Topic 5: Control Systems

Topic 5: Control Systems

1. Output devices controlled by control systems

   • Actuators
     • Devices such as motors that react according to signals given to them by computers.
     • An actuator can be used to open a window in a greenhouse.
   • Stepper Motor
     • A motor that turns in a series of small steps. The control signals tell the stepper motor how many steps and in which direction it should move. You can therefore control the angles thpruhg which the motor rotates.
     • Stepper motors are found in robot arms.
   • Bells/Sirens
     • Used in control systems where an alarm signal needs to be sounded.
     • Burgular alarms use bells/sirens.
   • Heaters/Coolers
     • Used for controlling the temperature of an environment.
     • Central heating systems use heaters/coolers as the output device.
   • Light
     • Floodlights or flashing lights are often used in control systems.
     • As well as sounding an alarm a fire or burglar alarm system will also flash a warning light.

2. Advantages

   • Can operate 24/7 without a break.
   • Doesn't need a human to operate.
   • Can process data from sensors very quickly.
   • Can accurately repeat actions over and over again.
   • Can make reliable and accurate decisions.
   • Can be used in dangerous and awkward environments.
   • Can respond faster than humans.

3. Disadvantages

   • The software for the control system may be expensive.
   • If the computer/processer malfunctions the system will not work.
   • If there is a power cut the system will not work.
   • The computer cannot react to unexpected events as it can only respond in the way it has been programmed.
   • Some people prefer to known that an expert is in control rather than a computer.
   • There may be job losses as computers replace humans.

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