Electronic system 2

Question 1

what are integrated circuits (ICs)

Answer 1

tiny self contained circuits which can have billions of components built in

Question 2

what do ICs do

Answer 2

they help simplify electronic systems, reduce the number of separate component parts needed in a circuit

Question 3

advantages of ICs

Answer 3

• cheaper
• smaller
• use less power

Question 4

What are microcontrollers

Answer 4

mini computer on a chip which has a processor, memory and one or more inputs and outputs

found in pretty much all electronic products

Question 5

Advantages of microcontrollers

Answer 5

• can do the jobs of multiple ICs, simplifies process

- unlike other ICs, most can be reprogrammed

Question 6

Disadvantages of microcontrollers

Answer 6

more expensive than ICs

Question 7

How can you programme microcontrollers

Answer 7

• by writing a series of commands using a programming language such as BASIC and Scratch
• Creating a flowchart telling it when to start, how to make decisions based on input signals, when to add a time delay to the process, what to output and when to stop operating

Question 8

What are common uses of microcontrollers

Answer 8

Timers and counters

Question 9

Microcontrollers as timers

Answer 9

• microcontrollers controlling flashing lights like car indicators uses timers to set the time that the light is on
• in microwaves they can be used as a timer to set the length of time the food heats up for