1. What is processing (p. 259)
Processing is the stage where the input
data is manipulated in order to produce meaningful information. Processing can
include a number of stages such as sorting, searching, calculations, graphing,
etc. Processing changes data into another form that we may use as information;
robots require considerable processing power. The two computer processors
available are the CPU and co-processing chips.
2. Provide an overview of the CPU's
function. Include an overview of the microprocessor and the co-processor (p.
259).
The CPU is the part of the computer that
performs the processing and control functions. In a microcomputer, the CPU is
usually on one chip.
Microprocessor refers to any system using a
single silicon chip. There are a wide range of such devices today including
cameras, digital watches and monitoring devices such as security systems.
Co-processor chips are integrated circuits that assist the CPU with specific processing tasks. One well-known example is
the maths co-processor that helps with mathematical computations.
3. There are 5 key components of the CPU.
Please describe them below (see p. 260, Table 8.6)
Component
|
Description
|
Function
|
Register
|
An electric
cu=circuit capable of temporarily storing binary digits
|
Stores the next
instruction, temporary results, memory addresses and data to be processed
|
Arithmetic logic
unit (ALU)
|
A collection of
electronic circuits used to perform arithmetic and logical functions
|
Arithmetic
functions: +, =, *, /
Logical functions:
AND, OR, NOT
Compares numbers so
the program can make decisions.
|
System clock
|
An accurate, very
fast electronic timer
|
Synchronisation
transfers data at a particular clock pulse. The faster the system clock, the
more instructions per second that can be executed by the CPU
|
Control unit
|
Controls all
operations in the CPU
|
Sends data along the
correct buses and controls the fetch- execute cycle.
|
Buses
|
Wires or metallic
strips etched into circuit boards along which signals are transferred one
component to another
|
Each bus line (data
line) has a set number of paths along which bits travel equivalent to the
number of bits in the computer’s word length. The ‘wider’ the bus the quicker
data can be transferred from one location to another.
|
4. Include a picture of the CPU's
components below. There is a diagram on p. 259 (Fig. 8.25) that you can use, or
you can use a similar diagram that follows.
5. Software is used to control robots.
Identify 3 types of software that is used to control robots and give an
overview of the software. Lego NXT can be one example, see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_Mindstorms_NXT
-EZ-builder robot control is an example of
robot controlling software which gives you options to choose from on how you
wish to control your robot, using preset commands or programming a robot from
scratch.
-LEGO NXT is another great software for
controlling your robot, providing simple programs from the menus or other
programs thorough Bluetooth or USB.
-KUKA software is another software that
offers great programs and lots of additional features like HUB technologies to
make programming robots even more interesting.
6. Provide an overview of a PLC
7. Give 3 examples of where PLC's can be
used.
Manufacturing Industry
- Lead acid battery plant, complete manufacturing
system
- Extruder factory, silo feeding control
system
Travel Industry
- Escalator operation, monitored safety
control system
- Lift operation, monitored safety control
system
Aerospace
- Water tank quenching system
Printing Industry
- Offset web press print register control
system
- Multistage screen washing system
Food Industry
- Filling machine control system
- Main factory feed water pump duty
changeover system
Agriculture
- Glasshouse heating, ventilation &
watering system
No comments:
Post a Comment