Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES
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AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES
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Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 13
Grade code: 1.4.1.LI.2
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.4.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.4.1.LI.2
Theme: AUTOMATION AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
Subtheme: AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES
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In Ghana today, from the traffic lights in Accra to the machines that fill and seal our "pure water" sachets, automated systems are everywhere. But how are these complex systems built, repaired, and understood? The answer lies in a special language made of symbols and lines called technical drawings or schematics. These are the blueprints that engineers and technicians use to communicate exactly how a system should be put together. In this lesson, we will learn to read this language, understand what the symbols mean, and see how they guide us in building real-world automation systems. Mastering this skill is the first step to becoming a confident and competent technician or engineer.
This topic is about learning the "language" of engineering drawings for automation. We will explore four main types of drawings. A. What is a Schematic Diagram?
A schematic diagram is a simplified drawing that uses standard symbols to represent the components of a system and lines to show how they are connected. It is not a realistic picture; its purpose is to show the *function* and *connections*, not the physical appearance or layout.
Think of it like a recipe: the symbols are the ingredients (motor, switch, valve), and the lines are the instructions ("connect this to that"). B. Types of Schematics in Automation
We will focus on four common types you will encounter. Electrical Schematics: These show the flow of electricity. They are used for everything from lighting circuits to complex motor controls. Key Components & Symbols: Power Source (DC): A battery. The long line is positive (+), the short line is negative (-). Symbol: `-|i-` Power Source (AC): A circle with a sine wave inside. Symbol: `(~) ` Switch (Push Button, Normally Open - NO): An incomplete circuit that is closed only when you press it. Symbol: ` --o o-- ` Switch (Toggle): A switch that stays in position (on or off). Symbol: ` --o/ o-- ` Lamp/Light Bulb: A circle with a cross inside. Symbol: ` (X) ` Motor: A circle with the letter 'M' inside. Symbol: ` (M) ` Resistor: A zigzag line. Symbol: ` --/\/\/\-- ` Wires: Straight lines. A dot where lines cross means they are connected. No dot means they are not connected.