Input Devices
Group Assignment:
- probe an input device's analog levels and digital signals
Individual Assignment:
- measure something: add a sensor to a microcontroller board that you have designed and read it
What are inputs?
Input devices convert physical phenomena into electrical signals for computing systems. They include various sensors (environmental, motion, optical), touch interfaces, position devices, audio/visual inputs, pressure sensors, and traditional human interface devices.(From Claude, Prompt: I am in week 9 of fab academy, I want you to tell me what are input devices) There are many different types of input devices, and this is a really interesting week. My final project will include at least a couple of sensors, so this week will be my chance to experiment with different types. A quick note: due to a design flaw in my board (I used the only two analog pins for my button and LED), I can't use it. Instead, I dug up an Adrianino that I had made a while ago so I could test different inputs. The main inputs I want to test are: an RTC (Real-Time Clock), Step Response, Button, and maybe an LED.
Hall effect
Hall effect sensors detect magnetic fields using the Hall effect principle, where a voltage is generated perpendicular to current flow when exposed to a magnetic field. They come in various types (switch, linear, latch) and are used in position sensing, current measurement, speed detection, and angle sensing applications, offering advantages like non-contact operation and environmental immunity.(From Claude, Prompt: What are hall effect sensors?)
I used Adrian's Hall Effect sensor and his code for testing. Below is a video of it in action.
Ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic sensors measure distance by emitting high-frequency sound waves and timing their return after reflection, functioning as non-contact measurement devices widely used in automation, robotics, and proximity detection applications.(From Claude, Prompt: What are Ultrasonic sensors?)
Here, I used the SunFounder Ultrasonic Sensor along with Adrian's code. Below is a video showcasing it in action.
