ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AND PROGRAMMABLE COMPONENTS

• What is Rhovyl®?

  A non-flammable synthetic fibre
• What are the properties of Rhovyl®?

  Crease resistant, thermal, acoustic, anti-bacterial
• Why is Rhovyl® ideal for socks?

  It wicks moisture and dries quickly
• What are electronic systems used for?

  To provide functionality to products
• How can electronic systems be classified?

  Into inputs, processes, and outputs
• What does a system diagram show?

  How subsystems are connected and signal flow
• What types of signals can be found in electronic systems?

  Digital or analogue signals
• What is the role of the process subsystem?

  It receives signals and controls outputs
• What devices can process subsystems be made from?

  Semiconductor devices like microcontrollers
• What is a microcontroller?

  A miniaturised computer for specific tasks
• What is an integrated circuit (IC)?

  A miniaturised, complex circuit in one component
• What is the purpose of a microcontroller program?

  To instruct the microcontroller on tasks
• What is a flowchart?

  A graphical representation of a program
• What is a subroutine in programming?

  A set of instructions for a specific task
• How does feedback work in control systems?

  It feeds output signals back to inputs
• What is the function of an output subsystem?

  To convert electrical signals into functions
• What does a buzzer do in a product?

  Produces sound output for feedback
• Why is a resistor used with an LED?

  To limit the current flowing through it
• What is an LDR?

  An analogue sensor used to sense light
• How does the resistance of an LDR change?

  Resistance falls as light level increases
• What is a thermistor?

  An analogue sensor used to sense temperature
• What are the two types of thermistors?

  NTC and PTC types
• Where are thermistors commonly used?

  In ovens, thermostats, and car engines