1. Home

Arduino UNO Project Ideas with Code and Circuit Diagram

Submitted by Staff on

Arduino is a very popular open-source platform and Arduino UNO is one of the most loved microcontrollers among electronics hobbyists worldwide. It consists of a physical programmable circuit board and an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that allows the writing and upload of computer code to the board very effortlessly. Due to its user-friendly environment and huge community support, it become the first choice for beginners in this field.

In this article, we will go through some of our best Arduino UNO projects that you can make at home easily and understand the functions and workings of Arduino UNO. All the Arduino project ideas listed below were built on Circuit Digest and you can get them complete code and circuit for all projects completely for free by just clicking on the respective links. That being said let's get started with this article. 

1. Building your own Sun Tracking Solar Panel using an Arduino:

Traditionally, solar panels are fixed and the movement of the sun over the horizon means that the solar panel does not harness maximum energy most of the time.

Building your own Sun Tracking Solar Panel using an Arduino

This arduino UNO project introduces a Sun-tracking system project using an Arduino Uno, a servo motor, and LDRs to optimize solar panel efficiency. Hardware components, circuit connections, and assembly instructions are provided, along with step-by-step code explanations for the project. The project concludes by emphasizing the practical applications of the system and potential enhancements for larger solar panels.

Link: Building your own Sun Tracking Solar Panel using an Arduino

2. Bluetooth Controlled Pick and Place Robotic Arm Car using Arduino:

This fun arduino project outlines the construction of a Bluetooth-controlled robotic arm using an Arduino board and servo motors, emphasizing precision-controlled movements in robotics.

Bluetooth Controlled Pick and Place Robotic Arm Car using Arduino

It provides insights into the arm's kinematics and the significance of understanding forward and inverse kinematics equations. The Arduino tutorial highlights the assembly process, circuit connections, and code implementation, emphasizing the role of servo motors and the Android application for wireless control. Overall, the project serves as an educational introduction to robotics and automation, showcasing the fusion of hardware and software in creating a versatile and interactive mechanical system.

Link: Bluetooth Controlled Pick and Place Robotic Arm Car using Arduino

3. Smart Dustbin using Arduino:

The Arduino Smart Dustbin Project is an innovative solution for waste management, utilizing an Arduino Nano, servo motors, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and an IR sensor.

Smart Dustbin using Arduino

The project's objective is to automatically open the lid upon detecting nearby objects, promoting cleanliness and sanitation. The circuit design emphasizes proper voltage regulation through a buck converter, ensuring the system's stability. The code involves monitoring sensor inputs and controlling servo motors to facilitate smooth lid movement. Overall, the project aligns with the "Swatch Bharat Mission," encouraging a clean and eco-friendly environment through hands-free waste disposal.

Link: Smart Dustbin using Arduino.

4. DIY Arduino Bluetooth Car Controlled by Mobile Application:

If you are a beginner and enjoy building robots, this is likely the first Arduino project you will do after learning the basics, which is why we decided to build a Wireless Bluetooth Controlled Robot Car Using Arduino.

DIY Arduino Bluetooth Car Controlled by Mobile Application

The Wireless Bluetooth Controlled Robot Car is a beginner-friendly Arduino project with an Android app for control and RGB Neopixel LEDs. It requires components like Arduino UNO, HC05 Module, L298N Motor driver, NeoPixel LEDs, etc. The onboard chassis building process and motor connections are detailed..The Arduino Project code utilizes SoftwareSerial.h for Bluetooth communication and controls robot movements and LED lights. The Android app, built with MIT app inventor, enables users to send commands to the robot via Bluetooth.

5. Build your own Mars Rover Robot using Arduino:

This cool looking Arduino Project presents the construction of an Arduino-based Mars rover, emphasizing design, components, and assembly. It highlights the role of the L298N motor driver and HC-05 Bluetooth module in movement and control.

Build your own Mars Rover Robot using Arduino

Detailed circuit diagrams and code explanations aid technical understanding, with an Android app enabling rover control. The project encourages exploration in robotics, electronics, and programming, fostering curiosity and creativity in space exploration. The planet Mars has captivated our imagination for centuries, and the idea of sending rovers to explore its surface has fueled our curiosity even further.

Link: Build your own Mars Rover Robot using Arduino

6. DIY Self Balancing Robot using Arduino:

This Arduino Project is not for beginners as it outlines the construction of a self-balancing robot using an Arduino, including component selection, 3D printing, and assembly.

DIY Self Balancing Robot using Arduino

It covers the circuit diagram and the PID algorithm's implementation for achieving self-balancing, emphasizing the significance of tuning PID values. The guide provides troubleshooting tips and instructions for ensuring the project's success. This way I would be able to grasp the underlying concept behind all these scooters and also learn how the PID algorithm works.

Link:  DIY Self Balancing Robot using Arduino

7. Building an easy Line Follower Robot using Arduino Uno:

The Line Following Robot (LFR) is quite an interesting Arduino project to work on! In this tutorial, we will learn how to build a black line follower robot using Arduino Uno and some easily accessible components.

Building an easy Line Follower Robot using Arduino Uno

The Line Follower Robot (LFR) uses IR sensors to follow lines on the ground autonomously, navigating with four actions: forward, left turn, right turn, and stop. The project requires an Arduino Uno, an L293D motor driver, IR sensor modules, a battery, BO motors, and a hobby robot chassis. The circuit integrates sensors, motor driver, motors, and Arduino, with the motor driver ensuring proper motor control. The code uses basic Arduino functions to define the robot's actions based on sensor outputs. Calibration involves adjusting the IR module's variable resistor, ensuring accurate line detection. Detailed assembly instructions and a video demonstration are provided for the project.

Link: Building an easy Line Follower Robot using Arduino Uno

8. DIY Arduino Based Color Sorter Machine using TCS3200 Color Sensor:

The color sorting machine employs a TCS3200 color sensor, Arduino UNO, and servo motors for automated color-based sorting of objects into designated boxes.

