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GCSE Engineering8852

3.3 Systems

Students should have knowledge and understanding of the use and role of the following systems within engineering settings. Students should be:

  • familiar with the function of the system building blocks specified in 'systems' below
  • able to describe the way in which parts of a system can be divided into sub-systems.

Subject content

Additional information

Mathematical understanding

Systems descriptions

  • system block diagrams (input, process and output)
  • schematic drawings
  • flow charts.

M1.3, M2.4

3.3.1 Mechanical systems

Subject content

Additional information

Mathematical understanding

  • Linkages
  • Conversion of motion including rotary to reciprocating and linear to oscillating.
 

E14, E15

  • Gear trains including chains and sprockets
  • Cams and followers (including the use of cams within an engine).
 

Ratio of simple gears and mechanical advantage

Pulleys (how pulleys can be used as a means of reducing effort when lifting loads or transferring power within a system). 

M1.4, M3.2, M3.3

Bearings.  

3.3.2 Electrical systems

Subject content

Additional information

Mathematical understanding

Electrical systems comprising:

  • power supplies (mains and batteries)
  • input control devices (for example relays and switches)
  • output devices (motors, buzzers, bells, lamps and solenoids).

The difference between Alternating and Direct Current.

 

M3.2, M3.3, M3.4, M4.1, M4.5

E12

3.3.3 Electronic systems

Subject content

Additional information

Mathematical understanding

Electronic systems comprising:

  • inputs (for example light or temperature sensors)
  • analogue and digital signals
  • process devices:
    • timers
    • counters
    • comparators
    • logic (AND, OR and NOT).
  
Programmable devices: microcontrollers eg peripheral interface controller (PIC) used to perform more complex operations or replace discrete process integrated circuits. 

M3.1, M3.2

Interfacing components: drivers required for loads that process or programmable devices cannot supply (transistor, field-effect transistor (FET)).  
The use of analogue to digital conversion (ADC) in a programmable device. 
Output components
  • LEDs
  • 7 segment display
  • buzzer
  • piezo sounder
  
Discrete components within a circuit:
  • resistors (fixed and variable)
  • diodes (signal, rectifying)
  • capacitors (polarised and non-polarised).
 

E12, E13, M2.1, M2.3

Simple programming for monitoring and controlling processes: using flow charts for explanation, limited to three inputs and three outputs within an engineered system eg a pick and place machine used in the production of electronic circuits.  

3.3.4 Structural systems

Subject content

Additional information

Mathematical understanding

Students should know how simple imposed, dynamic (live) and static (dead) loads are applied and transmitted, including space frame and monocoque structures, leading to bending and torsion/buckling. 

E11

3.3.5 Pneumatic systems

Subject content

Additional information

Mathematical understanding

The uses of and differences between pneumatic and hydraulic circuits. Exam questions may focus on the specific circuits and students may be expected to provide an example of when the different types of circuits could be used and why.

Examples include:
  • robotics
  • process/factory automation
  • machinery.
 

E10