Components

You should remember from KS3 and KS4 that a system is a group of components that work together to make something happen. There are many different kinds of system but the object of any system is to process information, usually in the form of energy changes. The type of components used to build a system will depend on the energy source being used.

If the energy input into a system is:

	*Movement -* then the components used to build the system are known as *mechanisms* .
	*Oil under pressure -* then the components used to build the system will be Hydraulic components.
	*Air under pressure -* then the components used to build the system are *Pneumatic* components.

(These are collectively known as mechanical components because they all involve movement)

Electricity - then the components used to build a moving system will be
Electrical or Electronic components.

Few systems use just one type of component. Most systems, particularly at the INPUT and OUTPUT stages use transducers to convert one form of energy into another form. These transducers (Motors, Solenoids etc. are components used to interface one type of system with another.) Motors for instance often connect electronic control systems to mechanical systems. Solenoids connect electronic control systems to pneumatic or hydraulic control systems.

This section of the site provides background information on the components and their applications in systems design.