Experimental Physics 1
Experimental Physics 1
Construction:
In a normal (BJT) transistor, the current from the base to the emitter controls the
flow of current between the collector and emitter. In a phototransistor, light
controls the flow of current between the collector and emitter. There are two
different types of phototransistors, NPN and PNP. NPN phototransistors are the
most common and are used for low-power applications, such as proximity sensors
or optical encoders. PNP phototransistors are less common and are used for
applications such as smoke detectors or IR sensors.
Working:
A phototransistor has a base, collector, and emitter like a regular transistor, but
instead of a pin to connect to the base, it has an internal photodiode that
converts light into current that acts as the base current. When light hits the
photodiode, it produces a flow of electrons into the base of the transistor. This
turns the transistor on so that current can flow from the collector to the emitter.
The more light that hits the photodiode, the more electrons flow into the base,
and the stronger the current becomes. Once you have made all the connections,
the phototransistor should sense the ambient light level and output a signal to
the NPN transistor. If the ambient light level is low, the NPN transistor will turn on
and allow current to flow through the LED, turning the LED on. If the ambient light
level is high, the NPN transistor will turn off and the LED will switch off.
The basic idea behind this circuit is that the phototransistor senses the amount of
light falling on it and turns the LED on/off accordingly.
Application:
Light detection: Phototransistors are used in light meters, cameras, and optical
sensors to detect light intensity and convert it to an electrical signal.
Optical communication: Phototransistors are used in fiber optic communication
systems to detect light signals.
Remote printing machines: Phototransistors are used in remote printing
machines due to their high light-to-current conversion efficiency.
Punch card readers: Phototransistors are used in punch card readers.
Security systems: Phototransistors are used in security systems.
Encoders: Phototransistors are used in encoders to measure speed and direction.
Lighting control: Phototransistors are used in lighting control, such as on
highways.
Radar Sensor:
The sensor which is used to measure the distance, velocity and movements of
objects above wide distances is known as a radar sensor and also measures the
relative speed of the noticed object. This sensor uses wireless detecting
technology like FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) to detect the
motion by figuring out the object’s shape, position, motion trajectory & motion
characteristics. As compared to other types of sensors, these sensors are not
affected by darkness & light. These sensors can detect longer distances & it is
secure for people & animals. Here the carrier frequency is modulated constantly
in a small range of bandwidth. Once the signal from an object is reflected back,
then it is feasible to determine the distance & also the object speed by comparing
frequency.
This sensor uses an extremely high carrier frequency to produce a very thin beam
cone and also notices even small objects without interference from adjacent
objects above large distances.
Working Principle
The working principle of a radar sensor is to compute the speed of an object along
with its direction by detecting the change in frequency wave which is known as
Doppler Effect.
Applications
The applications of radar sensors include the following.
Ultrasonic Sensor:
Ultrasonic sensors are electronic devices that utilize sound waves at frequencies
above the audible range (typically between 23 kHz and 40 kHz) to measure
distances or detect objects. They are widely used in various applications due to
their versatility, affordability, and effectiveness in non-contact distance
measurement.
The sensor is encased in a protective housing that shields its internal components
from environmental factors while allowing sound waves to pass through. The
piezoelectric crystal serves as both the transmitter and receiver. Its efficiency in
converting electrical energy into mechanical energy (sound) and vice versa is
crucial for the sensor’s performance.The electronic circuitry processes the signals
generated by the transducer. It includes components for generating the trigger
signal, measuring time intervals, and calculating distances based on received
echoes.Ultrasonic sensors typically operate on low voltage (around +5 V), which
makes them suitable for integration with microcontrollers like Arduino or
Raspberry Pi.
Principle of Operation
Working Mechanism
Magnetic Sensor
It include magnetic flux measuring & the direction as well as the strength of a
magnetic field.