The requirement of this group assignment is to measure the power consumption of an output device. The team is expected to document their work on the group work page, showcasing the process and results. Additionally, each individual is required to reflect on their personal page about what they learned during the assignment.
Output devices are hardware components that allow computers or other electronic devices to communicate information to users or other systems. They serve as the primary means of presenting data, signals, or actions from a machine to the outside world. Common examples of output devices include monitors, speakers, printers, LEDs, and actuators. These devices convert digital signals from the computer into human-perceivable forms such as visual displays, sound, or physical movement, enabling interaction and feedback.
The output devices mentioned above are often composed of more discrete and low-level components such as motors, buzzers, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These components are typically controlled by microcontrollers or other processing units to generate specific outputs. For example, an LED can be used to indicate status, while a motor can drive mechanical movement. These basic components form the building blocks of more complex output devices, enabling a wide range of applications in fields such as robotics, automation, and user interface design.
Output devices can be categorized into various types based on their functionality and the nature of the output they produce. Here are some common types of output devices:
Output devices can be broadly categorized into visual, auditory, and mechanical outputs. Visual output devices, such as monitors and projectors, display information in the form of images, text, or videos. Auditory output devices, such as speakers and buzzers, produce sound to convey information or alerts. Mechanical output devices, such as motors and actuators, generate physical movement or force to perform tasks like opening a door or moving a robotic arm.
The LED is an example of a visual output device
Another way to classify output devices is by their analog or digital nature. Analog output devices produce continuous signals that can take any value within a range. These outputs are typically used to control variables such as brightness, speed, or sound volume. Examples of analog output devices include dimmable LEDs and variable-speed motors. Digital output devices, on the other hand, produce discrete signals that have only two states: on or off (1 or 0). These outputs are used for binary operations such as turning a device on or off. Examples of digital output devices include relays and simple on/off LEDs.
Below is a picture showing some common types of output devices.
Source: electricaltechnology.org
For our group assignment, we chose to measure the power consumption of an electric DC geared motor. This type of motor is commonly used in robotics and automation projects for its ability to provide high torque at low speeds.
Materials gathered for the experiment
Circuit setup for measuring voltage and current
Taking measurements with the multimeter
Power (W) = Voltage (V) × Current (A) to calculate the power consumed by the motor at each test point.
Calculating power consumption from measured values
Documented results of the experiment
| Test | Voltage (V) | Current (A) | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.0 | 0.18 | 0.90 |
| 2 | 7.5 | 0.22 | 1.65 |
| 3 | 9.0 | 0.25 | 2.25 |
The results demonstrate that as the voltage supplied to the DC geared motor increases, the current drawn by the motor also rises, though not always proportionally. This leads to a higher overall power consumption, as power is the product of voltage and current. In real-world behavior, the current may increase more rapidly under higher loads or resistance, and the efficiency of the motor can vary depending on speed and mechanical load. Our measurements confirm that both voltage and current are key factors in determining the power consumed by a DC motor, and that increasing either parameter will increase the power usage, especially when the motor is under load.