The Systems Approach: Inputs, Processes and Outputs
How designers plan electronic systems as three blocks: an input that senses a change, a process that decides what to do, and an output that acts, such as a light or a buzzer.
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Input, process, output ⚙️
Many electronic products can be understood as a system with three blocks. An input senses a change, such as light or heat. A process, usually a microcontroller, decides what to do with that signal. An output then acts in a way the user notices, such as a lamp or a buzzer. Breaking a product into these blocks makes it easier to design.
Key words 🔑
Learn these four terms before you study the systems approach.
Input or output? 🆚
The clearest way to learn the systems approach is to sort devices into inputs and outputs.
Grade 9 thinking 💡
Exam questions give a product and ask you to sort each part into input, process or output. Remember the input senses, the process decides and the output acts. The process is nearly always a microcontroller programmed as a counter, a timer or to make a decision.
Match the block 🔗
- input
- process
- output
- sensor
- the part that senses a change
- the part that decides what to do
- the part that acts in a way the user notices
- an input device that detects a condition like light or heat
Match the device 🧩
- a light sensor
- a switch
- a buzzer
- a lamp
- an input that detects how bright it is
- an input that is turned on by a user
- an output that makes a sound
- an output that gives light
What does the process do? ❓
What does the process block do in a system?
- It decides what to do with the input signal, often using a microcontroller.
- It detects a change in the surroundings.
- It makes a sound or light for the user.
Spot the inputs ✅
Select the TWO input devices.
- A light sensor.
- A switch.
- A buzzer.
- A lamp.
Order the signal flow 🪜
An interactive activity.
Summarise the system 📝
A system has three parts: input, _____ and output. The input block detects a change using a _____. The process block, often a _____, decides what to do. The output block then acts, such as a lamp giving _____ or a buzzer making a _____.
Count the blocks 🔢
An interactive activity.
Find the outputs 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Input, process or output? 🧭
An interactive activity.
Describe a system ✍️
An interactive activity.