1.4.2

Processes

Test yourself

Integrated Circuits

Integrated circuits (IC) and microcontrollers are chips used to process the inputs and control outputs. They can either have pre-programmed functions or be programmed by the designer.

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Timers

  • Component name: 555 timer.
  • A 555 timer is an IC or chip with eight pins.
  • It can be used in different ways depending on how it is wired:
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Time delays

  • Time delays:
    • The signal switches from off to on at regular intervals.
    • This is monostable mode.
      • E.g. timers.
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Oscillator

  • Oscillator:
    • The output voltages rises and falls.
    • This is astable mode.
      • E.g. dimmer switches on lights.
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Pulse generator

  • Pulse generator:
    • This is also called flip flop mode as it alternates between two stable states that are changed by a trigger.
    • This is bistable mode.
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Counter

  • Component name: 4026-7 – segment display counter.
    • Decade counter is an IC or chip which converts the signals to a display screen.
  • Either a single pulse or a series of pulses can be sent to the chip which causes the display to change and increase the counter by one.

Microcontrollers

Integrated circuits (IC) and microcontrollers are chips used to process the inputs and control outputs. They can either have pre-programmed functions or be programmed by the designer.

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Microcontrollers

  • Microcontrollers are programmable integrated circuits.
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PICs

  • Component name: Peripheral interface controllers (PICs).
    • PIC chips come in a range of sizes and pins.
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Process

  • A flow chart is created on computer software that outlines the inputs, outputs and decisions that you want the PIC to perform.
  • This is then converted into code and sent to the PIC in the circuit programming it with the information you have given to perform different functions.

Jump to other topics

1Core Technical Principles

2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7Designing & Making Principles

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