Electronic Systems

with
Control Studio
Published by:
New Wave Concepts Limited
St. Andrew’s House
59 St. Andrew’s Street
Cambridge CB2 3BZ
[Link]

Issue 3, April 2003

Copyright © 2001-2003
New Wave Concepts Limited

All rights reserved. This book is copyright

material but permission is granted to make
photocopies of pages for classroom use provided
that the copies are used exclusively within a
purchasing institution. No other reproduction,
storage in a retrieval system or transmission in
any form or by any means may be made without
prior permission from the copyright holder.
Introduction Electronic Systems with Control Studio 3

T
he purpose of this book is to introduce the
principles of problem solving with electronics.
It assumes no previous knowledge of
electronics and the worksheets provided are
photocopiable within the purchasing education
institution. Teachers are free to adapt them to suit
their circumstances.
Before attempting the first chapter, pupils are
required to be familiar with Control Studio. This can
be achieved by working through the quickstart
sheets in Appendix A.
Once up to speed with Control Studio, pupils can
work through the two main chapters in this book.
Chapter 1 has been designed to provide a grounding
in systems thinking and to teach how electronic
systems function. Chapter 2 builds on this by asking
the reader to apply their knowledge to solve
differentiated real-world problems. Data sheets are
provided in Appendix B as an aid.
Some pupils may wish to make some of the designs
featured in this book. For this purpose, Control
Studio can be linked with PCB Wizard software to
manufacture printed circuit boards.
Electronic Systems with Control Studio will provide
pupils with a practical introduction to electronics,
helping them place the subject in context to the
everyday world. It offers a course that will help
motivate pupils and get them immediately involved
in using a systems approach to solve ‘real life’
problems. We hope the simple, prescriptive nature
of this book will also aid those teachers who are
teaching electronics for the first time.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

Contents Electronic Systems with Control Studio 4

1 Investigating systems 5
Systems 7
Inputs - Switches 10
Inputs - Sensors 12
Inputs - Pulses 15
Outputs 16
Processes - Logic 18
Processes - Bistables 24
Processes - Counting 25
Processes - Timing 28

2 Problem solving tasks 29

Burglar alarm 31
Fire fighting 32
Baby monitor 33
Lighthouse 34
Stopwatch 35
Spin drier 36
Greenhouse 37
Traffic control 38
Factory safety 39
Airlock 40

Appendix A – Quickstart 41

Appendix B – Data sheets 47

Appendix C – Worksheets 53

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Systems Electronic Systems with Control Studio 5

1 Investigating
Systems

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Systems Electronic Systems with Control Studio 6

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Systems Electronic Systems with Control Studio 7

What is a system?
A system is a collection of interconnected parts or
subsystems each of which performs a specific task.
There are many examples of systems in the real
world. A burglar alarm, for example, could be
considered as a system.

Think of more examples of systems in your home.

Modelling a system
Each system is typically modelled using input-
process-output and is often shown using a block
diagram like the one below.

• input subsystems, such as switches or sensors,

represent physical signals from the outside world.
• process subsystems change or combine signals
from the input subsystems, for example counting
or timing.
• output subsystems, such as motors or relays,
use an actuator to change electronic signals from
the process subsystems into physical signals.
• arrows between the subsystems represent signals
moving through the system.

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Systems Electronic Systems with Control Studio 8

Modelling systems with Control

Studio
Control Studio is a tool for modelling electronic
systems on a computer.
Consider a light switch in your home. It could be
represented by the following block diagram:

In Control Studio, the light switch system could be

modelled as:

In this example, a switch acts as an input, the

transistor processes the signal and the bulb acts as
the output.
Each of these blocks is a subsystem.

Signals hold information passing through a system.

In Control Studio, signals are represented by Connectors
between the subsystems.

Connectors between blocks allow the signal to pass

through each subsystem.

Signal
Connector

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 Systems Electronic Systems with Control Studio 9

There are two types of signal, digital and

analogue.

signal Digital signals can be either high or low, depending

voltage High on whether the signal is on or off. Often high is
represented by a 1 and low is represented by a 0.
Low
Join a Switch Unit and a Connector together as
time
shown below.
Switch LED
Digital signal

Low to high
Signal
High to low Level
Changing
Press the switch for a short period. You will notice
the signal level shown on the Connector goes on and
the LED lights up. This is a high digital signal.
This signal goes off when you release the switch.
This is a low digital signal.

signal Analogue signals can be high, low or any value in

voltage High between.

Low Now connect a Light Sensor to a Sensor Unit and

time place a Connector to the right of the Sensor Unit:

Analogue signal

Low to high

High to low

Changing

Move the slider on the Light Sensor up and down.

You will notice that the signal level shown on the
Connector varies accordingly.
This is an analogue signal.

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 Inputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 10
Switches

Switches are used to detect when something happens.

They produce a digital output signal that is either on or
off (1 or 0).
There are several types of switches in Control Studio
including a Push Switch, Reed Switch and Tilt Switch.

