This lesson provides an overview of ALT 4: Embedded Systems.

You'll learn about the task, review relevant skills from previous modules, brainstorm ideas, form teams, and reflect on your approach. 

ALT 4 focuses on designing and building automated applications using embedded systems. Embedded systems are specialised computing devices integrated into larger systems to perform dedicated functions, such as in smart home devices, medical equipment, or automotive controls. For example, a thermostat that automatically adjusts room temperature based on sensor inputs is an embedded system.

These systems have significant societal impacts, improving efficiency in healthcare (e.g., wearable monitors), transportation (e.g., traffic light controllers), and environmental monitoring (e.g., air quality sensors).

Before diving into ALT 4, let's review what you've learnt in prior modules. This will help you build on your existing skills, particularly around digital and analogue inputs.

From Introduction to Python: You learnt about programming in Python and specifically using Micro:bits, which are embedded systems. 

You created projects such as:

• Step Counter Pedometer: Using accelerometer for analogue input to count steps, teaching data measurement and storage.
• Compass Navigator: Utilising magnetometer for direction sensing, demonstrating analogue data handling and output display.
• Light Clapper: Responding to sound inputs (analogue) to control lights (digital output), showing input-output integration.
• Reaction Time Tester Game: Measuring response times with buttons (digital input) and timers, focusing on event-driven programming.
• Radio Messaging Network: Sending and receiving messages via radio (digital communication), illustrating networked embedded systems.
• Swing Force Logger: Logging force data from accelerometer (analogue), emphasising data collection and analysis.
• Sound Sampler and Playback Device: Capturing and playing back sounds (analogue input/output), covering signal processing basics.

In ALT 4: Embedded Systems, you'll work in teams to implement a microprocessor system that uses sensors and controls digital inputs and outputs as part of an embedded system. This task is a central part of computer science, focusing on the design and application of computer hardware and software. By building the component parts of a computer system, you'll deepen your understanding of how computers work and how they can be embedded in our everyday environments.

The artefact you create must demonstrate the following outcomes:

• Use and control digital inputs and outputs within an embedded system (e.g., buttons for input, LEDs for output).
• Measure and store data returned from an analogue input (e.g., from sensors like temperature or light, storing readings in variables or files).
• Develop a program that utilises digital and analogue inputs (e.g., integrating sensor data to trigger actions).
• Design automated applications using embedded systems (e.g., a simple alarm system that responds to environmental changes).

ALTs are team-based tasks, designed to encourage collaboration and allow you to combine your strengths with others. Teams should consist of 2-4 students, making it easier to divide tasks and share ideas effectively.

Instructions:

1. Discuss with your classmates to form a team based on shared interests or complementary skills. For example, if you're strong in hardware assembly, pair up with someone who enjoys programming embedded code.
2. Assign roles within the team to ensure everyone contributes uniquely: for instance, one person could focus on sensor integration, another on software development, someone else on hardware prototyping, and another on testing and debugging.
3. Decide on communication tools to stay connected, such as shared online documents, and group chats. Also, set up a regular meeting schedule, perhaps weekly check-ins, to track progress and address any issues.

Now, apply what you've learned by brainstorming ideas for your artefact. Spend 20-30 minutes to generate creative concepts for embedded systems, focusing on sensor projects.

Step 1: Think of a real-world problem solvable with sensors and automation. Examples: A soil moisture sensor for plant watering, a motion detector for security, or a temperature monitor for a greenhouse.

Step 2: List key features, including digital (e.g., button to reset) and analogue (e.g., sensor readings) elements. For a moisture sensor: Read analogue soil data, store values, and activate a digital output (e.g., buzzer) if dry.

Step 3: Sketch a simple diagram of components and flow. Include a microcontroller, sensor, and output device.

Step 4: Consider hardware (e.g., Micro:bit with soil sensors) and programming (Python or similar). Note societal links, like environmental conservation through efficient watering.