CHAPTER 3

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF

DESIGN COMPONENTS
3.1 Arduino Mega

Arduino Mega is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega2560 microcontroller. It is

part of the Arduino open-source electronics platform and is designed for use in DIY
electronics projects. The Arduino Mega has 54 digital input/output pins, 16 analogue inputs,
4 UARTs (hardware serial ports), a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, and a
power jack. The board can be programmed using the Arduino Integrated Development
Environment (IDE) and supports a variety of programming languages including C++, Java,
and PythonThe Arduino Mega is widely used in a variety of projects, including robotics,
home automation, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and other electronic projects. It is a
popular choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts due to its ease of use, low cost, and
versatility. The Arduino Mega is also a popular choice for educational purposes, as it
provides a simple and accessible way to introduce students to programming and electronics
[1].

WHY ARDUINO

 Cheap - Arduino boards are inexpensive when compared to other microcontroller

platforms.
 Cross-platform - The Arduino Software runs on Windows, Macintosh OSX, and
Linux operating systems. Most microcontroller systems can only run on Windows.
 Simple, clear programming environment - The Arduino Software (IDE) is easy-to-
use for beginners, yet flexible enough for advanced users to take advantage of as well.
 Open source and extensible software - The Arduino software is published as open
source tools, available for extension by experienced programmers. The language can
be expanded through C++ libraries.
 Open source and extensible hardware - The plans of the Arduino boards are
published under a Creative Commons license, so experienced circuit designers can
make their own version of the module, extending it and improving it. Even relatively
 inexperienced users can build the breadboard version of the module in order to
understand how it works and save money.

Figure 3.1 Arduino Mega

3.2 GSM Module

Global System for Mobile communication is the abbreviation of GSM. It is used to make
calls, send SMS, smart home appliance etc. For the purpose of communication, it requires
power supply up to 12V, RS232 is communication interface, and a SIM card which is similar
to the mobile phone to establish communication with the network.

▪ GSM 900A is a quad band version operated in 850/900/1000MHz. It will work for 2G sim.

▪ It needs 12V (230V converted into 12V by transformer.

▪ GSM works with less speed than Arduino.

▪ To get signal for GSM, Network LED is there, it blinks for every 3 sec [3].
 Figure 3.2 GSM Mod

3.3 SIM cards

In addition to the GSM shield and an Arduino, another needed thing is a SIM card. The SIM
represents a contract with a communications provider. The communications provider will
provide GSM coverage where I am, and or have a roaming agreement with a company
providing GSM coverage in my location

3.4 LCD Display 16x2

It is called Liquid Crystal Display. There is a use of 16x2 characters LCD. This will be
connected to microcontroller. The job of LCD will be to display all the system generated
messages coming from the controller. LCD will provide interactive user interface. It is called
Liquid [18].
 Figure 3.3 LCD Display

3.5 Electrocardiogram (ECG) Sensor

The ECG sensor records the electrical activity of the heart, allowing for the detection of heart
rhythm abnormalities and other cardiovascular conditions. The AD8232 ECG sensor
comprises of an integrated signal conditioning block which is used to acquire, amplify and
filter the signal in the existence of noisy conditions. ECG sensors use a series of electrodes
placed on the patient's chest, limbs, and other strategic locations to measure the electrical
activity of the heart. Proper electrode placement is crucial for accurate and reliable ECG
readings ,The ECG waveform provides a detailed picture of the heart's electrical activity,
allowing healthcare professionals to identify heart rhythm abnormalities, detect heart attacks,
and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. The three electrodes green, red and yellow get
connected to the RL, RA and LA pins respectively using the jack
Features: -
- Operating voltage: 3.3V
- Analog output
- Detecting threads
- Shutdown pin
- LED indicator
- 3.5mm jack for connecting biomedical [2].

Figure 3.4 Electrocardiogram (ECG) Sensor

3.6 Heart Rate and SpO2 Sensor
Oxygen Saturation Sensor: Also known as a pulse oximeter, this sensor measures the oxygen
saturation levels in the patient's blood, which is crucial for monitoring respiratory function
and detecting potential respiratory distress.
MAX30102 is used to measure both heart rate and SPO2. It has an infrared LED of 950nm
through the tissues of the finger, the two LEDs are alternately flashed and resulting light after
passing through the finger falls on the photodiode. Photodiode is used to produce an output
current or voltage proportional to intensity of incident light. Based on the quantity of oxygen
which a person has in his/her blood the ratio of absorbed red light and infrared light will be
different. With this ratio, the oxygen level in the blood (hemoglobin) can be calculated. To
measure heartbeat, infrared light is needed whereas to measure saturated oxygen levels in the
blood both red and infrared lights are required [17].