DIY Arduino Based Color Sorter Machine using TCS3200 Color Sensor

Its applications span diverse industries like agriculture, food, and mining where color identification is essential. The project involves building a robotic arm using a Sunboard sheet, and the program logic utilizes the servo library and a detectColor() function to determine and sort colors. Detailed step-by-step instructions and a video demonstration are provided for reference. Some application areas include the Agriculture Industry (Grain Sorting on the basis of color), the Food Industry, the Diamond and Mining Industry, Recycling, etc.

Link: DIY Arduino Based Color Sorter Machine using TCS3200 Color Sensor

9. Human Following Robot Using Arduino and Ultrasonic Sensor:

This Arduino UNO Project is not only fun to build but also is really exiting to watch it work. One exciting application of robotics is the development of human-following robots.

Human Following Robot Using Arduino and Ultrasonic Sensor

This article presents the development of a human-following robot with Arduino and three ultrasonic sensors, highlighting its advantages over conventional designs. It outlines the necessary components and the circuit diagram, emphasizing the crucial connections required for the project. The Arduino code demonstrates how the robot functions based on the input from the sensors, enabling it to measure distances and adjust its movements accordingly. The article underscores human-following robot's versatility and potential applications, citing their relevance in various sectors such as retail, security, entertainment, and elderly care.

Link: Human Following Robot Using Arduino and Ultrasonic Sensor

10. Automatic Irrigation System using an Arduino Uno:

This Arduino UNO project details the creation of an Automatic Irrigation System using an Arduino Uno and a soil moisture sensor.

Automatic Irrigation System using an Arduino Uno

The sensor measures soil moisture, triggering the water pump when levels are low and stopping it when the soil is adequately hydrated. A relay module facilitates pump control, while a 5V battery powers the circuit. The code, without libraries, reads sensor data, converts it to a percentage, and operates the pump based on predefined moisture thresholds. The guide includes a circuit diagram, assembly steps, and calibration instructions, making it accessible for beginners.

Link: Automatic Irrigation System using an Arduino Uno

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

What are the Impediments that are Preventing US CHIPS Act from Boosting Chip Manufacturing

In an effort to reduce dependence on Asian countries on chip import and to revive the country’s growth in semiconductor production, the USA in August 2022, has unleashed the much-awaited CHIPS Act worth $52 billion. Since the time of Trump administration the country has been undertaking various strenuous efforts and involved in geopolitical scuffles with China to shatter the latter’s dream of leading the technology industry. The US is trying to persuade its EU allies and India to join its league of anti-China strategies and decided to craft a ‘Chip 4’ association with Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to build a strong semiconductor supply chain that will keep out China.

In the last two decades, the share of US chip manufacturing has reduced drastically, while advanced chipset production is now largely spearheaded by a couple of countries like South Korea and Taiwan. Currently, 90 percent of the sophisticated chips, which are of great importance for the US defense and economy are manufactured in Taiwan. This has created worries about the supply’s vulnerability, given China’s plan of military invasion on Taiwan. Chipsets, which are less sophisticated but useful in electronics, cars, and other products are now produced in China whose market has also augmented exponentially. 12 percent of semiconductors are now produced in the US that are not globally advanced.

Senior Research Analyst Faisal Kawoosa, founder of techARC, told CircuitDigest, “The closure of factories during the surge of the coronavirus pandemic has created huge disruptions on supply chains and also the winter storm in Texas further damaged the country’s manufacturing cluster. Now, demand suddenly soared unexpectedly as government offices, educational institutions, and corporate offices began work from home. Therefore, the chip shortages increased and the GDP also witnessed a sharp cut in percentage. The lockdown situations in the past few years has made absolutely clear that semiconductors play an important role in today’s world economy, and the costs that accompany restricted the supply.”

It is now clearly evident that the CHIPS and the Science Act, which was unveiled after several rounds of heated discussions, might not likely work the way it was intended. The scheme, which was unleashed with bipartisan support, was meant to boost the in-house chip manufacturing units. Even though the US is one of the leaders in advanced semiconductor design, its share of international chip production slumped 37 percent in 1990 to 12 percent currently. While speaking of the imperativeness of such technology in terms of national security, the US defense department requires 1.9 billion of them a year.

Semiconductor Manufacturing Graph

Funding For Semiconductor Manufacturing-US

The problem is now manufacturing chips in US consumer 25 percent longer duration and 50 percent more expensive than doing such in Asia. The domestic semiconductor manufacturers are now facing serious hurdles mostly due to government negligence, claim experts. According to a Bloomberg report, the red tape is a major impediment because from 1990 until 2020, the duration required to build new fabs increased by 38 percent. For instance, the Clean Air Act takes more than one and half years to give permission. Then, the review by the National Environmental Policy Act takes more than four and half years. A lot of unimportant federal laws will suddenly appear on the way and a lot of agencies must be consulted to approve the project.

Analysts told Bloomberg that such hold ups creates no confidence among private investment, increases project costs, and seriously restricts US manufacturers from competing in the international market.

Another grave hurdle is that the country does not have sufficient skilled workforce required for this sector, which researchers feel that the broken immigration system of late is responsible. A survey report highlighted that around 300,000 more skilled workforce is required to complete the ongoing fab ventures, leaving out the new ones, claims Bloomberg. Although TSMC and Intel announced their new projects in the country they are facing a lot of challenges to find proficient workforces for the same.

Most of the experts believe that these problems can be solved easily. For instance, there is a requirement to deploy fast track exemptions for semiconductor makers under the federal environment laws or better modify the law to give momentum to all such ventures and impede shallow laws. Visas must be escalated for proficient workforce, prioritize applicants with needed STEM abilities, and also increase green card allotments for foreign degree holders.