Construct the circuit diagram below.

Switch Unit
subsystem

10.1 Try pressing the switch. Does the Bulb turn on or

off?
RECORD
10.2 Look at the Connector to the right of the switch. Is
the signal high or low when you press the switch?

Push Switch
circuit symbol

Replace the Switch Unit with a Latching Switch

connected to a Sensor Unit.

Latching Switch
subsystem

10.3 Press the Latching Switch. Does the Bulb turn on or

off?
RECORD
10.4 Press the Latching Switch again. Does the Bulb turn
on or off?

10.5 Describe how the Latching Switch works.

Latching Switch
circuit symbol
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 Inputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 11
Switches

Replace the Latching Switch with a Tilt Switch.

Tilt Switch
subsystem

11.1 Move the slider upwards to increase the tilt. Does

the Bulb turn on or off?
RECORD
11.2 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?
11.3 Move the slider downwards to decrease the tilt.
Does the Bulb turn on or off?
11.4 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?
11.5 Describe a situation where a Tilt Switch could be
used.

Replace the Tilt Switch with a Reed Switch.

Reed Switch
subsystem

11.6 Move the slider upwards to move the magnet closer.

Does the Bulb turn on or off?
RECORD
11.7 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?

11.8 Move the slider downwards to move the magnet

away. Does the Bulb turn on or off?
11.9 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?

11.10 Describe how the Reed Switch works.

11.11 Name a situation where a Reed Switch could be
used.

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 Inputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 12
Sensors

Sensors are used to detect changes in their surroundings.

They produce an analogue signal that varies depending
on the reading detected.
There are a range of sensors available in Control Studio,
such as a Light Sensor, Moisture Sensor and Temperature
Sensor.

Construct the circuit below.

Light Sensor
subsystem

12.1 Move the slider upwards to increase the light level.

What happens to the Bulb?
RECORD
12.2 Move the slider downwards to decrease the light
level. What happens to the Bulb?
12.3 Does the Bulb light up gradually or switch on
instantly?
12.4 Is the light sensor analogue or digital?

The signal produced by the Light Sensor

is shown in the Connector to the right of
the Sensor Unit.

Move the slider up and down to see how the signal

bargraph changes.
12.5 Suggest three uses for a Light Sensor.
RECORD

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 Inputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 13
Sensors

We can see a graph of the input signal from the

Light Sensor by adding an Oscilloscope and graph to
the circuit.

13.1 Adjust the slider upwards and downwards and draw

RECORD a graph of the signal.

A Comparator can be used with sensors to convert the

analogue signal into a digital signal.

Try inserting a Comparator into the circuit between

the Sensor Unit and the Transistor.
Add a second wire from the Oscilloscope to the link
on the Connector between the Comparator and
Transistor.

Comparator
subsystem

As you adjust the slider on

the Light Sensor, the
Oscilloscope graph will
show two readings: an
analogue input signal and
RECORD a digital process signal.
13.2 Draw a graph of each
signal.

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 Inputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 14
Sensors

Replace the Light Sensor with a Moisture Sensor.

Moisture Sensor
subsystem

Move the slider upwards and downwards to adjust

the moisture level.
Investigate how the Moisture Sensor works with and
without a Comparator. You can do this be looking at
the Connector signal bargraph or by using an
Oscilloscope.
14.1 Is the Moisture Sensor analogue or digital?

RECORD
14.2 Suggest three uses for a Moisture Sensor.

Replace the Moisture Sensor with a Temperature

Sensor.

Temperature
Sensor subsystem

Move the slider upwards and downwards to adjust

the temperature.
Investigate how the Temperature Sensor works with
and without a Comparator.
14.3 Is the Temperature Sensor analogue or digital?

RECORD
14.4 Suggest three uses for a Temperature Sensor.

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 Inputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 15
Pulses

A Pulse subsystem can be used to automatically generate

on/off digital pulses.

Construct the following circuit.

Pulse
subsystem

15.1 Describe the output produced by the Buzzer.

15.2 Turn the dial on the Pulse Unit clockwise. What
RECORD
happens to the output from the Buzzer?
15.3 Turn the dial of the Pulse Unit anticlockwise. What
happens to the output from the Buzzer?
15.4 What does the dial on the Pulse Unit do?
15.5 Suggest two situations where the above circuit could
be used.

Now replace the Buzzer with a Bulb.

Turn the dial on the Pulse Unit clockwise and

anticlockwise.
15.6 Suggest two situations where a circuit like this could
RECORD be used.

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Outputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 16

Output subsystems change electronic signals into physical

signals. The Bulb, for example, converts an electronic
signal into light.
There are a range of different output subsystems in
Control Studio, such as a Bulb, Buzzer, LED and Motor.

Construct the circuit below.

When you press the switch, the Bulb lights up.

16.1 Suggest three uses for a Bulb output subsystem.
RECORD

Replace the Bulb with a Buzzer.

Press the switch and the Buzzer will sound.

16.2 Suggest three uses for a Buzzer output subsystem.
RECORD

Replace the Buzzer with an LED.

