Week 14

It is the Demo Presentation week. It has been held on 24th April 2012 at Gemilang Hall UniKL BMI from 2pm until 5pm. The assessor for my project is Ass. Prof. Dr. Amir from Electrical Section and Mdm. Zabariah from Medical Section.

It was an uneasy feeling that I have to go through this session. The question being asked by the assessor is pretty tough.

Below is the poster for the big day and also my final product.

Week 13

As for week 13, I'm doing troubleshooting since my circuit didn't function properly. My Atmega328 didn't work so I go through the circuit and made some correction in the connection. As for correction, I jump the wire emerge from voltage regulator (5V) direct to pin number 7 Atmega.

Ok, now the Atmega is well functioning. However, this time, the buzzer instead did not produce a sound. I go through again the connection and I found out that it did not connected to ground. Therefore, I jump a wire from ground leg of the buzzer straight to ground line. As i tested again, it works and produce a sound. Yeay!

Troubleshooting the circuit

Also, once my circuit function properly, I performed some testing using oscilloscope to check the output frequency. The result as below; 

Testing using oscilloscope

Etching process

Ok, as for this week, I'm doing etching and all the process to convert my circuit on UV board. The process has been done at BMI Level 1, PCB room with assisted by Cik Siti.  Herewith is the process;

• to get started, remove the board from the envelope. Then peel off the protective pvc backing from the coating side of the uv board as shown in the picture below;

• next, during exposure with UV light, make sure that u're using the correct type of lamp specially made for photo resist exposure.After the exposure, u can see a faint shade of the artwork on the coating. 

• next, for developing, leave the board in a plastic tray with the UV coating side facing up. Soak the board with water contain of sodium hydroxid. Agitated the liquid by rocking the tray slightly. The movement of liquid will speed up the process. The images of pads and tracks will begin to appear after few minutes later. after developing complete, rinse the board in running water. 

• After that, is the etching process. The process using FeCl3 which is a highly corrosive chemical.

• After etching is complete, rinse the board with water. Next, remove the etch-resist coating by rubbing it with a piece of cloth with thinner. 

• Lastly is the drilling process to fill in the component to the board. Below is the result which is the finish product from etching up to complete circuit on breadboard.

Week 12

This is Week 12. I have roughly around two weeks time before the demo presentation and I haven't place any component on PCB yet. PCB is a printed circuit board, which is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. However, for this time, I'm planning on using a UV board.

First, I am preparing the schematic draw of my circuit on Proteus. 

Schematic diagram using Proteus

And next, I tried to convert the diagram on PCB using Proteus. Indeed, the connection is a little bit mess up therefor i tried to draw the diagram using Diptrace. It is way lot easier.

Circuit diagram on PCB using Diptrace

Close up of my circuit

Week 11

As this is the week 11, I have finalized my circuit. It consists of Atmega 328 which connected to buzzer and LCD circuit as an output. Not forgotten, a stand alone Arduino circuit which is connected to the rest of the circuit. 

Figure above:  Full combination of my circuit that has been finalized.

As for next week, I plan to convert my circuit on to PC board. Then next, do the troubleshooting in case my circuit doesn't work on PC board. 

Week 10

FYP briefing has been held at TTL1 by Dr. Khairil. The briefing is all about the Demo Presentation Day that will be carried out on 24th April.  We also get some explanation on how the distribution of marks for the fyp as per attach below;

Demo                - 20%

Report               - 20%

Blog                  - 15%

Technical Paper -  5%

Other than that, I made some simple program on Arduino by referring to the Arduino tutorial to make the buzzer sound non-stop. It does work and the program as follow;

The simple program on Arduino

--> The program is not clearly seen so you can refer to below;

int sensorPin = A0;                    // select the input pin for the potentiometer

int buzzerPin = 9;                     // select the pin for the buzzer

int sensorValue = 0;                   // variable to store the value coming from the sensor

void setup() {

  pinMode(buzzerPin, OUTPUT);          // declare the buzzerPin as an OUTPUT:

}

void loop() {

  

  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // read the value from the sensor:   

  digitalWrite(buzzerPin, HIGH);       // turn the buzzerPin on

  

  delay(sensorValue);                  // delay the program       

       

  digitalWrite(buzzerPin, LOW);        // turn the buzzerPin off:   

                 

}

Week 9

As for this week, i construct a button circuit that will control my circuit ( on and off my circuit ). This button is a lock type so it will hold the switching condition, let say if I click the button, the circuit will be short circuit and supply will go through the circuit and it keep goes until I unlocked it back. So in this situation, the LED will light up when i switch on and otherwise.

Next, I combined the circuits all together. The buzzer, LCD, LED and switch circuit is combined to make a full circuit. Once i switch on, the buzzer will buzz and vise versa.

LCD display

I wanted to add other features to my project which is LCD display therefore I tried the Arduino LCD display tutorial. My target is to print out text message “kid, can you hear?” on the first row and Y=node or N=shook on the second row to ask the kid whether she/he can hear the sound produce by the buzzer.

LCD display is great way to display output from your arduino when it not connected to your computer. The common display used in arduino projects is 16×2 parallel LCD display which compatible with the Hitachi HD44780 driver. It can easily recognize with it 16 pin interface.

The parts list required;

1) 1x 16×2 parallel LCD display (compatible with Hitachi HD44780 driver)
2) 1x Arduino
3) 1x 10kΩ potentiometer
4) Jumper wire

Instruction of connecting the LCD to Arduino;

1) Connect all jumper wire as shown in diagram.(above)

2) Plug in 10kΩ potentiometer on breadboard. This potentiometer use for adjusting the contrast of the LCD character.

3) Plug in LCD display on breadboard

:: Below is the picture of my LCD circuit displaying  “kid, can you hear?” and Y=node or N=shook and also the program i've wrote.

# i might need to use bigger size of LCD since i need to display more texts.

Arduino Workshop

Last weekend I have attending an Arduino Wokshop which has been conducted by Medical Section Committee. This workshop has been held at training room at level 6 and relayed by Sir Zulkifli. The main target of attending this workshop is to gain extra knowledge about Arduino since Sir Zulkifli is well known to be a hardcore in Arduino field. Since this workshop is conducted for the beginners ; we had been teach from scratch ;from Introduction to Arduio, installing the software, write and run simple program such as running LED and button and also the most important command that are required inArduino language. Indeed, we have been guided line-by-line by Sir Zulkifli.

Even though I have done some of the circuit using Arduino for my project earlier before the workshop, I admit that I did gained some more extra knowlegde throughout the workshop. If before I just write the program without knowing its function, now I can even understand more. Sir Zulkifli did remind us not to attach Arduino board straight on our final project as it could be questioned by the accessor. So, the solution is stand alone Arduino. Arduino can be made stand alone.all we need is a simple circuit which consists of two capacitors, and oscillator which then connected  to Atmega 328P and 5V supply. 

Week 8

I've construct a simple circuit consists of  buzzer, potentiometer, LED and Arduino. The program is pretty simple and workable. As i run the program, my buzzer will produce a sound and as i turn the potentiometer's knob to the right, the sound of the buzzer will get higher and vise versa, in the other hand, the LED also will change their rate of blinking. The resistance of the potentiometer does affect the sound output from buzzer and LED blinking. Below is the attachment of the picture of my circuit and the program that I've used.

A potentiometer is a simple knob that provides a variable resistance, which we can read into the Arduino board as an analog value. In this example, that value controls the rate at which an LED blinks and sounds of buzzer.

We connect three wires to the Arduino board. The first goes to ground from one of the outer pins of the potentiometer. The second goes from 5 volts to the other outer pin of the potentiometer. The third goes from analog input (A2) to the middle pin of the potentiometer. By turning the shaft of the potentiometer, we change the amount of resistence on either side of the wiper which is connected to the center pin of the potentiometer. This changes the relative "closeness" of that pin to 5 volts and ground, giving us a different analog input. When the shaft is turned all the way in one direction, there are 0 volts going to the pin, and we read 0. When the shaft is turned all the way in the other direction, there are 5 volts going to the pin and we read 1023. In between, analogRead() returns a number between 0 and 1023 that is proportional to the amount of voltage being applied to the pin. 