According to the market experts, various strategies can be formed and deployed in an effort to achieve chip sovereignty via the CHIPS act, but if the SMBs are not included then surely the act will fail to boost the chip economy in the country. The president has recently proclaimed who would lead the country’s export council where national security experts and CEOs of global firms were asked to spearhead, but not a single SMB company name was mentioned. According to a report by fortune.com, around 64 percent of new employment is generated by SMBs that contribute to 99.9 percent of overall trade in the US.

Semiconductor Manufacturing US

It is a clear fact that most of the subsidies and funding from the act will be benefited by the global companies and therefore, a sufficient percentage of the fund must be allocated to the small businesses to provide momentum in materials science, packaging, and mechanical design. The US government has called for the imperativeness of public-private partnerships, but at the same time, it is also important to have strategic alliances between MNCs and SMBs.

Now, when the CHIPS Act was finally unleashed, the government understood that the supply of nation’s chips that powers most of the electronic products from smartphones, washing machines, and cars to supercomputers, and defense products, faced a huge impediment at a difficult situation. For the manufacturing of sophisticated chips, the US is mostly relied on Taiwan. Now, geopolitical scuffles with China, the possible tussle in the South China sea as well as between North Korea and South Korea giving a blow to the semiconductor supplies and therefore, the US government was convinced about increasing the economy of the country’s chip manufacturing. But, with a couple of red tapes, and huge workforce expenses, the chip manufacturers require additional incentives to bring out the transformation.

Matthew Orf, Research Analyst with Counterpoint Technology Market Research, said "When the CHIPS act was finalized, around $200 billion worth of investments have been proclaimed to increase the chip production facilities. A couple of bigger firms like Texas Instruments, Intel, TSMC, Samsung, and Micron have announced their investments to create new foundries. Although the act has sparked private players to begin new projects, some of the shortcomings and legislations of the provisions could make it a challenging task. This is mostly because the new ventures are furnished with a lot of regulations and red tape that could cause the projects to stop for a while. Even though the funding has been allocated for job training and workforce education, the volume of the requirement of new employees, and the lack of skilled workforce will make the dream of the country of leading the semiconductor industry more difficult.”

“Most importantly, the act failed to find out the possible causes why exactly the country’s semiconductor industry weakened, mostly manufacturing. Experts believe that stern regulations and workforce costs makes manufacturing in the US more intricate than the Asian countries. Now, the problem is if the funding remains dry, how will the nation’s semiconductor industry remain globally competitive?,” added Work.

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

In India, the Demand for Skilled Engineers, Technicians in Robotics is high, but the supply is limited

For the past few years, developing countries like India are going through a lot of alterations in terms of technology and one such development in this world is robotics. Now, with a huge improvement in science and technology, robotics is appearing in the industrial space very quickly. Experts opine that robotics is very useful for industrial automation that includes assembly, manufacturing, and packaging.

Critical Components for a Successful Energy Storage System

Submitted by Staff on

The pace and variety of electrification across many aspects of our daily lives continue, driven by the convergence of multiple factors. These include increased renewable sources such as solar power from photovoltaic panels and wind power via large turbines paired with higher-density, lower-cost rechargeable batteries for storage, sophisticated battery-management systems to monitor their charging/discharging, and inverters to convert the stored energy into usable power.

We’re seeing a wide span of applications, from highly visible grid-scale installations and medium-size office and residential applications to increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and their chargers (Figure 1) and even less visible roles such as propane-free industrial forklifts. The size and scope of these systems range from wide-scale and regional to highly focused and localized.

Figure 1: This row of electric vehicle charging stations is evidence of the further penetration of electric power in daily life and the associated challenges. (Source: Noel - stock.adobe.com)

The Challenge is in the Details

Regardless of the size or scope of a project, there’s one truism that every engineer with any real-world experience knows: It is the less-visible and less-glamorous components that often make the difference between a system that works to some level but has multiple shortcomings and performance issues, versus one which is solid, tight, reliable, and also meets the many safety and regulatory standards governing its operation.

Components with precise functions—such as solar panels, windmill turbines, battery management systems (BMS), and power inverters—get much of the design effort and attention. The public even recognizes them to some extent due to their high profile. Nonetheless, the reality is that many more “smaller” components are needed for a complete and properly functioning system. For example, in addition to the major blocks of a modest solar-inverter installation (Figure 2), smaller and critical functions are needed.

basic solar-inverter installation
Figure 2: A basic solar-inverter installation has large functional blocks and smaller yet vital functions. (Source: TE Connectivity)

Two of these are:

  • Contactors (orange circle 3) are high-capacity, electrically controllable on/off switches (similar to a relay) used for power distribution, main switch functions, and overall control. The contactor makes it possible to switch and control power paths.
  • EMI filters (orange circle 4) provide needed attenuation of common mode and differential mode interference and electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is unavoidably created by the switching power inverters. Without these filters, the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) create excessive interference, which affects not only its operation but nearby systems as well and will also likely fail certification to regulatory limits.

Size, Materials Must Scale

While these contractors and filters have schematic diagrams and functions similar to their counterparts in the low-power system, the similarities end there (Figures 3 and 4).

contactor
Figure 3: The contactor is an electrically controllable high voltage/current switch, similar to a relay, used to route power. (Source: Mouser Electronics)
EMI filters in dual- and single-stage configurations
Figure 4: EMI filters are offered in dual- and single-stage configurations and are essential for attenuating common- and differential-mode interference and electromagnetic interference (EMI). (Source: Mouser Electronics)

The components must be physically more significant, have more robust internal and external contacts and connections, use different materials and contact plating, and be suitable for rugged handling and exposed installations. Due to the higher voltages and currents, there are concerns related to contact erosion, localized heating, and high-voltage flashover and sparking, which could degrade performance or cause outright failure.

A closer look at a contactor and a filter provides a sense of these functions in higher-power applications.

