Monitoring, Measurement, and control technology

Question 1

What do sensors do?

Answer 1

they measure physical variables and then they output analogue data

Question 2

What is an digital to analogue converter (DAC) used for?

Answer 2

to convert digital data into analogue data

Question 3

What is data logging

Answer 3

computers that can be used to collect data about physical variables by connecting the computer to sensors through an ADC

Question 4

What is the data in data logging used for

Answer 4

to be processed, analysed and displayed as tables, charts or graphs

Question 5

What types of things do sensors measure

Answer 5

temperature 
pH levels 
light 
sound 
pressure 
humidity

Question 6

What is light sensor measured by

What is a temperature sensor measured by

Answer 6

bar-code reader

thermostat

Question 7

How is the temperature of a swimming pool controled?

Answer 7

Thermostat in pool sends analogue data to the ADC

the ADC converts the analogue data into digital data and sends this to the computer

the computer reads the digital data and compares it with the preset temperature

the temperature is changed and sends this information to the DAC which converts it to a signal to switch on the heater

Question 8

How can sensors monitor the human body?

Answer 8

by detecting changes in breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen

Question 9

How do sensors on the human body alert others if there is a change

Answer 9

it displayed the information as a graph, and sounds are produced

Question 10

How can CCTV cameras be used?

Answer 10

to monitor peoples activities
can use face-recognition software
electronic tags fitted to people to record location and movements

Question 11

What do these instructions mean when controlling machinery?
FORWARD/BACKWARD n 
LEFT/RIGHT x 
REPEAT x[ ]
ENDREPEAT

Answer 11

FORWARD/BACKWARD n = move forward/backwards by n spaces

LEFT/RIGHT x = turn left/right by x degrees

REPEAT x[ ] = carry out instructions in brackets x times

ENDREPEAT = stop performing the REPEAT instructions

Question 12

What are some advantages of the use of robots in manufactoring

Answer 12

• no need to have humans working in dangerous areas
• no need to employ skilled workers, so costs can be reduced
• robots don’t need to take breaks or have holidays

Question 13

What are some disadvantages of the use of robots in manufactoring

Answer 13

• initial setup and purchase costs may be high
• IT experts on high wages have to be employed to maintain and service the systems
• power cuts and robot breakdowns may cause damage to products