Electronic Systems

Question 1

What was designers consider when selecting materials?

Answer 1

The function of the appliance they are creating

Question 2

What has been the effect developments in electronic mechanical systems on domestic appliances?

Answer 2

Domestic appliances are smarter, more energy efficient, stronger, and lighter

Question 3

What has been the impact of developments of PICs on domestic appliances?

Answer 3

Devices can be programmed to perform multiple tasks and processes which improves the functionality and efficiency of many appliances

Question 4

What are new features many vehicles now come with that aid safety?

Answer 4

Forward collision mistigation: radar is used to scan the road in front of the vehicle
Lane departure warning: cameras are used to monitor the position of vehicle in relation to lanes on the road
Adaptive cruise control: radar is used to scan the road and automatically adjust speed to maintain safe distances from vehicles ahead

Question 5

What impact are the new developments in renewable energy resources having on the car industry?

Answer 5

Vehicles are becoming more sustainable with hybrid & electric cars producing less carbon emissions than petrol and diesel cars and increased use of recycled materials improving end of life recovery.

Question 6

How do you photo etch PCBs?

Answer 6

Step one: a circuit is drawn on a mask, usually using CAD software
Step two: the mask is placed on a copper-coated photoresist board. The parts that are covered by the mask will be protected from the UV light.
Step three: the board is exposed to UV light, which causes a chemical change
Step four: board is placed into an etching tank to remove excess copper and reveal the tracks

Question 7

What does it mean anodise a metal?

Answer 7

Anodising is done through electrolysis, causes the surface of the metal to oxidise, making them more resistant and stronger

Question 8

What are the benefits of anodised aluminium?

Answer 8

Anodised aluminium is hard, wearing and long-lasting, which extend the life of aluminium products
It does not peel or chip
It can be dyed different colours
It is a good electrical insulator
It is easily recyclable

Question 9

What are the uses of anodised aluminium?

Answer 9

Aircraft parts
Electronics
Architectural features
Exterior panels for space crafts
Vehicle parts
Cooking pans

Question 10

What are current and voltage ratings for?

Answer 10

Current and voltage rating is tell you the voltage at which an appliance is designed to work and the current consumption at that voltage

Question 11

What is voltage?

Answer 11

Voltage is the potential difference between two points in an electric circuit and it’s provided by an energy source such as a battery. It is needed to make a current flow in a circuit.

Question 12

What is current?

Answer 12

Current is a flow of electrical charge in a circuit. It is carried electrons in a wire.

Question 13

What happens if the current and voltage ratings are too high or too low?

Answer 13

Too high: the component could fail
Too low: the component may not work effectively

Question 14

What is a DIL and an IC?

Answer 14

IC is an integrated circuit component that come from multiple tasks reducing the number of components needed in a circuit. They are essentially mini circuits. An example of this is a dual in line which has two parallel rows of tiny pins with each pin often having a specific function.

Question 15

What is a PIC?

Answer 15

A POC is a programmable, intelligent computer, a type of micro controller. It can be used in a wide righty of electronic devices to perform specific tasks. They contain memory programmable inputs/outputs, and a processor. They can be reprogrammed repeatedly, so can be used again.

Question 16

What is a resistor?

Answer 16

A resistor reduces or limits the current in a circuit to prevent damage to components. Resistors come in hundreds of different values and are coded with a series of colour bands that identify their resistance. Instead of being produced for every possible resistance resistors are manufactured in series. Each series, has a set standard resistance values.

Question 17

What is laser cutting?

Answer 17

Laser cutting is a method of cutting a wide range of materials using high powered lasers. A Laser Beam is directed through a lens to focus is it to a very small high intensity beam. This focused beam burns through the material to provide very accurate and fine cuts even in the smallest of components.

Question 19

What are the advantages of laser cutters?

Answer 19

High degree of accuracy
Complex designs can be created
Lasers do not wear with repeated use

Question 20

What are the disadvantages of laser cutters?

Answer 20

Consumes a lot of energy, making it expensive
Not suitable for all materials, such as PVC, which releases toxic chlorine gas when cut

Question 21

Why must CNC milling machines be used to drill circuit board?

Answer 21

The holes for circuit components have to be small so specialist drill-bits are required and if a drill is mounted there is an increased accuracy

Question 22

What is soldering?

Answer 22

Soldering involves joining a metal with a filler that has a relatively low, melting point. It’s melted with a soldering iron to the parts that are to be joined; used to attach components to circuit boards.

Question 23

What is the process of flow soldering?

Answer 23

Step one: the circuit board is passed over pain of molten solder
Step two: a pump causes an upper limb of solder that looks like a wave
Step three: as the board makes contact with the wave, the components are soldered to the board

Question 24

What is pick ‘n’ place assembly?

Answer 24

Components can be placed on PCBs by hand, or by using a computer, numerical control, pick and place machine.
Before these machines, all placement was done by hand nowadays, the machines offer a far more efficient accurate method of populating PCBs, ready for soldering.

Question 25

Evaluate the impact of pick and place machines

Answer 25

Although costly to set up their ideal for producing complex PCBs quickly and accurately on an industrial scale, and there is less waste due to error

Question 26

What is PCB lacquering?

Answer 26

It is a corner formal coating that can be applied to the surface of the board, informed of sprays, paint or liquid steps to create a thin polymer film, the act as a protective barrier for dust, moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures that may cause corrosion.

Question 27

What are the benefits of PCB lacquering?

Answer 27

Increase is the lifespan of the PCB and makes a Projects more reliable. It appears as a greenish white colour on the UV light making it easy to inspect the thoroughness of the coating during QC.

Question 28

Why do use lubrication?

Answer 28

Friction is a resistance caused when two surfaces together. As some applications. This can prove to be helpful. However, it can also cause problems in electronic mechanical systems. Lubrication is the process of reducing friction with oils, greases, fluids, and even gases.

Question 29

What is oil and what do we use it for?

Answer 29

Oil is a liquid made from launch chains of polymers. It’s used on hinges and bearings.

Question 30

What is grease and what is it used for?

Answer 30

It is a liquid composed of foils and thickeners. It is used on gears and chains.

Question 31

What is graphite and what is it used for?

Answer 31

A dry lubricant that can work at higher temperatures. It’s used on locks and fasteners.