electronic systems and programmable components

• What is the main function of electronic systems?

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

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

  Connections and signal flow between subsystems
• What types of signals can be found in electronic systems?

  Digital or analogue
• Define a system in the context of electronic systems.

  A set of parts working together
• What is a subsystem?

  Interconnected parts of a system
• What role does the process subsystem play?

  It controls outputs based on input signals
• What is a microcontroller?

  A miniaturised computer for specific tasks
• What is an Integrated Circuit (IC)?

  A miniaturised, complex circuit in one component
• What functions can process devices perform?

  • Counting
  • Switching
  • Timing
• What do inputs consist of in electronic systems?

  Sensors that monitor physical quantities
• What does a sensor produce?

  An electrical signal that can be digital or analogue
• What is a digital sensor?

  A sensor that detects yes/no situations
• What is an analogue sensor used for?

  To measure how big a physical quantity is
• What is a Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR)?

  An analogue sensor that senses light
• How does the resistance of an LDR change?

  Resistance falls as light level increases
• Where are LDRs commonly used?

  In streetlamps and digital clocks
• What is a thermistor?

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

  NTC and PTC types
• How does an NTC thermistor behave?

  Resistance falls as temperature increases
• How does a PTC thermistor behave?

  Resistance rises as temperature increases
• Where are thermistors commonly used?

  In ovens and room thermostats
• What does an output subsystem do?

  Converts electrical signals into desired functions
• What is a buzzer used for?

  To produce sound output for feedback
• What does an LED produce?

  A light output
• Why must a resistor be used with an LED?

  To limit the current flowing through it
• What is feedback in control systems?

  A signal from output fed back to input
• How does feedback help a microcontroller?

  It allows precise control over the system
• What are the key features of microcontrollers?

  • Embedded in products for functionality
  • Can be reprogrammed for upgrades
  • Interface with digital and analogue devices
• What is a programmable interface controller (PIC)?

  A popular type of microcontroller
• What is a microcontroller program?

  A set of instructions for the microcontroller
• How does a flowchart represent a program?

  Graphically, using standard symbols
• What are common flowchart commands?

  • Input/output commands
  • Process commands
  • Decision commands
• What is a subroutine?

  A set of instructions for a specific task
• How is a subroutine called in a program?

  Using a Call command
• What does a Return command do in a subroutine?

  Returns flow back to the main program
• What are common mistakes in flowchart programming?

  • Using wrong flowchart symbols
  • Confusing input/output and process commands
• What is the purpose of flowchart symbols?

  To represent different commands in a program
• What is the significance of feedback in control systems?

  It allows for adjustments based on output
• How can feedback improve system performance?

  By enabling precise control over outputs