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.

Sub
System
Processes
See Inputs
See Outputs


P1

High Gain Transistor
Drives low power output devices.


P1

High Gain Transistor - Inverter
Makes its output voltage opposite to its input voltage.


P1

High Gain Transistor - Logic Buffer
Provides a digital output that switches between low and high logic levels.


P2

Darlington Pair Transistor - High Gain High Power Amplifier
Buffer to drive higher powered output devices.


P2

Darlington Pair Transistor - Electronic Switch
Turns on an output subsystem or P8 when a rising voltage has reached a certain level.


P3

RC Timer - Delay unit / Timer
Creates a variable short delay before something turns on or turns off.


P3

RC Timer - Analogue Event Counter
Makes a voltage steadily rise according to the number of times an input has switched on and off.

P3
RC Timer - Frequency to Voltage converter
Converts a pulsing input signal into a steady voltage (this is known as an integrator).

P4
Thyristor - Circuit Latch
Turns a process or output device on permanently once it has been triggered. It may be reset.

P4
Thyristor - Memory Store
Indicates, until reset, if an event has taken place.

P5
Output Transistor - Power Amplifier
Buffer used to supply more power/current to an output device or "switch on" another Process Subsystem.

P5
Output Transistor - Inverter
Converts the "sourcing" output of a process module into a "sinking" output.

P6
Op Amp Comparator - Signal Comparer
Compares a sensor's output voltage with a reference voltage and "switches on" if it is greater.

P6
Op Amp Comparator - Analogue to Digital Interface
Takes a varying analogue input voltage and produces at its output a signal that is either a logic "high" or a logic "low".

P7
555 Astable - Clock/Pulse Generator
Produces a pulsing signal that turns on and off at a chosen rate or frequency.

P7
555 Astable - Alert Controller
Repeatedly switches a warning device on and off.

P7
555 Astable - Variable Tone Generator
Generates tones with a wide range of frequencies. This device can be set up to produce musical notes.


P8

555 Monostable - Timer/ Momentary Latch
Switches an output or process subsystem on for a short specified time (manually resettable during this period).

P8
555 Monostable - Switch Debouncer
Gets rid of the multiple pulses produced within a switch when it is operated.
Sub
System
Outputs
See Inputs
See Processes
OP1
Sourced
Sinked 

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

OP1
Sourced
Sinked 
Light Emitting Diode
Use as a visual indicator to show if something is on or off, or if something has happened.
OP1
Sourced
Sinked  
On/Off Flashing L.E.D.'s
Flashes two LED's on and off alternately to get attention.
OP1
Sourced
Sinked 
Piezo Sounder (variable tone)
Used to produce a wide range of quiet tones or musical notes.


OP2

Buzzer (mechanical fixed tone)
Produces a clearly audible alerting sound.


OP2

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


OP2

Electromagnet
Picks up materials that are Ferrous using a magnetic field.

OP2
Electromagnetic Counter
A pulsed counter that registers events or simply counts up.


OP2

D.C Motor 9-12 Volt
Drives medium torque motors with "smoothing" against noise and protection against "Back emf".

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


OP2

Mini Loudspeaker 64 ohm
Produces a wide range of clearly audible tones when supplied with a pulsing signal.

OP2
Piezo Siren Alarm
A siren which produces an ear piercing warbling sound.

OP3
Relay (Double Pole Double throw D.P.D.T.)
Allows seperate control of two different electrical circuits. They power up to 5 amp/ 24volt.

OP3
Motor Reverser
Changes the direction of rotation of a medium torque motor by the use of a relay.
See Inputs
See Processes
Sub
System

Inputs

See Processes
See Outputs


IP1

Light Sensor - Light Dependent Resistor
Detects when it has become brighter or if it is light.


IP1

Dark Sensor - Light Dependent Resistor
Detects when it has become dimmer or if there is darkness


IP1

Heat Sensor - Thyristor (SCR)
Senses when a rising temperature has reached a certain point


IP1

Cold Sensor - Thyristor (SCR)
Senses when a falling temperature has decreased to a certain level.


IP1

Moisture Sensor - Moisture Probe
Measures the dampness of a material or senses water.


IP1

Touch Sensor
Detects the touch of a finger.


IP1

Angle Sensor - Potentiometer
Indicates when something has turned through a required angle.

IP2
IP3
Key Switch - Latching Type
Produces safety or security by the use of a key.

IP2
IP3
Micro Switch - Non Latching Type
Used to detect the opening, closing, pushing, pulling of an object.

IP2
IP3
Push to Break Switch - Non Latching Type
Detects if something has been let go or if an object has been removed.

IP2
IP3
Membrane Switch - Push to Make / Pressure Switch
Responds to being hit, pressed, walked on or detects an object being put into position.

IP2
IP3
Magnetic Switch - Reed Switch
Detects a magnetic field avoiding the need for physical contact.

IP2
IP3
Slide Switch - Latching Type
Operates when slid to the side.

IP2
IP3
Tilt Switch - Non-Ltching Momentary Type
Detects something falling or leaning over.