6.1 · Lesson 1 of 2
How automated systems work
Syllabus 6.1.1
What this lesson covers
- Describe how sensors, microprocessors and actuators work together
Key vocabulary
- Automated system
- A system that carries out a task without human intervention.
- Sensor
- Measures a physical property and sends the readings to the microprocessor.
- Microprocessor
- Compares sensor readings with pre-set values and decides what action to take.
- Actuator
- Receives a signal and carries out a physical action, such as opening a valve.
- ADC
- Analogue-to-digital converter: converts sensor readings into digital data.
- Microcontroller
- A small computer on a single chip, with a processor, RAM and ROM.
- Monitoring system
- Measures and reports values, but doesn't change the process.
- Control system
- Its output changes the process, which affects the next reading (feedback).
Check your learning
- Quick check: 4 questions
- Key vocabulary test: 8 terms
- Activity 1: Monitoring or control? · drag and drop
- Activity 2: Order the steps · drag and drop
- Activity 3: Automated systems quiz · 8 questions