SIT123 Data Capture Technologies Assignment Sample

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies

Q1: Piezo Buzzer – Audio Acting

Refer to the “Adding Acting Activity Sheet – TinkerCad” file, subsection “Audio Acting Activity”, before answering the following questions.

a) The Piezo buzzer is controlled in TinkerCad using the tone() function. One of the values we give the tone function is the frequency, which is measured in Hertz (Hz). Explain what Hertz means in this context and relate it to the sampling rate of a sensor, which is also measured in Hertz.

b) Take a screenshot of your circuit by clicking on the “Send To” button (top-right corner of the

TinkerCad website) and include a copy of your circuit here.

Q1: Piezo Buzzer – Audio Acting

The Piezo buzzer is controlled in TinkerCad using the tone() function. One of the values we give the tone function is the frequency, which is measured in Hertz (Hz). Explain what Hertz means in this context and relate it to the sampling rate of a sensor, which is also measured in Hertz.

In the context for management assignment expert of the Piezo buzzer controlled by the tone() function, Hertz (Hz) refers to the frequency of the sound waves produced by the buzzer. Specifically, it indicates the number of cycles (vibrations) per second. When using tone(3, moisture, 1000), the frequency of the sound emitted by the buzzer is set to the value sensed by the moisture sensor, and the duration of the sound is 1000 milliseconds (1 second). Relating this to the sampling rate of a sensor, such as the moisture sensor in this code, both involve the concept of cycles per second but in different contexts. The moisture sensor takes analog readings at a certain rate, which is determined by the speed at which the Arduino can process and read the analog input. The higher the sampling rate (measured in Hertz), the more frequently the sensor takes readings.

b) Take a screenshot of your circuit by clicking on the “Send To” button (top-right corner of the TinkerCad website) and include a copy of your circuit here.

Q2: DC Motor – Motion Acting

Refer to the “Adding Acting Activity Sheet – TinkerCad” file, subsection “Motion Acting Activity”, before answering the following questions.

a) In the provided sketch code for the DC Motor, the sketch uses an Arduino function called map().

Explain why this function might be needed to control the motor.

b) Take a screenshot of your circuit by clicking on the “Send To” button (top-right corner of the

TinkerCad website) and include a copy of your circuit here.

Q2: DC Motor – Motion Acting

In the provided sketch code for the DC Motor, the sketch uses an Arduino function called map(). Explain why this function might be needed to control the motor.

a) In the Arduino sketch for the DC Motor, the map() function is utilized to adapt temperature readings from the TMP36 sensor to a range suitable for controlling the motor speed. The analogRead() function captures temperature values ranging from 20 to 358, and map() scales these readings to a range of 0 to 255, compatible with the analogWrite() function used to control the motor. This mapping ensures a proportional and effective relationship between temperature variations and motor speed, allowing for a more nuanced response to changes in the sensor data. Without map(), the raw temperature values might not provide an appropriate range for effective motor control, underscoring the significance of this function in the overall functionality of the system.

b) Take a screenshot of your circuit by clicking on the “Send To” button (top-right corner of the TinkerCad website) and include a copy of your circuit here.

Q3: LED RGB – Visual Acting

Refer to the “Adding Acting Activity Sheet – TinkerCad” file, subsection “Visual Acting Activity”, before answering the following questions.
a) In the circuit for the LED RGB, the light contains a direct connection to our Ground (negative) power but has no direct connection to the 5V (positive) power coming from the Arduino (compare the light to the motion sensors, which are connected to both 5V and Ground). Explain how the LED RGB can receive power to change color without being connected to the 5V pin.

b) Take a screenshot of your circuit by clicking on the “Send To” button (top-right corner of the

TinkerCad website) and include a copy of your circuit here.

Q3: LED RGB – Visual Acting

Refer to the “Adding Acting Activity Sheet – TinkerCad” file, subsection “Visual Acting Activity”, before answering the following questions.

a) In the circuit for the LED RGB, the light contains a direct connection to our Ground (negative) power but has no direct connection to the 5V (positive) power coming from the Arduino (compare the light to the motion sensors, which are connected to both 5V and Ground). Explain how the LED RGB can receive power to change color without being connected to the 5V pin.

