How does a washing machine make use of digital electronics?

[yonese]

Homework Statement

Why wouldn't a washing machine be able to operate without digital electronics, or how does digital electronics make its operation possible?

Relevant Equations

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I know what Boolean algebra and logic gates are, but I am having a hard time to describe how washing machines operate on digital electronics. Here's my attempt

'Washing machine have various functions like different cycle settings for various temperatures or cycle duration, or a delayed start are made possible with the use of digital electronics. Digital electronic circuits are usually made from large assemblies of logic gates. Washing machines can have various levels of functionality, so they are quite complex which means they would make use of Boolean algebra to operate. Conditions will depend on the machine cycle, and so outputs of each condition will be different.'

I'd like to include a bit more detail, as there is a word limit of 100

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement:: Why wouldn't a washing machine be able to operate without digital electronics,

Is that really part of the problem statement? Washing machines existed long before digital electronics.

Beyond that, your answer is okay. I'd focus on all of the things that having a more intelligent controller can do to optimize the act of doing the laundry.

Also, there is a bonus answer that I'll try to give a hint about. Not many people know about it outside of the folks who design the electronics and electromechanical systems for appliances like washing machines.

Spoiler

Can you think of how the digital controller might use information about the inrush current into the washing machine's motor at startup? You should be able to find the answer with some Google searching and refining your search terms. Be sure to include the search term reliability.

 

[Keith_McClary]

Mine can detect an off-balance load in the spin cycle (which can lead to excess vibration, causing the machine to walk about). It then slows down and tumbles back and forth, and then tries again once or twice. I guess all this could be done with mechanical clockwork, but digital is cheaper and more reliable.