Level 3 Engineering BTEC International

This subject is broken down into 45 topics in 9 modules:

  1. Engineering Principles 5 topics
  2. Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely As A Team 5 topics
  3. Engineering Product Design and Manufacture 5 topics
  4. Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering 5 topics
  5. Microcontroller Systems for Engineers 5 topics
  6. Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems 5 topics
  7. Electrical Systems and Fault Finding 5 topics
  8. Electronic Devices and Circuits 5 topics
  9. Mechanical Design of Foundations 5 topics
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  • 9
    modules
  • 45
    topics
  • 16,307
    words of revision content
  • 2+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Engineering

Engineering Principles

Maths for engineering

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Maths for engineering

Maths for Engineering Principles

Basic Maths

  • Understand and apply the basic principles of arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Demonstrate understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages, and the conversion between these.
  • Apply principles of ratio and proportion to practical engineering problems.
  • Recognise the importance of significant figures and decimal places in calculations.

Algebra

  • Work confidently with algebraic expressions and equations.
  • Know how to implement indices and logarithms in equations.
  • Recognise and manipulate linearity, understanding direct and inverse relationships.
  • Understand how to solve simultaneous equations.
  • Apply principles of inequalities.

Geometry and Trigonometry

  • Identify and calculate properties of basic geometric shapes: triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and circles.
  • Understand and apply Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent) to solve problems in 2D and 3D shapes.
  • Utilise circle theorems and properties of angles in polygons.
  • Apply principles of vectors and matrix arithmetic in engineering contexts.

Calculus

  • Understand and apply principles of differentiation to find gradients and tangents of curves, rates of change, and optimisation problems.
  • Use integration to find areas under curves and solve problems related to displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
  • Understand and apply the fundamental theorem of calculus.

Statistics & Probability

  • Understand definitions and calculation methods for mean, median, mode, and range.
  • Use probability to predict outcomes in an engineering context.
  • Interpret statistical data in relation to distributions and population.
  • Understand and apply principles of standard deviation and variance to measure risk and variability.

Complex Numbers

  • Understand and apply principles of i (imaginary unit) in complex number calculations.
  • Demonstrate an ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with complex numbers.
  • Implement Euler's Formula to exponentiate complex numbers in certain types of rotating objects or oscillating systems.

Remember, it's not just about knowing how to complete the calculations and solve problems – it's about understanding the underlying principles and being able to apply them to a variety of engineering concepts, from mechanics and materials, to circuits and systems.

Course material for Engineering, module Engineering Principles, topic Maths for engineering

Engineering

Microcontroller Systems for Engineers

Embedded systems design

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Embedded systems design

Embedded Systems Design

Definition

  • An embedded system is a computer system with a specific function, embedded as part of a larger system or product.
  • They are designed to execute a set of instructions continuously with a particular task in mind.

Characteristics

  • Embedded systems are application specific, meaning each system serves a particular function.
  • They are characterised by real-time performance constraints that must be met, such as reacting to events within a certain time period.

Components

  • The heart of an embedded system is a microcontroller or microprocessor.
  • Other components could include digital I/O devices, analog I/O devices, and memory devices.
  • The system may also include software that makes it function as desired.

Types of Embedded Systems

  • The three main types are: Stand-Alone, Real-Time, and Networked Embedded Systems.
  • Stand-Alone Embedded Systems function independently and are not connected to other systems.
  • Real-Time Embedded Systems are designed to perform their tasks within a specific timed deadline, and are classified as hard or soft real-time systems.
  • Networked Embedded Systems are connected via networks to be controlled remotely.

Design Process

  • The general steps in designing an embedded system include identifying the problem, specifying the system, designing or selecting the architecture, writing and debugging software and testing the system.

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

  • The SDLC includes: Requirement Gatherings, Design, Implementation, Integration, Testing, Installation and Maintenance.
  • Each phase of SDLC produces deliverables which are required by the next phase in the life cycle.

Programming Languages

  • C, C++, Python, Java, Assembly language, and others are often used in the development of embedded systems. The choice of language often depends on system requirements and constraints.

Testing and Debugging

  • The process of testing is performed to check if the developed system meets the specified requirements and to find the bugs in the system.
  • The process of debugging is performed to identify, track and fix the bugs in the system.

Remember, understanding the design process for embedded systems, the various types, and their components are key elements in creating effective systems. The testing and debugging of the system are crucial steps in ensuring the intended performance and reliability.

Course material for Engineering, module Microcontroller Systems for Engineers, topic Embedded systems design

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