Electronics in Action

Know the components used in electronic systems.

Indicative Content

Learners might research to find the types of electronic components that can be used and divide them into two groups; discrete electronic components (e.g. resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors) and integrated circuits (ICs) (e.g. with the functions as - timers, counters, logic gates, operational amplifiers (op-amps)).

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Use circuit symbols to identify components of an electronic circuit.
  
• 1.2
  Identify the specific requirements of some electronic components e.g. need to be connected the correct way round.
  
• 1.3
  Identify the components that are used as input transducers, processors and output transducers in simple electronic systems.
  

Be able to carry out electrical measurements on electronic circuits safely.

Indicative Content

Learners should develop an understanding of the use of a multimeter to measure current., voltage and resistance. They should use this knowledge practically to safely measure, recognising the correct range to use. Learners could then measure the voltage across a resistor, input transducer and output transducer in an electronic circuit safely.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Identify the appropriate range required on a multi-meter to make a measurement.
  
• 2.2
  Measure the resistance of a given resistor using the ohms range.
  

Be able to safely construct an electronic system to help solve an identified problem.

Indicative Content

Learners should be able to identify the input, processor and output of an electronic system. They should be given a problem to solve and draw systems or circuit drawings/diagrams to build an electronic system with an active device to try and solve the problem. Once built, learners might explain how their solution works and consider its limitations.

Examples of problems might include:

Problem1 – It can be dangerous if a passenger in a car opened a car door without the knowledge of the driver. Design an electronic system to automatically switch on an alarm when a door of a car is opened.

Problem 2 – Some local authorities have decided to reduce the amount of street lighting at night. A local home owner wants to fit an automatic electronic system which will switch on a lamp outside his house as soon as it gets dark.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Identify the input, processor and output of an electronic system.
  
• 3.2
  Produce and use a drawing (systems or circuit) which will support the construction of the electronic solution to an identified problem.
  
• 3.3
  Assemble an electronic system, which contains an active device, that could be used to help solve an identified problem.
  

Be able to assess the constructed electronic system safely.

Indicative Content

Learners should understand the function, features and characteristics of electronic test equipment. They should be given practical opportunities to carry out electronic testing on the electronic system they have built to solve the given problem. Learners might be able to assess the electronic system safely and explain how it will solve the problem, eventually going on to identify possible limitations and further improvements.

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1
  Perform an electrical test on the constructed electronic system safely.