The ECK150/200/250 series of high-voltage DC contactors from TE Connectivity (TE) is designed for control in EV charging stations, solar inverters, battery energy storage systems, automated guided vehicles (AGV), and battery-powered forklifts (Figure 5). The units can be used for DC breaking voltage at 1000VDC and breaking current of 2000A (both maximums) with a continuous carry current of 250A.

To achieve this performance, they are packaged in hermetically sealed cylindrical enclosures using ceramic technology, making them safe and reliable.

ECK150200250 series
Figure 5: The ECK150/200/250 series of high-voltage DC contactors use ceramic-sealing technology for reliability under challenging conditions. (Source: Mouser Electronics)

The contractors are 52 millimeters long with a 56mm diameter while meeting all relevant UL, CE, and CCC approvals. As a further benefit, the built-in pulse-width modulated “economizer” activator means that the required contactor hold power is just 1.7W despite the high voltage/current ratings, which minimizes wasted energy and thermal dissipation.

The Corcom AHV series of Three-Phase High-Performance EMI Filters, also from TE Connectivity, are modules with a rated voltage of up to 760VAC and a current rating of up to 1000A. They feature a single- or dual-stage delta configuration in a compact bookshelf or chassis design, along with a small footprint to save space and costs (Figure 6); the smallest unit (7A) measures approximately 300mm deep × 140mm high × 70mm wide while the corresponding dimensions of the largest unit (180 A) are 310 × 265 × 165mm.

Corcom AHV series
Figure 6: The Corcom AHV series of Three-Phase High-Performance EMI Filters are available in single- or dual-stage models to provide different levels of noise attenuation. (Source: Mouser Electronics)

They are well suited for renewable-energy converters/inverters, EV charging facilities, and other industrial equipment and devices. They are available in single- and dual-stage configurations to meet the required EMI suppression goals. For example, the 75-A single-stage bookshelf unit with terminal block input and output has these common-mode and differential-mode insertion losses in dB (Figure 7):

common- and differential-mode attenuation
Figure 7: The common- and differential-mode attenuation (in dB) from 0.01 to 30MHz for a 75A, single-stage Corcom AHV-series filter is high. (Source: TE Connectivity)

In contrast, the corresponding 75A dual-stage bookshelf unit has somewhat higher attenuation for both modes across all frequencies (Figure 8).

common- and differential-mode attenuation
Figure 8: If the attenuation provided by a single-stage unit is insufficient for the system or regulatory mandates, the dual-stage unit adds another approximately 10 to 20dB across the same frequency spectrum. (Source: TE Connectivity)

Conclusion

While the higher-profile functional blocks of a BESS or more minor system are critical, it’s important for designers also to pay attention when selecting passive, less-visible components such as contactors, EMI filters, and even connectors. Choosing devices that don’t have the needed ratings or mechanical or electrical, mechanical, or environmental ruggedness leads to immediate performance shortcomings, regulatory issues, and short- and longer-term reliability concerns. TE Connectivity offers a full range of products, in a wide selection of ratings and form factors, to meet these needs and fill in the large and small pieces for successful energy-storage and -delivery systems.

Original Source: Mouser

Author

Bill Schweber is a contributing writer for Mouser Electronics and an electronics engineer who has written three textbooks on electronic communications systems, as well as hundreds of technical articles, opinion columns, and product features. In past roles, he worked as a technical website manager for multiple topic-specific sites for EE Times and as the Executive Editor and Analog Editor at EDN.

He has an MSEE (Univ. of Mass) and BSEE (Columbia Univ.), is a Registered Professional Engineer, and holds an Advanced Class amateur radio license. Bill has also planned, written, and presented online courses on a variety of engineering topics, including MOSFET basics, ADC selection, and driving LEDs.

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

The Upcoming Battery Technology and Market Trends that will Transform Global EV Market

Over the past few years, electric vehicles have now appeared as a pivotal point of realizing environmental policies all through the globe. In order to meet the same, the automobile manufacturers have realized that their future products will be crafted outside the ecosystem of conventional internal commercial engines (ICE). Hence, their business models and strategies are being tweaked to go ahead with the time. For electric cars, the most crucial and expensive component is the battery and the competition rat-race is escalating among OEMs and battery makers all over the world to strengthen its foothold in the EV battery market. The positive aspect is that this rat-race is opening the gate for emerging and cutting-edge technologies.

Now, in the automobile industry, lithium-ion batteries have gained more traction than the other ones, which is simply because of the fact that in a very small package, these batteries have the potential to collate huge amounts of energy. In the past few years, more innovative battery technologies are being developed and researched to replace the lithium ones in terms of sustainability, efficiency and cost. Experts state that most of the new battery technologies are not transforming the diaphragm when it comes to energy storage and powering devices. The biggest reasons why researchers are carrying out research on new technologies are mostly associated with safety like fire danger, and the sustainability of the materials utilized in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, like magnesium, cobalt, and nickel.

Researchers have also added that there has been a massive improvement in the making of lithium-ion batteries and other battery technologies. Therefore, let’s find out below some of the upcoming battery technologies waiting to appear in the global EV market.

battery technologies in global ev market graph

NCM 811

The energy density of lithium-ion batteries needs to be enhanced and therefore, battery-makers are investing largely on R&D and although the momentum of the improvements has been a bit slower, but lithium-ion batteries have helped in augmenting the speed and range of EVs with the help of high-energy source materials and also developing the per-unit cell size. On the other hand, various efforts have been undertaken to increase the nickel portion of total cathode materials. Earlier, many of the large battery makers have proclaimed to launch NCM 811 by 2019-2020, claims Counterpoint Research. Most importantly, NCM 811, which is equipped with 80 percent nickel, 10 percent cobalt and 10 percent manganese has a larger longevity and offers EVs with longer range on a single charge, claims Counterpoint Research. Battery manufacturer AESC announced that they are manufacturing NCM811, which promises more than 300Wh/Kg and 600-650Wh/L in 2020.

