Process devices
Purpose of process devices
A device, usually an integrated circuit, that controls the process functions of a system. take the signal from the The place where a force enters a system. stage of a system and act on it by changing it in some way - for example, introducing a time delay, counting the number of times something happens or making decisions. An electronic component that can be programmed to perform different functions., such as microcontrollers, are often used for this purpose.
Semi-conductors
A material that lets electricity pass through it., such as copper wire, allow electrical current to flow through, whereas electrical Material that is a poor conductor of electricity or heat. do not allow electrical current to flow through, eg PVC plastic that surrounds wires to make them safe.
A material that has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor and an insulator. contain a material, such as silicon, that controls whether it is going to To allow electricity, heat or other energy forms to pass through. the electrical current or prevent it - depending on how it is connected to power. A An electrical device that allows current to flow in one direction only. is a semi-conductor as it allows the electrical current to flow one way but not the other.
Other elements, such as boron and phosphorus, can be added to silicon to change its properties to that of a semi-conductor. This is called The process of adding other elements, such as boron and phosphorous, to silicon to give it the correct properties to be a semi-conductor..
Integrated circuits (ICs)
A chip, used in many areas of electronic engineering including a computer CPU. are tiny chips that contain An electrical component that restricts the flow of electrical charge. Fixed-value resistors do not change their resistance, but with variable resistors it is possible to vary the resistance., Circuit component which stores and discharges electrical current. They are made from two parallel metal plates separated by an insulator (called a dielectric). and Components which do not conduct electricity unless they are turned on by a (different) electrical current. This means they can be used as switches, amplifiers and in other ways., which work together to complete the process they have been designed for, eg a timer, counter or A computer chip used instead of a CPU that contains a processor, memory and inputs/outputs..
Image caption, Dual in line integrated circuit
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They are small and used in smaller products and to reduce outer packaging or An exterior case or enclosure.. They cost less than average-sized components used together in a circuit.
Microprocessors
An integrated circuit that contains all or most of the individual elements of a central processing unit (CPU). are the main The electronic component within a computer that acts upon the instructions of a computer program. inside a computer and are designed to be programmed to perform different functions.
They contain small transistors, resistors, diodes and capacitors to make up the circuit inside, meaning all the controls are in one place. They are used in a lot of products from car keys to the car itself, and from electronic toys to mobile phones.
