INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING

AND MANAGEMENT

Department of Information Technology

ANALOG ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS

ESC301

Stream: CSE(IOTCSBT)

TOPIC: LDR DARKNESS SENSOR CIRCUIT

Members:
1. Karan Jaiswal 12023052017045
2. Anubhab Biswas 12023052017046)
3. Aaryan Gupta 12023052017072)
4. Sumit Kumar 12023052017080)

Date of Submission: 20th Nov, 2024

OBJECTIVE:
To design and implement a circuit using a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
to detect low light conditions and automatically activate a connected
load, such as an LED or relay, for applications like automatic lighting,
energy conservation, and enhanced convenience in low-light
environments.

This system aims to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for

automating responses based on ambient light levels.

The LDR darkness sensor circuit is to create a cost-effective and efficient

system that detects low light levels using a Light Dependent Resistor
(LDR) and automatically activates a connected load, such as an LED,
alarm, or relay-operated device. The circuit enhances convenience,
energy efficiency, and safety by automating responses to changes in
ambient light intensity. It can be used in applications like automatic
streetlights, night lamps, and security systems. Adjustable sensitivity
ensures flexibility for various environments, making it a versatile solution
for light-based automation while reducing energy wastage and ensuring
reliable operation in low-light conditions.

INTRODUCTION:
An LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) darkness sensor circuit is a simple
electronic system designed to detect ambient light levels and respond
automatically to changes in brightness. The core component, the LDR,
varies its resistance based on the intensity of light, decreasing in bright
conditions and increasing in darkness. This property allows the circuit to
function as a switch, activating connected devices such as LEDs, alarms,
or relays when light levels fall below a set threshold. Commonly used in
automatic lighting systems like streetlights, night lamps, and security
systems, the circuit offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution. Its
simplicity, versatility, and adaptability make it suitable for a wide range of
applications, improving convenience and reducing energy wastage.

The LDR's resistance varies with light intensity, allowing the circuit to
activate devices like LEDs, alarms, or relays when light falls below a
specific threshold. Widely used in applications such as automatic
streetlights, night lamps, and security systems, the circuit combines
affordability and energy efficiency. Its design includes a voltage divider to
sense light intensity and a switching mechanism using a transistor or
relay. Adjustable sensitivity adds versatility, making it adaptable to
various environments. The circuit enhances convenience, safety, and
power savings, offering a practical solution for light-based automation in
everyday life.

COMPONENTS:
1. LDR
2. 50 K OHM RESISTOR
3. 1 K OHM RESISTOR
4. 100 K OHM RESISTOR
5. BC 547 TRANSISTOR
6. 9V BATTERY

THEORY:
The theory behind an LDR darkness sensor circuit lies in the behavior of
the Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) and its integration with other
electronic components. The LDR is a photoresistor whose resistance
changes with the intensity of light falling on it. In bright light, the LDR’s
resistance decreases, allowing more current to pass through, whereas in
darkness, its resistance increases, reducing the current flow.

To build the circuit, the LDR is paired with a fixed resistor to form a
voltage divider. This arrangement provides a variable output voltage
proportional to the ambient light intensity. The output voltage from the
voltage divider is fed to the base of a transistor, which acts as an
electronic switch. When the ambient light intensity drops, the voltage at
the transistor's base increases, causing the transistor to turn on. This
completes the circuit and powers the connected load, such as an LED,
buzzer, or relay.

For enhanced functionality, a potentiometer can replace the fixed resistor

in the voltage divider, allowing adjustable sensitivity. Additionally,
operational amplifiers (op-amps) can be used as comparators for more
precise control, comparing the voltage from the LDR with a reference
voltage to trigger the output.

This theory enables the circuit to automatically activate devices based on

light levels, making it practical for applications like automatic streetlights,
night lamps, and security systems. The simplicity, low cost, and reliability
of the design make it ideal for energy-efficient and automated light-
dependent systems.

4o

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

RESULT:
The LDR darkness sensor circuit successfully demonstrated its ability to
detect changes in ambient light levels and activate a connected load
when the light intensity fell below a defined threshold. In low-light or dark
conditions, the LDR's increased resistance caused a higher voltage at the
transistor’s base, triggering it to switch on the output device (e.g., an LED
or relay). Conversely, in bright conditions, the low resistance of the LDR
prevented activation of the load.

The circuit functioned reliably across various light intensities, and its
sensitivity was adjustable using a potentiometer, allowing for precise
control based on specific requirements. It efficiently automated the
response to changing light levels, proving its utility for applications such
as night lamps, automatic streetlights, and energy-saving systems. The
result confirmed the circuit’s effectiveness, simplicity, and potential for
integration into broader automated solutions for light-based control.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the LDR darkness sensor circuit effectively demonstrated
its ability to automate the detection of low light levels and activate
connected devices accordingly. By utilizing the light-dependent properties
of an LDR, coupled with a voltage divider and transistor-based switching,
the circuit provided a simple, efficient, and reliable solution for light-based
automation. Its adjustable sensitivity through a potentiometer enhanced
its versatility, making it suitable for various applications such as
automatic lighting, energy-saving systems, and security enhancements.
The circuit's performance validated its practicality in addressing real-
world needs for cost-effective and energy-efficient automation. Overall,
the LDR darkness sensor circuit is a valuable tool for modern, light-
sensitive systems.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported me
throughout the development of this project. I extend my sincere thanks to
my teachers for their guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights that
greatly contributed to the successful completion of the LDR darkness
sensor circuit.

I am grateful to my institution and faculty members for providing the

necessary resources and a conducive environment for learning and
experimentation. My deepest appreciation also goes to my peers and
friends for their constant motivation and constructive feedback.

Lastly, I acknowledge the vast array of online resources, tutorials, and

research papers that helped me understand and implement the concepts
effectively. This project has been a significant learning experience, and I
am thankful to everyone who played a role in making it successful.