Thursday, 27 March 2025

Interfacing Arduino with Servo Motors and Potentiometer – Beginner’s Tutorial



Arduino Servo Motor


Whether you’re building a robotic arm, an automated door, or a pan-tilt camera system, servo motors are the go-to choice for accurate angular movement. With the help of this guide you can learn how to interface a servo motor with Arduino, make it work, and control its position with the help of provided code.

What is a Servo Motor?

A servo motor is a type of motor used in various applications to precisely control the position, speed, and angular rotation of mechanical systems. 

It consists of:

  • DC Motor – The main driver
  • Gear System – Reduces speed, increases torque
  • Control Circuit – Receives signals & adjusts position
  • Feedback Mechanism – Ensures accurate movement
SG90 Servo Motor Pinout




Unlike DC motors, servo motors rotate within a fixed range (0° to 180°) and hold their position when powered.

Components Required

For this project, you’ll need:

  • Arduino Uno
  • SG90 or MG995 Servo Motor
  • Jumper Wires
  • External Power Source (if using a high-torque servo)
pinout of the potentiometer


Circuit Diagram of Interfacing Arduino with Servo Motors and Potentiometer

Circuit Diagram of Interfacing Arduino with Servo Motors and Potentiometer

Applications of Servo Motors

  • Robotic Arms & Grippers
  • Automated Doors & Windows
  • RC Cars & Airplanes
  • Pan-Tilt Camera Systems
  • DIY Animatronics & Smart Toys

Servo motors are easy to use and extremely useful for precise motion control in Arduino projects. With just a few lines of code, you can make them rotate, hold positions, and automate movements in your projects.


Friday, 21 March 2025

How to use L298N Motor Driver with Arduino?

How to use L298N Motor Driver with Arduino


What is the L298N Motor Driver Module?

The L298N Motor Driver Module is a high power motor driver module for driving DC and Stepper Motors.. It supports motors operating at 5V to 35V and offers features like:

  • Forward & Reverse Motor Control
  • PWM Speed Control
  • Overheating & Overcurrent Protection
  • Separate Power Input for Motors & Logic Control
Circuit Diagram for Interfacing L298N Motor Driver with Arduino


Components Required
Here’s what you’ll need for this project:
  • Arduino Uno
  • L298N Motor Driver Module
  • DC Motor (5V–12V)
  • Power Source (Battery or Adapter)
  • Jumper Wires
Components needed for interfacing the L298N Driver Module with Arduino.

This project explains how to interface the L298N Motor Driver Module with Arduino to control DC motors efficiently. The L298N allows you to regulate motor speed and direction using PWM signals, making it perfect for robotics, automation, and motorized projects. With this tutorial, you'll learn to drive motors forward, backward, and at variable speeds, enabling you to build remote-controlled cars, conveyor systems, and robotic arms.


Tuesday, 11 March 2025

How to Build a Bidirectional Visitor Counter using Arduino

How-to-Build-a-Bidirectional-Counter-Using-Arduino-and-IR-Sensors
What is a Bidirectional Counter?

A bidirectional counter counts objects or people moving in two directions, incrementing the count for one direction and decrementing for the opposite. It is commonly used in:

  • Automatic door entry systems
  • Visitor counters in malls, offices, and stations
  • Industrial conveyor belt monitoring

Components Required

To build this project, you'll need:

  • Arduino Uno
  • IR Sensors (2x)
  • 7-Segment Display or LCD
  • Resistors & Capacitors
  • Jumper Wires & Breadboard
Hardware-Connection-of-Bidirectional-Counter-System-using-IR-Sensors (1)


This project demonstrates how to use the L298N Motor Driver Module with Arduino to control the speed and direction of a DC motor. By leveraging PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals, you can achieve precise motion control, making it ideal for robotics, automation, and motorized systems. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced maker, this tutorial will help you understand motor control concepts and apply them to your own projects.

Wednesday, 5 March 2025

How to Build an RFID Door Lock System Using Arduino



Learn how to build an  RFID-based door lock system using an Arduino Uno, an RFID module, and a servo motor. The system scans an RFID card, checks its ID, and unlocks the door if it’s authorized. This setup is useful for home security, office access control, and smart automation projects.

