Systems Engineering Components

This is not an exhaustive list of components you will use across the subject, but a list provided by VCAA of the components you are expected to know.

For each component, should should be able to describe the typical operation, basic implementation, and any formal or common symbolic representation.

Electrotechnological Components

• Electric power sources:
  • alternating current (AC) sources such as generators, and generation
  • direct current (DC) sources such as dynamos, plug packs, batteries, cells, and photovoltaic (PV) cells
• Motors:
  • AC motors
  • DC Motors
  • Stepper motors (uni-polar and bi-polar)
  • Servo motors
  • Brushless and brushed DC motors
• Solenoids
  • push, pull and dual-action solenoids
• Switches
  • momentary (normally open and normally closed)
  • toggle (normally open and normally closed),
  • single and double pole switches
  • single and double throw switches
  • single and ganged switches
  • micro switches
  • reed switches
  • tilt-ball switches
• Relays
  • normally open and normally closed
  • voltage and current ratings
• Resistors
  • fixed-value and variable resistors
  • light-dependent resistors (LDRs)
  • potentiometers
  • thermistors (negative temperature coefficient (NTC) and positive temperature coefficient (PTC))
  • rheostats, including value tolerance and power ratings
  • Resistors in series and parallel combinations
• Capacitors
  • AC and DC types
  • fixed-value and variable
  • polarised and non-polarised
  • ultra and super capacitors, and their voltage ratings
• Diodes
  • signal diodes
  • power diodes
  • light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
  • photodiodes
  • Zener diodes
• Transformers
  • step-up and step-down transformers
• Transistors
  • NPN, PNP and phototransistors
• Integrated circuits (ICs)
• Microcontrollers
• Fixed and variable voltage regulators
• Display devices
  • liquid crystal displays (LCDs),
  • light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
  • organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)
• Input transducers and control devices:
  • microphones, speakers, audio transducers and piezo buzzers
• Diagnostic testing equipment
  • digital multimeters
  • oscilloscopes (real or virtual)
• formal schematic diagrammatic representation of components used in electrical circuits
• Printed circuit board (PCB) artwork, breadboards and Veroboard

Mechanical Components

• Simple Machines
  • Levers
  • Pulleys
  • Inclined planes
  • Screws
• Cranks
• Linkages
  • Ball Joints
• Cams and followers
• Gear types
  • Simple Gears
  • Compound Gears
  • Types: worm, bevel, pinion, spur, crown
• Basic hydraulic and pneumatic components
• Pistons and cylinders
• Belts
• Chains and sprockets
• Springs
  • Compression
  • Tension
• Bearings