Solid-State Batteries

These batteries utilize a solid electrolyte other than a gel or liquid electrolyte. The solid electrolytes are mostly a solid polymer, ceramic, glass crafted with sulphites. This year, global auto firm BMW announced that it will commence testing solid-state batteries for its utilization in the EVs, which will be manufactured by Solid Power. PCMag claims that these batteries are now already being utilized in some smartwatches and pacemakers. These batteries, when compared to lithium-ion, pack more power and are also more efficient. Therefore, the batteries used in EVs could be charged faster, compact in size, weigh less,and  escalate driving range. Some media reports highlighted that solid-state batteries have more longevity with seven times more charging capacity. Most importantly, they are safe to operate because the solid electrolytes are fireproof. CNBC reported that these batteries could be used in EVs in early 2024.

Lithium-sulfur Batteries

In this technology, the battery’s cathode utilizes sulfur, which is more sustainable than cobalt and nickel mostly found in the anode with lithium metal. The US based battery-maker Conamix is researching to make this technology a reality and is looking forward to launching this in the market in the coming five years. Now, apart from energy storage, these batteries can also be used in trains and aircrafts. According to the experts, sulfur is available in higher quantities and is less expensive and therefore, it can reduce overall cost. There are no additional production facilities required for this battery because the manufacturing process is the same as that of lithium-ion batteries. But, the problems are corrosion and these batteries don’t last long like that of lithium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion Batteries

These are almost similar to the lithium-ion ones, but saltwater is utilized as an electrolyte and is extremely useful in terms of energy storage. Along with less dangers of catching fires, these batteries have the potential to store around two-thirds the amount of energy in spite of having a low energy density. Compared to the lithium-ion batteries, these work far better in lower temperatures and are trouble free to recycle because of the materials used during the production. As of now, they cannot be used in electric vehicles but researchers are inventing new processes and technologies that can make them suitable for EVs.

The Current Stage of Battery Production Capacity and Market Size

Of late, Counterpoint Research in its new survey report mentioned that by the end of 2025, passenger EVs will cross around 11 million units (including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It is largely expected that by 2025, the price of electric cars will be the same as that of a conventional ICE vehicle and at the same time, it will provide innovative opportunities for battery makers and OEMs. Therefore, it is speculated that the battery market of passenger EV(BEV/PHEV) will cross over 600 GWh by 2025 and will help the industry to grab US$60 billion profit.

Battery Production Capacity and Market Size

Battery Energy Density And EV Range On The Rise

A month back, automobile giant Ford proclaimed that they will open a new factory in Michigan that will manufacture batteries out of lithium iron phosphate solely for electric cars. With an investment of $3.5 billion, the factory is expected to begin operation by 2026. In an interaction with the media, Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chair, said "This is a big deal,” said Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer in a press conference unveiling plans for the factory. Expanding battery options will allow Ford to build more EVs faster, and ultimately make them more affordable."

Soumen Mandal, automobile researcher said, “CATL, Panasonic, LG Chem, Samsung SDI, and SK Innovation the leading battery makers are involved in a tussle to grab large orders from international car manufacturers. Therefore, they are also offering a stupendous stimulus to each other. For all the battery vendors, it is not very significant to align order backlogs as long-term orders are mostly flexible in price and quantity of sales and completely rely on the market situation. But, it is imperative to get a picture of buildup plans for the entire industry in an effort to track demand and supply movements moving forward.”

“The expansion of capacity has gained momentum because the international sales volume of EVs looks significant. Towards the end of 2018, the cumulative capacity reached 129GWh, while at the same time, the cumulative battery production capacity for electric cars will augment to 800GWh by the end of 2025, which will be spearheaded by the expansion of large OEMs,” added Mandal.

The batteries are mostly customized components when compared with other tech products. For instance, the EV batteries require optimization impeccably starting from the product development stage to get safety management and optimum power. The point to be noted is that the EV battery business is equipped with a large history of competitiveness in such product development along with mass production experience; the sector is involved with a huge entry challenge. Therefore, experts believe that the large OEMs will continue to spearhead the market and there will be no key alternations in the competitive scenario in the coming years for a while.

Justifying the statement above, Liz Lee, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research said, “What about the manufacturers who eagerly want to grab production and battery cell technology into their own hands? In the beginning, the large OMEs will be completely dependent on supply deals from various battery vendors. The long-term contracts will help to clear supply bottlenecks at a time of soaring demand and hold out the promise of cheaper batteries over time. In terms of emergency situations, the car-makers will have the ease in supply and can uplift cutthroat competition among all the vendors to get a better price.”

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

Adding a Futuristic Twist to your Decor with a Circular LED Chaser

Have you ever wanted to add some cool lighting effects to your electronic circuits or spice up your home decor with a mesmerizing light show? Well, a circular LED chaser might just be what you're looking for! And the good news is that it's easy to build one using the 74HC595 integrated circuit. So in this article, we will show you how to build a stunning circular LED chase. So, if you're ready to bring some life to your electronic projects and impress your friends with some DIY lighting wizardry, keep reading to learn more about the 74HC595 circular LED chaser!

74HC595 8-Bit Shift Register Pinout 

The 74HC595 is an 8-bit serial-in, parallel-out shift register IC that is commonly used to drive leds motor or any other electronic equipment.

74HC595 Pinout

PIN(Q0 - Q7) Output pin of the IC, that can be controlled serially.

GND Connected to the Ground of the Circuit.

MR Master Reset: Resets all outputs as low. Must be held high for normal operation

SH_CP Clock: This is the clock pin to which the clock signal has to be provided from MCU/MPU.

ST_CP The Latch pin is used to update the data to the output pins. It is active high           

OE Output Enable: The Output Enable is used to turn off the outputs. Must be held low for normal operation

DS Serial Data: This is the pin to which data is sent, based on which the 8 outputs are controlled

VCC This pin powers the IC, typically +5V is used.

