Processes
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 1.4.2
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.
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:
Time delays
- Time delays:
- The signal switches from off to on at regular intervals.
- This is monostable mode.
- E.g. timers.
Oscillator
- Oscillator:
- The output voltages rise and fall.
- This is a stable mode.
- E.g. dimmer switches on lights.
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.
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.
Microcontrollers
- Microcontrollers are programmable integrated circuits.
PICs
- Component name: Peripheral interface controllers (PICs).
- PIC chips come in a range of sizes and pins.
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.
Test yourself on Processes
What are dimmer switches on lights an example of?
What does PIC stand for in relation to microcontrollers?
Programming PICs