PIC Circuit Index & 112 Circuit Index
Resources Feature: Phone PIC
Chip Factory Logic System CFLS (Free Software from TEP)

Electronics Teaching and learning as part of D&T requires a great deal of content to be sourced, used and understood. This site provides access to content in the form of PDF publications, circuits, PCB files and ‘how to’ guidance for teachers and students across a range of projects from simple single transistor modules to more sophisticated microcontroller devices.We have also included some ‘smart’ modules that can be integrated with other materials that require a minimum of electronic knowledge.  Regardless of the exam syllabus being followed the growing library of ideas and applications will prove useful to students and teachers alike.

TEP Electronic Module ( e-modules) Resources

TEP FM Radio and Low Cost FM radio

For teachers looking for a self contained module to integrate into product design this FM radio represents a good value unit providing a sound basis to enable students to concentrate on form, construction and aesthetics yet providing a functional end product. PCB is already populated and requires few soldered connections to complete.  A range of spares are available to support the kit.  An alternative lower cost FM radio module is also available that use 2AAA batteries and all additional components already assembled to the board. (TEP gallery support for this product)

 Sound Recorder

This is a great little unit for integrating into a larger system or product design. The facility to record 20 seconds of sound and retains the recording on a non volatile chip. Re-recording is easy and the size of the module plus batteries provides scope for embedding speech, instructions or warning sounds into a product.

The Memo Pad is alternative to the sound recorder module.  With a very thin PCB and surface mounted components the Memopad features tactile push button controls and additional microphone and loudspeaker. Due to its low profile it is easily embedded in a range of outcomes.
 

Smart Module  This is a self contained‘smart module’ that allows a single input and output to be connected. The device can be programmed to respond to input voltage changes from a range of sensors including: an LDR, Thermistor or probes.  There are 4 preset options using a jumper link that enables students to control turn-on, turn-off and time delays.  The output will drive electric motors, LED’s lamps and Buzzers and provides scope for students to‘design in’ limited intelligence into a product.  The module operates on 3-6 Volt supplies.

Using a threshold control-variable resistor built in users can also control the input level at which the module turns outputs on or off.  The unit comes complete with screw terminal edge connectors for quick assembly and experimentation and two input sensors. The module is useful for demonstrating thresholds, presetting automatic functions and reusable across a number of class assignments. Due to its small size it is also ideal for integrating into Graphic Products and Product Design prototypes to provide realistic functionality. The unit can be used as a self contained system or to drive a more complex system.

Electroluminescent Panel & Wire

Flexible EL is an exciting development in that the material can be cut and shaped into any form including curved or bent into shape. When connected to a minature inverter circuit supplied the High voltage (50-150 Volts) generated by the 3V supply creates a desirable intense luminescent glow visible in darkness over 100metres. This provides an entirely new opportunity to build in backlighting and shaped light sources for a wide family of products and projects. Its low profile is well suited to Graphic Products as well as Product Design.  Additional inverters and panel material are available separately. An choice of green/blue or white panel is available. The Starter pack comes complete with leads, EL panel, inverter and alternative power supplies. 

Phoneflash is a device that provides a flashing LED sequence when it detects an incoming or outgoing call on a mobile phone. The near field electromagnetic radiation activates the Phoneflash which continue to  flash a sequence in a preset pattern for up to 20 seconds. Self powered by two on-PCB cells the module also provides an optical or low voltage (2V) input into other devices and circuits. The module will trigger from a variety of EMG sources including ‘ noisy’ electric motors. The extreme low cost of the module already makes it a favorite for a number of Key Stage 3 projects and the mobile phone actuation provides a limited degree of long distance remote control.

Thermochromic Film is a material exhibiting interesting thermochromic ink properties as its temperature is changed. Liquid crystals embedded in a thin film orient themselves changing the reflectivity and hence the colour of the film. The film is flexible and can be shaped into surfaces and products. Various heat sources can be utilized or alternatively by passing a small voltage across a resistance wire behind the film, patterns, shapes and text can be generated.  Due to the low cost and available sheet size whole class projects at Key Stage 3 are possible. Graphic Products, Product Design and Electronic products provide wide scope for the use of this remarkable material.

The IQ Controller is a popular choice at Key Stage 3 as an inexpensive sequential controller. It provides teachers with a re-useable or consumable module to embed into a range of products or artifacts.  The IQ controller is PIC based and allows pupils to programme a sequence of events with on/ off control of 3 outputs. Direct drive of device such as lamps, buzzers and motors, variable speed control and pause and reset / reprogramme functions are all key features. With up to 99 lines of program, on-board push button programming and simple edge or terminal block connection to devices the IQ is a great starting point.  For developing Systems and Control projects and Product designs with alarms, delays, sensors, lighting effects, sequences and simple robotic control the IQ has no equal.  It‘s compact size allows even small products to exhibit limited yet real intelligence. (TEP Data support for this product PDF 320kb)