DCIT 309 ASSIGNMENT 4 (10864722)
QUESTION1
An actuator is a tool that transforms energy into physical movement, enabling it to control or
activate a system. For instance, an electric motor is considered an actuator since it takes
electrical energy and transforms it into rotary motion.
Conversely, a sensor is a tool that recognizes alterations in a physical characteristic and
transforms it into an electrical signal. For example, a temperature sensor changes temperature
variations into an electrical signal that can be interpreted by an electronic device.
Actuators and sensors complement each other to achieve a certain goal. Sensors are used to
gather information about the environment or a system, while actuators are used to control or
manipulate it based on the information obtained by the sensors. For example, in an automated
system, a temperature sensor may detect a change in temperature, which is then processed by a
control system. Based on this information, an actuator such as an electric valve may be activated
to regulate the temperature by controlling the flow of a fluid.
In this way, actuators and sensors work together to achieve a desired outcome by continuously
monitoring and adjusting the system based on the sensory inputs.
QUESTION 2
A push button can serve as both a sensor and an actuator, depending on how it is utilized. In its
role as a sensor, a push button acts as an input device that senses physical interaction, such as a
person pressing the button. Here, the button converts the physical interaction into an electrical
signal, which can then be used by a control system as input.
Alternatively, when serving as an actuator, a push button can initiate physical action, such as
activating a light or starting a machine. In this case, the button transforms an electrical signal into
a physical interaction, allowing a control system to control a mechanism or procedure.
In either case, the push button acts as a transducer, converting physical interactions into electrical
signals, or vice versa, to support the operation of a system.
QUESTION 3
Let's consider the example of using embedded systems and IoT to monitor and control the energy
consumption in a university building.
The components that could be used in this scenario include:
Energy Meters: These would be used as sensors to measure the energy consumption in
each room of the building. Energy meters can measure parameters such as voltage,
current, and power, and convert these measurements into electrical signals that can be
transmitted and processed by an IoT system.
Microcontroller: This would act as the control unit, processing the data from the energy
meters and making decisions based on the information. The microcontroller would
receive the signals from the energy meters, process the data, and send commands to the
actuators.
Relays: These would be used as actuators to control the electrical devices in the building,
such as lights and air conditioning units. The relays would receive commands from the
microcontroller and switch the devices on or off as needed, based on the energy
consumption data received from the energy meters.
Communication Module: This would be used to facilitate communication between the
energy meters, microcontroller, and relays. The communication module could use
technologies such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Zigbee to transmit data and commands between
the different components of the system.
In this scenario, the energy meters act as sensors, gathering information about the energy
consumption in the building and transmitting it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller
processes the data and makes decisions based on the information, sending commands to the
relays as actuators to control the electrical devices in the building. The communication module
facilitates communication between the components, allowing the system to operate seamlessly
and efficiently.
QUESTION 4
Microcontrollers are small, self-contained computing devices that are designed to control other
devices or systems. These microcontrollers are widely utilized in embedded systems, Internet of
Things (IoT) devices, and other scenarios where a compact, efficient computing device is
necessary.
There are numerous different types of microcontrollers, each with its own advantages and
disadvantages. A few of the most common types include:
8-bit microcontrollers: These are the simplest and most basic type of microcontroller. They are
designed to be small, low-cost, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for hobbyist
projects and simple applications. 8-bit microcontrollers typically have a limited amount of
memory and processing power, but they are fast enough to handle simple tasks such as reading
sensors and controlling actuators.
16-bit Microcontrollers: Compared to 8-bit microcontrollers, these microcontrollers
provide enhanced processing power and memory, making them suitable for more intricate
applications. With faster processing speed, greater memory, and the ability to handle
demanding tasks like image processing and audio playback, 16-bit microcontrollers are a
superior option for more complex projects.
32-bit microcontrollers: These are the most advanced type of microcontroller and offer
the highest level of performance. They are designed for demanding applications, such as
robotics and automation, where high processing power and large amounts of memory are
required. They are capable of handling complex algorithms, data-intensive tasks, and
multi-tasking with ease.
Microcontrollers with Arm architecture: These microcontrollers use the widely adopted
Arm processor architecture, which is commonly found in smartphones, tablets, and other
electronics. Arm-based microcontrollers offer high performance and low power
consumption, making them a popular choice for IoT and wearable devices.
When choosing a microcontroller, it is important to consider the requirements of the application,
such as processing power, memory, speed, and power consumption. 8-bit microcontrollers are
suitable for simple applications, while 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers are better suited to
more complex tasks. Arm-based microcontrollers are ideal for applications that require high
performance and low power consumption.
QUESTION 5
A photoresistor, commonly referred to as a light-dependent resistor (LDR), is a resistor that
alters its electrical resistance in accordance with the amount of light it receives. Photoresistors
are composed of a material that increases its conductivity when exposed to light, causing the
resistance to drop. They have a wide range of applications in light control and sensing, such as
automatic street lighting and light-sensitive switches, as well as in security systems to detect
changes in light levels and trigger alarms. Photoresistors are cost-effective and versatile
components that play a significant role in a variety of embedded systems and IoT applications.
