Electronic system 2 Flashcards
1
Q
what are integrated circuits (ICs)
A
tiny self contained circuits which can have billions of components built in
2
Q
what do ICs do
A
they help simplify electronic systems, reduce the number of separate component parts needed in a circuit
3
Q
advantages of ICs
A
- cheaper
- smaller
- use less power
4
Q
What are microcontrollers
A
mini computer on a chip which has a processor, memory and one or more inputs and outputs
found in pretty much all electronic products
5
Q
Advantages of microcontrollers
A
- can do the jobs of multiple ICs, simplifies process
- unlike other ICs, most can be reprogrammed
6
Q
Disadvantages of microcontrollers
A
more expensive than ICs
7
Q
How can you programme microcontrollers
A
- by writing a series of commands using a programming language such as BASIC and Scratch
- Creating a flowchart telling it when to start, how to make decisions based on input signals, when to add a time delay to the process, what to output and when to stop operating
8
Q
What are common uses of microcontrollers
A
Timers and counters
9
Q
Microcontrollers as timers
A
- microcontrollers controlling flashing lights like car indicators uses timers to set the time that the light is on
- in microwaves they can be used as a timer to set the length of time the food heats up for
