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Category Archives: Embedded Sensors

Embedded Sensor – ADXL345

This article is a continuation of the series on “Embedded Sensor – ADXL345” and carries the discussion on Size, Functional Diagram, Pin Configuration, Application, Features and Benefits, ADXL345 Interface accelerometer, and Projects with this accelerometer. This sensor from Analog Devices

Digital output data is formatted as 16-bit twos complement and is accessible through either an SPI (3- or 4-wire) or I2C digital interface.

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Embedded Sensor – Smoke Sensor

A smoke sensor is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Commercial and residential security devices issue a signal to a fire alarm control panel as part of a fire alarm system , while household detectors, known as alarms, generally issue a local audible or visual alarm from the detector itself. The Analog Smoke/LPG/CO  G as Sensor (MQ2) module utilizes an MQ  -2 as the sensitive component and has a protection resistor and an adjustable resistor on board. The MQ-2 gas sensor is sensitive to LPG, i-butane, propane, methane, alcohol,Hydrogen and . It could be used in gas leakage detecting equipments in family and industry. The resistance of the sensitive component changes as the concentration of the target gas changes.

About

Smoke sensors, also known as smoke detectors or smoke alarms, are devices designed to detect the presence of smoke or combustion products in the air. These sensors are crucial components of fire detection and safety systems, alerting occupants of potential fire hazards in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

There are several types of smoke sensors, including ionization smoke detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors, and combination smoke detectors. Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air between two electrically charged plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ionization process, triggering the alarm. Photoelectric smoke detectors, on the other hand, use a light source and a photosensitive receiver. When smoke particles enter the chamber, they scatter the light, which triggers the alarm. Combination smoke detectors combine ionization and photoelectric technologies for enhanced fire detection capabilities.

Overall, smoke sensors play a critical role in fire prevention and safety, providing early detection of smoke and potentially saving lives and property.

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Embedded Sensor – Proximity

A proximity sensor is a type of sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object or obstacle in close proximity to it without physical contact. It works by emitting an electromagnetic field or beam of electromagnetic radiation, and then detecting changes in the field or radiation caused by the presence or absence of an object. Proximity sensors are commonly used in various applications such as automatic door openers, touchless faucets, mobile devices for screen activation, and industrial automation for object detection.

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Real-Time Usage

On Mobile

           This sensor installed on the front of an iPhone 5 next to the earpiece automatically turns off the touchscreen when the sensor comes within a predefined range of an object (such as a human ear) when using the handset.

On Parking Sensor

Ultrasonic parking sensor: Source

Parking sensor on a fender

Type of Proximity

  • Capacitive Proximity Sensors
  • Inductive Proximity Sensors
  • Magnetic Proximity Sensors
  • Optical Type
    • Photoelectric
    • PhotoCell
    • Infrared Proximity Sensor (Passive Thermal)
  • Ultrasonic Type
  • Hall Effect Type

Proximity Sensor Application

  • Parking sensors, systems mounted on car bumpers that sense distance to nearby cars for parking
  • Ground proximity warning system for aviation safety
  • Vibration measurements of rotating shafts in machinery
  • Top dead centre (TDC)/camshaft sensor in reciprocating engines.
  • Sheet break sensing in paper machine.
  • Anti-aircraft warfare
  • Roller coasters
  • Conveyor systems
  • Beverage and food can making lines
  • Improvised Explosive Devices or IEDs
  • Mobile devices
    • Touch screens that come in close proximity to the face
    • Attenuating radio power in close proximity to the body, in order to reduce radiation exposure
  • Automatic faucets

Other Proximity Sensor

PRD-12-8DP Inductive Type

LJ12A3-4-Z-BY-Inductive-Proximity-Senso

  • Types NPN
  • Type : PNP
    • Data Sheet : Inductive Proximity Sensor Detection Switch PNP Model: LJ12A3-4-Z/BY
    • Specification :
      • A component widely used in automatic control industry for detecting, controlling, and non-contact switching When proximity switch is close to some target object, it will send out control signal.
      • Model: LJ12A3-4-Z/AY
      • Output Type: PNP NC(Normally Close)
      • Detecting Distance: 4mm±10%
      • Theory: Inductive Sensor
      • Wire Type: 3 Wire Type (Brown, Blue, Black)
      • Switch Appearance Type: Cylinder Type, Aluminum Shell
      • Supply Voltage: DC 6-36V
      • Current: 200A
      • Detect Object: Iron
      • Diameter: 12mm
      • Cable Length: 1M/3.3Ft
      • 1 x Inductive Proximity Sensor Switch
    • Price Approximately :340rs (India)

Embedded Sensor – NTC Temperature

This tutorial is about NTC Temperature sensor. Thermistors are temperature-sensing elements made of semiconductor material that have been sintered to display large changes in resistance in proportion to small changes in temperature. This resistance can be measured by using a small and measured direct current, or dc, passed through the thermistor in order to measure the voltage drop produced. These solid state temperature sensors actually act like electrical resistors that are temperature sensitive. That is where the name, a clear combination of the words thermal and resistor, comes from. Ametherm specializes in NTC, or negative temperature coefficient, thermistors.

NTC Temparature sensor

NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors, also known as NTC temperature sensors, measure temperature. They consist of semiconductor materials with a resistance that decreases as temperature increases. NTC thermistors exhibit a nonlinear resistance-temperature relationship, with resistance decreasing rapidly as temperature rises and vice versa.

