Unit 6.1 - automated systems

Question 1

Automated system

Answer 1

A system that can operate with minimal human support/intervention. They combine various technologies to gather data from the environment (sensors), analyze/process the data & execute actions based on rules.

Question 2

What 3 components are automated systems usually made of?

Answer 2

Sensors, microprocessor & actuator.

Question 3

What do decisions made by microprocessor usually result in?

Answer 3

Instructions to control an actuator and make physical changes.

Question 4

Explain how an automated system in transport works (braking)

Answer 4

1. Proximity sensor takes constant readings of distance from car to objects ahead
2. These analog values are converted using an ADC to a format a microprocessor can understand
3. Microprocessor takes this input and calculates speed of car + safe distance to brake (compares against stored values)
4. Digital brake signals are converted into analogue form using a DAC
5. An output device is activated if the values from the sensor are higher than the stored values (the brake slows down the car)

Question 5

State 5 sensors likely to be used in agriculture

Answer 5

1. Temperature
2. Humidity
3. Light
4. Moisture
5. pH
   Used for things like automated irrigation systems

Question 6

2 types of outputs

Answer 6

1. Control outputs - e.g. open/close windows
2. Monitoring outputs - information sent to supervisor

Question 7

3 types of sensors used in gaming (responsive controllers)

Answer 7

Acoustic, accelerometer, pressure

Question 8

3 types of automated systems in lighting

Answer 8

1. Home security
2. Atmospheric lighting
3. Automatic road lighting

Question 9

State 5 advantages of automated systems

Answer 9

1. Faster than human operators
2. Safer (keeps humans away from hazardous environment)
3. Long-term saving costs vs a large human workforce
4. Efficient use of materials & resources + fewer errors = more productive
5. More consistent & repeatable results

Question 10

State 5 disadvantages of automated systems

Answer 10

1. High initial cost
2. Require significant testing & calibration
3. May be subject to cyberattack (less safe)
4. Not as flexible (can only be used for certain tasks & can’t be trained)
5. Significant job loses