National 5 Engineering Science SQA

This subject is broken down into 50 topics in 7 modules:

  1. The Systems Approach 11 topics
  2. Impacts of Engineering 14 topics
  3. Digital Electronic Control Systems 5 topics
  4. Drive Systems 6 topics
  5. Pneumatics 4 topics
  6. Structures and Forces 7 topics
  7. Materials 3 topics
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  • 50
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  • 18,350
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Engineering Science

The Systems Approach

Systems and Sub-System Diagrams

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Systems and Sub-System Diagrams

Systems and Sub-System Diagrams

System Overview

  • A system can be described as a set of interconnected components that work together to achieve a common goal.
  • In large, complex systems, it can be helpful to break down the system into smaller parts or sub-systems for better understanding and management.

System Diagrams

  • System diagrams are visual representations of the various elements within a system.
  • They show the components of the system, how they're connected and their working relationships.
  • They also show the system's boundaries, which outline the extent of the system.

Sub-system Diagrams

  • Sub-system diagrams are diagrams of the smaller parts of a system.
  • They provide a detailed view of a part of the system, showing specific processes and functions of that sub-system.
  • Sub-system diagrams make it easier to study and manage complex systems by breaking them down into more manageable parts.

Identifying Sub-systems

  • A sub-system is identifiable when it has a specific functionality within a system that can be isolated and studied separately.
  • Sub-systems can be broken down further into smaller sub-systems.

Interconnections

  • Understanding how sub-systems connect and interact is crucial for understanding the system as a whole.
  • Interconnections can take the form of data, control signals, power, or physical connections.

Use in Problem Solving

  • System and sub-system diagrams are useful tools in engineering problem solving and design processes.
  • They can help identify problems, guide system modifications, and aid in the development of new systems.

Symbols in Diagrams

  • Diagrams use a variety of symbols to represent real-world components and their relationships.
  • It is essential to understand the meaning of these symbols to accurately interpret the diagrams.

Block Diagrams

  • Block diagrams are a type of system diagram that uses blocks to represent system components and arrows to show the flow of information or signals.
  • They are a high-level representation of a system, showing major elements and their interconnections, often without detail about the inner workings of the elements.

Please remember to reference your course material and textbooks to calibrate your understanding of this topic.

Course material for Engineering Science, module The Systems Approach, topic Systems and Sub-System Diagrams

Engineering Science

Digital Electronic Control Systems

AND, OR and NOT Gates

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AND, OR and NOT Gates

AND Gates

  • AND gates are a type of digital logic gate with multiple inputs and one output.
  • The output of an AND gate will only be true (or 1) if all inputs are true.
  • If any input to an AND gate is false (or 0), the output will be false.
  • An example of the AND logic would be an outdoor light system. The light will only turn on if it is night time (Input 1) and the motion sensor is activated (Input 2).

OR Gates

  • OR gates are another type of digital logic gate, which also have multiple inputs and one output.
  • An OR gate will give an output of true (or 1) if any of its inputs are true.
  • If all inputs are false (or 0), the resulting output will be false.
  • An example of the OR logic could be a car warning system. A warning light will activate if the car's door is open (Input 1), if the car's bonnet is open (Input 2), or if the fuel is low (Input 3).

NOT Gates

  • NOT gates, also known as inverters, are digital logic gates which single input and single output.
  • The output of a NOT gate will be the opposite of its input. If the input is true (or 1), the output will be false (or 0), and vice versa.
  • An example of NOT logic could be a light switch. When the switch is turned to on (Input 1), the light turns off (Output 0).

Complex Gates Design

  • Gates can be combined to create more complex digital logic systems. For instance, if AND and NOT are combined, it forms a NAND gate.
  • Combinations of AND, OR and NOT gates are widely used in digital electronics, such as computers, calculators, and mobile phones.
  • Understanding these basic logic gate operations helps to understand and design complex electronic control systems.

Course material for Engineering Science, module Digital Electronic Control Systems, topic AND, OR and NOT Gates

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