Integrated and Controlled Systems

Integrated and Controlled Systems are the type of system you are required to design and produce across Unit 3 and 4 of Systems Engineering.

Integration is about combining different parts of a system to work together seamlessly. Think about a microwave - the plate only spins when the microwave is running, the microwave can only operate when the door is closed, the light turns on when the door opens, but also while the microwave is running. All of thses systems need to work togather properly for a good user experience, and for the system to achieve its goal.

Integrated means that your system is made up of multiple electrotechnologic and/or mechanical sub-systems. Controlled refers to managing and directing the behaviour or operation of a system to achieve a desired outcome.

Sub-systems

You System will be made up of a range of sub-systems that must work separately, but also function as a single unit. If you consider a mountain bike, there are many subsystems including the pedals/crank/chain drive system, the gear system, the brake system and the steering system. Those systems could even be broken down into smaller sub-systems, such as the gear system into front and rear gear systems, and each into gear levers and derailleurs.

Each of these sub-systems operates individually, but all need to operate effectively in order for the system to work as a whole.

Feedback

Your Unit 3/4 System will need to make use of a feedback loop. This means your system monitors internal or external parameters, and reacts to them. For example: an elevator door not closing, and reopening if someone waves their hand between the doors. Not every sub-system needs to have a feedback loop.