VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Jnana Sangama, Belagavi - 590018

A Mini Project Report

On

“CONTACTLESS SWITCHES”
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the
degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

By

Jacintha Beena Mathias 4MT18EC032

Samanth T S 4MT18EC071
Kishan 4MT18EC036
Deepika 4MT18EC028
Under the Guidance of

Ms.Nischitha
Assistant
Professor

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
Badaga Mijar, Moodabidri-574225,

Karnataka 2020-2021
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
(A Unit of Rajalaxmi Education Trust)
(Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)
Badaga Mijar, Moodabidri - 574225 , Karnataka

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
Certified for the mini project work entitled Contactless switches carried out by Ms. Jacintha
Beena Mathias (USN:4MT18EC032), Mr. Samanth T S (USN:4MT18EC071), Mr. Kishan
(USN:4MT18EC036) and Ms. Deepika (USN:4MT18EC028), the bonafide students of
Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering in partial fulfillment for the award of
Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering of the
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, during the year 2020-21. It is certified that
all corrections/suggestions indicated for Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the
Report deposited in the departmental library. The Mini Project report has been approved as it
satisfies the academic requirements in respect of Mini Project Work prescribed for the said
Degree.

Signature of the Guide Signature of the HoD Signature of the Principal

Ms. Nischitha Dr. Vinayambika S Bhat Dr. G L Easwara Prasad
 (A Unit of Rajalaxmi Education Trust)
(Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)
Badaga Mijar, Moodabidri - 574225 , Karnataka

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

DECLARATION

We, Jacintha Beena Mathias (4MT18EC032), Samanth T S (4MT18EC071), Kishan

(4MT18EC036) and Deepika (4MT18EC028) students of 6th semester BE in Electronics and
Communication Engineering, Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering,
Moodabidri, hereby declare that the Mini project work entitled Contactless Switches,
submitted to the Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi during the academic year
2020-21, is a record of an original work done by us under the guidance of Ms.Nischitha,
Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mangalore
Institute of Technology and Engineering Moodabidri. This mini project work is submitted in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in
Electronics & Communication Engineering. The results embodied in this report have not been
submitted to any other University or Institute for the award of any degree.

Date:16-8-2021 Jacintha Beena Mathias

Place: Mangalore Samanth T S
Kishan
Deepika
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The successful completion of any task would be incomplete without the proper
guidance of the people who made it possible. It would not have been possible for us to
succeed in this project without the help of those who shaped and encouraged our idea of
making this project and guided us.

We express our gratitude to our Mini project guide Ms. Nischitha, Assistant
Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, who always
supported and guided us in each and every step of this project. We sincerely thank the Mini
Project Coordinators Mr. Ranjith H D, Senior Assistant Professor and Mrs. Rishma Mary
George, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering.
We are indebted to our respected Principal Dr. G. L. Easwara Prasad, beloved Chairman Mr.
Rajesh Chowta and Dr. Vinayambika. S. Bhat, Head of the Department, Electronics and
Communication Engineering and the Management of Mangalore Institute of Technology and
Engineering, for having provided all the facilities that helped us in timely completion of this
Mini Project. We would like to thank our parents and all the teaching and non-teaching staff
of the Department for encouraging and their cordial support during the preparation of the
Mini Project. Last but not the least we would like to thank all our friends and classmates.

Jacintha Beena Mathias

Samanth T S

Kishan

Deepika

ⅰ
 ABSTRACT

With increased technological advancements, switches require updation with current

times. To avoid the risk of coming in contact with COVID-19 infection, it has become
important to not touch the surfaces of buttons and keys that have been frequently used by
other people. This calls for a need to innovate the switching technology for replacing a hand-
operated switch, with an automatic contactless switch. In this project, smart contactless
switches include Relays that are used to delay timing between the opening and closing of
switches. Apds9960 sensor that is capable of detecting hand gestures and Arduino which
creates the loop function to update the sensor reading and hand gesture are used as an input
to control the pin.

ⅱ
 CONTENTS

Page no.

Acknowledgement ⅰ
Abstract ⅱ
Contents ⅲ
List of Figures ⅳ

Chapter Titles Page no.

