Tip
Refer back to A3.4 to before progressing through the section.
The Role of Electronics in Modern Design
- Modern products often rely on electronic circuits to carry out key functions such as sensing, timing, switching, and controlling outputs.
- Understanding the role of electronics within a product helps designers evaluate its functionality, efficiency, and potential for improvement.
Analyzing a Simple Electronic Product
The Smart Thermostat
- The temperature sensor detects the room temperature and sends this data to the microcontroller.
- The microcontroller processes the data and decides whether to turn the heating or cooling system on or off.
- The relay acts as a switch, controlled by the microcontroller, to activate the HVAC system.
- The display shows the current temperature and settings, while the Wi-Fi module allows users to control the thermostat remotely via a smartphone app.
Self review
Analyze real-world examples, such as:
- A night light that automatically turns on using an LDR
- A toaster using timers and thermal cut-off switches
- A bicycle speedometer using a reed switch and microcontroller
Ask yourself:
- What does the product detect?
- What decision is made (if any)?
- What action follows?
