Computer Control Devices.Actutators Actuators convert signals from computers into precise linear or rotational movements. A computer can control the sophisticated movements of production line robots by using actuators. Actuators are transducers and are used to take signals from a computer and convert them into some form of motion, for example operating motors, pumps, switches and valves. As part of the control process, digital signals are sent from the computer to an actuator to operate a device. Usually, conversion of the digital signal to analogue is required first (using a DAC).http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-actuator.htm
Alarms Computers can operate buzzers, beepers and bells. These are typically used to alert people to situations that need attention. For example, an alarm may sound when a washing machine has finished its cycle, a battery is low, cooking is complete or a fire has been detected. BuzzersT he buzzers are switched on or off by the actuator Used in cookers, microwave ovens and burglar alarm systemsElectric motorsElectric motors can control direction and speed of rotation. For example, a motor allows a computer to turn the drum of a washing machine at different speeds during the wash and spin- dry cycles and to drive the pump to empty the water. In a greenhouse, an electric motor can be used to open windows. In a cooker, the motor may turn or stir the food. In air conditioning systems, the motor turns on blowers to warm or cool the room. The motor is turned on or off by the actuator. Used in many domestic appliances, Industry and computers http://www.howstuffworks.com/motor.htm Heaters A computer can control a heater to turn it on and off. The heater could be used to warm water in a washing machine, heat chemicals in a production plant or warm the air in a room. Actuators are connected to switches which turn the heater on or off Used in automatic washing machine, cookers, central heating systems and greenhouseshttp://www.wanttoknow.info/mechanicalheaters Lights and lamps Computers frequently control lights, eg turning them on, of or dimming them. Lights operated in this way include street lights, office lights, greenhouse lights, warning lights, and traffic lights. The actuator is connected to the switch that turns the lights on or off Used in security lights and greenhouses Relays A computer can be connected to switches and relays to turn electrial appliances on and off. A computer can operate a valve to control fluids, for example, the flow of water into a waching machine, chemical flows in a chemical plant, or the distribution of drinking water.http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/relay.htm Switches A computer can be connected to switches and relays to turn electrial appliances on and off. A computer can operate a valve to control fluids, for example, the flow of water into a waching machine, chemical flows in a chemical plant, or the distribution of drinking water.ValvesA computer can be connected to switches and relays to turn electrial appliances on and off. A computer can operate a valve to control fluids, for example, the flow of water into a waching machine, chemical flows in a chemical plant, or the distribution of drinking water. |
Computer Output DevicesCRT monitor Applications where space is not a problem. Applications where more than one user may need to view screen simultaneously such as in design use, e.g. when several designers may need to offer suggestions on a prototype
TFT monitor Applications where space is limited such as small offices. Applications where only one person needs to view the screen such as individual workstations Laser printer Applications which require low noise and low chemical emissions, e.g. most networked systems. Applications which require rapid, high quality and high volumes of output, e.g. most offices and schools Inkjet printer Applications which require portability and low volume output, where changing cartridges is not an issue e.g. small offices and stand alone systems. Applications which require very high quality output and where speed is not an issue, e.g. digital camera applications 3D inkjet printer CAD/CAM applications where 3D designs are made by layering of resin powderDot matrix printerApplications where noise is not an issue and copies have to be made, e.g.industrial environments (multipart forms, continuous stationery, labels etc.), car sales and repair companies, manufacturing sites Graph plotter CAD applications, particularly where large printouts are required such as A0 Speakers Any application which requires sound to be output such as multimedia presentations and websites including encyclopaedias. Applications that require musical output such as playing of music CDs and DVD films |