5 Jamelia has a greenhouse that she uses to grow fruit and vegetables. She needs to make sure the temperature in the greenhouse stays between 25 °C and 30 °C (inclusive). A system that has a temperature sensor and a microprocessor is used to maintain the temperature in the greenhouse. The system will: • open a window and turn a heater off if it gets too hot • close a window and turn a heater on if it gets too cold. Describe how the system uses the temperature sensor and the microprocessor to maintain the temperature in the greenhouse. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8]

5 Eight from: − Sensor send data/readings/signal to microprocessor − Data is converted from analogue to digital (using ADC) − Microprocessor compares/checks data to stored values/range of values … − … If data is greater than 30 / above the range microprocessor sends signal to open window and to turn heater off − … If data is below 25 the microprocessor sends signal to turn on heater and to close window − … If data is between 25 and 30 / within the range no action taken − Actuator is used to operate heater/window − Whole process is continuous 8

5 A security light system is used by a factory. The light only comes on when it is dark and when movement is detected. The light will stay on for 1 minute before switching off. Sensors and a microprocessor are used to control the security light system. (a) Identify two sensors that would be used in the security light system. Sensor 1 … Sensor 2 … [2] (b) Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor control the security light system. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [8]

5(a) − Light sensor − Motion sensor // infra-red sensor 2 5(b) Eight from: − Sensors send data to microprocessor − Data is converted to digital (using ADC) − Microprocessor compares data to stored value(s) … − … if one value or neither values are within range/out of range/match no action is taken − … If both values are out of range/in range/match microprocessor sends signal to switch light on … − … 1-minute timer is started − Actuator used to switch on/off light − When timer reaches 1 minute, microprocessor sends signal to switch light off − Whole process is continuous 8 (a) You must identify two specific sensors that would be used in the security light system, such as a light sensor and a motion sensor. (b) You need to describe the process in detail, explaining how the sensors collect data, how the microprocessor processes it by comparing it to stored values, and how it controls the light and timer, including the role of an actuator and the continuous nature of the process.

9 A washing machine uses sensors and a microprocessor to control the washing cycle of clothes. (a) A sensor is used in each of the given tasks. Identify one suitable sensor that would be used for each task. Each sensor given must be different. Task Sensor checking the water is 30 °C checking the water acidity level after detergent is added checking the weight of the clothes to make sure that the machine is not overloaded [3] (b) Describe how the sensor and the microprocessor are used to make sure the water remains at 30 °C. … … … … … … … … … … … … [6]

9(a) One mark per each correct sensor. Task Sensor checking the water is 30 °C Temperature checking the water acidity level after detergent is added pH checking the weight of the clothes to make sure that the machine is not overloaded Pressure 3 9(b) Six from: − Sensor sends data to microprocessor − Data is converted from analogue to digital (using ADC) − Data is compared to stored value (of 30) If data is below 30 then a microprocessor sends signal is sent to a heater to heat the water up/add hot water − if data is above 30 then a microprocessor sends signal is sent to turn the heater off to allow the water to cool down/add cold water − Actuator used to turn headset on/off // Actuator used to add water − If data is 30 then no action is taken − It is a continuous process 6

7 A room has an automatic lighting system. Electric lights are automatically turned on when a person enters the room and the natural light level in the room is 10 or less. Explain how sensors and a microprocessor are used to control the electric lights in the room. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … [7]

7 Any seven from: • Uses light sensor and Infrared / Motion / Pressure sensor • Sensors send data to the microprocessor • Data is converted from analogue to digital (using ADC) • Microprocessor compares both values to stored values • If motion value is out of range/in range, light value is checked // If light value is 10 then signal sent to turn lights off • Process repeats / is continuous 7

11 A theme park has a game where a player tries to run from the start to the finish without getting wet. The system for the game uses sensors and a microprocessor to spray water at a player as they run past each sensor. Describe how the sensors and the microprocessor are used in this system. … … … … … … … … … … … … [6]

10(b) Four marks for 8 correct outputs Three marks for 6/7 correct outputs Two marks for 4/5 correct outputs One mark for 2/3 correct outputs A B C Working space X 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 4 11 Six from: − Suitable sensor used e.g. motion sensor/pressure sensor − (Analogue) data is converted to digital (using ADC) − Sensor sends data to microprocessor − Data compared to stored data … − … if value outside range/within range water is sprayed − … signal sent to actuator to spray water − … if value within range/outside range no action taken − Continuous loop 6 To score marks, you need to describe at least six distinct steps in the system, covering the sensor's role, data conversion, microprocessor's actions (comparison, decision-making), actuator control, and the continuous nature of the process.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science · 0478

IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Automated and emerging technologies past paper questions

Revise IGCSE Computer Science (0478) — Automated and emerging technologies with real Cambridge past-paper questions grouped by topic, each shown with its marking scheme. Working one topic at a time targets exactly the skill each question tests.

14 free questions from 2016–2021, each with its marking scheme. Open the full topical bank to filter by subtopic, paper, and year.

Automated and emerging technologies in IGCSE Computer Science 0478 exams, 2020–2025

Across 2020–2025, Automated and emerging technologies accounted for 33 questions worth 316 marks in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) papers.