Press the switch and the LED will light up.

16.3 Suggest a system where an LED could be used
RECORD instead of a Bulb.

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 Outputs Electronic Systems with Control Studio 17

Outputs require a driver subsystem to power them. You

should always include a driver in your system.

The circuits you have constructed so far have all

included the Transistor subsystem as their driver.
This subsystem provides enough power to drive the
Bulb, Buzzer and LED outputs.
Transistor
subsystem These are known as low power outputs.
Replace the Buzzer with a Motor.

Press the switch. You will notice that the Motor does
not turn.

The Motor does not turn because it requires more power

to drive it than the Transistor can provide. The Motor is
an example of a high power output.

Replace the Transistor with a Darlington driver.

Darlington
subsystem Press the switch again. The Motor should now turn.
Replace the Motor with a Solenoid. Investigate what
happens to the Solenoid when it is driven by a
Transistor driver and a Darlington driver.
Swap the Solenoid with a Relay and repeat the
above investigation.

17.1 Are the Relay and Solenoid subsystems low power

RECORD
or high power outputs?

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 18
Logic

Electronic products, such as watches and computers,

function by making decisions. These decisions are made
using logic gates.
Logic gates are so called because they may be opened
and closed to signals.
Logic gates take digital input signals (0 or 1), process
them and produce a digital output signal. The output
signal depends on the state (0 or 1) of the input signals.

The Inverter is a simple logic gate. It is also known

as the NOT gate.
Construct the circuit below.

Inverter (NOT
gate) subsystem

18.1 Press the switch. Is the Bulb on or off?

RECORD
18.2 Describe how the Inverter works.

The function of an Inverter can be represented by a

truth table. Truth tables show the inputs and
outputs of logic gates, with 0 for a low (off) signal
and 1 for a high (on) signal.
18.3 Complete the truth table for an Inverter.
RECORD

Input Output
0 ?
1 ?

Inverter (NOT
gate) circuit
symbol

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 19
Logic

Construct the AND gate circuit below.

switch A

AND gate
subsystem switch B

19.1 Try pressing switch A. Is the Bulb on or off?

19.2 Try pressing switch B. Is the Bulb on or off?
RECORD

19.3 Now try pressing both switches A and B together. Is

the Bulb on or off?

To press two switches at the same time, hold down the

Shift key while clicking on each switch.

19.4 Describe how the AND gate works.

RECORD

The function of an AND gate can be represented by

a truth table, with 0 for a low (off) signal and 1 for
a high (on) signal.
19.5 Complete the truth table for an AND gate.
RECORD

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0 ?
0 1 ?
1 0 ?
1 1 ?

AND gate
circuit symbol

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 20
Logic

Modify your previous circuit by replacing the AND

gate with an OR gate.

You can replace the AND gate subsystem block by

dragging the OR gate on top of the AND gate.

OR gate Your circuit should now look like this:

subsystem

switch A

switch B

20.1 Try pressing switch A. Is the Bulb on or off?

20.2 Try pressing switch B. Is the Bulb on or off?
RECORD

20.3 Try pressing switch A and switch B together. Is the

Bulb on or off?
20.4 Describe how the OR gate works.

The function of an OR gate can be represented by a

truth table, with 0 for a low (off) signal and 1 for a
high (on) signal.
20.5 Complete the truth table for an OR gate.
RECORD

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0 ?
0 1 ?
1 0 ?
1 1 ?
OR gate
circuit symbol

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 21
Logic

The NAND gate is equivalent to an AND gate

followed by an Inverter.

NAND gate
=
subsystem

Construct the circuit below.

switch A

switch B

21.1 Describe how the NAND gate works.

RECORD
21.2 Try pressing the switches and complete the truth
table for a NAND gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0 ?
0 1 ?
1 0 ?
1 1 ?

21.3 Suggest one situation in which a NAND gate could

RECORD be used.

NAND gate
circuit symbol

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 22
Logic

The NOR gate is equivalent to an OR gate followed

by an Inverter.

NOR gate
=
subsystem

Construct the circuit below.

switch A

switch B

22.1 Describe how the NOR gate works.

RECORD
22.2 Try pressing the switches and complete the truth
table for a NOR gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0 ?
0 1 ?
1 0 ?
1 1 ?

22.3 Suggest one situation in which a NOR gate could be

RECORD used.

NOR gate
circuit symbol

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 23
Logic

The XOR gate is an ‘exclusive OR’ logic gate.

Construct the circuit below.

switch A
XOR gate
subsystem

switch B

23.1 Try pressing the switches and complete the truth

RECORD table for an XOR gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0 ?
0 1 ?
1 0 ?
1 1 ?

23.2 Describe how the XOR gate works.

23.3 Suggest one situation in which an XOR gate could be
RECORD
used.

XOR gate
circuit symbol

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 24
Bistables

Often in electronic systems it is useful to remember when

something has happened.
This can be done using a bistable, often known as a
latch. The bistable accepts a digital signal and
remembers its state (which can be either 0 or 1).