Components Required to Build Circular LED Chaser

Components required to build the 74HC595 based Circular LED Chaser are simple and can be found in your local hobby store

  • IC 74HC595 *- bit Shift Register
  • NE555 Timer IC
  • 10K Resistor
  • 1M Resistor
  • BC548 NPN Transistor
  • Copper Wire
  • LED 32 Piece Green
  • 4.7uF capacitor
  • 10K trim pot

Circuit Diagram - 74HC595 based Circular LED Chaser

Circuit Diagram - 74HC595 based Circular LED Chaser using 555 Timer IC

The working of the circuit is very simple, when the circuit is powered on the 555 timer generates a clock signal that is fed to the Cp pin of the shift register. The 10K potentiometer is the frequency of the clock signal so that you can speed up or slow down the animation on the circuit. Each time the clock signal rises the clock signal shift register outputs the data on its input (DS) to the first output (Q0) and shifts the data to the next output (Q1). This process continues until the data reaches the last output (Q7), at which point it is shifted back to the first output (Q0). and the whole process continues.

Projects using 74HC595 IC and LEDs

Arduino based DIY RGB Goggles using WS2812B LEDs
Arduino based DIY RGB Goggles using WS2812B LEDs

If you are looking for some cool, interesting and funkey project online which will make you stand out in a party then this project is for you, because in this project we have built DIY RGB LED glasses which can also display visual effects.

DIY LED Music Spectrum using NeoPixel RGB LEDs and ARM Microcontroller
DIY LED Music Spectrum using NeoPixel RGB LEDs and ARM Microcontroller

If you love spectrum analyzers like me then this project is for you because in this project we have made a DIY! Music spectrum analyzer with ARM microcontroller and Keil IDE.

ESP8266 and Neopixel LED Strips Based RGB Night Lamp Controlled By Blynk App
ESP8266 and Neopixel LED Strips Based RGB Night Lamp Controlled By Blynk App

Looking for a cool little night lamp on the internet, then this project is for you, because in this project we have made a cool little Android operated night lamp with Blunk app and ESP8266 microcontroller.

Build your own Christmas Tree using simple RGB LEDs and Transistors
Build your own Christmas Tree using simple RGB LEDs and Transistors

If you are looking for a cool little LED project then this project is for you, because in this project we have made a simple LED christmas tree using RGB leds and some basic components.

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

How FTP 2023 will Help India To Achieve Target US$ 300 Bn of Electronics Production by 2026

On 31st March 2023, the New Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023 was released by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, along with the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023. The same has been notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on 1 April 2023. The new policy is of great relevance for the Electronics Systems Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) Industry which contributes to a significant chunk of imports, exports, as well as is a large contributor in E-Commerce. The new FTP 2023 will also enable achieving India’s ambitious export target for the Electronics industry which is over US$ 16 Bn in the current Financial year. This has to be increased exponentially to over US$ 100 Bn if India needs to achieve the ambitious target of US$ 300 Bn of electronics production by 2026. In the policy, various alterations have been made to shift the focus to tax remissions from incentives. It is also looking for greater assistance via automation, technology and constant process re-engineering. Most importantly, the core attention has been given to the emerging regions such as e-commerce exports, developing districts as export hubs etc.

According to the Press Information Bureau, the minister told the media, "The policy is dynamic and has been kept open ended to accommodate the emerging needs of the time. He stated that the policy had been under discussion for a long time and has been formulated after multiple stakeholder consultations. India's overall exports, including services and merchandise exports, has already crossed US$ 750 Billion and is expected to cross US$ 760 Billion this year."

“The remarkable achievement in the overall export figure of crossing US$ 760 Billion in these challenging times across the world has been the result of enthusiasm and encouragement pumped in by the Prime Minister. This achievement is in sync with the target set in the roadmap in 2021 after the interaction with the Prime Minister. Every opportunity for export must be captured and utilized effectively. In the next 5 months during India’s G20 presidency there should be a massive concentrated outreach with the world both sector-wise and country-wise,” added Minister Goyal.

electronics manufacturing

How FTP Is Going To Be A Game-changer For India’s Electronics Industry

On four important pillars, the FTP policy is completely relied on viz., incentive to remission, export promotion through collaboration, ease of doing business, and e-initiatives.

According to the industry body ELCINA, the key highlights of the FTP include the following among others:

  • There is no end date to the new policy. Subsequent revision(s) shall be done as and when required.
  • Approvals for various permissions under FTP shall now be online without any physical interface.
  • Reduction in user charges for MSME under Advance Authorization (A) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) schemes.
  • Revamp of e-Certificate of Origin (CoO) platform for self-certification of CoOs as well as automatic approval of the same is proposed, where feasible.
  • Paperless filing of export obligation discharge applications for greater use of technology
  • Facilitation of e-commerce export by extending all FTP benefits to such exports.
  • Introduction of a special one-time amnesty scheme for one-time settlement of default in export obligations.
  • With no sunset date, the policy appears to be dynamic with long-term focus ensuring certainty and support to the export industry in India as well as FDIs. Effective implementation of Policy will be key to its success.
  • Automation of processes and paperless filing of applications may aid in ease of doing business objectives of the Government. Businesses will need to adapt their systems to such digitized procedures.
  • A lot of MSME players are an essential part of the Electronic Industry and help in its growth. Reduction in user charges in case of AA and EPCG schemes for MSMEs is likely to reduce the operational cost and encourage further exports by such enterprises.
  • The establishment of E-Commerce Hubs and ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) shall form an essential support system to the Electronics industry to promote its growth. They may also facilitate significant growth in digital cross border trade.

Highlighting the importance of FTP in India’s electronics industry, Sanjay Agarwal, President ELCINA & MD, Globe Capacitors said, “As we are aware that this policy was long awaited and brings about a major shift in India’s approach to foreign trade, simplifying the import procedures and export promotion. With this policy, we hope that India will be able to achieve the ambitious export target of the electronics industry of over 16 million dollars in the current FY and it has to cross 100 billion if we want to have the electronic production of around 300 billion by the end of 2026.”

