Course 6: Sensors

Lessons

Lesson 1: Introduction to Sensors Want to learn about the different types of electronic sensors? Please start here! This lesson explains the course content, what expectations you should have and what parts are needed for the course.
Lesson 2: Tilt The mechanical tilt sensor is one of the most basic types of sensors available. In this lesson we will learn how the tilt sensor uses some conductive balls to detect when the sensor has passed ± 90° of tilt.
Lesson 3: Temperature The temperature sensor is a small component that packs a powerful punch. In this lesson, we'll use a temperature sensor to output the current temperature inside the range of −40°C to +125°C.
Lesson 4: Infrared Proximity Knowing if something is in front of you is very useful for many different electronic applications. In this lesson we will use an infrared emitter and detector to sense if an object has crossed the sensor's path.
Lesson 5: Infrared Encoder Detecting changes in color and reflectivity can be achieved using an infrared emitter and phototransistor. In this lesson we'll do just that by making a rotary encoder for tracking a motor's movement.
Lesson 6: Sound We all hear and use sound in our daily lives, so we must also learn how to detect sound electronically.. In this lesson we will use an electret microphone to convert sound from an acoustic wave, into an electrical signal.
Lesson 7: Ultrasonic Proximity Proximity detection is important for any application that needs to know if an object has crossed a sensor's path. In this lesson we will learn how to use an ultrasonic proximity sensor to detect how far away an object is.
Lesson 8: Light Light is an element that is crucial for life on earth and it is also something we can easily sense electronically. In this lesson we will use a photoresistor to detect changes in brightness by making a laser trip-line.
Lesson 9: Motion Motion detection is vital for most security systems and the PIR motion sensor is a popular choice in that area. In this lesson we will learn how the PIR motion sensor works and how we can use it to set off an alarm when motion is detected.
Lesson 10: Magnetic Magnetic fields may be invisible but they are all around us with different strengths. In this lesson we'll see how a hall effect sensor can be used to detect a magnetic field and be used as a magnetic motor encoder.