Resistant Materials:
A general understanding of the following groupings of
materials:
o common ferrous and non-ferrous metals including alloys
o common thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics
o common hardwoods, softwoods and manmade boards
o smart materials created to provide specific properties. e.g. thermoplastic sheet, smart
wire.
A general understanding of the working properties, commonly available market forms and
suitable finishes for enhancement and protection.
Comparative Properties
o Sufficient detail to allow products/systems to be manufactured
Comparative Testing
Common methods of workshop testing to compare the properties of materials e.g. tensile
strength, hardness, toughness
Understanding of standard testing methods and data
Electronic and electrical materials and discrete components
Classification, basic characteristics, groupings and applications
e.g. conductors, insulators, semi-conductors, resistors, capacitors, switches, relays, diodes,
transistors, field effect transistors (FET), digital integrated circuits, analogue integrated
circuits, microcontrollers
Construction Techniques
A practical knowledge of:
o two methods of modelling an electronic circuit
o two methods of producing a PCB
Electronic System Components:
Input Transducers
A minimum of one electronic input transducer which
is activated by each of the following:
o Sound, light, pressure, rotary movement, linear movement, strain, moisture, vibration,
magnetism, temperature
Electronic Processing Systems:
Logic
The use and combination of 2, 3 and 4 input gates with the following functions:
o NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR,XOR
Timers
A minimum of two alternative methods of producing:
o a single output pulse of a set duration
o a string of output pulses with a set mark/space ratio
Counters
A minimum of two alternative methods of counting
input pulses to produce:
o a decade output
o a binary output
o the correct coding to operate a 7 segment display
Decoders
A minimum of one method of decoding a 4 bit binary
Input to:
o drive a 7 segment display
o produce a decade output
Latches
A minimum of two alternative methods of setting and latching the state of an output for a
specific input.
Amplifiers
A minimum of two alternative methods of amplifying each of the following:
o current
o voltage
Comparators
A minimum of one method of comparing:
o different input voltages
o digital inputs
Output Transducers
A minimum of one electronic output transducer for each of the following:
o linear motion
o rotary motion
o precise angular movement
o heat
o light
o sound
o amplification
o magnetism
Mechanical Systems:
Mechanical components
Classification and an awareness of everyday mechanical applications
Mechanical Processes
A minimum of two mechanical systems to provide each of the following transmissions of
motion:
o rotary to rotary (parallel shafts)
o rotary to rotary (perpendicular shafts)
o rotary to linear, linear to rotary
o rotary to reciprocating
o reciprocating to rotary
o rotary to oscillatory
o oscillatory to rotary
The systems should be capable of amplifying the movement or force of the input.
Industrial and Commercial Practices:
Industrial processes
Understanding of how familiar processes used in school are related to those used in the
industrial context, especially with reference to batch and mass production. e.g. sand casting,
die casting, vacuum forming, PCB production
Health and Safety
Be able to identify possible risks involved with processes, and suggest ways of minimising
these
Product/Systems Manufacturing:
Wastage
Hand and machine methods of shaping commonly available resistant materials by wastage
A minimum of four:
o hand methods
o machine methods
o CAM methods
Addition/Fabrication
Permanent fabrication techniques suitable for wood
A minimum of two:
o mechanical methods
o chemical methods
o Permanent fabrication techniques suitable for metal
o A minimum of two:
o thermal methods
o mechanical methods
Permanent fabrication techniques suitable for plastic
A minimum of two:
o thermal methods
o mechanical methods
o chemical methods
Temporary fabrication techniques suitable for wood, metal and plastic
o A minimum of three mechanical methods
Redistribution /Deformation
o a minimum of three redistribution/deformation processes suitable for metals
o a minimum of three redistribution/deformation processes suitable for plastics
o a minimum of two redistribution/deformation processes suitable for woods
Aids to Production
Prototyping, modelling, use of jigs, templates, CAM and CIM
Systems and Control:
Application of Control Systems
The matching of control systems to specific industrial applications – consideration of
mechanical, electrical, electronic, programmable logic units and microcontrollers
Input/Output Devices
Matching the method of input/output to the application
Selection of appropriate input/output transducers for
specific applications
Basic Principles
o force, motion, movement, velocity, pressure, voltage, current, resistance, power
signals, positive and negative going pulses, positive and negative edge triggering,
mark/Space ratio, amplitude, frequency
Open and Closed loop control
Application, merits and features of each
Logic
Combination logic GATES to produce parallel networks – limited to 4BIT input
Tribology
Useful and non-useful friction – methods of reducing friction e.g. clutches, braking systems,
bearings, lubricants
System Diagrams
Input → Process → Output → Feedback
System Definitions
o definition of a system
o system boundaries
o sub-systems
o system components
System Building Blocks
o sensors, input transducers, signal conditioners, timers, amplifiers,
comparators, counters, latches, flip flops, logical operators, output
transducers, programmable devices
Interfacing System Blocks
The selection of suitable interfaces to establish connections in electrical, electronic and
mechanical systems. e.g. motors, solenoid valves, relays, amplifiers
Amplification
The amplification of:
o force, motion, movement, velocity, pressure, voltage, current, power, signal