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Programming Mechatronics (Year 11)

30 flashcards (Year 11). Study these as flip cards Random

Hardware and parts

Mechatronic system Term

A system that combines mechanical engineering, electronics and software control, such as a robot arm, automatic door, drone, 3D printer or cruise control.

Example: 'A robotic arm in a car factory is a mechatronic system.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Outline an application of mechatronics
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Microcontroller Term

A small computer on a single chip with a CPU, memory and input/output pins that runs the program controlling a device.

Example: 'The microcontroller reads the sensor and drives the motor.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Assess the relationship of microcontrollers and the CPU

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

CPU (central processing unit) Term

The part that fetches, decodes and executes program instructions. In a microcontroller it is built into the chip.

Example: Link: the CPU executes the instructions; the microcontroller packages the CPU with memory and I/O.

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Instruction set Term

The list of machine instructions a CPU can carry out. It limits what code can do and how efficiently it runs.

Example: 'A smaller instruction set means simpler chips but more instructions per task.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Outline the influence of the instruction set on code
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Opcode Term

The part of a machine instruction that says which operation to perform; the rest of the instruction holds the operands.

Example: 'ADD R1, R2: ADD is the opcode.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Address register Term

A CPU register that holds the memory address of the data or instruction to be accessed.

Example: 'The address register points to where the sensor value is stored.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Check this one: Not found word-for-word in the supplied syllabus, specifications, marking guidelines or notes; the definition is standard computing knowledge, so check it against your class notes.

Data register Term

A CPU register that holds the data being processed (the operands and results).

Example: 'The data register holds the sensor reading while it is compared.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Sensor Term

An input device that detects something in the environment and sends the data to the controller, such as motion, light level, temperature or distance sensors.

Example: 'A light level sensor detects darkness so the lamp turns on.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Classify as sensor or actuator
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Motion sensor Term

A sensor that detects movement nearby, for example infrared or ultrasonic, used in alarms and automatic doors.

Example: 'A motion sensor opens an automatic door.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Light level sensor Term

A sensor that measures brightness, used in line-following robots and automatic lighting.

Example: 'A light sensor lets a robot follow a dark line.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Actuator Term

An output device that turns the controller's signal into movement or action, such as a motor, servo or hydraulic cylinder.

Example: 'The servo moves the arm.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Hydraulic actuator Term

An actuator that uses pressurised fluid to move a piston, giving large force, as in excavators and heavy robot arms.

Example: 'Hydraulic actuators lift the excavator arm.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

End effector (manipulator) Term

The tool at the end of a robotic arm that interacts with the environment, such as a gripper, welder or suction cup.

Example: 'The robotic gripper picks up the part.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Robotic gripper Term

An end effector with fingers or jaws that grasps and releases objects.

Example: 'A gripper picks and places items on a conveyor.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Control, data and design

Diagnostic data Term

Data about the health and operation of a mechatronic system (temperatures, error codes, motor current) used to find faults.

Example: 'Logging motor current to detect a jam.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Optimisation data Term

Data collected so the system's performance can be improved or tuned (cycle times, energy use, error rates).

Example: 'Speed readings help tune the control algorithm.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Degrees of freedom Term

The number of independent directions or axes in which a part can move (a robot arm with 3 joints has 3).

Example: 'A 6-axis arm has six degrees of freedom.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Motion constraints Term

Limits on movement such as range, speed, obstacles or joint angles that the control code must respect.

Example: 'Stop the arm before it reaches the maximum joint angle.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Subsystem (combination of sensors, actuators and effectors) Term

A group of sensors, actuators and end effectors that work together as one working part of the system (for example the gripper subsystem).

Example: 'The vision sensor and gripper form the pick-up subsystem.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Power, battery and material requirements Term

Choosing power supplies and batteries that match each component's voltage and current, and materials suited to the load, weight and environment.

Example: 'A motor that draws 2 A needs a supply that can provide it.'

Where you would use it in the test

Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Wiring diagram Diagram

A diagram of the electrical connections between components using standard symbols (resistor, capacitor, diode, LED, switch, motor, voltage source), showing both power and data connections.

Example: Show power and data connections and label any component you add.

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: Draw or complete a wiring diagram
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Specialist requirements for people with disability Term

Needs that shape design for assistive devices or prosthetics, such as comfort, safety, intuitive control, adjustability and reliability.

Example: 'A prosthetic hand needs an adjustable grip force.'

Where you would use it in the test

Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Open-loop control Term

A control system that sets its output without checking the result (a timer-based sprinkler). It is simple but cannot correct errors.

Example: 'Open: the motor runs for 5 seconds regardless of distance travelled.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Compare open and closed loop

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Closed-loop control Term

A control system where sensors feed the result back and the algorithm adjusts the output to reach a target (thermostat, cruise control).

Example: 'Closed: read the sensor, compare with the target, adjust the motor.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Matching or table question: match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Pseudocode: Control loop with feedback

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Feedback Term

Sensor information about the actual output that is returned to the controller to correct the output in a closed loop system.

Example: 'The thermostat feeds temperature back to the heater controller.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Fill in the blanks: Fill in the blanks or dropdown: choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Autonomous control Term

A system that senses, decides and acts without human input, using sensor data and decision algorithms (self-driving car, robot vacuum).

Example: 'Obstacle sensed, so decide to turn, then act.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Outline an algorithm used for autonomous control
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Control algorithm pattern (line follower) Code pattern

A closed-loop loop: WHILE the robot is running, read the sensor, IF the sensor sees dark THEN turn one way ELSE turn the other, ENDIF, ENDWHILE.

Example: 'WHILE on: read light; IF dark THEN turn left ELSE turn right.'

Where you would use it in the test

Pseudocode: Write a control loop
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Simulation and prototype Term

A simulation tests the control code on a software model; a prototype is an early physical build. Both reduce cost and risk before the final system.

Example: 'Test the arm algorithm in simulation before building.'

Where you would use it in the test

Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Extended response: Extended response (5 to 8 marks): use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

Unit tests for control algorithms Term

Tests that check each component's control algorithm works and gives the same result every time (effectiveness and repeatability).

Example: 'Run the gripper test 10 times to prove repeatability.'

Where you would use it in the test

Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

User interface for a mechatronic system Term

A screen, panel or app that lets a person control and monitor the system (start, stop, set a target, see status).

Example: 'A touchscreen with start and emergency stop buttons.'

Where you would use it in the test

Drawing: user interface
Short answer: Short answer (2 to 4 marks): define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Multiple choice: Multiple choice: pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Memorise: Mechatronics: hardware, sensors, actuators, control

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