GCSE+Electronics+Coursework+-+Getting+Started

toc **GCSE Electronics Coursework .... Getting Started!** media type="custom" key="3964987" = Overview = A **design** **brief** is a basic description of what the client or customer wants. The client can be your parents, siblings family friend, relative or anyone who asks a designer to produce a design. Links to sites with some great ideas and advice:
 * @http://www.edutek.ltd.uk/GCSE_projects.html
 * @http://www.doctronics.co.uk/kits.htm

= Project Ideas and Guidance = Electronics coursework needs to be set in the context of solving a problem using an Electronic System, rather than simply identifying a system that you are going to construct. The list below gives suggestions of suitable problems to be solved at GCSE level. It is not exclusive. The key to all good Electronics coursework is a clear and detailed Specification. All solutions must contain at least **ONE** active process device for best scores you should include two process devices.
 * The problem to be solved should be focused on the content of the GCSE Specification.
 * You should be able to complete the whole coursework within 40 hours.
 * The coursework must be individual - group activities are not permitted.
 * Having identified the problem to be solved, this then forms the Aims and Needs for your coursework Specification.

=** Vehicle problems **= An Electronic system to:-
 * alert a car driver when the road temperature falls below 0°C.
 * switch on the side lights of a car when darkness falls.
 * sound an alarm when someone attempts to break into a vehicle.
 * remind the driver that the headlights have been left switched on.
 * remind the driver that a passenger is not wearing a seat belt.
 * replace the mechanical flasher unit in older cars.

= Bicycle problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * sound an alarm when someone attempts to steal a bicycle.
 * display the speed of a bicycle.
 * health and safety features for the rider.

= Home security problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * switch on an electric lamp when darkness falls.
 * switch on the front porch light of a house when darkness falls.
 * alert the occupier that there is someone at the front door.
 * alert a person who is hard of hearing that there is someone is at the front door.
 * alert the occupiers that there is smoke in the home.
 * alert the occupier that there is fire in the home.
 * alert the occupier that there is an intruder.
 * sound an alarm when someone attempts to steal an object.

= Domestic problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * time how long food has been cooking for.
 * display the time that food has been cooking.
 * maintain the temperature of a tropical fish tank.
 * maintain the temperature of hair curling tongs.
 * remote controller holder which detects missing controllerss

= Entertainment problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * amplify the output from a portable MP3 player to operate a loudspeaker.
 * generate random numbers for playing board games.
 * determine which contestant in a quiz first knows the answer to a question.
 * count the number of laps model racing cars have made around a race circuit.
 * keep score for a cricket match.
 * an interactive educational toy for young children.
 * model train that follows a track

= Shop/Retail outlets problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * identify when a customer enters or leaves the premises.
 * monitor shoppers movements, reduce shoplifting.
 * monitoring purchases, and stock levels.
 * protect valuable merchandise.
 * point of sales displays - to alert and attract customers to new products.

= Music problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * increase the strength of the output signal from an electric guitar to operate a loudspeaker.
 * help a musician keep in time.
 * help a musician tune a guitar.
 * help a musician practice scales for exams

= Test Equipment problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * determine the state of a battery.
 * measure the value of unmarked capacitors.
 * measure light intensity.
 * measure temperature.
 * measure reaction times.
 * display the logic state of a point in a digital circuit.

= Gardening problems = An Electronic system to:-
 * alert a gardener when the temperature falls below 0°C.
 * control the temperature of a greenhouse.
 * control the humidity of a greenhouse.
 * automatically water plants.
 * display the maximum and minimum temperature.

In industry - a business or company that requires a new design, either employ a designer/design team or they employ a specialist design company to work on a specific contract.

The design brief is an outline of what the client is looking for. It summarizes the background to the problem, and the reasons for why the problem needs a solution. Alternatively the design brief may highlight the potential for improving an existing problem.

A design brief includes the following key important factors - which are the primarily needs of the intended client / customer:
 * Form and function
 * Quality standards
 * Performance
 * Intended Markets / Customers
 * Size
 * Maintenance
 * Production Methods
 * Cost
 * Regulations
 * Scale of production

= Function = The designer needs to answer the following question:
 * What will the product be use for?
 * Where will it be used?
 * Who will use it?
 * How will they use it?

= Quality Standards = The designer will need to consider the relevant standards that relate to the new product. It may relate to the physical characteristics of the product and or to safety standards. E.g. The type of paint a wooden toy may be painted with, the amount of electricity that is allowed into an electronic product. etc. There are laws and standards to ensure products meets standard requirements, such as **ISO 9000**. (ISO = International Organisation for Standardisation, visit their website at http://www.iso.org) Check out local standards here in Hong Kong, and make comparisons with European and American standards.

= Performance = Performance and function are closely related to each other, the designer needs to consider how well a product will do a task and how long the product will need to last.

= Intended Market = The product will be aimed at a particular market and the designer will need to define that market i.e. who will be the customers.
 * What are their needs and wants?
 * How will the new product appeal to them?

= Size = The designer needs to consider the overall size of the product, this is related to its use and similar products on the market. Size can also mean the weight of the product. Sometimes, a large sized product is desirable to give the impression of value, for example a house or a car. On the other hand a small sized product, may be required, for example a mobile phone or mp3 player - pocket sized - miniturization of electronic components.

= Maintenance = Products do not last forever. Parts wear out, products need to be serviced, components replaced, this is known as maintenance. The designer must consider how the product will be maintained, from simple features such as replacing a battery, to the materials used in the product (durability), to the expected length of time the product is wil be fashionable. Sustainability and Green issues must be considered.

= Production Methods =

= Design Ideas - Getting Started = = Project Proposal =
 * Overview
 * Communication
 * Producing drawings
 * Quick guide to perspective drawing
 * Quick guide to isometric drawings
 * Quick guide to oblique drawings
 * Quick guide to orthographic drawings
 * Quick guide to the types of line used in technical drawing
 * Quick guide to dimensioning drawing

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Abridged and adapted from : Steve Wallis and Neil Godfrey, Manufacturing GCSE, Nelson Thornes 2005