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Grade 9 Ict - Lesson-04

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113 views7 pages

Grade 9 Ict - Lesson-04

Uploaded by

kogilachristy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Use of Microcontrollers

The basic functions of a computer are to input or collect data, process data according the given
instructions and to output necessary information.

The microcontroller processes data collected from sensors according to the given instructions and
releases necessary output. An example for microcontroller operation is shown below.

The microcontroller processes data gathered by the light sensors to light the bulb or to put it off.
For this purpose, the microcontroller needs to be fed with program instructions in a program.

Following equipment can collect data from sensors and controlled by a microcontroller.
 Device to detect people or animals entering to a farm secretly.
 Device to detect elephants entering to villages.

Microcontroller
A micro controller is actually a chip design to perform some operations according to the given
instructions.

Components of microcontroller
A microcontroller consists of four basic components.
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU).
2. Memory.
3. System clock.
4. Peripheral devices.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)


This processes data into information in order to provide the output.

System clock
The system clock is an electronic device. It synchronizes all components.

Peripheral devices
Small pins used to input data or output information belong to this category. Data is collected in
both in analog and digital forms. Output is released in digital form.
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Memory
There are two types.
a) Non-volatile memory
The data in the non-volatile memory does not get erased even if there is no electricity. The
program that the microcontroller should execute is stored in it.
b) Volatile memory
Data in the volatile memory gets erased if there is no electricity. It functions as the Random
Access Memory (RAM). This is used to store data as well as other results that are related when
the microcontroller is at work. Data and instructions for the CPU are also held here.

Use of sensors and micro controllers


Solar lamp
This contains solar cells, sensors and microcontroller. Solar cells microcontroller and light sensors
cooperate to light the lamp. The solar lamp turns on automatically with the dark and turns off when
there is light. Use of such solar lamps can minimize the waste of electricity.

Washing machine
Pressing buttons, the user gives instructions to the microcontroller for the wash. The
microcontroller operates accordingly.

Microwave oven
The microcontroller in the microwave oven holds the heat for a specified period and stops. The
user has to instruct regarding the required temperature and the duration.

Single Board Computer (SBC)


A single-board computer has a single circuit board with memory, input, output and
microcontroller.
e.g. - Raspberry pi

Single Chip Computer (SCC)


Central processing unit, input, output and memory are all built into a single integrated circuit. (IC)
e.g. - Arduino clip

Use of microcontrollers
A microcontroller based kit can be used to obtain the required outputs. A few such microcontroller
based kits are shown below:
 Micro:bit
 Arduino
 Raspberry pi

Micro:bit
The BBC institute has developed this microcontroller module to get inputs, process them and
produce outputs. This contains a memory too. Hence this board has the basic features of a
computer. Further, it contains sensors also. The architecture of the micro:bit module is as follows;

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Front view of the micro:bit module

Rear view of the micro:bit microcontroller module

Arduino
Arduino is a microprocessor developed by Atmel Company. It consists of the components shown
below. It can receive input, process it and release output. It contains a memory as well. Therefore,
this board is similar to a basic computer.

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4
A few Arduino boards used today are shown below;

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Other peripherals connected to microcontrollers
Bread-board

Breadboards can be used to make circuits without resorting to welding to connect the circuit
components. On a breadboard;
 All holes marked (+) ve (red) are connected together.
 All holes marked (-) ve (blue) are connected together.
 Holes in each green colored section are connected together.

Light Emitting Diode – LED


A Light Emitting Diode emits light when electricity passes through it. In a diode, electricity travels
only in one direction.

Sensors
A sensor is a device which detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates or
otherwise responds to it.
Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) Sensor
This is an electronic sensor that measures infrared objects (e.g. humans) in its field of view and
gives an output voltage accordingly.

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Out of the two trimpots marked colour yellow, one enables adjusting the distance covered by the
sensor, while the other indicates the time delay to release the output.

Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor is used to estimate the distance from it to an object. This is done by ultra
sound signals to the object and then interpreting the reflected signals.

This sensor functions in a way similar to that of a bat finding its route.

The pins on the Ultrasonic sensor are as shown below.

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