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1

Chapter 2: LITERATURE SURVEY 2

Chapter 3: EMBEDDED SYSTEM 4

Chapter 4: HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION 6

Chapter 5: PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 8

Chapter 6: ALGORITHMS FOR PROJECT DESIGN 9

Chapter 7: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 10

Chapter 8: CONCLUSION 12

REFERENCES 13

ⅲ
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Page no
Figure.3.1: Simulation connections 11
Figure.4.1: Switch is in the off state 12
Figure.4.2: Switch is in the on state 12
Figure.4.3: Implementation of multiple switch 13
Figure. 6.1: Flowchart of the process 15
Figure.7.1: Hardware connections 16

ⅳ
 CONTACTLESS
SWITCHES

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
As everybody knows that in the present situation physically touching the switch can
lead to the spread of COVID-19 infection. To avoid this scenario, this project has made use
of a contactless switching environment which takes hand gestures as input.

With increased technological advancements, switches require updating with current

times. To avoid the risk of contracting COVID-19, it has become important to not touch
surfaces of buttons and keys that have been frequently used by other people. This calls for a
need to innovate the switching technology for replacing a hand-operated switch, with an
automatic contactless switch[2].

To avoid the risk of contracting Covid-19, it is important not to touch surfaces

including switches, doorknobs, and keys that have been frequently used by other people. This
project is for a contactless switch that works with hand gestures. The contactless switches
have achieved considerable interest because of excellent electrical performance compared to
the traditional normal switches. The contactless switch includes a sensor that can detect hand
movements and translate them into commands for controlling lights, fans.

1.3 Structure of Report

Chapter 1: This chapter deals with the introduction to Embedded systems. It also describes
the importance of Contactless switching technology.

Chapter 2: This chapter describes the literature survey done on the concerned topic. The
proposed system is also introduced in this chapter.

Chapter 3: It describes the domain chosen i.e., Embedded Systems

Chapter 4: This chapter explains the design methodology followed and the software
implementation.

Chapter 5: Hardware description is explained in this chapter.

Chapter 6: The software requirements and its brief explanation is included in this chapter
using flowcharts.

Chapter 7: The results and discussions are explained in this chapter.

Chapter 8: The chapter concludes and describes the future enhancement of the proposed
work.

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 CONTACTLESS
SWITCHES
Chapter 2

LITERATURE SURVEY
Through literature surveys the information about the various technologies that are
used in the projects and their applications in day-to-day life. Also, information about how the
circuit can be implemented and what components can be used are surveyed.

2.1 Literature Review

[1] J. Pal, Y. Zhu et.al., December 2015 in their paper “A Novel Three-State Contactless RF
Micromachined Switch for Wireless Applications”, have described a design of continuously
variable contactless switch, fabricated and characterized for wireless application. The switch
utilizes electrostatic actuation to tune the capacitance between the signal lines and movable
electrodes. The switch has no physical contact between two electrodes.

[2] Ahlawat Savita et.al., in their paper “Hand Gesture Recognition Using Convolutional
Neural Network: Proceedings of ICICC 2018, Volume 2,” Hand Gesture Recognition can be
used for human interaction with electronic devices and computers easily. In this paper, a
hand gesture recognition application is proposed to recognize hand gestures using a webcam.

[3] Jaehong Park et.al., Feb 2013 in their paper “A Non-Contact-Type RF MEMS Switch for
24- GHz Radar Applications”, have described the development of a non contact- type switch
for various applications.

[4] M. Sterner et.al., July 2010 in their paper “Static zero power-consumption coplanar
waveguide embedded DC-to-RF metal contact MEMS switches in two-port and three-port
configuration,” have reported on design, fabrication and evaluation of a novel concept of
switch based on a surface of a thickness of electrical contact points.

[5] J. Pal, Y. Zhu et.al., December 2010 in their paper, “A novel three-state RF MEMS
switch for ultrabroadband (DC-40 GHz) applications,” a continuously variable contactless
switch is designed, fabricated and characterized for wireless application. The switch utilizes
electrostatic actuation to tune the capacitance between the signal lines and movable
electrodes fabricated. The switch has no physical contact between two electrodes.

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 2.2 Motivation
Due to the increase in the COVID-19 cases we thought there is a high need to
implement a Contactless system. So, we thought of implementing Contactless Switches
where physical contact with the switches can be avoided.

2.3 Need (Scope) of project

Since it is a low-cost project people can afford it easily where people gather in large
numbers like Hospitals, Schools and Colleges etc. by which the spread of infection can be
prevented.

