Interconnectedness
Design in Theory | Design in Practice | Design in Context | |
| A3.4 Introduction to electronic systems | B3.4 Electronic systems application and selection |
Learning Intentions
Through critical thinking, practical activities and context, students will:
be able to describe an electronic system in terms of input, process, output and feedback
be able to identify when an electrical product is safe, energy-efficient and consumes little energy
be able to categorize products that are both analogue and digital
know how to define features of both analogue and digital systems, including voltage, current,
resistance, frequency and power using International System of Units (SI) units (analogue) and discrete values such as binary digits, on and off signals, as well as define logic gates
inquire into the purpose of electrical components, including fixed and variable resistors, capacitors,
switches, relays and active components such as diodes and transistors
be able to identify the symbols used in a circuit diagram for fixed and variable resistors, capacitors,
switches, relays, diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers and input and output devices
explain the purpose of basic analogue and digital input electric components, including switches and
sensors (light, temperature, humidity and sound)
be able to differentiate between basic analogue and digital electronic process components, including
signal conditioning (analogue) and program control (digital)
be able to describe the use of a microcontroller as a programmable integrated circuit (PIC) into which software can be loaded to carry out a range of processing tasks
be able to outline basic analogue and digital electronic output components. Electronic output
components are restricted to motors, haptic devices, buzzers, speakers, headphones, printers, lights, plotters, relays, braille display, light-emitting diode (LED) and liquid crystal display (LCD)
be able to compare open- and closed-loop electronic systems, identify where open- and closed-loop
systems are used, and explain the purpose of feedback in a closed-loop system
be able to describe the common applications of op-amps, such as analogue or digital signal amplifiers used to amplify signals from sensors in internet of things (IoT) home appliances
be able to define an embedded system, encompassing its role in augmenting everyday products’
functionality, efficiency and automation.
Linking Questions
Which material properties are particularly important to consider when designing products that include electronic systems? (A3.1)
How does the choice between analogue and digital electronic systems affect the need for mechanical systems in products? (B3.3)
To what extent does the inclusion of electronic systems in products affect the choice of production systems? (B4.1)
What are the main responsibilities of the designer when designing products to be part of the Internet of Things (IoT)? (C1.1)
How do electronic systems enable designers to engage more effectively in inclusive design? (C1.2)
To what extent does product analysis and evaluation reveal that electronic systems improve the effectiveness of products? (C3.1)
What are the challenges for electronic products when considering design for a circular economy? (C2.2)
How does the inclusion of electronic systems in a product affect the life-cycle analysis of that product? (C3.2)
Which ergonomic considerations need to be considered when designing products with electronic systems? (A1.1)
What are the advantages of using virtual prototyping techniques when designing electronic systems? (A2.2)
Which material classifications and properties are important when designing products that include electronic systems? (A3.1)
To what extent can the usability objectives in a user-centred design (UCD) strategy be tested with products that have electronic systems? (B1.1)
How can mechanical systems be combined with electronic systems to create products classed as convergent technologies? (B3.3)
How can the addition of electronic systems enhance a product using an inclusive design strategy? (C1.2)
How do designers minimize or eliminate the adverse effects of electronic products using a design for sustainability strategy? (C2.1)
How do designers ensure electronic materials and components are recoverable for use in a design for a circular economy strategy? (C2.2)
To what extent do products that include electronic systems have a greater impact when subjected to a life-cycle analysis? (C3.2)
How can design for manufacture (DfM) strategies take advantage of the inclusion of electronic components? (C4.1)