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Networking
infoWhy this? Modelling physical control systems makes abstraction concrete through sensed inputs, changing state, decision rules, outputs, and feedback. Simulation, fault testing, and fail-safe design allow us to judge whether automated behaviour is safe, usable, trustworthy, and fit for purpose.
scheduleWhy now? As the final KS3 unit, it synthesises prior learning from algorithms, programming, Boolean logic, computer systems, and testing in a realistic design context. Simulation allows us to integrate and evaluate these ideas through control-system prototypes without requiring physical hardware.
neurologyYou need to know
- A control system has inputs, processing rules, outputs, and feedback.
- Computational abstraction models the state and behaviour of a real-world or physical system by keeping essential variables and rules.
- System state can change over time in response to inputs and prior decisions.
- Thresholds and Boolean conditions convert input data into decisions.
- Sampling interval affects control responsiveness and stability.
- Sensors provide measured input data, and actuators carry out output actions.
- Control logic can be represented as truth tables, Boolean expressions, pseudocode, or code.
- Failure modes include sensor error, stale data, unsuitable thresholds, and actuator failure.
- Safety constraints and fail-safe defaults reduce harm when inputs are missing or anomalous.
- Testing should include normal, boundary, and fault conditions.
- Simulation can test control behaviour and edge cases before any real deployment.
- Prototype evaluation should consider usability, trustworthiness, and fitness for known users.
rocket_launchYou must be able to
- Model a control problem using named inputs, states, rules, and outputs.
- Design and trace threshold/Boolean control rules.
- Build and test a simulation-based control prototype.
- Evaluate control decisions using safety, usability, and trustworthiness criteria for known users.
- Justify improvements using test evidence.
Revision Quiz
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Congratulations! You have completed the quiz.