Construct the circuit below.

Latch (Bistable)
subsystem

Press the switch for a short while. You will notice

that the Bulb lights while the switch is held down.
24.1 What happens to the Bulb when you release the
RECORD switch?
Insert a Positive Latch subsystem in your circuit
between the Switch Unit and the Transistor.
Your circuit will now look like this:

switch A

Bistable circuit
switch B

24.2 Press switch A. What happens to the Bulb when you

release the switch?
RECORD
24.3 Press switch B. You will notice that the Bulb goes
out. What function does switch B perform?

24.4 Describe how the bistable works.

24.5 Suggest two situations where a bistable could be

used.

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 25
Counting

Electronic systems often need to count how many times

something happens. A digital clock, for example, counts
the minutes and hours during the day.
The Counter keeps track of the number of times its input
signal goes from low (0) to high (1).

Counting systems are always digital and they count

digital pulses.
Pulses can come from switches, sensors and pulse
generators.
Counter
Construct the following circuit.
subsystem

25.1 Press the switch. What happens to the Counter?

RECORD
Now replace the Debounced Switch with a Light
Sensor connected to a Sensor Unit.
Also, as the Light Sensor produces an analogue
signal, we need to add a Comparator between the
Sensor Unit and the Counter.

25.2 Move the slider upwards. What happens to the

Counter?
25.3
RECORD
Move the slider downwards. What happens now to
the Counter?
25.4 Write a sentence to describe how the Counter
works.

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 26
Counting

Construct the following circuit.

26.1 What happens to the Counter when you press the

RECORD switch?

The reason the Counter stops working properly is because

the Counter needs a clean input signal. When a normal
switch is pressed, the metal contacts bounce producing
several very quick on and off pulses. The Debounced
Switch prevents this from happening.

The Pulse Unit is often used with a Counter to make

it count automatically.
Replace the Switch Unit with a Pulse Unit.

Pulse
subsystem

26.2 Turn the dial on the Pulse Unit clockwise. What

happens to the Counter?
RECORD
26.3 Turn the dial of the Pulse Unit anticlockwise. What
happens to the Counter?

We can see a graph of the pulses by adding an

Oscilloscope and graph to the circuit.

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Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 27
Counting

Add an Oscilloscope and graph to your circuit.

27.1 Turn the dial on the Pulse Unit clockwise. Draw a

graph of the pulses.
RECORD
27.2 Now turn the dial on the Pulse Unit anticlockwise.
Draw a graph of the pulses.

Logic gates are sometimes used to control the flow of

pulses to a Counter.

Construct the following circuit.

27.3 What happens to the Counter when the switch is not

pressed?
RECORD
27.4 Press the switch. Now what happens to the Counter?
27.5 Describe how the circuit works.

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 Processes Electronic Systems with Control Studio 28
Timing

For many purposes it is useful to make something happen

for a fixed period of time.
The Delay unit can be used to create a delay in your
circuit. It takes a digital input signal and produces a
delayed digital output signal.

Construct the following circuit.

Delay
subsystem Press the switch. You will notice that the Bulb stays
on for a short time after you have released the
switch.
28.1 Turn the dial anticlockwise. Is the time delay
increased or decreased?
RECORD
28.2 Turn the dial clockwise. Is the time delay increased
or decreased?
See what happens when you replace the Bulb with a
Buzzer.

We can see a graph of the delayed signals by adding

an Oscilloscope and graph to the circuit.

28.3 Draw a graph of the input signal and a graph of the

RECORD delayed output signal.
Adjust the dial and investigate what happens to the
two signals shown on the Oscilloscope graph.

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Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 29

2 Problem
Solving
Tasks

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Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 30

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 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 31

Burglar Alarm
You have been asked to design a
burglar alarm system for a house.
A pressure pad is to be placed under
a carpet. An alarm should sound
when someone steps on the carpet.

Design D1 The system needs to detect when there is a weight

pressed on the carpet.
First consider the inputs. Do you think a sensor or a
switch should be used?
Now think about a suitable output for the system,
remembering it needs to generate a sound.
Which driver provides enough power for the output
you have chosen?

D2 Draw a block diagram and describe how your system

will work.

D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works

as you described in question D2.

Extension Modify your design so that the alarm stays on for a

short time after the burglar has been detected.
(Hint: the inputs and outputs will stay the same, but
you need to think how the processing of the inputs
will change.)
E1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

E2 Model the system in Control Studio and test it

works.

Advanced Extend your design so that the alarm only sounds

extension when it is nighttime.
A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.
A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works.

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 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 32

Fire Fighting
A local company has asked you to
design a fire security system.
The system should detect when
there is a fire and operate a
solenoid to open a water pump.

Design D1 Consider which type of input sensor could be used

to detect a fire.
Which output would you use?
Which driver provides enough power for the output?
D2 Draw a block diagram and describe how your system
will work.
D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works
as you described in question D2.