2.4Problem statement

Coronavirus can spread by coming in direct contact with an infected person or by

indirectly exposing oneself to an infected environment. It is not certain how long the virus
that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces. so, we have proposed a touchless switch
environment, where a person need not touch the switches and get his task done.

2.5 Proposed System

Initially we started with the implementation of Single switch concept by using

Arduino, APDS 9960, Relays and we obtained the output for single switch. We had designed
a no-touch switch that works entirely on hand gestures. Our smart contactless switch includes
a sensor that is capable of detecting hand movements and translates them into commands for
either controlling lights, fans or various home appliances. Later on, we enlarged our project
into the concept of multiple switches. With the help of inbuilt features of APDS 9960 which
takes multiple gestures as input so that we can control multiple appliances[10].
 Chapter 3

Area of Domain: -EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

An embedded system is a computer system a combination of a computer processor,

computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices that has a dedicated function within a
larger mechanical or electronic system. Because an embedded system typically controls
physical operations of the machine that it is embedded within, it often has real-time
computing constraints. Embedded systems control many devices in common use today[20].

The basic structure of an embedded system includes the following components:

• D-A Converter to the actual output stored and stores the approved output. Sensor: The
sensor measures and converts the physical quantity to an electrical signal, which can
then be read by an embedded systems engineer or any electronic instrument. A sensor
stores the measured quantity to the memory.
• A-D Converter: An Analog-to-digital converter converts the Analog signal sent by
the sensor into a digital signal.
• Processor & ASICs: Processors assess the data to measure the output and store it to
the memory.
• D-A Converter: A digital-to-Analog converter changes the digital data fed by the
processor to Analog data
• Actuator: An actuator compares the output given by the D-A converter to the actual
output stored in it and stores the approved output.
 Figure. 3.1: simulation connections [18]

Specifications
1. Arduino UNO R3

2. APDS 9960

3. Relay Module

4. LED

Merits
1. Low-cost application

2. Physical contact with the switches can be avoided

3. Easy to design and implement.

Applications
1. Used in Crowded areas such as Hospitals, School and Colleges, Offices.

2. Risk of getting electric shock can be prevented.

Chapter 4

Area of Domain: - EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

An embedded system is a microprocessor-based computer hardware system with
software that is designed to perform a dedicated function, either as an independent system or
as a part of a large system.

4.1Software Implementation

This project initially started with the implementation of a single switch using
Arduino,APDS9960 sensor, Relay module.

Figure. 4.1: Switch is in the Off State

Figure. 4.1 shows that the switch is in the OFF state as the LED is turned off when
the test pin is given with the input 0.

Figure. 4.2: Switch is in the On State

 Figure. 4.2 shows that the switch is in the ON state as the LED is turned on when the
test pin is given with the input 1.

Then this project was expanded to implement multiple switches for various
applications. Same connections as a single switch are made, the only difference is that two
sensors are used. Due to which there will be two test pins and four possible combinations can
be obtained.

Figure. 4.3: implementation of multiple switches

Figure. 4.3 shows the implementation of multiple switches where the test pin is given
with the input 1 1 and the third LED is turned ON which indicates switch three is in the ON
state. Similarly, when the test pins are 0 0 it indicates the LEDs are OFF which means the
switches are in the OFF state.

Next when the test pins are given as 0 1 the LED 2 will turn on which indicates the
switch 2 is in the ON state. Then the switch 2 is turned OFF by making the test pins 0 0.
Similarly, when the test pins are made 1 0 the LED 1 is turned ON which means switch 1 is
ON then by making 0 0 it is turned OFF[18].

This entire Software simulation was done using Proteus Software and the Hex file for
the arduino was generated by programming in Arduino IDE.
Chapter 5

HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION

Arduino UNO R3
The Arduino Uno R3 is a microcontroller board based on a removable, dual-inline
package (DIP) ATmega328 AVR microcontroller. It has 20 digital input/output pins.
Programs can be loaded onto it from the easy-to-use Arduino computer program. The
Arduino has an extensive support community, which makes it a very easy way to get started
working with embedded electronics. The R3 is the third, latest version of the Arduino UNO.

