Computer Control Systems

Computer Control Systems

1. SENSORS (inputs)

   • A sensor is a device that converts a real-world property (e.g. temperature) into data that a computer can process Many of these sensors are analogue that way they need to be connected to a computer using and analogue to digital converter
     • some examples are
       • temperature sensors-temperature;Pressure sensors-presssure; light sensor-light/dark;Moisture sensors- Dampness / dryness etc

2. System made up of three parts:

   • Input devices or sensors feed data into the computer,this data is then processed by following a set of instructions and as a result of the processing, the computer can turn on or off output devices called actuators

3. Actuators (outputs)

   • An actuator is a device, controlled by a computer, that can affect the real-world. Some of these devices require an analogue signal to operate so they need to be connected to the computer using a digital-to-analogue convertor.
     • some examples are
       • Light bulb or LED Actuator-Creates light ;Heater actuator-Increases temperature ;Cooling Unit Actuator-Decreases temperature ;Motor-Spins things around; Pump-Pushes water / air through pipes

4. computers everywhere...

   • In our Daily life we can see that there is computer control use everywhere some examples are : Washing machines ;Air-conditioning systems ;Programmable microwave ovens;Modern cars;Most factory production lines; Traffic Light etc

5. A human or a computer?

   • Definetively a computer.It is often better to have a system that is managed and controlled by a computer rather a human because they can control a system without stopping, besides they don’t need to be paid; they can operate in conditions that would be very dangerous to human health and they can control systems far more accurately, and respond to changes far more quickly than a human could

6. The process..

   • The steps followed by the computer in a control system are the same for all systems... first Check the data from the sensors second If necessary, turn on/off one or more of the actuators and third Go back to step 1.Sometimes the process vary but most of the time they work like this