7.2 Microprocessots & sensors

Question 1

microprocessor definition

Answer 1

a small processor that contains most or all of a CPU functions on a single chip or integrated circuit (IC)

Question 2

how do microprocessors improve control systems?

Answer 2

• process input data much faster than a human and react to input changes quickly
• error-free compared to manual and mechanical systems
• can operate through the year with little down time and in conditions that are harsh/dangerous for humans

Question 3

the general purpose of a microprocessor

Answer 3

capable of running a wide range of different programs and usually integrated into a larger system

Question 4

what does a sensor do?

Answer 4

converts continuous physical (analogue) quantities to discrete digital signals using an ADC

Question 5

embedded microprocessors

Answer 5

= pre-programmed systems that follow some specific algorithms
- need power to operate
- need to receive input
- needs a sensor to receive input

Question 6

microcontrollers

Answer 6

= stand-alone chips that may include the main elements of a larger system (e.g. RAM or ROM) but smaller in capacity
- designed to perform precise tasks
- do not need a whole computer systems

Question 7

examples of where microcontrollers are used

Answer 7

• automatic doors
• heating systems
• taxi meters
• elevators
  -washing machines
• domestic robots
  -GPS systems
• traffic lights

Question 8

GPU

Answer 8

= a special kind of microprocessor to deal with computer graphics

• includes hardware to allow for faster handling of graphics realted to maths (e.g. matrix & vector arithmetic)

Question 9

what does GPU stand for?

Answer 9

graphics processing unit

Question 10

properties of sensors determining their quality

Answer 10

• accuracy
• range
• resolution

Question 11

characteristics that sensors need

Answer 11

• should be insensitive to any other physical conditions present that could change readings
• should not influence the measured property

Question 12

examples of sensors

Answer 12

• sound
• motion
• vibration
• optical/image
• APS
• infrared (IR)
• pressure
• temperature proximity

Question 13

what does APS stand for?

Answer 13

active pixel sensor

Question 14

transducer definition

Answer 14

a device that converts one form of energy to another

Question 15

can sensors be categorized as transducers?

Answer 15

yes - they sense a physical quantity and convert it into another form of energy (i.e. electrical signal)

Question 16

examples of transducers

Answer 16

• sensors
• actuators

Question 17

actuators definition

Answer 17

devices responsible for moving some kind of mechanism

Question 18

impact of feedback in control systems

Answer 18

helps keeps systems in a stable, working state