EMBEDDED SYSTEM PROF.

NITESH SIR

Ultrasonic Sensor
 An ultrasonic sensor is a device that uses sound waves to measure the
distance to an object. It emits high-frequency ultrasonic waves (usually
above 20 kHz) and measures the time it takes for the sound to bounce
back from an object.
 One of the most common ultrasonic sensors used in projects is the HC-
SR04.

How an Ultrasonic Sensor Works

1. Triggering: A short electrical pulse is sent to the trigger pin to start the
measurement.
2. Ultrasonic Pulse Emission: The sensor sends out an ultrasonic sound
wave (usually at 40 kHz).
3. Echo Reception: The wave travels through the air, hits an object, and
reflects back to the sensor.
4. Time Measurement: The sensor detects the returning wave and
measures the time difference between sending and receiving it.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Sensors

 Non-contact Measurement: No physical contact is required, making it
ideal for fragile objects.
 Works in Various Lighting Conditions: Unlike IR sensors, ultrasonic
sensors work in darkness, bright light, and fog.
 Wide Range: Can measure distances from a few centimeters to several
meters.
 Affordable & Easy to Use: Popular and cheap for Arduino and robotics
projects.

Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Sensors

❌Affected by Air Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and wind can affect

accuracy.

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EMBEDDED SYSTEM PROF. NITESH SIR

❌Slower Response Time: Compared to some optical sensors, ultrasonic

sensors have a slight delay.

Applications of Ultrasonic Sensors

🔹Distance Measurement – For liquid level monitoring, parking sensors, and

industrial automation.
🔹Security Systems – Intruder detection and motion sensing.
🔹Automobiles – Parking assistance and blind spot detection.

Temperature Sensor
 A temperature sensor is a device that detects temperature changes and
converts them into an electrical signal.
 One of the most commonly used analog temperature sensors is the
LM35 or TMP36, which provides a voltage output proportional to the
temperature.

How a Temperature Sensor Works

1. Voltage Output: The sensor outputs a voltage that changes based on
temperature.
2. Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC): The Arduino reads this voltage
using analogRead().
3. Conversion to Temperature: The raw ADC value is converted into Celsius
or Fahrenheit using a formula specific to the sensor.

Advantages of Temperature Sensors

 Simple & Low Power Consumption – Requires very little energy.
 High Accuracy – Many sensors have an accuracy of ±0.5°C.
 Wide Range of Applications – Used in industrial, medical, and consumer
electronics.

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Disadvantages of Temperature Sensors

❌Analog Sensors Require ADC – Some microcontrollers need extra

processing to convert values.
❌Sensitive to External Factors – Airflow, humidity, or heat sources can affect
readings.
❌Some Require Calibration – May need adjustments for precise
measurements.

Applications of Temperature Sensors

🔹Weather Monitoring – Used in IoT weather stations.

🔹Medical Devices – Used in thermometers and patient monitoring systems.

Photoresistor (LDR)

A photoresistor, also known as an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), is a

passive electronic component that changes its resistance based on the amount
of light it receives. It is commonly used in light-sensing applications such as
automatic lights, solar trackers, and brightness controls.

How a Photoresistor Works

1. Resistance Change:
o When light intensity increases, the resistance of the LDR decreases.
o When light intensity decreases (darkness), the resistance increases.
2. Analog Voltage Output:
o The LDR is often connected in a voltage divider circuit with a fixed
resistor.
o The output voltage is read by an Arduino or microcontroller using
analogRead().
3. Conversion to Light Intensity:
o The raw ADC value can be mapped to a brightness level using
calibration.

Advantages of Photoresistors

 Simple & Inexpensive – Cost-effective for basic light sensing.

 Low Power Consumption – Suitable for battery-powered applications.
 Wide Range of Detection – Can detect light levels from dim to bright.

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 Analog Output – Provides continuous data instead of just ON/OF

Disadvantages of Photoresistors

❌Slow Response Time – Not suitable for fast light changes.

