,*ly ?

"'

I Describingtechnicalfunctions I
andapplicatíons I

1 a ln pairs, think about two or three productsyou use

regularlyand discuss the followingquestions.
\r
o What are the main functionsof the products? (Whatdo they do?)
o What are their different applications? (What are they used for?)

What do you know about Global Positioning System (GPS) devices? ln

pairs, describe their main function, and give some examples of different
applications of GPS devices.

2a )1.1 Paula, a design engineer for a CPS manufacturer, is discussing product

development with José, a senior manager new to the company. Listen to
the conversation and complete the following notes.
o the primaryapplication
of GPS (l )
associatedapplications Trackingsystemsfor (2)
Trackingsystemsfor (3)
more creative features (4) alarms
(s) buttons
o not technicalinnovations (6) the technology

Complete the following extracts from the discussion with words that come from use.
1 Then Aou've got associated applications, - thot are reloted to
navigating...
2 ... traclsing sAstems Aou can for monitoring deliverg vehicles ...
3 . .. from the end-- point of view, accuracg is no longer the main selling
point. Most devices are accurate enough. The keg is to make them more

in use
Unit 1 Technotogy
 I

3a Match the GPS applications (1-6) to the descriptions (a-fl.

1 topographicalsurveying- a naügation and safet1rat sea

2 geotogical.
exploration \ b setting out positionsand levetsof new structures
3 ciüt engineering \ c mappingsurhce features
4 avionicsequipment d appticationsin miningand the oil industry
5 maritimeapplications e highwaynavigationand vehictetracking
6 GPs in cars and trucks f air trafficcontrol,naügation and autopilotsystems

ln pairs, practise explaining the applications of GPS in Exercise 3a to a

colleague who has limited knowledge of the devices using the following
phrases.
usedfor -ing usedto usefulfor another/ a similar use

4a Complete the following extracts from the conversation by underlining the

correct words.
1 ... there's a setting on the CPS that allows/prevents it to detect the
movement...
2 ... an alarm sounds to warn gou, and allows/prevents the boat from drifting
unnoticed.
3 ... and enables/ensures that gou don't lose track of where gou were, which
then enables/ensures uou to turn round and come back to the same
point...

Match the words in Exercise 4a to the synonyms.

: makessure 2- I : permits 3 = SIoPS

Complete the following extract from the user's manual of a GPS device
using the verbs in Exercise 4a. Sometimes, more than one answer is
possible.

The core function of your GPS receiver is to (1) you to locate your precise
geographicalposition. To (2) - the device to function, it receives at least three
signals simultaneously from the GPS constellation - 30 dedicated satellites which
(3) - receivers can function anywhere on earth. To (a) - extremely precise
positioning and (5) errors from occurring due to external factors, this device is
designed to receive four separate signals (see enhanced system accuracy on page 18).

In pairs, explain the main functions and applications of a product made

by your company or a product you know about. Student A, you are
an engineering manager; Student B, you are a new employee. Use the
language from this section and the phrases in the box. Swap roles and
practise again.

I see.5o ... 0K. In otherwords... So vou mean...

Unit 1 Technology
in use
I Exptaininghowtechnologyworks
6a ln pairs, look at the picture and discuss the following questions.
o How do you think a space elevatorwould work?
. What could it be used for?
. What technicalchallengeswould it face?
o How seriouslydo you think the conceptof space elevatorsis
being taken at present?

b Read the following article and compare it to your answers in

Exercise 6a.

lN his 1979 novel,Ihe Fountainsof Paradise,ArthurC ÍorexpIosiveand environmentaIly unÍriend|y rockets.

Clarke wroteabout an elevatorconnecting the earth's However,the altitudeof orbitalspace - a colossal35,790
surfaceto space. Threedecades later,this science- km above the earth- is a measureof the challengefacing
fictionconcept is preparingto take otf in the realworld. engineers.How could such a heightbe reached?
NASA has launchedthe Space ElevatorChallenge,a The answeris by using an incrediblystrongand
competitionwitha generousprizefund,and severalteams lightweight cable, strongenoughto support its own
and companiesare workingon seriousresearchprojects weightand a heavy|oad'The design oÍsuch a cab|eis
aimedat winningit. stilllargelytheoretical.
This would be attached to a base
As its name suggests,a space elevatoris designedto stationon earthat one end and a satellitein geostationary
componentsÍorspace
Íaise things intospace' Sate||ites, orbit(lixedabove a pointon the equator)at the other.Lift
ships, supp|iesÍorastronautstn space stations,and vehicleswould then ascend and descend the cable,
even astronautsthemselvesare examplesof payloads powered by e|ectromagnetic Íorceand control|ed
thatcou|d be tÍansportedjntoorbitwithoutthe need remotelv.

C Match the verbs (l -9) from the text in Exercise 6b to the definitions (a-i).
1 connecting a carried (objects, over a distance)
2 raise b hotdsomethingfirmty/ bearits weight
3 transpoÉed c climb down
4 support d providedwith energy/ moved by a force
5 attached e joining
6 ascend f driven / have movementdirected
7 descend g fixed
8 powered h ctimbup
9 controlled i tift / makesomething go up

7a James, an engineer, Space Elevgfors

is giving a talk on
qble is signiícont.
space elevators. o To (2) - its own weighf, ond be securely (3) _________ o.!
Complete his notes
each end, cable would need phenomenal strenqth_to_weight ratio.
using the correct _
. How could vehicles be (4) _
form of the verbs into cable?
(l-7) in Exercise . Self-containe4 sltergv source problemotic, due to
weight (heavy fuel ol
6c. _ batferies required
c u to (5)
tu \)/ _^) L^ l\
vehic
V
I
enlcle.).
r r \

c Two possible ways round problem:

_*:yt.l"r:,r,ry -,r"l. ut fechnique only ot research stage.

z , ' o l a rp o w e r . B u tw o u l d otuffio*ty.
""ty Not
as cor could bu ,ortrollJ
Yllg_!. ,t:
y:tt::!!:fblem, ,u,rotnly-tb-kq ft f"
.! _-
( // _
t-1\
payloads unmonned.

Unit 1 Technology
in use