In the Arduino sketch for the LED RGB circuit, the LEDs receive power without a direct connection to the 5V pin by utilizing the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) capability of the digital pins on the Arduino. The RGB LED has four wire connections: three for individual colors (Red, Green, and Blue) and one for the common cathode (negative power). While the common cathode is connected to the ground, each color pin (11 for Red, 10 for Blue, and 9 for Green) is connected to a digital pin on the Arduino. The analogWrite() function is then employed in the loop to control the brightness of each color by modulating the width of the pulses sent to these pins. By adjusting the duty cycle of the PWM signal, the LED RGB can achieve various colors and brightness levels without requiring a direct connection to the 5V pin. The common ground connection ensures a complete circuit, allowing the LED to change color based on the selected digital pin's PWM signals.

b) Take a screenshot of your circuit by clicking on the “Send To” button (top-right corner of the TinkerCad website) and include a copy of your circuit here.

Q4: All three of the actuators used in this Lab Report connect to Digital Pins on the Arduino with the ‘~’ symbol next to them. This symbol means that the pins can perform Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Briefly describe (100-200 words) what Pulse Width Modulation is, explaining how the three Acting elements use this concept to perform their actions.

All three of the actuators used in this Lab Report connect to Digital Pins on the Arduino with the ‘~’ symbol next to them. This symbol means that the pins can perform Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Briefly describe (100-200 words) what Pulse Width Modulation is, explaining how the three Acting elements use this concept to perform their actions.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique widely used in electronics to control analog devices using digital signals. In PWM, a digital signal with a fixed frequency is modulated to vary the width of the pulse while maintaining a constant period. The ratio of the on-time (high voltage) to the off-time (low voltage) within each period determines the average voltage delivered to the device.

In the context of the three acting elements in this Lab Report—Piezo Buzzer, DC Motor, and LED RGB—the '~' symbol next to their connected digital pins on the Arduino signifies PWM capability.

For the Piezo Buzzer, PWM is employed to control the frequency of the sound produced. By adjusting the pulse width, the buzzer can generate different pitches of sound.

In the case of the DC Motor, PWM controls its speed and direction. Varying the duty cycle of the PWM signal sent to the motor adjusts the average voltage, thereby regulating the motor's rotation speed.

For the LED RGB, PWM is utilized to control the brightness of each color (Red, Green, and Blue). Modulating the pulse width for each color independently creates a spectrum of colors by changing their intensities, allowing the LED to display a wide range of colors and achieve dynamic lighting effects.

Q5: Consider the three actuators used in this Lab Report. Describe four possible applications of these actuators in the real world. For each application, give an example of a sensor that could work together with the actuator and describe how the actuator would change its actions as the sensor data changes.

Consider the three actuators used in this Lab Report. Describe four possible applications of these actuators in the real world. For each application, give an example of a sensor that could work together with the actuator and describe how the actuator would change its actions as the sensor data changes.

Smart Irrigation System:

Actuator: Soil Moisture Sensor and DC Motor

Sensor: Soil Moisture Sensor

Description: The DC Motor can be used to control a water valve in a smart irrigation system. The Soil Moisture Sensor detects soil moisture levels, and as the soil becomes drier, the sensor signals the DC Motor to open the water valve, allowing irrigation to occur. The motor adjusts its actions based on real-time soil moisture data, ensuring efficient water usage.

Temperature-Controlled Fan System:

Actuator: DC Motor (for a fan)

Sensor: Temperature Sensor (e.g., TMP36)

Description: The DC Motor can drive a fan in a temperature-controlled environment. The Temperature Sensor monitors the ambient temperature, and as it increases, the sensor signals the DC Motor to adjust the fan speed accordingly. This dynamic cooling system optimizes energy usage and provides comfort by responding to temperature changes.

Interactive Ambient Lighting:

Actuator: LED RGB

Sensor: Light Sensor

Description: The LED RGB can function as ambient lighting that responds to the surrounding light levels. A Light Sensor detects changes in ambient light, and the LED RGB adjusts its color and brightness accordingly. For instance, as the room gets darker, the LED may transition to warmer tones to create a cozy atmosphere.

Security Alert System:

Actuator: Piezo Buzzer

Sensor: PIR Motion Sensors

Description: The Piezo Buzzer can serve as an audible alert in a security system. PIR Motion Sensors detect movement, and the Piezo Buzzer produces different sounds based on the specific motion detected. For example, a high-pitched alarm may indicate an intruder, while a softer tone may signify non-threatening movement, enhancing security monitoring with distinctive audio cues.