How does a moisture sensor work?

  A moisture sensor uses two metal probes to sense the presence of water, producing a voltage output that increases as they are dipped further into water.
• What is the role of a MOSFET in electronic systems?

  A MOSFET is used as a transducer driver to amplify signals and control output devices.
• What is the function of a thyristor?

  A thyristor can drive an output transducer under the control of an input signal.
• What are the different types of switches mentioned in the study material?

  • Push-to-make switch
  • Momentary-push-button switch
  • Latching switch
  • Push-to-break switch
  • Slide switch
  • Lever toggle switch
  • Tilt switch
  • Vibration switch
  • Reed switch
• What are the types of output subsystems in electronic systems?

  • Lamp
  • LED
  • Buzzer/siren
  • Loudspeaker
  • Piezo sounder
  • Motor
  • Solenoid
  • Relay
• What are the types of input subsystems in electronic systems?

  • Switches (various types)
  • Light sensor
  • Temperature sensor
  • Moisture sensor
• What are the key properties of resistors?

  • Control current flow
  • Produce specific voltages
  • Available in preferred values (E12, E24 series)
  • Marked with a color code for resistance and tolerance
• What are the characteristics of analogue sensors mentioned in the study material?

  • Light-dependent resistor (LDR): resistance decreases with light
  • Thermistor: resistance decreases with temperature
  • Moisture sensor: output voltage increases with water presence

  
• What are the characteristics of digital and analogue signals in electronic systems?

  • Digital signals: discrete values (on/off)
  • Analogue signals: continuous values (varying levels)
• What is the significance of the zero volt rail in a circuit?

  • It is the reference point for measuring voltage.
  • It is the negative connection on the battery or power supply.
• What is the importance of understanding the ecological and social footprint of components?

  • Helps in selecting sustainable materials.
  • Affects the environmental impact of electronic systems.
• What are the factors influencing the selection of components and materials in electronic systems?

  • Performance requirements
  • Cost considerations
  • Availability
  • Environmental impact
• What are the effects of forces and stresses on components and materials?

  • Can lead to deformation or failure.
  • Must be considered in design and manufacturing.
• What are the processes used to manufacture products to different scales of production?

  • Mass production
  • Batch production
  • Custom production
• What are the specialist techniques and processes for shaping and assembling prototypes?

  • CNC machining
  • 3D printing
  • Laser cutting
  • Hand assembly
• What is the function of a MOSFET in a system?

  It is usually used as a transducer driver.
• What are the two common types of MOSFETs mentioned?

  ZVN2106A and IRF510.
• What is a potential divider?

  • Two resistors used to produce a known output voltage signal.
• What is a MOSFET?

  A type of transistor used as a transducer driver.
• How can the output voltage \( V_{out} \) be calculated using the potential divider formula?

  Using the formula \( V_{out} = V_s \times \frac{R_2}{R_1 + R_2} \).
• What does \( V_s \) represent in the potential divider formula?

  The power supply voltage.
• What is a thyristor?

  A latching transducer driver.
• How does a thyristor function in a burglar alarm circuit?

  It triggers and allows a larger current to flow when a small current is applied to its gate terminal.