GCSE Electronics WJEC

This subject is broken down into 40 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Foundations of Electronics 10 topics
  2. Practical Electronics 10 topics
  3. Microprocessors and Microcontrollers 10 topics
  4. Advanced Circuit Design 10 topics
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  • 40
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  • 14,801
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  • 1+
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Electronics

Foundations of Electronics

Introduction to Passive Components: Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors

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Introduction to Passive Components: Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors

Introduction to Passive Components

Resistors

  • Resistors are components that are used to control the flow of electric current in electronic circuits.
  • They have a fixed resistance value measured in ohms (Ω).
  • Resistors follow Ohm's law, which states that the current through a resistor is directly proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to the resistance.
  • Resistors are used in a variety of applications such as limiting current, dividing voltages, and in pulse shaping.

Capacitors

  • Capacitors store electrical energy in an electric field.
  • They consist of two conducting plates separated by an insulating material known as the dielectric.
  • Capacitance is the measure of a capacitor's ability to store energy, and it is measured in farads (F).
  • When voltage is applied to a capacitor, charge accumulates on one plate and is repelled from the other, creating a potential difference.
  • Capacitors are used in filters, oscillators, and for smoothing in power supplies.

Inductors

  • Inductors store energy in a magnetic field created by the flow of electric current through it.
  • An inductor is typically a coil of wire and can be categorised based on whether the wire is wound around a magnetic core or not.
  • Inductance is the property of an inductor that determines the amount of energy it can store. It's measured in henries (H).
  • Inductors are used in electronic filters, oscillators, and in power electronic applications.
  • An important property of an inductor is that it resists changes to the current flowing through it. This is why you will often find inductors in circuits where current stabilisation is needed.

Course material for Electronics, module Foundations of Electronics, topic Introduction to Passive Components: Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors

Electronics

Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

Clear Understanding of the difference between Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

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Clear Understanding of the difference between Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

Microprocessors

  • Microprocessors, often referred to as the 'central processing unit' or CPU, are silicon-based chips that function as the brain of a computer system.
  • They perform general-purpose tasks including logical and arithmetic operations, data transfer from and to memory, and coordinating with various peripheral devices.
  • Microprocessors are unable to function as standalone devices; they require memory, input/output devices, and other support chips to operate properly.
  • In essence, a microprocessor is a multi-purpose, programmable device that takes in binary data, processes it according to instructions stored in memory, and produces results as output.
  • Examples of microprocessors can include the Intel Core i5 and i7 or the AMD Ryzen series.

Microcontrollers

  • Microcontrollers are essentially microprocessors with integrated memory and peripheral devices.
  • They are designed for specific tasks in embedded systems, i.e., they are application-specific and as a result, their design is optimized to handle one task efficiently.
  • Most microcontrollers require minimal or no external components to function, giving them a distinct advantage in size and cost over microprocessors.
  • While a microcontroller's processing power may not match that of a microprocessor, its specialized nature allows it to outperform a microprocessor in its specific task.
  • Microcontrollers find application in myriad devices such as microwave ovens, washing machines, and car engines. Examples of microcontrollers include the Atmel AVR and the Texas Instruments MSP430.

Key Differences

  • Degree of Integration: Microcontrollers integrate the processor, memory, and I/O interfaces in one chip, while microprocessors require separate chips for these components.
  • Purpose: Microprocessors are general-purpose devices built for speed, while microcontrollers are task-specific, focusing on efficiency and reliability in a particular application.
  • Size and Cost: Due to the lesser number of components, microcontrollers are smaller and cheaper than microprocessors.
  • Performance: In terms of raw processing power, microprocessors usually outperform microcontrollers. However, in their specific areas of application, microcontrollers can be more efficient and effective.
  • Memory: Microcontrollers generally come with a limited amount of memory while systems built upon microprocessors can accommodate a nearly limitless amount of RAM.

Course material for Electronics, module Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, topic Clear Understanding of the difference between Microcontrollers and Microprocessors

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