GENERATE SOME IDEAS by selecting Subsystems and  draw  block diagrams of possible systems.
DEVELOP IDEAS now by drawing  circuit diagrams of your block diagrams.
MODEL IDEAS with real components to do tests and explore and EVALUATE your design ideas further.
PLAN for Mass Production by designing a Printed Circuit Board to place your components on.
PLAN the components that you will need to make your subsystems and research the cost of them.
 

Choose the subsystems you require from the table below; you will be shown options to choose from. Use a Block Diagram pop-up window to write down the subsystems you select. Click here to create one.You can either start with the inputs or outputs first. When you have seen one that you would like to use, single click on the button in the left hand column: this will "signpost" all the other subsystems that can directly connect to it. Choose your next subsystem by looking through the "signposted" inputs, processes and outputs. Select the one you want, then repeat until all the subsystems have been chosen.Clicking on the train above will also help you to piece your system together by taking you to the circuit selector where you can assemble and check your Block Diagram as a circuit diagram.You can also get electronic information about these Input, Process and Output modules by double clicking on the radio buttons on the left hand side.

PROCESS
Description of Subsystem
Connects with....

Current Amplifier
P1

Drives low power output devices.

Inverter
P1

Makes its output voltage opposite to its input voltage.

Logic Buffer
P1

Provides a digital output that switches between low and high logic levels.

High Gain High Power Amplifier
P2

Output buffer to drive higher powered output devices.

Darlington Pair
P2

Turns on an output (or outputs) when a rising voltage at its input reaches a certain level.

Delay unit / Timer
P3
RC
Timer

Creates a variable short delay before something turns on or turns off.

Analogue Event Counter
P3

Makes a voltage steadily rise according to the number of times an input event has occurred.
Integrator
P3
Converts a pulsing input signal into a steady voltage (known as a frequency to voltage converter).
Circuit Latch
P4
Thyristor
Control
Turns an output device on permanently after it has been triggered. It may be reset.
Memory Store
P4
Indicates, until reset, if an event has taken place.
Power Amplifier
P5
Transistor
An output Buffer used to supply more current to an output device.
Output Inverter
P5
Converts the "sourcing" output of a process module into a "sinking" output.
Signal Comparer
P6
Op Amp
Compares an input voltage with a reference voltage and "switches on" if it is greater.
Analogue to Digital Interface
P6
Takes a varying analogue input voltage and produces at its output a signal that is either a logic "high" or a logic "low"
Clock Generator
P7
555 Astable
Produces a pulsing signal that turns on and off at a chosen rate or specific frequency.
Alert Controller
P7
Repeatedly switches a warning device on and off.
Variable Tone Generator
P7
Generates different pitched sounds with a wide range of frequencies. This device can be set up to produce musical notes
Timer/ Momentary Latch
P8
Monostable
Switches an output or process subsystem on for a specified amount of time (the device may be manually reset during this period).
Switch Debouncer
P8
Gets rid of the multiple pulses produced within a switch when it is operated.
 
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OUTPUT
Description of Subsystem
Connects with....

Filament Lamp
OP1

Use as an indicator to show that something has happened or to illuminate.

Light Emitting Diode
OP1

Use as a visual indicator to show if something is on or off, or if something has happened.

On/Off Flashing L.E.D.'s
OP1

Flashes two LED's on and off alternately to get attention.

Piezo Sounder (variable tone)
OP1

Used to produce a wide range of quiet tones or musical notes.

Buzzer (mechanical fixed tone)
OP2

Produces a clearly audible alerting sound.

Solenoid
OP2

Use to make electronic locks or to move something in and out.

Electromagnet
OP2

Picks up materials that are Ferrous using a magnetic field.
Counter
OP2

A pulsed electromagnetic counter that registers events or simply counts up.

D.C Motor
9-12 Volt
OP2

Drives medium torque / low voltage motors with "smoothing" against noise and protection against "Back emf".
D.C.Motor
3 Volt
OP2

Drives small low torque / low voltage motors with "smoothing" against noise and protection against "Back emf".

Mini Loudspeaker
64 ohm
OP2

Produces a wide range of clearly audible tones when supplied with a pulsing signal.
Piezo Siren
Alarm
OP2
A siren which produces an ear piercing warbling sound.
Relay
(Double Pole Double throw D.P.D.T.)
OP3

Allows seperate control of two different electrical circuits that use higher powered output devices (eg car headlamps).These devices may be up to 5 amp/ 24volt.
Motor Reverser
OP3
Changes the direction of rotation of a medium torque motor by the use of a relay.
 
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Sub
System
Description of Input
Links
with

Light Sensor
IP1
Potential
Divider

Detects when it has got brighter or if it is light.

Dark
Sensor
IP1
Potential
Divider

Detects when it has got dimmer or if there is darkness

Heat
Sensor
IP1
Potential
Divider

Senses when a rising temperature has reached a certain point

Cold
Sensor
IP1
Potential
Divider

Senses when a falling temperature has decreased to a certain level.

Moisture Sensor
IP1
Potential
Divider

Measures the dampness of a material or senses water.

Touch Sensor
IP1
Potential
Divider

Senses the touch of a finger.

Angle
Sensor
IP1
Potential
Divider

Indicates when something has turned through a required angle.
Key
Switch
IP2/3
Produces safety or security by the use of a key.
Micro
Switch
IP2/3
Used to detect the opening, closing, pushing, pulling of an object.
Push to Break
Switch
IP2/3
Detects if something has been let go or if an object has been removed.
Push to Make/ Membrane
Switch
IP2/3
Responds to being hit ,pressed, walked on or detects an object being put into position.
Magnetic
Reed
Switch
IP2/3
Detects a magnetic field avoiding the need for physical contact.
Slide
Switch
IP2/3
Operates when slid to the side.
Tilt
Switch
IP2/3
Detects something falling or leaning over.
 

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