Figure 3.5 Heart Rate and SpO2 Sensor

3.7 Temperature Sensor

The temperature monitoring unit consists of the components that are required to measure the
temperature of the body. This unit comprises of a temperature sensor which measures the
temperature of the body and is connected directly to a microcontroller. The temperature
sensor that is used in this circuit is for the measurement of the body temperature. This
temperature sensor is an analog sensor which produces an analog voltage by sensing the
temperature. This sensor is held by the finger for a while (about 15 sec) in order to measure
the body temperature. The body temperature on the body surface is about 1 degree centigrade
less than the temperature of other parts. The analog voltage produced by the temperature
sensor is directly proportional to the body temperature. The analog voltage needs to be
converted to a digital value. The digital equivalence of analog voltage produced by sensor
can now be used by the microcontroller for further processing. The microcontroller receives
the data in analog form and converts it into digital form then sends it to the GSM module so
that the data can be sent to the remote end. At the receiving end, a mobile device which
utilizes the GSM system receives the message. The message received at the mobile device is
displayed at the screen along with the data of heartbeat. The is a precision integrated circuit
temperature sensor that is used here to measure temperature. The electrical output voltage of
is linearly proportional to the Celsius or centigrade temperature [20].

Figure 3.6 Temperature Sensor

3.8 Buzzer
A buzzer is a simple electromechanical device that produces a buzzing or beeping sound
when an electric current is applied. Buzzers are commonly used in a wide range of
applications, from electronics and appliances to security systems and alarms. They serve as
audible indicators, alerting users to various events or conditions, such as the completion of a
cycle, the detection of an intruder, or the need to take action. Buzzers come in different
shapes, sizes, and sound profiles, allowing them to be tailored to specific use cases and
environments. Their versatility and reliability make them an essential component in many
electronic devices and systems, from doorbells and timers to industrial machinery and
robotics.

Figure 3.7 Buzzer

3.9 Resistors
Resistors are passive electronic components that are widely used in electrical and electronic
circuits. They are designed to provide a specific amount of electrical resistance to the flow of
electric current. Resistors are commonly used for various purposes such as limiting current,
dividing voltage, and adjusting signal levels in circuits.
 Figure 3.8 Resistors

3.10 Breadboard
A breadboard is a construction base used to build and test electronic circuits without having
to solder the components together. It is an invaluable tool for electronics hobbyists, students,
and professionals alike. Breadboards consist of a grid of interconnected conductive metal
strips or holes that allow electronic components to be easily inserted and connected. This
makes them ideal for quickly prototyping and experimenting with circuits, as components can
be rearranged and tested without the need for permanent soldering. Breadboards come in a
variety of sizes and configurations, accommodating circuits of different complexities, from
simple LED projects to more complex microcontroller-based systems. They provide a
versatile and reusable platform for building, testing, and troubleshooting electronic projects
of all kinds.

Figure 3.9 Breadboard

3.11 Pulse Sensor
It is an open- source heart sensor. This sensor clips on to a Finger-tip or earlobe or any place on the
skin where capillary veins are being [Link] sensor works on the principle of Photo
Lithosmography.
 Figure 3.10 Pulse Sensor

3.12 Thingsboard Web Server

It is an open source platform for data collection, processing and device management for IoT
projects. In this, data is collected using MQTT protocol and visualized on real time dashboard
of ThingsBoard. Thingsboard can be installed on
Windows, Linux and Raspberry Pi 3.

Thingsbord is a powerful web server that provides a robust and scalable platform for hosting
a wide range of web applications and services. Built with performance, security, and
flexibility in mind, Thingsbord offers a comprehensive set of features that make it an
excellent choice for developers and IT professionals alike.
 Figure 3.11 web server implementation work flow

Thingsbord's Key Features

1-High Performance

Thingsbord is designed to handle high-traffic websites and applications with ease, leveraging

cutting-edge technologies and optimizations to ensure lightning-fast response times and

smooth user experiences.
2 Scalability
Thingsbord's modular architecture and built-in load balancing capabilities
make it easy to scale up or down as your needs change, ensuring that your web applications
can accommodate growing user demands without sacrificing performance.
Security 3
Thingsbord takes security seriously, with robust authentication, authorization, and encryption
mechanisms to protect your web applications and data from various cyber threats,
safeguarding your users' sensitive information.

In the next chapter, we will describe the method which will be used to implement our project.