Components Required

  • Arduino Uno (or compatible board)
  • RC522 RFID Module (to read RFID tags)
  • RFID Cards & Key Fobs (for authentication)
  • Servo Motor (to control the lock)
  • Buzzer & LED Indicators (for access feedback)
  • Jumper Wires & Breadboard (for connections)


Components Required to make RFID Door Lock System Using Arduino
Components Required to make RFID Door Lock System Using Arduino

RFID Door Lock System using Arduino Circuit Diagram


Circuit Diagram RFID Door Lock System using Arduino
Circuit Diagram RFID Door Lock System using Arduino

The RFID door lock system works by scanning an RFID card or key fob using the RC522 RFID module. When a card is scanned, the Arduino reads its unique ID and checks if it matches a pre-stored authorized ID. If the card is recognized, the servo motor unlocks the door, allowing access. If the card is not authorized, the system triggers a buzzer and an LED indicator to signal access denial. After a short delay, the lock resets and waits for the next scan, ensuring continuous operation.

Arduino Code to Read RFID Card UID

To find your authorized RFID card UID, compile and upload the code to your Arduino. No hardware modifications are needed.

Complete Hardware Setup of RFID Door Lock System using Arduino
Complete Hardware Setup of RFID Door Lock System using Arduino

Code for RFID Door Lock System using Arduino

This Arduino-based RFID door lock system reads an RFID card’s UID, checks it against a predefined UID, and unlocks the door for 10 seconds using a relay and solenoid lock while displaying the status on an LCD.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Setting Up the Hardware

Start by assembling the required components. Connect the RC522 RFID module to the Arduino Uno using SPI communication. Attach the relay module and solenoid lock for door control, and connect the LCD display to show access status. Ensure the power supply is stable for reliable operation.

Step 2: Uploading the UID Retrieval Code

To get the unique ID (UID) of your RFID card, compile and upload the UID retrieval code to the Arduino. This step doesn’t require any hardware modifications. Once uploaded, open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE to view the scanned UID.

Step 3: Storing the Authorized UID

After retrieving the UID, update the main code by replacing the default UID with your card’s UID. This ensures that only the authorized card can unlock the door. Save and re-upload the modified code to the Arduino.

Step 4: Implementing the Door Lock System

The main program continuously scans for RFID cards. When a card is detected, the Arduino checks if its UID matches the stored UID. If authorized, the relay activates the solenoid lock, unlocking the door for 10 seconds. Meanwhile, the LCD display updates the door status.

Step 5: Testing and Final Adjustments

Test the system by scanning different RFID cards. If unauthorized, the lock remains closed, and the system displays an access denied message. Adjust the servo angles, delay timings, or security features as needed for better performance.


Final Testing of our RFID Door Lock System
Final Testing of our RFID Door Lock System
Working Demo video : 

Enhancements & Customization

  • Store multiple RFID card IDs for multi-user access.
  • Add an OLED display to show authentication messages.
  • Integrate Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for remote access control.
  • Connect to a database for logging entry records.

This RFID-based door lock system offers a simple yet effective way to manage access control. It can be expanded with additional features to enhance security and functionality. 


Learn more about this tutorial  How to make an RFID Door Lock System using Arduino?

Get the more projects with full code and schematics on our www.circuitdigest.com 


Thursday, 27 February 2025

How to Build an Arduino Maze-Solving Robot – Step-by-Step Guide

 

Maze solving robot

Ever wondered how robots navigate complex paths without human intervention? A maze-solving robot is an autonomous bot that can find the shortest path through a maze using sensors and algorithms. In this guide, Learn how to build an Arduino-powered maze-solving robot, complete with schematics and code. 

What is a Maze-Solving Robot?

A maze-solving robot uses sensors and programming logic to detect paths, walls, and dead ends. 

Components Required

To build this project, you'll need:

  • Arduino Uno
  • IR Sensors (Line Tracking)
  • Motor Driver Module (L298N)
  • DC Motors & Wheels
  • Chassis & Battery Pack
  • Jumper Wires & Breadboard

Maze Solving Robot Circuit Diagram
Applications of Maze-Solving Robots
  • Robotics competitions
  • Automated navigation systems
  • Rescue robots in hazardous areas
  • AI pathfinding research

Click here to explore the project in detail : How to Build a Maze Solving Robot Using Arduino: Complete DIY Guide

Get the more projects with full code and schematics on our www.circuitdigest.com


Monday, 24 February 2025

How to Build a Speed Sensor Using Arduino – A Step-by-Step Guide


Speed Sensor using Arduino


Introduction

Want to measure speed with an Arduino? A speed sensor helps calculate the velocity of moving objects using infrared or magnetic sensors. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of building an Arduino-based speed sensor, including circuit connections, code, and applications.

