AS ICT

Have an understanding of how organizations use ICT. Be able to describe a number of uses, giving the hardware and software requirements. Be able to describe the applications that these uses can be put to.

Uses microprocessors or computers to control certain physical conditions, either

Keeping them the same

over a period of time or Varying them according to predefined values/lengths of time

Maintaining constant physical conditions:

Air conditioning systems Central heating systems Refrigeration Medical applications: Intensive care Car Manufacture plants Process Control

Physical conditions (variables) that are controlled by computer/microprocessors include:

Temperature Pressure Humidity Light Moisture etc

Numeric Keypad Push buttons/switches Temperature sensor Moisture sensor Pressure sensor Light sensor Contact Switch

ADC DAC Timer Algorithms to compare data from sensors to predefined values or ranges

Robot Fans Heaters Boilers Buzzer/alarm Lights LED display

Sensors are needed to monitor temperature (continuously) Microprocessor compares the temperature with a preset value/range Depending on result microprocessor causes the fan motor to speed up or slow down Fan motor switched on or off

Inputs
Buttons/touchscreen Contact switch

Processes
Sensors monitor temperature continuously Analogue data from sensors converted to digital using ADC Temperature compared to preset range/value

Outputs
LED display Fan

Temperature sensor

Buzzer

Pressure sensor

Signal sent to actuator to switch fan on or off

Output directly affects the input No human intervention is necessary Good for situations where control is required 24/7, or in a dangerous/difficult environment

Sensors continuously monitor temperature Microprocessor compares the temperature with a preset value/range Depending on result microprocessor causes the fan motor to speed up or slow down Fan motor switched on or off

Inputs
Contact switch (door) Pressure sensor (door)

Processes
Sensors monitor temperature continuously Analogue data from temperature sensor converted to digital by ADC Temperature compared to preset range/value input by user

Outputs
LED display Compressor

Number pad or dial

Buzzer

Temperature sensor

Signal sent to actuator to switch compressor on if temp is too high

Signal sent to actuator to switch compressor off if temp is OK

Sensors are needed to monitor temperature (continuously) Microprocessor compares the temperature with a preset value/range Microprocessor controls two actuators

one opens gas valves in the boiler

the other switches the pump on

Inputs
Touch screen

Processes
Sensors monitor temperature continuously Analogue data from temperature sensor converted to digital by ADC Temperature compared to preset range/value input by user Signal sent to actuators to switch pump on & open valves if temp is too low Signal sent to actuator to switch pump off/close valves if temp is OK

Outputs
LED display Radiators

Number pad or dial

Temperature sensor

Hardware required for central heating

Boiler Hot water cylinder Pump Radiators Temperature sensors

Control systems require:

Compressors Heaters Condensers Pumps Fans Temperature sensors Moisture sensors Pressure sensors Light sensors

Control software