Moreover, Pankaj Jain, who is the director at Ernst & Young (EY) also stated that the FTP 2023 changes the approach from incentive based to tax remission-based model. Obviously, there are no more MEIS/SEIS based schemes. The policy sticks to basic schemes of AA, DFIA, RoSCTL, RoDTEP, EPCG etc. Exports would be promoted through collaboration between exporters, states, and districts. Also, there would be special focus on emerging areas such as e-commerce exports, developing districts as export hubs, streamlining Special Chemicals, Organism, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET) policy etc.

Electronics System Design

The Strategies to Lead India’s Electronics System Design

During the period of 2015-2020, when the foriegn trade policy aimed to target exports of USD 900 billion by the end of 2020 and later it was extended for three years until the end of March 2023. Now, the government is looking forward to escalate the nation’s total exports to USD 2 trillion by the end of 2030, with similar contributions from the service sectors as well as merchandise. Alliances with exports and with the guidelines of trust, the FTP is centered on and is looking to formulate seamless automation and re-engineering to craft trouble free trade for the exporters.

Now, in the cross-border business, the government is also aiming to encourage the utilization of the Indian currency, assisted by the new-fangled payment settlement scheme unleashed by the RBI in July 2022. The FTP is promoting development of the electronics industry and export promotion along with wiping out the incentive schemes to a regime which is facilitating based on technology and the proposition of partnerships.

Going Forward, Kartik Kalra, Manager at Ernst & Young (EY) said, "The FTP 2023-28 places significant emphasis on SCOMET policy and aims to streamline the licensing process for the export of dual-use items. The policy aims to consolidate all policies related to the export of dual-use items under SCOMET at one place to simplify the process and make it easier for industry compliance. The policy also aims to make the export of SCOMET items more globally competitive and facilitate the export of dual-use high-quality goods and technology. These initiatives are essential for India to achieve its export targets and remain a competitive player in the global market.”

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

Simple Audio Level Indicator using LM3915

LED VU meters are popular devices, especially for those people who love music. With this device, you can easily look at the level of sound with a glance at the LEDs. if you are thinking about making one for yourself, then rest assured because there is a very popular IC available in the market that can do all the heavy lifting for you and make the building process very easy. which is why in this small tutorial we will be using the popular LM3915 Display Driver IC and build ourselves a simple LED based VU meter.

LM3915 IC Pinout

The pinout of the LM3915 IC is shown below

LM3915 Pinout

Pin LED (10 - 18) & Pin1 - connect the cathode part of the LED to the IC Pin.

PIN VS/GND connect the Ground pin of the supply to the ground pin of the IC

PIN VCC The VCC pin of the IC connects source voltage to this pin. Max operating voltage 25V.

RLO Voltage divider low level input.

SIG Analog Signal input pin, based on the gain parameter the LED is controlled.

RLH High level input voltage for potential divider

REF OUT Output Reference Voltage used set the limiting factor of the LED

REF ADJ Input Voltage Reference Adjust pin.

Mode Used to switch the input between dot mode and bar mode.

Components Required to Build LED VU Meter

The components required to build the LED VU Meter is simple and can be found in local shops

  • Yellow LED 5mm - 8
  • Red LED 5mm - 2
  • 1K Resistor - 1
  • 10K Pot - 1
  • Soldering Wire
  • 1mm copper wire

Circuit Diagram - LED VU Meter

Circuit Diagram - Simple LED VU Meter

The circuit diagram of the LED VU meter is very simple and easy to understand. If you look at the pinout of the. LM3915 is a digital IC that is used to create a visual display of sound volume, often called a VU meter. It works by breaking down an audio signal into 10 equal parts and comparing each part to an internal reference voltage. The chip has 10 output pins, each one corresponding to an LED. The voltage level at each output pin is set using a voltage divider. When an audio signal is fed into the chip, it is first rectified to a DC voltage, and then passed through the resistor network. As the voltage of the audio signal changes, the voltage at each output pin also changes. When the voltage at a particular output pin exceeds the reference voltage, the corresponding LED will light up. This gives a visual representation of the volume of the audio signal. To demonstrate the circuit we have used a simple PAM8403 based audio amplifier and a speaker.

Different Projects using LEDs and LM3915 LED Driver IC

Build your own Christmas Tree using simple RGB LEDs and Transistors
Build your own Christmas Tree using simple RGB LEDs and Transistors

If you are looking for a cool LED based project then this project is for you. Because in this project we have made a RGB LED tree that will change color randomly.

Arduino based DIY RGB Goggles using WS2812B LEDs
Arduino based DIY RGB Goggles using WS2812B LEDs

If you are looking for some unique and funky projects, then this project is for you, because in this project we have built RBG goggles that you can wear and be the showstopper of any party.

Interfacing Addressable RGB Neopixel LED Strip with Arduino
Interfacing Addressable RGB Neopixel LED Strip with Arduino

If you are looking for RGB led based tutorial then this project is for you because in this project we have done a detailed explanation of the WS2812B OLED Display.

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

Building a Simple Current Detector Circuit with 555 Timer and few Passive Components

Working with electricity can be a daunting and life-threatening task if you are a beginner in the electronic/electrical field, and things can go very wrong when electricity is not properly handled, which is why safety must come first in order to avoid injury, before starting work on an electric box and AC mains one need to verify that there is no AC leakage voltage.  Which is why in this article we have decided to build a simple current detector circuit with 555 Timer and some passive components which can help you to detect open live lines with ease.

555 Timer IC Pinout

The Pinout of the 555 Timer IC is shown below the 

555 Timer Pinout

GND The Ground pin gets connected to supply ground.