Extension The system should continue putting the fire out until
it is manually reset. Modify your existing design to
achieve this.
E1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

E2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

Advanced Improve your design further to detect both smoke

extension and heat.
A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution and describe
how it works.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 33

Baby Monitor
A young couple want you to
design a system to monitor
their baby while it is sleeping.
It should sound an alarm if
the baby becomes too hot.

Design D1 The system needs to detect temperature. Which

type of input sensor should be used?
Now think about a suitable output that could be
used as an alarm.
Which driver provides enough power for the output
you have chosen?

D2 Draw a block diagram and describe how your system

will work.
D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works
as you described in question D2.

Extension The couple want you to design a new system which

sounds an alarm if the baby’s nappy is wet.
Consider the inputs and outputs for the system and
then draw a block diagram.
E1 Describe how your solution will work.

E2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

Advanced Combine the two systems together that you have

designed so far to sound an alarm if the baby gets
extension
too hot or its nappy needs changing.
A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

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 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 34

Lighthouse
Design an automatic control
system for a lighthouse that
switches the light on when it
gets dark.

Design D1 Consider which

input you would
use to detect
when it is dark.
Think about a suitable output for the system.
Which driver provides enough power for the output
you have chosen?

D2 Draw a block diagram and describe how your system

will work.
D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works
as you described in question D2.

Extension You have been asked by the lighthouse keeper to

improve your design so that the light flashes on and
off. (Hint: You will need logic to solve this problem.)
E1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.
E2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works.

Advanced Improve your design further so that it can be

controlled by an on/off switch.
extension
A1 Draw a block diagram for your system and describe
how it works.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

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 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 35

Stopwatch
You have been asked
to design a stopwatch
display for your local
athletics club.

Design D1 The stopwatch needs to count up in seconds.

Consider a suitable input that can do this.
Next, think about an output that will act as a
suitable display. (Hint: the subsystem you need
combines processing and output.)

D2 Draw a block diagram and describe how your system

will work.

D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works

as you described in question D2.

Extension Modify your design so that the stopwatch only

counts when you press a button. (Hint: You need to
consider adding logic to your system.)

E1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

E2 Model your system in Control Studio to make sure it

works properly.

Advanced The system you have designed stops counting as

soon as you let go of the switch. Improve it so that
extension
the stopwatch keeps counting when you release the
switch. You will also need to be able to stop the
stopwatch counting.

A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

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 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 36

Spin Drier
Design a simple spin drier system.
It should dry clothes inside the spin
drier when you press a switch.

Design D1 Consider a suitable

input to the system.
Which type of output
could be used to spin
the clothes?
Which driver provides enough power for the output
you have chosen?

D2 Draw a block diagram and describe how your system

will work.
D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works
as you described in question D2.

Extension The clothes take a while to dry. Modify your system

so that the drier keeps spinning for a period after
you have pressed the button.
E1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.
E2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works.

Advanced Improve your design so that it stops automatically

extension when the clothes are dry.
A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

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 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 37

Greenhouse
A gardener wants to install an
automatic watering system in
his greenhouse. The soil must
not be allowed to become dry.
Design a suitable system to do
this.

Design D1 Consider which input to use in order to detect when

the soil becomes dry.
Now think about a suitable output for the system,
remembering that it needs to pump water.
Which driver provides enough power for the output
you have chosen?
D2 Draw a block diagram and describe how your system
will work.
D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works
as you described in question D2.

Extension The gardener is worried that watering the plants in

the daytime may cause the leaves to be scorched.
The plants should only be watered at night.
E1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.
E2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works.

Advanced The gardener now wishes to conserve water. Modify

extension your design so that the water is only pumped
intermittently.
A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.
A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 38

Traffic Control
Design a system to control the
flow of a single lane of traffic. A
‘GO’ sign should light up when a
workman presses a switch.

Design D1 Consider a suitable input to the

system.
Which type of output could be
used to illuminate the sign?
Which driver would be suitable to power the output?

D2 Draw a block diagram of your system and describe

how it works.

D3 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works as you described in question D2.

Extension Modify your design so that it automatically controls

the flow of traffic. Use a green LED subsystem to
represent a green ‘GO’ sign.
E1 Draw a block diagram of your solution.

E2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

Advanced Your solution has proved dangerous. Improve it to

include a red ‘STOP’ sign as well as a green ‘GO’
extension
sign (Hint: this is a tough one!).

A1 Draw a block diagram of your solution.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 39

Factory Safety
You have been asked to design a safety
control system for a drilling machine in a
local factory.
A drill motor is controlled by an on/off
switch. The motor should only operate
when the safety guard is down.

Design D1 First consider the inputs.

Which type of switch or
sensor would you use?
Think about a suitable output for the system.
Finally consider how it will be possible to detect
when it is safe to operate the motor.
D2 Draw a block diagram of your system and describe
how it works.
D3 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works as you described in question D2.

Extension Extend your system so that the drill automatically

stops when it becomes too hot.
E1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.
E2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works.

