Controlling Power
The output devices in electronic products require electrical power suited to their particular performance characteristics.
| Understanding Technical Function - Controlling Power |
| Introducing |
- Understand that driver circuits are placed between the process elements and output devices of a circuit.
- Understand that a few low power devices such as LEDs and some piezo sounders can often be driven directly from process devices.
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| Developing |
- Be familiar with the use of a range of output devices; motors (including servos and steppers), lamps, solenoids, audio devices (including buzzers, loudspeakers and bells), valves (pneumatic and hydraulic).
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| Enhancing |
- Know that the driver used in a circuit has to satisfy the current and voltage requirements of the output device.
- Be able to use transistors, Darlington pairs, FETs, relays and optical isolation appropriately.
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| Advancing |
- Be able to use data on energy sources to select appropriate ways of powering their own circuits.
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| Science Links |
- Understand a range of means by which electricity is produced, including renewable sources.
- Be able to use the Power law to establish the power used by a component based on knowledge of the voltage across it and the current through it.
- Understand the implications of the calculation for power dissipation
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| Maths Links |
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