GCSE Design and Technology CCEA

This subject is broken down into 103 topics in 9 modules:

  1. Designing and Manufacturing 10 topics
  2. Electronic Control Systems 12 topics
  3. Mechanical Control Systems 8 topics
  4. Pneumatic Systems and Control 7 topics
  5. Computer Control Systems 2 topics
  6. Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems 19 topics
  7. Mechanical and Pneumatic Control Systems 16 topics
  8. Product Design 20 topics
  9. Design and Manufacturing Project 9 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 9
    modules
  • 103
    topics
  • 36,694
    words of revision content
  • 4+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of GCSE Design and Technology CCEA in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Design and Technology

Designing and Manufacturing

Design and Communication

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Design and Communication

Design Briefs and Specifications

  • A Design Brief is a statement of what a new design should achieve.

  • It's an important initial point of any design project and outlines the problems to be solved.

  • It should be concise, cover all main points and not be overly technical to be understood by a wide audience.

  • Always consider the resources, possible materials and manufacturing techniques, and safety regulations when creating a Design Brief

  • A Design Specification is a detailed document setting out exact measurements, materials and methods to be used during manufacturing.

Design Process

  • The design process is iterative and cyclical.
  • It starts with identifying a need, conducting research, and creating a design brief and specification.
  • This is followed by generating ideas, preparing a concept design, and developing a detailed design.
  • Prototyping, testing, and evaluation is the final part of the process. Changes identified during these stages are used to refine the design.
  • Key stages in the design process should be documented by sketches, notes, and technical drawings.

Design Communication

  • Sketching is a quick way to capture and communicate design ideas. It's often used in the early stages of the design process.

  • Orthographic Projection is a system of drawing that gives a 2D representation of an object from three different views (Front, Side and Plan View). It's used to give technical details about the design.

  • A Working Drawing provides detailed information about the object, such as its exact dimensions, construction methods, and materials used.

  • CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems can be used to produce 2D drawings and 3D models.

  • Physical Models and Prototypes provide a tangible way of analysing and testing a design before full-scale production.

Materials and Manufacturing Techniques

  • Always consider the capabilities and constraints of different manufacturing methods (such as casting, moulding, forming, and machining) when making selections.

  • Consider the properties of different materials and how they'll affect the final design. For instance, consider factors like strength, flexibility, aesthetics, cost and sustainability.

Design Evaluation and Testing

  • Testing prototypes is crucial to validate the design against the original specifications and identify areas for improvement.

  • Feedback can be gathered through user testing, questionnaires or group discussions. These insights can be used to refine and further improve the design.

  • Document all evaluations, iterations, and changes made. This provides a complete 'paper trail' of the design's development.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Designing and Manufacturing, topic Design and Communication

Design and Technology

Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems

Timers

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Timers

Section 1: Comprehending Timers

  • A Timer is an electronic device that can be set to delay actions for a specific amount of time.
  • There are several types of timers including On Delay, Off Delay, and Repeat cycle timers that function differently.
  • In microelectronic control systems, timers are primary components in numerous applications.

Section 2: On Delay Timer

  • The On Delay Timer activates after a preset time period once the input is turned on.
  • Consider a traffic light as an example: The timer activates the yellow light for a couple of seconds before it turns red.

Section 3: Off Delay Timer

  • The Off Delay Timer, in contrast, once activated will continue to provide power for a certain duration after the input is turned off.
  • An example would be a hallway light that stays on for a few seconds after the switch is turned off, providing light as someone moves away.

Section 4: Repeat Cycle Timer

  • A Repeat Cycle Timer continually cycles on and off for set durations as long as power is supplied.
  • Imagine a warning light that repeatedly flashes on and off.

Section 5: Practical Applications

  • Timers are integral in many electronics and control systems, like in automatic washing machines, microwave ovens, and heating or cooling systems.
  • They serve vital roles in industrial process control, automatic traffic signal control, and even in simple blinking LED displays.

Section 6: Safety Precautions

  • As with any electronic device, carefully manage timers and observe prerequisite safety measures.
  • Keep in mind to switch off power while experimenting with or adjusting timer circuits to avoid electric shock hazards.

Absorb the fundamental principles of timers, focusing on On Delay, Off Delay and Repeat Cycle timers. Understanding the workings of timers and their various types along with their wide range of applications are key in mastering the topic of electronic and microelectronic control systems. Try designing basic timer circuits for the different types of timers and think about where these might be used in everyday appliances and systems.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems, topic Timers

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.