Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
Engineering Diploma
Level 2 Unit 3
Engineering Applications of
Computers
In this unit you will discover how
computer systems are applied to every
aspect of engineering manufacturing,
from product design and development
to automated packaging, to
maintenance operations.
You will also learn how many
everyday products use
microprocessor technology for the
benefit of consumers.
Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
L2 U3 Learning Outcomes:
 Know about computer applications in process control and manufacturing
 Be able to use computer-based systems to solve an engineering problem
 Understand microprocessor control applications in everyday consumer products
 Know about computer aided technology in maintenance operations.
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Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
Engineering theme:
 In this unit you will find out how
computers are used to control
processes in factories and how they
control machines to make
component parts.
 You will program a computer to
control a conveyor system.
 The microprocessor has
revolutionised many aspects of
engineering. You will explore how
microprocessors control domestic
products.
 You will also explore the use of
computer technology in
maintenance operations and fault
diagnoses.
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Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
Engineering Applications of
Computers:
 Computers are used throughout
engineering in all sectors
 Some applications include:

Design - CAD

Manufacturing – CAM

Diagnostics

Process control

Consumer electronics

Robotics control
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Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
Task 1
In this task you will be investigating
two types of application of computers
in engineering:

process control

manufacturing
Your report must cover the following:
1.
Describes how the systems are used for your two chosen applications.
2.
A comparison of the use and effectiveness of the two computer systems.
3.
A wider investigation into the use of computer systems in the two types of industry
identified.
4.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the computer systems which you have investigated.
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Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
Task 2
You will be given an engineering
problem to solve by setting up and
programming a computer linked to a
conveyor system.
You will need to:
1.
Plan how the problem is to be solved and produce a checklist of the computer based
equipment needed (hardware and software). Set up the equipment and use it to find a
solution to the problem.
2.
Write a short report which describes how you solved the problem and worked safely.
3.
Add another section to the report in which you explain why you chose to use the
computer-based equipment that you selected. Also include in this section a review of
your solution to the given problem.
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Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
Task 3
You will need to select two consumer
products that contain microprocessors.
Investigate the two products to see how the microprocessor controls the operation of each.
Present your findings as a written report that includes:
1.
A description of how the products work.
2.
A description of how the individual microprocessor components are used and work
together to control the product.
3.
For one of the products, evaluate the use of the microprocessor control system and
then describe how it could be used in a completely different consumer product.
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Level 2 Unit 3 Engineering Applications of Computers
Task 4
Your task is to identify two different
situations where a computer system
is used to carry out or assist a
maintenance procedure.
You will need to:
1.
Find two different engineering situations where computer systems are used in a
maintenance operation and describe what is happening.
2.
Identify a product or piece of plant/equipment where fault diagnosis is carried out by a
computer system. Explain in detail the diagnostic process and what happens to data
which the computer collects. Submit a final design solution. This should include sketches,
drawings and where appropriate, circuit diagrams and/or flow diagrams.
3.
Your tutor will give you some computer generated data which relates to a
maintenance/diagnostic operation on a piece of equipment. Look through the data,
interpret it and propose an appropriate course of action.
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