❌ Limited Wavelength Sensitivity – Only works well with visible light.

Applications of Photoresistors

🔹Automatic Lighting – Turns on streetlights or lamps in low light.

🔹Smartphones – Used in auto-brightness adjustment.
🔹Security Systems – Detects changes in light for alarms.

Digital Infrared (IR) Sensor

A digital infrared (IR) sensor is a device that detects infrared radiation and
provides a HIGH or LOW signal based on the presence or absence of an
object. These sensors are widely used in motion detection, obstacle avoidance,
and remote control systems.

There are different types of digital IR sensors, such as:

 IR Proximity Sensors – Detect nearby objects using IR reflection.

 IR Motion Sensors (PIR Sensors) – Detect movement of warm objects
(humans, animals).
 IR Remote Sensors – Used in TV remotes to receive IR signals.

How a Digital IR Sensor Works

1. Infrared Emission: The sensor has an IR LED that emits infrared light.
2. Reflection Detection: A photodiode or IR receiver detects the reflected
light.
3. Signal Processing: The sensor processes the received signal.
4. Digital Output:
o HIGH (1) – No object detected.
o LOW (0) – Object detected (IR light reflected back).

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EMBEDDED SYSTEM PROF. NITESH SIR

Advantages of Digital IR Sensors

 Fast Response Time – Can detect objects almost instantly.

 Simple & Easy to Use – Provides a direct HIGH/LOW signal.
 Low Power Consumption – Suitable for battery-powered applications.
 Works in Complete Darkness – Unlike cameras, IR sensors work without
visible light.
 Non-Contact Detection – Ideal for hygiene-sensitive applications.

Disadvantages of Digital IR Sensors

❌ Affected by Ambient Light – Bright sunlight or strong IR sources can

interfere.
❌ Limited Detection Range – Usually effective only at short distances.

Applications of Digital IR Sensors

🔹 Obstacle Avoidance – Used in robots and automation systems.

🔹 Automatic Doors – Detects when a person approaches.

Joystick Sensor

A joystick sensor is an input device used to control movement in two-

dimensional (X-Y) space. It consists of two potentiometers that measure
movement along the X-axis (left-right) and Y-axis (up-down). Many joysticks
also include a push-button switch when pressed.

Joysticks are commonly used in robotics, gaming, and automation projects

with microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

How a Joystick Sensor Works

1. Analog Voltage Output

o The joystick has two potentiometers that change resistance when
moved.

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oThese voltages are read using analogRead() on an Arduino.

2. Center Position (Neutral State)
o When not moved, both X and Y output ~2.5V (middle value of
5V).
o Moving the joystick left or down decreases the voltage (~0V).
o Moving it right or up increases the voltage (~5V).
3. Push-Button (Z-axis / Click)
o Pressing the joystick closes a switch, sending a LOW (0V) signal on
the digital pin.

Advantages of Joystick Sensors

 Smooth and Precise Control – Provides continuous movement control.

 Easy Interface with Microcontrollers – Uses simple analogRead()
and digitalRead().

Disadvantages of Joystick Sensors

❌ Requires Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) – Needs an ADC-

compatible microcontroller.
❌ Mechanical Wear & Tear – Potentiometers can degrade over time.

Applications of Joystick Sensors

🔹 Gaming Consoles – Used in game controllers and arcade machines.

🔹 Robotics – Controls robotic arms, drones, and vehicles.

Servo Motor

A servo motor is a precision-controlled motor used in robotics, automation,

and mechanical applications. Unlike regular DC motors, servo motors allow
precise control of angular position using pulse width modulation (PWM)
signals.

Servo motors come in different types, such as:

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 Standard Servo – Rotates within a limited range (e.g., 0° to 180°).

 Continuous Rotation Servo – Rotates 360° but without precise position
control.

How a Servo Motor Works

1. Control Signal (PWM Input)

o The servo motor receives a PWM signal on its control wire.
o The pulse width determines the motor’s position.
2. Internal Mechanism
o A potentiometer inside the servo tracks the position of the motor
shaft.
o A control circuit adjusts the motor’s position to match the desired
angle.