Advanced Modify your design further so that the drill

automatically stops and an alarm sounds when it
extension
gets too hot. (Hint: this is a tough one!).

A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Tasks Electronic Systems with Control Studio 40

Airlock
You have been asked to design a
door in a spacecraft that opens
when you press a switch. The
door should open long enough
for you to climb through before
it closes automatically.

Design D1 Think about which input you will use to detect when
a switch is pressed.
Use a solenoid to control the lock on the door. The
door opens when the arm on the solenoid moves
down.
Consider which subsystem you can use to keep the
door open for a short period.
Which driver provides enough power for use with
the solenoid?

D2 Draw a block diagram of your system and describe

how it works.

D3 Model your system in Control Studio and test it

works as you described in question D2.

Advanced Now design a new system to control an airlock.

extension There are two doors, an inner door and an outer
door, each controlled by a switch. The solenoid lock
for each door should only open when the switch is
pressed and the other door is closed.
Hint:
this is
a very
tough
one!

A1 Draw a block diagram for your solution.

A2 Model your system in Control Studio and test it
works.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

Quickstart Electronic Systems with Control Studio 41

A Appendix A
Quickstart

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Quickstart Electronic Systems with Control Studio 42

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 Quickstart Electronic Systems with Control Studio 43

1 Drawing systems’ circuits

Systems are modelled by joining subsystem blocks together.

Using the Gallery

You can add subsystem blocks to your designs

by using the Gallery.

1 Click on the Gallery button.

2 The Gallery window will then appear.

You will see a series of buttons called
input, process, output and so on.
Click on one of these buttons to see the
subsystem blocks in that group. You can always click on
the Home button to go
back to the menu.

Adding subsystem blocks

Once you can see the subsystem

block you want in the Gallery:
1 Move the mouse over the block in
the Gallery. Press and hold down
the left mouse button.
2 With the left mouse button still
held down, move the mouse to
drag the block onto the circuit.
3 Finally, release the mouse button
when the subsystem block is in
the required position.

The subsystem blocks must be now linked together with Connectors. See
Quickstart 2 ‘Working with Connectors’ for more information.

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 Quickstart Electronic Systems with Control Studio 44

2 Working with Connectors

Connectors are used to join subsystem blocks together.

Adding a Connector

1 Move the mouse over a Connector

in the Gallery.
2 Press and hold down the left
mouse button. With the mouse
button still held down, move the
mouse to drag the Connector onto
the circuit.
3 As you drag the Connector near a
subsystem block it will attach itself
to one side.
4 Finally, release the mouse button
when the Connector is in the
required position.

Understanding signal flow

Arrows on Connectors determine the direction in which

signals flow between subsystem blocks.

When a Connector is placed next to a subsystem block the direction of the

arrow determines whether the signal acts as an input or as an output.

input signal When the arrow points into a

subsystem block, the Connector
provides an input signal.

output signal When the arrow points away from

a subsystem block, the Connector
provides an output signal.

Click on a Connector arrow with the right mouse button

to change the direction in which the signal flows.

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 Quickstart Electronic Systems with Control Studio 45

3 Working with wires

Wires allow signals to flow between separate parts of your circuit.

Adding a wire

1 To add a wire, first move the

mouse over a link connection.
When you are over a wiring link,
the cursor will change shape.
2 Press and hold down the left
mouse button.

3 With the mouse button still held

down, move the mouse to drag the
wire onto another link connection.
When you go over a suitable link,
the cursor will change shape.
4 Release the mouse button. A wire will
then connect the two links.

Adding a bend to a wire

You can add a bend to a wire.

1 Click with left mouse button twice in
the middle of the wire.
2 Move the mouse over the black
square that appears.
3 Press and hold down the left mouse
button.
4 With the mouse button still held
down, move the mouse to bend the
wire.

5 Release the mouse button

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 Quickstart Electronic Systems with Control Studio 46

4 Using the Oscilloscope

The Oscilloscope allows you to display signal readings in a graph.

Adding the oscilloscope

1 Move the mouse over the
Oscilloscope in the Gallery (it
can be found at the bottom of
the Measure group).
2 Press and hold down the left
mouse button. With left
mouse button still held down,
move the mouse to drag the
Oscilloscope onto the circuit.
3 Finally, release the mouse
button when the Oscilloscope
is in the required position.

Wiring up the Oscilloscope

4 Move the mouse over one of the
wire links on the Oscilloscope.
5 Press and hold down the left mouse
button. With the mouse button still
held down, move the mouse to add
a wire.
6 Now move the mouse over another
wire link. When you release the
mouse button a wire will appear
between these two links.

Viewing the graph

7 Click with the right mouse button
over the Oscilloscope and choose
Add Graph.
8 Use the mouse to draw a box
where the graph is to appear.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

Data Electronic Systems with Control Studio 47

B Appendix B
Data Sheets

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

Data Electronic Systems with Control Studio 48

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 Data Electronic Systems with Control Studio 49

Inputs

Switch Unit
10 Detects a force. Output signal goes
high when the switch is pressed.