Trigger Responsible for transition of the flip-flop from set to reset. The output of the timer depends 2 I on the amplitude of the external trigger pulse applied to this pin

Output This pin is normally connected to load as it is the only pin with output driven waveform

Reset Negative pulse applied to this pin to disable or reset the timer. When not used for reset 4 I purposes, it should be connected to VCC to avoid false triggering

Control Controls the threshold and trigger levels. It determines the pulse width of the output 5 Voltage IN waveform. An external voltage applied to this pin can also be used to modulate the output waveform

Threshold Compares the voltage applied to the terminal with a reference voltage of 2/3 Vcc. The 6 I amplitude of voltage applied to this terminal is responsible for the set state of the flip-flop

Discharge Open collector output which discharges a capacitor between intervals (in phase with output). 7 I It toggles the output from high to low when voltage reaches 2/3 of the supply voltage

VCC Supply Voltage (Typical = 5V, Maximum = 18V)

Learn more about 555 Timer IC by following the link.

Circuit Diagram 

AC Current Detector circuit using 555 Timer Circuit Diagram

The 555 timer is the most commonly used IC for many different applications, which is what the working of the circuit is very simple when the voltage at pin-2 falls below ⅓ of the VCC the output pin of the 555 Timer goes high and the LED lights up and when its above ⅓ VCC the output goes low and the led shuts down. When the antenna detects an alternating input the output goes HIGH and LOW and the LED flashes accordingly.

Projects Using 555 Timer

Simple Time Delay Circuit using 555 Timer
Simple Time Delay Circuit using 555 Timer

If you are looking for a timer circuit without the intervention of a microcontroller, then this project is for you. Because in this project we have decided to design a simple on off delay with two buttons and 555 Timer IC that could set time delay with the help of a potentiometer.

Automatic Rain Sensing Wiper Circuit using 555 Timer IC
Automatic Rain Sensing Wiper Circuit using 555 Timer IC

If you are looking for some cool projects and interesting ideas then this project is for you because in this project we have built a simple automatic rain wiper with 555 timer and handful of other components.

Ding Dong Sound Generator Door Bell Circuit using 555 Timer
Ding Dong Sound Generator Door Bell Circuit using 555 Timer

If you are planning to build yourself a simple doorbell then this is the project you are looking for because in this project we have built a simple doorbell with 555 timer and some basic components.

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum

Build your own Christmas Tree using simple RGB LEDs and Trasnsistors

In this short tutorial, we will show you how you can build yourself a transistor-driven color-changing RGB LED lights. The building process is simple and requires only a few transistors, capacitors and resistors to build it. The lighting system built in this way is not only efficient but cost effective but it can also create stunning color effects that can transform any room. 

RGB LED Pinout

The pinout of the common anode and common cathode RGB LEDs are shown below.

RGB LED Pinout

There are two types of LEDs common anode and common cathode and for this project, we will be using common anode LEDs. The common Anode LEDs have RGB in common and

Pin R The negative terminal of the common Anode LED or the positive terminal of the common cathode LED depending upon the common Anode or common Cathode configuration. Connecting it to Ground or VCC will light up the LED Red.

Pin G Connect the G pin to Ground in case of common Anode LED. Connect the G Pin to VCC in case of a common cathode LED. doing so will light the LED Green.

Pin B In case of a common Anode LED connecting the B pin to Ground will light up the LED. and if the LED is a common cathode, connecting it to VCC will light up the LED.

+/- Pin The (+) and (-) pins represent the common cathode or common Anode Pins of the LED. For a common anode LED connect this pin to VCC, for common cathode LED it should be connected to the ground. 

Components Required to Build LED Tree

Components required to build the RGB LED Tree are simple and can be found in your local hobby store

  • Common Anode RGB LED - 10
  • 470uF Capacitor - 3
  • 82K Resistor - 3
  • BD140 Transistor - 3
  • Perf Board
  • Soldering Wire
  • Jumper Wires

Circuit Diagram - Color Changing RGB LED Tree

Circuit Diagram - Color Changing RGB LED Tree using Transistor

The complete schematic diagram of the color changing RGB LED Tree is shown below the circuit is very simple and easy to understand. The LEDs that we have used in the circuit are all common Anode LEDs, and all of them are connected in parallel. The working of the driver circuit is also very simple,

when power is applied to the circuit the capacitor at the base of the transistor starts charging, and after a certain period of time it will reach a threshold where the transistor will completely turn on and the LEDs corresponding to that channel will light up,

Now as current flows through the first transistor the capacitor to the next transistor starts charging and after a certain period of time the next transistor turns on and the LEDs corresponding to that transistor turns ON and the process repeats for the next set of LEDs. This is how the R, G, and B LEDs change colors.

RGB LED Circuit

Projects using RGB LEDs

We have built many other different projects, so

Controlling RGB LED using Arduino and Wi-Fi
Controlling RGB LED using Arduino and Wi-Fi

If you want to control some RGB LED lights with ESP8266 and Wi-Fi then this project is for you because in this project we have made a simple circuit to do so.

Arduino based DIY RGB Goggles using WS2812B LEDs
Arduino based DIY RGB Goggles using WS2812B LEDs

If you are looking for some cool, interesting and funkey project online which will make you stand out in a party then this project is for you, because in this project we have built DIY RGB LED glasses which can also display visual effects.

DIY LED Music Spectrum using NeoPixel RGB LEDs and ARM Microcontroller
DIY LED Music Spectrum using NeoPixel RGB LEDs and ARM Microcontroller

If you love spectrum analyzers like me then this project is for you because in this project we have made a DIY! Music spectrum analyzer with ARM microcontroller and Keil IDE.

ESP8266 and Neopixel LED Strips Based RGB Night Lamp Controlled By Blynk App
ESP8266 and Neopixel LED Strips Based RGB Night Lamp Controlled By Blynk App

Looking for a cool little night lamp on the internet, then this project is for you, because in this project we have made a cool little Android operated night lamp with Blunk app and ESP8266 microcontroller.

Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp
Telegram
Discord
Forum
Subscribe to