Electronic Tech

This is the most exciting area of our time. AI (Artificial Intelligence) Robotics, Mechatronics (Mechanisms using electronics) it is all part of the next level of human evolution. But it starts with understanding the electronic technology... as the author of this site, getting something electronic to do something automatically for you... wow that was just amazing aged 8! Even though it was a flashing LED for Lego! But like Lego, electronics is just building blocks that we use to control ever increasingly complex activities.

The best bit, as you read this, this stuff is already evolved. We will look at the evolution from the basics and build from there:

In the beginning... (well as far back as we want to go)...to the basics

Useful sites to support you in your understanding in this area are: https://electronicsclub.info

With in this development the birth of analogue or digital electronics occurred. To find out more check out https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/analog-vs-digital

Chips or Integrated circuits...

The 555 timer circuit began being used in schools to develop electronics in the 1990s and early 2000's. The principles of th timing capability allowed for multiple projects for school students. The Op Amp, less popular but very powerful. But electronics is much more...

Now the tech was programable, you could download to a 'chip' to test a program. This meant in school you didn't need to worry about making circuit boards, you brought a standard board and controlled outputs from inputs or automated 'designed' flowcharts (programs).

You can explore this through genie online : https://www.genieonline.com

There are alternatives, PicAxe was another. Fundamentally you could program with either flowcharts or code.

Now it gets much more interesting...

Programming or code took off with the invention of Raspberry PI and BBC MicroBit in schools. But Ardunio and many other platforms exsist with scratch programming and sophisticated 'add on' tech...whcih still like LEGO... you build up and up. Here is a quick guide:

Some additional sites to support your understanding can be found here:

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/what-is-an-arduino

This technology offers much more complex challenges, a simpler solution. In the UK code is learnt in Computer Science, in the subject of Design Technology or Engineering - we look at how to use this kit to solve problems. Technology means technology and engineering solutions.

Now you begin to write the next chapter in human history!