Latching Switch
Detects a force. Output signal goes
10 high or low when the switch is
pressed. Connect to a Sensor Unit.

Tilt Switch
Detects movement. Output signal
11 goes high when the sensor is
tilted. Connect to a Sensor Unit.

Reed Switch
Detects magnetism. Output signal
11 goes high when a magnet is near.
Connect to a Sensor Unit.

Light Sensor
Detects light. Output signal
12 increases as light increases.
Connect to a Sensor Unit.

Moisture Sensor
Detects moisture. Output signal
14 increases as moisture increases.
Connect to a Sensor Unit.

Temperature Sensor
Detects temperature. Output signal
14 increases as temperature increases.
Connect to a Sensor Unit.

Pulse Unit
15 Generates a continuous stream of
high then low digital pulses.

Debounced Switch
Detects a force. Output signal goes
26
high when the switch is pressed.
Suitable for use with a Counter.

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 Data Electronic Systems with Control Studio 50

Processes

Comparator
Converts an analogue signal into a
13
digital signal. Normally used with
analogue input sensors.

Inverter (NOT gate)

Reverses its digital input signal.
18 The output signal goes low when
the input signal is high.

in A in B out
AND gate
0 0 0
19 Combines two
0 1 0
digital signals.
1 0 0
See truth table.
1 1 1
in A in B out
OR gate 0 0 0
Combines two 0 1 1
20 digital signals. 1 0 1
See truth table.
1 1 1

in A in B out
NAND gate 0 0 1
Combines two
21 0 1 1
digital signals.
1 0 1
See truth table.
1 1 0
in A in B out
NOR gate 0 0 1
Combines two
22 0 1 0
digital signals.
1 0 0
See truth table.
1 1 0

in A in B out
XOR gate 0 0 0
23 Combines two
0 1 1
digital signals.
1 0 1
See truth table.
1 1 0

Positive Latch (Bistable)

Remembers when the input digital
24
signal goes high. Output signal
stays high until it is reset.

Counter
Counts the number of times the
25 digital input signal goes from low
to high.

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 Data Electronic Systems with Control Studio 51

Processes (continued)

Delay
Provides a time delay. The output
28 signal goes high for a short time
after the input signal goes high.

Drivers

Transistor
Converts an electrical signal into a
17
stronger signal that is able to drive
low power output subsystems.

Darlington
Converts an electrical signal into a
17
stronger signal that is able to drive
high power output subsystems.

Outputs

Bulb
16 Converts an electrical signal into
light. Use with a Transistor driver.

Buzzer
16 Converts an electrical signal into
sound. Use with a Transistor driver.

LED
16 Converts an electrical signal into
light. Use with a Transistor driver.

Motor
Converts an electrical signal into
17 rotational motion. Use with a
Darlington driver.

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 Data Electronic Systems with Control Studio 52

Outputs (continued)

Relay
Converts an electrical signal into
17 movement of a switch. Use with a
Darlington driver.

Solenoid
Converts an electrical signal into
17 linear motion. Use with a
Darlington driver.

Signals

The signals shown in the data sheets are as follows:

Digital signal Analogue signal

Low to high Low to high

High to low High to low

Changing Changing

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Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 53

C Appendix C
Worksheets

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Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 54

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 55

Name Class

Inputs Switches (see pages 10 and 11 for questions)

10.1 Press the switch. Does the Bulb turn on or off?

10.2 Is the signal high or low when you press the switch?

10.3 Press the Latching Switch. Does the Bulb turn on or off?

10.4 Press the Latching Switch again. Does the Bulb turn on or off?

10.5 Describe how the Latching Switch works.

11.1 Increase the tilt. Does the Bulb turn on or off?

11.2 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?

11.3 Decrease the tilt. Does the Bulb turn on or off?

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 56

Name Class

Inputs Switches (see page 11 for questions)

11.4 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?

11.5 Describe a situation where a Tilt Switch could be used.

11.6 Move the magnet closer. Does the Bulb turn on or off?

11.7 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?

11.8 Move the magnet away. Does the Bulb turn on or off?

11.9 Look at the Connector. Is the signal high or low?

11.10 Describe how the Reed Switch works.

11.11 Name a situation where a Reed Switch could be used.

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 57

Name Class

Inputs Sensors (see pages 12 and 13 for questions)

12.1 Increase the light level. What happens to the Bulb?

12.2 Decrease the light level. What happens to the Bulb?

12.3 Does the Bulb light up gradually or switch on instantly?

12.4 Is the Light Sensor analogue or digital?

12.5 Suggest three uses for a Light Sensor.

13.1 Draw a graph of the signal produced by the Light Sensor.

Light Sensor signal graph

signal
voltage

time

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 58

Name Class

Inputs Sensors (see pages 13 and 14 for questions)

