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Semester 4: B.Sc Internet of Things
Arduino board pin configuration and architecture
Arduino board pin configuration and architecture
Introduction to Arduino
Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It consists of a microcontroller (typically ATmega series) and allows users to create interactive projects.
Pin Configuration
An Arduino board features several pins that serve different purposes. Pins are generally categorized into digital I/O pins, analog input pins, PWM pins, power pins, and ground pins.
Digital I/O Pins
These pins can be configured as either input or output. They are used to read digital signals (high or low) or send digital signals to devices such as LEDs.
Analog Input Pins
Analog pins read varying voltage levels between 0-5V. They are crucial for sensing physical variables like temperature or light and converting them to digital values for processing.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Pins
Some digital pins also support PWM functionality, allowing the control of the power delivered to devices. This is commonly used for dimming LEDs or controlling motor speeds.
Power Pins
Power pins provide the necessary voltage to the board and connected components. Typical Arduino boards have a 5V pin, a 3.3V pin, and a GND pin.
Architectural Overview
Arduino boards contain a microcontroller, a clock oscillator, flash memory, RAM, and input/output interfaces. The microcontroller executes the code uploaded through the Arduino IDE.
Interfacing with Sensors and Actuators
Arduino can interface with various sensors (temperature, humidity, motion) and actuators (motors, relays). Understanding pin configuration is vital for successful integration.
Concluding Thoughts
Every Arduino project relies heavily on the understanding of its pin configuration and architecture. Mastery of these concepts is essential for anyone studying IoT applications.
Arduino I/O functions and interrupts
Arduino I/O functions and interrupts
Understanding I/O Functions
Arduino uses digital and analog I/O functions to interact with hardware. Digital I/O functions include pinMode, digitalWrite, and digitalRead. Analog I/O is handled through the analogRead and analogWrite functions, allowing for communication with analog sensors and control of devices like motors.
Digital I/O Functions
Digital I/O pins can serve as inputs or outputs. pinMode sets the mode of a pin, digitalRead reads the value (HIGH or LOW) from a pin set as input, and digitalWrite sets the input value to a pin configured as output.
Analog I/O Functions
Analog I/O allows for reading and writing variable signals. analogRead reads the voltage at an analog pin and returns a value between 0 and 1023. analogWrite simulates an analog output by using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) on a pin.
Introduction to Interrupts
Interrupts are signals that pause the execution of the main program to execute a specific task. They enable the Arduino to respond to external events quickly, improving responsiveness in applications.
Types of Interrupts
There are two main types of interrupts: hardware interrupts and software interrupts. Hardware interrupts are triggered by hardware events like button presses, while software interrupts are triggered by code within the program.
Using Interrupts in Arduino
To use interrupts, attachInterrupt function links an external pin to a specific interrupt handler function. The mode parameter can define how the interrupt is triggered: RISING, FALLING, or CHANGE.
Best Practices for Using Interrupts
When using interrupts, keep the interrupt service routine (ISR) short, avoid using delay or long code that could block, and be mindful of variable access and shared resources between ISRs and the main program.
Arduino displays and serial monitor
Arduino displays and serial monitor
Introduction to Arduino Displays
Arduino displays can be used to visually present data, making it easier to communicate information from sensors or other inputs. Common types of displays include LCDs, OLEDs, and seven-segment displays.
Types of Displays
1. LCD Displays: Character and graphic LCDs are widely used for displaying alphanumeric characters and simple graphics. 2. OLED Displays: Known for high contrast and wide viewing angles, OLED displays are suitable for various applications. 3. Seven-Segment Displays: Primarily used for numeric output, these displays are great for simple data presentation.
Connecting Displays to Arduino
Displays are typically connected to Arduino using either digital or analog pins, depending on the display type. A library specific to the display model is often required to facilitate communication.
Using the Serial Monitor
The serial monitor is a crucial tool in Arduino programming, allowing for real-time data visualization. It can be used to debug code and monitor sensor outputs by sending data via the serial interface.
Displaying Data on the Serial Monitor
Using functions like Serial.begin(), Serial.print(), and Serial.println(), data can be transmitted from Arduino to the serial monitor. This allows for effective debugging and monitoring during development.
Example Projects
1. Temperature Monitoring: Use a temperature sensor and display the readings on an LCD while simultaneously outputting data to the serial monitor. 2. Real-time Data Logging: Capture sensor data and display it on an OLED while logging it in the serial monitor for further analysis.
Analog and Digital Sensors: Types and interfacing
Introduction to Sensors
Sensors are devices that detect and respond to physical phenomena. They convert physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, or light into electrical signals.
Analog Sensors
Analog sensors produce a continuous output signal that represents the measured quantity. Common types include thermocouples, potentiometers, and photoresistors. They are often used in applications where a varying signal is necessary.
Digital Sensors
Digital sensors provide discrete output signals, often in binary form. Examples include motion detectors and digital thermometers. They are suitable for use in digital systems where noise immunity is critical.
Comparative Analysis
Analog sensors require signal conditioning and may be affected by noise. Digital sensors are easier to interface with microcontrollers and provide more accurate readings over a range of conditions.
Interfacing with Arduino
Arduino can interface with both analog and digital sensors. Analog sensors connect to analog input pins, while digital sensors connect to digital input pins. Proper coding and calibration are essential for accurate readings.
Applications of Sensors
Sensors are widely used in various applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, robotics, and smart homes. They play a crucial role in data collection and control systems.
