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Year 11 - Design and technology

Programmable systems

Core principles

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will develop core principles knowledge with an explicit focus on exam technique.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a microcontroller to design and test a control system.

Key Notes

  • There are different languages to programme a microcontroller; they might be text-based, use blocks or flowcharts.
  • Input, process and output are the basic features of a control programme.
  • Feedback can be incorporated into more complex control systems.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • microcontroller: used to control outputs by processing inputs
  • programmable: provide instructions to complete certain tasks
  • flowchart: a simple diagram using symbols to show steps in a task

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Control systems are programmed with text-based languages.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

There are different languages to programme a microcontroller; they might be text-based, use blocks or flowcharts. Input, process and output are the basic features of a control programme.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'microcontroller'

used to control outputs by processing inputs.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Control systems are programmed with text-based languages. Correction: Control systems can be programmed using different languages including text, blocks or flow charts.

More Lessons In This Unit

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