These sensors are widely used in various applications due to their simplicity, accuracy, and low cost. Some common applications of NTC temperature sensors include:

  1. Temperature Sensing: NTC thermistors commonly measure temperature in electronic circuits, appliances, automotive systems, and industrial processes.
  2. Temperature Compensation: They stabilize the performance of electronic devices and components over a wide temperature range in temperature compensation circuits.
  3. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): NTC thermistors sense and control temperature in HVAC systems, aiding in regulating heating and cooling for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
  4. Food and Beverage Industry: NTC temperature sensors monitor and control temperature during cooking, refrigeration, and transportation in food processing and storage applications.
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Embedded Sensor – Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR)

  • PIRPassive InfraRed Sensor
  • PIR consists of a Pyroelectric sensor which generates energy when exposed to heat.
  • The module covered with Fresnel Lense Cover.
  • BISS0001 micro Power PIR Motion Detector IC.

Infrared Application

  • Passive Infrared Detector for Anti Theft security alarm system.
  • Passive Infrared Detector based Light On/OFF.
  • Automatic Light  ON/OFF.
  • Many other motion Detection Application.

Different PIR Modules

The HC-SR501 PIR Sensor Module

  • Working voltage : 5v to 20V DC
  • Range : 3 to 7 meters
  • Induction Lens size: 23mm.
  • PCB Size: 32mm x24mm.
  • Pins Details
    • Ground pin
    • VCC pin
    • The output pin detects an object when it is at a high logic level.
  • Two potentiometers.
    • One for adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor
    • Adjust the time for the output signal to stay high when an object is detected from 0.3 seconds up to 5 minutes.
  • Jumper Settings (Selecting the trigger modes)
    • non-repeatable trigger – when the sensor output is high and the delay time is over, the output will automatically change from high to low level.
    • Repeatable trigger –  will keep the output high all the time until the detected object is present in sensor’s range

Arduino Example code :

Circuit

Code

/* Arduino PIR Motion Sensor Tutorial */
/* www.ArunEworld.com */

int pirSensor = 8;
int relayInput = 7;

void setup() {
  pinMode(pirSensor, INPUT);
  pinMode(relayInput, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(pirSensor);
  if (sensorValue == HIGH) {
    digitalWrite(relayInput, LOW); // The Relay Input works Inversely
  }
}

Code Explanation

This Arduino code is for a PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensor setup, where a relay is controlled based on motion detection. Here’s an explanation of each part:

SectionExplanation
CommentsThe code includes comments providing information about the purpose of the code and its source.
Variable DeclarationpirSensor = 8;: Declares a variable pirSensor and assigns pin 8 to it for reading the PIR sensor’s output. – relayInput = 7;: Declares a variable relayInput and assigns pin 7 to it for controlling the relay.
Setup FunctionInitializes the pins: – Sets pirSensor pin as INPUT to receive data from the PIR sensor. – Sets relayInput pin as OUTPUT to control the relay.
Loop Function– Reads the digital state from the pirSensor pin to check for motion detection. – If motion is detected (sensor value is HIGH), it turns on the relay by setting the relayInput pin LOW.

Embedded Sensor – BMP280

Bosch Sensortec developed the BMP280 as a barometric pressure sensor. It’s designed with high accuracy and precision to measure atmospheric pressure and temperature. The sensor is commonly used in various applications such as weather stations, altitude measurement, indoor navigation, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

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The BMP280 sensor utilizes a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) pressure sensor to detect atmospheric pressure changes. Additionally, an integrated temperature sensor provides temperature measurements. These measurements enable the calculation of altitude and provide data for weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and other applications.

This sensor communicates with microcontrollers or other devices via standard interfaces like I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). Consequently, it’s easy to integrate into a wide range of electronic systems.

Where Buy this Sensor

  • Ebay
  • Amazon
  • Aliexpress

Data Sheet

  • BMP280 Pressure Sensor

Suggest to study

  • ESP8266 NodeMCU – Pressure Measurement using BMP280 Sensor

Uses

The BMP280 sensor finds applications in various fields due to its ability to measure barometric pressure and temperature accurately. Consequently, here are some common uses:

  • Weather Stations: These stations often employ this sensor to monitor atmospheric pressure and temperature, providing data for weather forecasting and analysis.
  • Altitude Measurement: Altimeters use it to determine altitude above sea level by measuring changes in atmospheric pressure with elevation.
  • Indoor Navigation: In combination with other sensors, this device contributes to indoor navigation systems by providing altitude and temperature data for positioning and orientation.
  • Drones and UAVs: These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) use the BMP280 for altitude control and navigation, enabling precise altitude hold and flight stabilization.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Environmental monitoring systems use the sensor to measure atmospheric conditions in indoor and outdoor environments, including air quality assessment and pollution monitoring.
  • IoT (Internet of Things) Devices: Various applications integrate the BMP280 into IoT devices, including smart home automation, agricultural monitoring, and industrial control systems.
  • Automotive Applications: In automotive applications, the BMP280 can monitor cabin pressure, compensate for altitude in navigation systems, and control climate.

Embedded Sensor – DHT11

Aosong DHT11 is a low cost humidity and temperature sensor with a single wire digital interface. The sensor includes a resistive sense of wet components and an NTC temperature measurement devices, and connected with a highperformance 8bit microcontroller. DHT11 uses a simplified single-bus communication. The sensor is calibrated and doesn’t require extra components so you can get right to measuring relative humidity and temperature.

           DHT11 output calibrated digital signal. It utilizes exclusive digital-signal-collecting-technique and humidity sensing technology, assuring its reliability and stability. Its sensing elements are connected with 8-bit single-chip computer. Every sensor of this model is calibrated in accurate calibration chamber and the calibration-coefficient is saved in type of programmer in OTP memory, when the sensor is detecting, it will cite coefficient from memory. for more details about data sheet of DHT11 sensor click here.

 


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