13.2 Draw a graph of each signal.

Analogue signal graph Digital signal graph

signal signal
voltage voltage

time time

14.1 Is the Moisture Sensor analogue or digital?

14.2 Suggest three uses for a Moisture Sensor.

14.3 Is the Temperature Sensor analogue or digital?

14.4 Suggest three uses for a Temperature Sensor.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 59

Name Class

Inputs Pulses (see page 15 for questions)

15.1 Describe the output produced by the buzzer.

15.2 Turn the dial clockwise. What happens to the output from the Buzzer?

15.3 Turn the dial anticlockwise. What happens to the output from the Buzzer?

15.4 What does the dial on the Pulse Unit do?

15.5 Suggest two situations where the Buzzer circuit could be used.

15.6 Suggest two situations where the Bulb circuit could be used.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 60

Name Class

Outputs (see pages 16 and 17 for questions)

16.1 Suggest three uses for a Bulb output subsystem.

16.2 Suggest three uses for a Buzzer output subsystem.

16.3 Suggest a system where an LED could be used instead of a Bulb.

17.1 Are the Relay and Solenoid subsystems low power or high power outputs?

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 61

Name Class

Processes Logic (see pages 18 and 19 for questions)

18.1 Press the switch. Is the Bulb on or off?

18.2 Describe how the Inverter works.

18.3 Complete the truth table for an Inverter.

Input Output
0
1

19.1 Press switch A. Is the Bulb on or off?

19.2 Press switch B. Is the Bulb on or off?

19.3 Press both switches A and B together. Is the Bulb on or off?

19.4 Describe how the AND gate works.

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 62

Name Class

Processes Logic (see pages 19 and 20 for questions)

19.5 Complete the truth table for an AND gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0
0 1
1 0
1 1

20.1 Press switch A. Is the Bulb on or off?

20.2 Press switch B. Is the Bulb on or off?

20.3 Press both switches A and B together. Is the Bulb on or off?

20.4 Describe how the OR gate works.

20.5 Complete the truth table for an OR gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0
0 1
1 0
1 1

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 63

Name Class

Processes Logic (see pages 21 and 22 for questions)

21.1 Describe how the NAND gate works.

21.2 Complete the truth table for a NAND gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0
0 1
1 0
1 1

21.3 Suggest one situation in which a NAND gate could be used.

22.1 Describe how the NOR gate works.

22.2 Complete the truth table for a NOR gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0
0 1
1 0
1 1

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 64

Name Class

Processes Logic (see page 23 for questions)

23.3 Suggest one situation in which a NOR gate could be used.

23.1 Complete the truth table for an XOR gate.

switch A switch B Bulb

0 0
0 1
1 0
1 1

23.2 Describe how the XOR gate works.

23.3 Suggest one situation in which an XOR gate could be used.

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 65

Name Class

Processes Bistables (see page 24 for questions)

24.1 What happens to the Bulb when you release the switch?

24.2 Press switch A. What happens to the Bulb when you release the switch?

24.3 Press switch B. What function does switch B perform?

24.4 Describe how the bistable works.

24.5 Suggest two situations in which a bistable could be used.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 66

Name Class

Processes Counting (see pages 25 and 26 for questions)

25.1 Press the switch. What happens to the Counter?

25.2 Move the slider upwards. What happens to the Counter?

25.3 Move the slider downwards. What happens now to the Counter?

25.4 Write a sentence to describe how the Counter works.

26.1 What happens to the Counter when you press the switch?

26.2 Turn the dial on the Pulse Unit clockwise. What happens to the Counter?

26.3 Turn the dial of the Pulse Unit anticlockwise. What happens to the Counter?

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 67

Name Class

Processes Counting (see page 27 for questions)

27.1 Turn the dial on the Pulse Unit clockwise. Draw a graph of the pulses.
Pulse graph
signal
voltage

time

27.2 Now turn the dial on the Pulse Unit anticlockwise. Draw a graph of the pulses.

Pulse graph
signal
voltage

time

27.3 What happens to the Counter when the switch is not pressed?

27.4 Press the switch. Now what happens to the Counter?

27.5 Describe how the circuit works.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 68

Name Class

Processes Timing (see page 28 for questions)

28.1 Turn the dial anticlockwise. Is the time delay increased or decreased?

28.2 Turn the dial clockwise. Is the time delay increased or decreased?

28.3 Draw a graph of the input signal and a graph of the delayed output signal.

Input signal graph Delayed output signal graph

signal signal
voltage voltage

time time

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 69

Name Class

Task

D1 Design your system.

D2 Draw a block diagram for your system and describe how it works.

D3 Model the system in Control Studio and test it works.

Click on the print button to print out your finished design.

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]

 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 70

Name Class

Task

E1 Extension. Draw a block diagram for your solution.

E2 Extension. Model the system in Control Studio and test it works.

Click on the print button to print out your finished design.

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 Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 71

Name Class

Task

A1 Advanced extension. Draw a block diagram for your solution.

A2 Advanced extension. Model the system in Control Studio and test it works.

Click on the print button to print out your finished design.

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Worksheets Electronic Systems with Control Studio 72

Copyright © 2001-2003 New Wave Concepts Limited. [Link]