It interfaces with a personal computer's (PC's) USB port via a hardware module, which includes a microprocessor-based electronic circuit capable of controlling up to eight appliances through the PC.
The program transmits specific instructions to the microprocessor-based interface card via the USB port. These instructions are pre-programmed and stored in the microprocessor's memory. Actions are executed through a designated relay number linked to an input/output (I/O) pin of the microprocessor and driver circuit.
At its core is the ATmega328P, a single-chip, 8-bit microcontroller housed in a 28-pin DIL package.
This microcontroller is both cost-effective and widely available in the Indian market. As it is the same IC used in Arduino Uno, the ATmega328P circuit can be easily replaced with an Arduino Uno board, if preferred.
The Arduino IDE, required to program the ATmega328P, is available for free download at https:// www.arduino.cc/en/software. A block diagram illustrating the program's functionality is shown in Fig. 1, while the complete bill of materials is provided in the table on this page.
This program involves using Visual Basic (VB) to communicate with an external hardware module through the USB port.
A basic understanding of VB programming and hardware knowledge for connecting and controlling the hardware module is necessary. A microcontroller or USB interface module acts as the intermediary between the PC and the appliances.
The appliances are connected via relays. A general-purpose PCB or breadboard, jumper wires, and a power supply for external appliances are used. Fig. 2 shows the USB-to-TTL serial converter used to program the microcontroller ATmega328P.
Circuit and working
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Denne historien er fra December 2024-utgaven av Electronics For You.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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TRULY INNOVATIVE ELECTRONICS -INNOVATION UPDATES
Amongst numerous press releases of new products received by us, these are the ones we found worthy of the title Truly Innovative Electronics
Elastomer enhancing smart wearable performance
A high-tech, flexible wearable device made from the innovative elastomer material
Nanotechnology based noninvasive cancer diagnostics
Nanoflake sensors built from indium oxide with platinum and nickel detect changes in isoprene
Space communication with silent amplifiers
In the new communication system from researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, a weak optical signal (red) from the spacecraft's transmitter can be amplified noisefree when it encounters two so-called pump waves (blue and green) of different frequencies in a receiver on Earth.
Advancements in TOPCon solar cells
The structure and performance of tandem devices with highly passivated TOPCon bottom cells
Quantum leap in magnetism refines superconductors
Rice University physicists have uncovered key magnetic and electronic properties in kagome magnets, structures resembling basket-weaving patterns.
Sensor targets food antioxidants
A research team from Hunan City University and Xiangtan University in China has developed a sensor for detecting TBHQ, a food antioxidant used in oils and fats, addressing health concerns at high concentrations.
Data sensing with repurposed RFID tags
UC San Diego researchers have advanced passive data collection with a breakthrough in battery-free sensing.
Seal-inspired sensors to safeguard offshore wind farms
Schematic structure of the seal whisker-inspired flow sensors
Artificial nose identifies scents accurately
Artificial nose identifies scents accurately