Advantages of Servo Motors

 Precise Position Control – Moves to exact angles with high accuracy.

 Stable & Reliable – Holds position when power is applied.
 Energy Efficient – Consumes power only when moving.

Disadvantages of Servo Motors

❌ Limited Rotation (Standard Servo) – Usually restricted to 0°–180°.

❌ Can Overheat – Continuous operation without cooling can damage the
motor.

Applications of Servo Motors

🔹Robotics – Controls robotic arms, humanoid robots, and grippers.

🔹RC Cars & Drones – Used in steering and control surfaces.

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EMBEDDED SYSTEM PROF. NITESH SIR

Gas Sensor

A gas sensor is a device used to detect the presence and concentration of gases in the
environment. It is widely used in safety systems, air quality monitoring, and industrial
applications. Gas sensors can detect different gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), methane
(CH₄), LPG, hydrogen (H₂), and air pollutants like CO₂ and NH₃.

Gas sensors come in different types, such as:

 Semiconductor Gas Sensor (MQ-Series) – Uses a metal oxide material to detect

gases based on changes in resistance.

How a Gas Sensor Works

Sensing Mechanism

o The sensor contains a material (e.g., tin dioxide in MQ sensors) that reacts
with gases.
o When the target gas is present, the sensor's resistance changes.

Advantages of Gas Sensors

✔Real-Time Monitoring – Detects gas leaks and air quality instantly.

✔Highly Sensitive – Can detect even low gas concentrations.
✔Compact & Low Power – Suitable for portable devices.

Disadvantages of Gas Sensors

❌ Requires Calibration – Needs calibration to give accurate PPM readings.

❌ Limited Selectivity – Some sensors detect multiple gases, leading to cross-sensitivity.
❌ Response Time – Some sensors take time to stabilize before giving accurate readings.

Applications of Gas Sensors

🔹 Safety Systems – Used in gas leak detection for homes and industries.
🔹 Air Quality Monitoring – Measures pollution levels in smart cities.
🔹 Automotive Industry – Detects harmful gases in vehicle exhaust systems.

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EMBEDDED SYSTEM PROF. NITESH SIR

Hall Sensor with Arduino

A Hall sensor is a device that detects the presence of a magnetic field. It works based on the
Hall effect, which generates a voltage when a magnetic field is applied to a conductor. Hall
sensors are used in speed detection, proximity sensing, and motor control.

Types of Hall Sensors

1. Digital Hall Sensor (e.g., A3144) – Outputs HIGH (1) or LOW (0) when a magnetic
field is detected.
2. Analog Hall Sensor (e.g., SS49E) – Provides a continuous voltage output proportional
to the magnetic field strength.

Advantages of Hall Sensors

✔Contactless Sensing – No physical wear and tear.

✔Fast Response Time – Suitable for high-speed applications.
✔Works in Harsh Environments – Resistant to dust and moisture.

Disadvantages of Hall Sensors

❌ Requires Magnetic Field – Cannot detect non-magnetic objects.

❌ Temperature Sensitive – Performance varies with temperature.

Applications of Hall Sensors

🔹 Speed Measurement – Used in speedometers.

🔹 Proximity Sensing – Detects object movement without contact.

Color Detector Sensor with Arduino

A color sensor is a device that detects and identifies colors by measuring the intensity of red
(R), green (G), and blue (B) components in light. It is commonly used in robotics,
industrial automation, and sorting systems.

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EMBEDDED SYSTEM PROF. NITESH SIR

Types of Color Sensors

1. Digital Color Sensor (e.g., TCS3200, TCS230) – Outputs frequency signals corresponding to
detected RGB values.
2. Analog Color Sensor (e.g., BH1745) – Provides continuous analog voltage proportional to the
color intensity.

Advantages of Color Sensors

✔Accurate Color Detection – Differentiates between various colors precisely.

