7 Control Flashcards
7.1.2
Define microprocessor
An integrated circuit that contains all the functions of a central processing unit of a computer. In a control system, the microprocessor processes input and controls the output.
7.1.2
What are sensors
A sensor is a device which detects or measures a physical property and and converts this information into other signals that other devices can interpret.
Common types of sensors include: sound, motion, vibration, optical, pressure, temperature, proximity
7.1.4
Explain the relationship between sensors and transducers
Sensors sense continuous physical qualities as analogue signals, and then transforms these analogue signals into discrete digital signals using an ADC (analogue-to-digital converter).
The process of sensing physical quantities and transforming them into digital signals requires a transducer. A transducer is a device that converts energy or physical quantities from one form to another.
Sensors are a type of transducer.
7.1.4
Explain the relationship between sensors and processors
Sensors sense continuous physical qualities as analogue signals, and then transforms these analogue signals into discrete digital signals using an ADC.
A processors receives the input, whether from input devices or sensors and processes it, outputting an electronic signal.
The electronic signal is then converted using a DAC so another device can perform the necessary behaviour.
7.1.5
Describe the role of feedback in a control system
Feedback refers to when information about the result of the output is used as new input in the control system to determine its next output.
Feedback is used in closed loop systems.
7.1.7
Define centrally controlled system
A centralised system has computing done at a central location. The computer itself may control all the peripherals directly.
7.1.7
Define distributed control system
In a distributed system, computer resources are distributed across various systems and each system is self-sustaining for the most part.
7.1.7
Discuss the pros and cons of centralised control systems
The benefit is usually lower operational costs ( as each client needs minimal hardware), and greater security (as all data is centrally stored).
However, clients need to connect to the central system to perform any actions, making the connection a point of failure. If the single computer system or the connection fails, the whole system cannot function properly.
7.1.7
Discuss the pros and cons of distributed control systems
Distributed systems are easily scalable since self-sustained systems may be added or removed at any point without affecting the overall system. Moreover, the load is distributed among the system so if one system fails, the other systems still operate.
The downside is that distributed systems are more complex and usually harder to maintain than centralised systems.
It is also more expensive to have multiple controllers/sensors so each system can operate on its own.
7.1.8
Define autonomous agents
Autonomous agents are entities which can perceive its environment and act upon it. Autonomous means that it can operate on behalf of an owner with minimal to no interference from the owner. These agents follow algorithms supplied by the owner to achieve some desired goal.
Examples of autonomous agents include: autonomous vacuum robots, web crawlers, computer viruses.
7.1.8
What are the features of autonomous agent behaviour
- Autonomy: it can operate with minimal or no human intervention.
- Reactive behaviour: it can react to its environment and act upon it.
- Concurrency / sociality: Agents can communicate and act with other agents.
- Persistence: The code describing an agent runs continuously like a process, and it not executed on demand.