APDS-9960
The Broadcom APDS-9960 is a digital RGB, ambient light, proximity and gesture
sensor device in a single 8-pin package. The device has an I2C compatible interface
providing red, green, blue, clear (RGBC), proximity and gesture sensing with IR LED. The
proximity and gesture feature is factory-trimmed and calibrated to 100mm proximity
detection distance without requiring customer calibrations. Gesture detection utilizes four
directional photodiodes, integrated with a visible blocking filter, to accurately sense simple
UP- DOWN- RIGHT- LEFT gestures or more complex gestures. The addition of micro-
optics lenses within the module provides highly efficient transmission and reception of
infrared energy. An internal state machine allows the device to be put into a low power
state between RGBC, proximity and gesture measurements providing very low power
consumption[5].

RELAYS
A relay is an electrically operated switch. It consists of a set of input terminals for a
single or multiple control signals, and a set of operating contact terminals. The switch
may have any number of contacts in multiple contact forms, such as make contacts, break

contacts, or combinations thereof.

 CONTACTLESS
SWITCHES

Chapter 9

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

The below figure. 6.1 shows the number of the steps that are to be followed during the
design implementation.

Figure. 6.1: Flowchart of the process

1. Install the required library in the Arduino IDE.

2. After installing the library, add it into the code and then define the pin number for
light and fan control.

3. Next, create a setup function which can initialize the sensor and set the pin mode
output for light and fan control.

4. Then create a loop function to update the sensor readings and use hand gestures as an
input to control the pin.

5. Also create a few if conditions for specifying the commands based on the type of hand
gestures (up, down, left and right).

6. Now upload the code to Arduino and connect the components.

7. Then connect the AC wire with the common pin of the relay module to control the
lights and fans.

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 CONTACTLESS
SWITCHES
Chapter 7

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Fig 7.1 describes the hardware connections which use an ARDUINO UNO board,
APDS 9960 gesture sensor , 2 CHANNEL RELAY, and 2 light bulbs for 2 switches to
demonstrate contactless switching.

Figure.7.1: Hardware connections

The steps followed here are as follows,

Step 1. First install Arduino IDE for the Arduino.
Step 2. Then install the required library function that is ADAFRUIT APDS 9960 for apds
9960 Gesture sensor.
Step 3. After installing the library, add it into the code and then define the pin number for
light and fan control. Next, create a setup function to initialize the sensor and set the pin
mode output for light control.
Step 4. Then create a loop function to update the sensor readings and use hand gestures as an
input to control the pin.
Step 5. Use certain conditions for specifying the commands based on the type of hand
gestures like up, down, left and right.
Step 6. Gestures used are :
Near(down): Light1 ON
Far(up): Light1 OFF
Left: light2 ON
Right: light2 OFF

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Step 7. Next upload the code to Arduino and connect the components as described in the
circuit diagram. Then connect the AC wire with the common pin of the 2-channel relay
module to control the two lights.
Step 8. Lastly power the device and relay. When the hand is moved in an upward direction,
the relay will be moved and light1 is switched ON. Similarly, a hand gesture in downward
direction switched OFF the light1. Then when the hand is moved to the left direction light2 is
switched On and similarly it switches Off when the hand is moved to the right direction[14].
Chapter 8

CONCLUSION

In the present situation,covid-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. With social
distancing,the way we work, live and socially interact has changed. This essentially means
there is a need to find a contactless way of living. It has become necessary that people
shouldn't touch the surface of the switches to avoid coming in contact with the Covid 19
infection. Keeping this scenario in mind this Project has implemented switches which can be
turned on without touching the surface of the switch. This project is mainly aimed at
automating and implementing the contactless environment. This technology’s main agenda is
to make one’s life easier and fear free. It is evident that this project is super cost effective as
the number of switches produced is more.Touching the surface of the switch with the wet
hands also leads to electric shock. By making use of these Switches, electric shock can be
prevented. Because of low cost, effective design and easy implementation it can be easily
implemented to support smart houses. People can afford it easily where people gather in large
numbers like schools,colleges and hospitals by which spread of infection can be prevented.

8.1 Future Enhancement

In this project the Arduino board is used. Instead of Arduino board, Raspberry Pi can
be used since it is faster compared to Arduino which gives it the ability to complete everyday
tasks that computers do.
 CONTACTLESS
SWITCHES

REFERENCES

[1] J. Pal, Y. Zhu, Senior Member, IEEE, J. Lu, Senior Member, IEEE, F. Khan, and
D. Dao, “A Novel Three-State Contactless RF Micro machined Switch for
Wireless Applications”, IEEE Electron Device Letters, Vol. 36, N0.12, December
2015.
[2] M. Barbato and G. Meneghesso. "A Novel Technique to alleviate the Stiction
phenomenon in Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical Switches”, IEEE Electron
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2015.