What is a Speed Sensor?

A speed sensor is a device that detects the movement of an object and measures its velocity. It is commonly used in vehicles, industrial automation, and robotics. In this project, we use an IR sensor and Arduino to track speed.

Components Required

To build this project, you will need:
  1. Arduino Uno
  2. IR Sensor Module
  3. LCD Display (16x2)
  4. Resistors & Capacitors
  5. Breadboard & Jumper Wires

Circuit Diagram & Working



The IR sensor detects when an object passes through it. By measuring the time taken between two points, we calculate the speed using the formula:

Speed = Distance / Time

Applications of Arduino Speed Sensors

  • Automobile speed monitoring
  • Industrial conveyor belt tracking
  • Robotics & automation
  • Sports performance analysis

Building an Arduino-based speed sensor is simple and effective. With a few components and code modifications, you can customize it for different applications. Try this project and share your results.

Click here to explore the project in detail How to Build a Speed Sensor using Arduino?

Get the complete more projects with full code and schematics on our website.

Sunday, 16 June 2024

Understanding Transformers: Types, Construction, and Applications

 



Transformers play a pivotal role in both electrical and electronics realms, harnessing the fundamental principles of electromagnetism pioneered by Michael Faraday. Let's delve into the world of transformers, exploring the diverse types of transformers, constructions, and the wide array of applications they serve.


Types of Transformers Based on Voltage Level



1. Step-Down Transformer

Step-down transformers are workhorses in electronics, converting high primary voltages to lower secondary voltages. You'll find them in everyday devices like power adapters and chargers, as well as in electrical systems for reducing high transmission voltages to usable levels.


2. Step-Up Transformer

Conversely, step-up transformers boost low primary voltages to higher secondary voltages. They're essential in stabilizers, inverters, and power distribution networks, enabling efficient transmission of high voltages over long distances.


3. Isolation Transformer

Isolation transformers maintain equal voltages on both primary and secondary sides, ensuring electrical safety and minimizing noise. They're a must-have in sensitive equipment setups to prevent interference.


Transformer Types Based on Core Material


1. Iron Core Transformer

These transformers utilize soft iron plates, delivering high flux linkage and efficiency. They're commonly found in power applications, known for their robust but bulky construction.


2. Ferrite Core Transformer

Ferrite core transformers shine in high-frequency applications like switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) and RF circuits due to their low loss and high magnetic permeability.


3. Toroidal Core Transformer

With a doughnut-shaped core, toroidal transformers offer superior electrical performance with minimal leakage inductance. They're lightweight and more efficient compared to traditional transformers.


4. Air Core Transformer

Air core transformers, devoid of a physical core, rely on air for flux linkage. They're popular in portable electronics, RF applications, and wireless charging solutions.


Transformer Types Based on Winding Arrangement


Auto Winding Transformer

Auto transformers feature a single winding acting as both primary and secondary, with a movable center tap for adjusting output voltage. They're commonly used in voltage stabilizers and power distribution setups.


Transformers Based on Usage


Power Domain



  • Power Transformer: Facilitates energy transfer in substations and grids, converting high current at low voltage to low current at high voltage for efficient distribution.

  • Measurement Transformer: Also known as instrument transformers, these devices isolate and convert current and voltage for accurate measurements.

  • Distribution Transformer: Step-down transformers that adjust grid voltage to levels required by consumers, typically seen in power lines.


Electronics Domain



  • Pulse Transformer: Essential in digital circuits for generating isolated electrical pulses.

  • Audio Output Transformer: Balances amplifier circuits and loads in audio applications.

  • Current Transformer: Measures AC current, featuring a primary winding with a few turns or a bus bar.

  • Voltage Transformer: Measures AC voltage by stepping it down to a measurable level.

  • RF Transformers: Vital in radio and communication equipment for impedance matching and maintaining signal integrity at high frequencies.


Understanding the myriad types of transformers and their applications is essential for professionals in both electrical and electronics fields. Each transformer type, whether it's for stepping up voltage or ensuring electrical isolation, serves specific purposes in powering, measuring, and maintaining electronic systems, ensuring efficiency and safety across various domains.