← Product Design and Technologies syllabus

EnglandProduct Design and Technologies

Systems and mechanisms

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How are electronic systems built from input, process and output components?

The systems approach to electronics using input, process and output blocks, the function of common components (switches and sensors such as LDRs and thermistors, fixed and variable resistors, capacitors, diodes and LEDs, transistors as switches, and relays), Ohm's law and basic circuit calculations, and how components are combined to make a working product.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on electronic systems, covering the input-process-output model, sensors and switches, resistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs, transistors and relays, Ohm's law and basic circuit calculations, and combining components into a product.
14 min answer →

How do gears and pulleys change speed and torque, and how is the ratio calculated?

Gear trains and pulley and belt systems for transmitting rotary motion, the calculation of gear ratio and velocity ratio, how gearing changes output speed and torque, compound gear trains, the trade-off between speed and force, and the related ideas of mechanical advantage and efficiency.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on gears and pulleys, covering gear trains and belt drives, calculating gear ratio and velocity ratio, how gearing trades speed for torque, compound gears, and mechanical advantage and efficiency.
14 min answer →

How do mechanisms change the type, direction and size of motion in a product?

Mechanical devices that transmit and convert motion, including the four types of motion (linear, rotary, reciprocating, oscillating), levers and the three classes of lever, linkages that change direction or magnitude of movement, cams and followers that convert rotary to reciprocating motion, and how mechanisms are selected to produce a required movement in a product.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on mechanical devices, covering the four types of motion, the three classes of lever, linkages that change direction or magnitude of movement, and cams and followers that convert rotary to reciprocating motion.
13 min answer →

How do logic gates and microcontrollers add decision-making to products?

Digital logic and programmable control, including the common logic gates (NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR) and their truth tables, combining gates to make decisions, the role of microcontrollers and PICs in reading inputs and controlling outputs through a stored program, flowcharts to represent control, and the advantages of programmable control over fixed circuits.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on digital logic and programmable control, covering logic gates and truth tables, combining gates, microcontrollers and PICs reading inputs and driving outputs, flowcharts, and why programmable control is flexible.
13 min answer →