✔Non-Contact Sensing – Measures colors without physical contact.
✔Fast Processing – Quickly detects color changes in moving objects.

Disadvantages of Color Sensors

❌ Limited Detection Distance – Works best when the object is close to the sensor.

Applications of Color Sensors

🔹Color Sorting Machines – Used in industrial automation for sorting objects by color.
🔹Smart Agriculture – Detects fruit ripeness based on color.
🔹Robotics & Automation – Helps robots recognize and react to different colors.

🎤 Analog Sound Sensor with Arduino

An analog sound sensor detects sound intensity (loudness) using a microphone and outputs
an analog voltage corresponding to the sound level. This voltage is read by an Arduino’s
analog input pin and processed accordingly.

🎤 Working Principle
1. Microphone captures sound vibrations and converts them into small voltage
variations.
2. The amplifier boosts the weak signal to a detectable range.

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3. The analog output (A0) varies depending on the sound intensity:

o Louder sound → Higher voltage
o Quieter sound → Lower voltage
4. Based on the sound level, the Arduino can control LEDs, motors, or
display the values in the Serial Monitor.

🎤Applications of Analog Sound Sensors

🔹 Voice-activated systems (e.g., clapping to turn on/off a light).

🔹 Security systems (detect loud sounds like glass breaking).

Advantages of Analog Sound Sensors

✔Simple & Easy to Use – Directly connects to Arduino’s analog input.

✔Low Power Consumption – Suitable for battery-operated projects.
✔Cost-Effective – Inexpensive compared to advanced sound processing systems.

Disadvantages of Analog Sound Sensors

❌ No Sound Differentiation – Cannot distinguish between different types of sounds (e.g.,
human voice vs. music).
❌ Affected by Background Noise – Picks up all ambient sounds, which can reduce
accuracy.
❌ Limited Range – Works best for nearby sounds, not for long-distance detection.
❌ Environmental Sensitivity – Performance can vary due to temperature, humidity, and air
pressure changes.

🔧 Digital Vibration Sensor with Arduino

A digital vibration sensor detects mechanical vibrations or shocks and provides a binary
output (HIGH or LOW) based on the vibration intensity. It is widely used in security
systems, machinery monitoring, earthquake detection, and industrial automation.

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🎤Components of a Digital Vibration Sensor (e.g., SW-420, KY-002)

1. Comparator Circuit (LM393 or similar IC) – Converts the weak analog signal into a digital
HIGH/LOW signal.
2. Sensitivity Adjuster (Potentiometer) – Allows manual adjustment of the vibration detection
threshold.
3. Digital Output (D0) – Outputs HIGH (1) when no vibration and LOW (0) when vibration is
detected.

🎤Working Principle
1. Default State – When there are no vibrations, the sensor output remains HIGH (1).
2. Vibration Detected – If the sensor detects a vibration beyond the set threshold, the output
switches to LOW (0).
3. Arduino Reads the Output – The microcontroller processes this digital signal and can
activate LEDs, buzzers, motors, or alarms based on vibration intensity.

Advantages of Digital Vibration Sensors

✔Simple & Easy to Interface – Directly connects to Arduino’s digital input.

✔Fast Response Time – Quickly detects vibrations and movements.
✔Adjustable Sensitivity – Can be fine-tuned for different vibration levels.
✔Low Power Consumption – Suitable for battery-operated systems.

Disadvantages of Digital Vibration Sensors

❌ Binary Output (On/Off Only) – Cannot measure vibration intensity, only detects
presence.
❌ Limited Detection Range – Works best for close or direct vibrations.

🎤 Applications of Digital Vibration Sensors

🔹 Security Systems – Detects unauthorized movement or tampering.
🔹 Earthquake Monitoring – Triggers alarms when vibrations exceed a threshold.
🔹 Smart Appliances – Shuts down machines if excessive vibration is detected.

NOTE:- Codes are expected for each sensor and for

codes follow class notes.

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