Combining Components as Input Devices

Input devices: These components are vital for any control system as they provide the necessary data to inform the system about the status of the environment or user interaction. These devices vary significantly per the nature of the data they provide.

Sensors

Sensors: Sensors are used to sense various environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, light, etc. They are key input devices in a control system.
Thermistors: A specific type of sensor that measures temperature. The resistance of a thermistor changes with temperature, enabling temperature measurements.
Light dependent resistors (LDRs): These sensors change their resistance according to light intensity. They are commonly used in light-sensitive applications such as outdoor lighting and security systems.
Pressure sensors: Devices which sense force by converting it into an electrical signal.
Infrared sensors: These sensors can detect certain types of objects or events based on infrared radiation. They’re often used in proximity switches, line-following robots, and object detectors.

Switches: Basic input devices that cut off or establish a connection in an electrical circuit. Can be used to manually start or stop a process in a control system.
Buttons: Another type of switch, buttons are typically used to momentarily make or break a circuit, triggering an action in the control system.
Reed switches: Operated by an applied magnetic field and often used in security systems as door/window sensors.

Digital interfaces: Provide a way for control systems to interact directly with digital devices.
Keyboard and Mouse: Traditional inputs that control systems can utilise. Can send a variety of commands based on the button pressed or the mouse’s movement.
Touchscreens: Modern input device that combines display and tactile input. Enables a wide range of potential inputs as part of a control system.

Critical component: Input devices are a critical part of control system since they provide the real-world data for the system to perform its control functions.
User interface: These devices generally serve as the interface between the system and the user, allowing the user to provide commands and adjust system behaviour.
Adaptive behaviour: With the correct input devices, control systems can adapt to changes in the environment or new user instructions. Without them, systems could not respond effectively to real-world scenarios.