[3] M. Sterner, N. Roxhed, G. Stemme, and J. Oberhammer, “Static Zero Power

Consumption Coplanar Waveguide Embedded DC-to-RF Metalcontact MEMS
Switches in Two-port and Three-port Configuration,” IEEE Trans. Electron
Devices, vol. 57, no. 7, pp. 1659–1669, Jul. 2010. DOI: 10. 1109/ TED.
2010.2048239

[4] M.-H. Cho, G.-W. Huang, K.-M. Chen, and A.-S. Peng, “A novel cascade-based
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measurement,” in IEEE MTT-S Int. Microw. Symp. Dig., Jun. 2004, pp. 1237–
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[5] D.-H. Baek, Y. Eun, D.-S. Kwon, M.-O. Kim, T. Chung, and J. Kim, “Widely
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10.1109/LED.2014.237827

[6] A. Q. Liu, M. Tang, A. Agarwal, and A. Alphones, “Low-loss lateral

micromachined switches for high frequency applications,” J. Micromesh. Microeng.,
vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 157–167, 2005.DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/15/1/023

[7] Brown, E.R. (1998), “RF-MEMS switches for reconfigurable integrated circuits”,
IEEE Trans. on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 46 No. 11, pp. 1868-80.

[8] A. Q. Liu, M. Tang, A. Agarwal, and A. Alphones, “Low-loss lateral

micromachined switches for high frequency applications,” J. Micromech.
Microeng., vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 157–167, 2005. DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/15/1/023

[9] M.-H. Cho, G.-W. Huang, K.-M. Chen, and A.-S. Peng, “A novel cascade-based
de-embedding method for on-wafer microwave characterization and automatic
measurement,” in IEEE MTT-S Int. Microw. Symp. Dig., Jun. 2004, pp. 1237–
1240.
DOI:10.1109/MWSYM.2004.133922

[10] K. E. Petersen, “Micromechanical membrane switches on silicon,” IBM J. Res.

Develop., vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 376–385, Jul. 1979.

[11] J. Oberhammer and G. Stemme, “Low-voltage high isolation DC-to-RF MEMS

switch based on an s-shaped film actuator,” IEEE Trans. Electron Devices, vol. 51,
no. 1, pp. 149–155, Jan. 2004.

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[12] Y.-Q. Zhu, L. Han, L.-F. Wang, J.-Y. Tang, and Q.-A. Huang, “A novel three
state RF MEMS Switch for Ultrabroadband (DC-40 GHz) Applications,” IEEE
Electron Device Lett., vol. 34, no. 8, pp. 1062–1064, Aug. 2013. DOI: 10. 1109/
LED. 2013. 2269993

[13] J. Park, E. S. Shim, W. Choi, Y. Kim, Y. Kwon, and D.-1. Cho, "A Non-contact
type RF MEMS Switch for 24-GHz Radar Applications," J. Microelectromech. Syst.,
vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 163-173, Feb. 2009. DOI: 10.1109/ JMEMS. 2008. 2011124.

[14] C. T.-C. Nguyen, L. P. B. Katehi, and G. M. Rebeiz, “Micromachined devices

for wireless communications (invited),” Proc. IEEE, vol. 86, no. 8, pp. 1756–1768,
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[15] Rebeiz G M and Muldavin R 2001 RF MEMS switches and switch circuits IEEE
Microw. Mag. 2 59–71

[16] H. A. C. Tilmans, “MEMS components for wireless communications (invited

paper),” in Proc. EUROSENSORS XVI, Sep. 2003, pp. 1–34.

[17] https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+embedded+sysytem&rlz=1C1RXQ
R_enIN945IN945&oq=what+is+embedded+sysytem&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i10l9.10
744j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[18] https://www.electronicsforu.com/electronics-projects/automatic-contactlessswitc
h-for-smart-home

[19] https://www.broadcom.com/products/optical-sensors/integrated-ambient-lightand
-proximity-sensors/apds-9960

[20]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relay