Programming Systems
The majority of modern electronic products include integrated circuits that need to be programmed hence this is an essential feature of progression.
| Programming Systems |
| Introducing |
- Understand that some electronic circuits have a single function (hardwired) others can be programmed so that the same physical circuit can have different uses
- Understand that the programmable element of a circuit, is like a computer
- Know that these programmable circuit elements are called microcontrollers or microprocessors
- Know that microcontrollers and microprocessors are becoming all-pervading as the heart of most electronic systems because of their low cost and flexibility
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| Developing |
- Understand that ‘programming’ a microcontroller means to provide it with a specific sequence of instructions, a ‘program’
- Know that a programming ‘language’ is used to create a program and consists of a limited set of ‘commands’
- Be able to use a graphic system, such as a flowchart, to provide a diagrammatic description of the sequence of instructions in a program.
- Know that some programming systems allow programs to be developed as a graphical representation.
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| Enhancing |
- Know that the commands in a programming language for control include those to:
- Switch output signals
- Monitor input signals
- Deal with variables
- Make ‘decisions’ based on input signals and variables
- Control the flow through the program
- Know that a useful way to build a program is to create and test blocks of code (called ‘subroutines’ or ‘procedures’) each of which solves a particular part of the problem. These routines are then used within a main program.
- Know that in some programming systems, pre-existing libraries of subroutines are available to simplify programming.
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| Advancing |
- Be able to use variables to record and manipulate numbers within a computer system.
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| Science Links |
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| Maths Links |
- Understand what is meant by randomness.
- Understand the characteristics of random numbers, and the concept of bias
- Understand index notation for large and small numbers.
- Be able to carry out simple calculations with numbers expressed as powers of 10.
- Understand the similarities and differences between variables in programming and in algebra
- Understand the concept of coding.
- Be able to construct simple codes.
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