Electronics - GCSE DT Flashcards
What is a systems diagram?
A schematic that shows the different stages of a system or process
What does a open loop system have/ doesn’t have?
It doesn’t have feedback (e.g. light switch)
What does a closed loop system have/ doesn’t have?
It has feedback (e.g. heating system)
What is the meaning of physical quantity for input transducers?
Anything that can be measured. (e.g. light, time…)
What is a LDR?
A resistor that changes the resistance depending on how much light comes in.
What is a photodiode?
Current flows in one direction, when there isn’t light it’s an insulator, with light current flows.
What is a phototransistor?
A switch which turns on with light.
What is a lamp?
Current can flow in any direction, insufficient as it gets hot
What is a LED?
Must go in a certain way, different types
What is a microphone?
Detects sound
What is a heating element?
Uses resistance to make heat, requires large amount of current
What is a fan?
Used for cooling, effectively a motor
What is an output transducer?
Converts electrical signal into a physical quantity
Why do we need an output transducer?
We can’t see what happens within the circuit so the information is translated into something we can use
Why are output drivers needed?
To increase the current so an output works
What ways are transistors used?
Amplifier or switch
Why are potential dividers used?
They are used to divide the input potential (voltage) or output voltage down (to reduce it)
What is a thermistor?
When temperature increases resistance decreases
What is a PIR?
Uses heat signals to detect movement
What is a magnetic reed switch?
Uses magnet to close switch completely
What is a vibration?
Detects vibration and spring hits metal casing to complete circuit
What is an ultrasonic?
Sends and receives signals to detect any solid object
What is a DC motor?
High rpm, requires a lot of current
What is a solenoid?
Linear rotation
What is a servo?
Tiny motors with lots of gears, very useful
What is a speaker?
Takes a frequency and sends it back as a sound
What is a buzzer?
Lower pitch, not as loud as siren
What is a siren?
High pitch, loud
What is a piezoelectric sounder?
Makes different tunes or sounds
What is a microcontroller?
It’s a single integrated circuit used for a specific application
