IoT (Internet of Things) Basic | Chapter 3: Sensors, Actuators, and Embedded Systems by Prakhar Chauhan | Learn Smarter
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Chapter 3: Sensors, Actuators, and Embedded Systems

The chapter details the critical hardware components required for building Internet of Things (IoT) systems, focusing on sensors, actuators, and embedded systems. It elucidates the functionality and applications of various types of sensors and actuators, while also providing insight into microcontrollers and embedded boards that facilitate these components' integration. Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the importance of interfacing techniques and communication methods involved in IoT applications.

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Sections

  • 3

    Sensors, Actuators, And Embedded Systems

    This section covers the essential components of IoT devices: sensors, actuators, and embedded systems, detailing their functions and applications.

  • 3.1

    Types Of Sensors And Their Functions

    This section discusses various types of sensors used in IoT systems, detailing their functions, examples, and applications.

  • 3.1.1

    Temperature Sensors

    Temperature sensors measure ambient or object temperature and are crucial components in IoT devices.

  • 3.1.2

    Humidity Sensors

    Humidity sensors are devices that detect moisture levels in the air, providing essential data for various applications.

  • 3.1.3

    Motion Sensors

    Motion sensors detect movement or acceleration in their environment, playing a crucial role in various IoT applications.

  • 3.1.4

    Light Sensors

    Light sensors measure light intensity and are essential components in various IoT applications.

  • 3.1.5

    Gas And Air Quality Sensors

    Gas and air quality sensors are critical devices in IoT applications that detect harmful gases and air pollutants, enhancing safety and environmental monitoring.

  • 3.1.6

    Proximity Sensors

    Proximity sensors detect nearby objects without physical contact, providing vital data for various applications.

  • 3.1.7

    Pressure And Force Sensors

    Pressure and force sensors measure applied force or pressure in various applications.

  • 3.2

    Commonly Used Actuators

    This section discusses the various types of actuators used in IoT systems, their functions, and applications.

  • 3.2.1

    Motors

    This section introduces motors as critical actuators in IoT systems, explaining their types, functions, and applications.

  • 3.2.2

    Relays

    This section discusses relays in IoT, including their function as electrically operated switches and their various applications.

  • 3.2.3

    Buzzers And Alarms

    Buzzers and alarms are key components of IoT systems that generate sound alerts for various applications.

  • 3.2.4

    Leds And Displays

    This section discusses LEDs and displays as output components in IoT devices, highlighting their functions and applications.

  • 3.2.5

    Valves And Solenoids

    This section provides an overview of valves and solenoids as critical components of IoT systems, explaining their functions, applications, and importance in managing gas and liquid flow.

  • 3.3

    Microcontrollers And Embedded Boards

    This section focuses on microcontrollers and embedded boards, essential components for managing sensors and actuators in IoT devices.

  • 3.3.1

    Microcontrollers

    Microcontrollers are integral components of IoT devices, acting as processing units that read data from sensors and control actuators.

  • 3.3.2

    Embedded Boards

    Embedded boards are essential components of IoT systems, integrating microcontrollers with additional hardware to facilitate development.

  • 3.3.2.1

    Arduino

    This section introduces the Arduino as an open-source electronics platform, highlighting its significance for beginners in IoT development.

  • 3.3.2.2

    Raspberry Pi

    Raspberry Pi is a versatile single-board computer used for more powerful IoT applications compared to traditional microcontrollers.

  • 3.3.2.3

    Esp32 / Esp8266

    This section discusses the ESP32 and ESP8266 microcontrollers as Wi-Fi-enabled platforms suited for IoT applications.

  • 3.4

    Interfacing Sensors With Microcontrollers

    This section describes how to connect sensors to microcontrollers, detailing the process of data collection for IoT applications.

  • 3.4.1

    Basic Steps

    The Basic Steps section outlines the essential procedures for interfacing sensors with microcontrollers in IoT applications.

  • 3.4.2

    Communication Methods

    This section covers the various communication methods used in connecting sensors and actuators within IoT systems.

  • 3.4.1.1

    Step 1: Connect Power Supply

    This section emphasizes the importance of connecting the power supply to sensors and microcontrollers in IoT systems.

  • 3.4.1.2

    Step 2: Data Pins

    This section focuses on data pins, essential for connecting sensors and microcontrollers in IoT systems.

  • 3.4.1.3

    Step 3: Code Initialization

    Code initialization is a foundational step that involves writing software to read sensor data through microcontrollers.

  • 3.4.1.4

    Step 4: Testing

    In this section, we delve into the role of sensors and actuators in IoT systems and how they interconnect to create intelligent applications.

  • 3.4.2.1

    Digital Input/output

    This section explores digital inputs and outputs in IoT systems, focusing on the role and functioning of sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers in processing environmental data.

  • 3.4.2.2

    Analog Input

    This section introduces analog input as a means of reading varying voltage levels from sensors in an IoT system.

  • 3.4.2.3

    I2c

    I2C is a two-wire communication protocol used for connecting sensors and microcontrollers, allowing for complex data exchanges in IoT systems.

  • 3.4.2.4

    Spi

    The SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is a high-speed interface used to communicate between microcontrollers and various peripherals like sensors.

  • 3.4.2.5

    Uart

    This section covers UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) as a critical method for serial communication in embedded systems.

  • 3.5

    Summary

    This section covers the roles and functions of sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers in IoT devices.

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Sensors detect environmenta...
  • Actuators execute physical ...
  • Microcontrollers, such as A...

Final Test

Revision Tests