Automated systems
Automated systems
- An automated system senses and responds to its environment with no human intervention.
- Examples: central heating, a greenhouse, a car-park barrier.
- Three parts work together in a repeating loop.
Sensors, microprocessors and actuators
- A sensor measures a physical quantity (temperature, light) and sends the data.
- A microprocessor compares the data with stored values and makes a decision.
- An actuator receives a signal and causes an action (opening a valve or window).
- The loop: sensor → microprocessor (compare with stored value) → actuator → the change is sensed again.
Practice
An automated system is one that:
Automated systems work on their own, sensing data and acting on it.
Practice
In an automated system, the microprocessor:
The microprocessor decides; the sensor measures and the actuator acts.
Practice
An actuator in an automated system:
An actuator (motor, valve) carries out the action the microprocessor decides on.
Practice
Put the steps of the control loop in order.
Sensor → microprocessor compares → actuator acts; then the change is sensed again.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Advantages: work all day without rest, faster and more consistent than people, can work in unsafe places, fewer human mistakes.
- Disadvantages: expensive to set up, can break down (expert repair), may replace jobs, and can't easily react to a situation they weren't built for.
Practice
An advantage of an automated system is that it:
24/7 consistency and safety in dangerous places are strengths; cost and inflexibility are weaknesses.
You've got it
Key idea
- an automated system runs with no human intervention
- sensor (measures) → microprocessor (compares with stored value, decides) → actuator (acts)
- pros: 24/7, consistent, safe in dangerous places; cons: costly, can't handle the unexpected