Why do I choose Arduino?

herewith is some of the reasons of me choosing an Arduino;-
Open Source Physical Computing Platform

• “open source hardware”
• open source: free to inspect & modify
• physical computing. er, what? ubiquitous computing, pervasive computing,ambient intelligence, calm computing, everyware, spimes, blogjects, smart objects.

 Community-built

• Examples wiki (the “playground”) editable by anyone
• Forums with lots of helpful people

Similar to Basic Stamp (if you know of it)

• but cheaper, faster, & open

 Uses AVR ATmega microcontroller chip

• chip was designed to be used with C language

Week 7

Week 7 has been pretty tough for me as it is a phase test's week. I did not get the chance to have a discussion with Mdm. Naza as the time is quite limited but I do get to go to Jalan Pasar to buy Arduino kit. I bought Arduino UNO kit for RM105 at Nixie Electronics with some other componets.  

Specification of Arduino:

•        Microcontroller: ATmega328
•        Operating Voltage: 5V
•        Input Voltage (recommended): 7-12V
•        Input Voltage (limits): 6-20V
•        Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
•        Analog Input Pins: 6
•        DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
•        DC Current for 3.3V Pin: 50 mA
•        Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328) of which 0.5 KB used by bootloader
•        SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328)
•        EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328)
•        Clock Speed: 16 MHz

Runs on: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux

Languages: Wiring/Arduino, C/C++

Getting Started guides: Clear step-by-step instructions, from download to blinking LED.

Knowledge base:

• Many simple examples included with download

• Good reference guide to the commands

• Large knowledge base on Arduino site and elsewhere

Advantage:

• Can be run as I/O board, using Firmata firmware

• Very large knowledge base

• Simple language, but expandable using C/C++

• Multiple models, for shields, breadboards, wearable, extra I/O pins

• Many shield modules

• Large number of open source derivative boards

Disadvantage:

• C language constructs (semicolons, brackets, case sensitivity) are confusing

How to choose a buzzer?

To produce the right sound at the right frequency, we need to choose the buzzer wisely. Some buzzer can only produce sound at low frequency which as for my project, it will not work effectively to measure hearing threshold.

There are many different kinds of buzzer to choose, first we need to know a few parameters, such as voltage, current, drive method, dimension, mounting type, and the most important thing is how much SPL and frequency we want.

Operating voltage: Normally, the operating voltage for magnetic buzzer is from 1.5V to 24V, for a piezo buzzer is from 3V to 220V. However, in order to get enough SPL, we suggest giving at least 9V to drive a piezo buzzer.

Consumption current: According to the different voltage, the consumption current of a magnetic buzzer is from dozens to hundreds of mill amperes; oppositely, the piezo type saves much more electricity, only needs a few mill amperes, and consumes three times current when the buzzer start to work.

Driving method: Both magnetic and piezo buzzer have self drive type to choose. Because of the internal set drive circuit, the self drive buzzer can emit sound as long as connecting with the direct current. Due to the different work principle, the magnetic buzzer need to be driven by 1/2 square waves, and the piezo buzzer need square waves to get better sound output.

Dimension: The dimension of the buzzer affects its SPL and the frequency, the dimension of the magnetic buzzer is from 7 mm to 25 mm; the piezo buzzer is from 12 mm to 50 mm, or even bigger.

Connecting way: Dip type, Wire type, SMD type, and screwed type for big piezo buzzer are usually seen.

SPL: Buzzer is usually tested the SPL at the distance of 10 cm, if distance double, the SPL will decay about 6 dB; oppositely, the SPL will increase 6 dB when the distance is shortened by one time. The SPL of the magnetic buzzer can reach to around 85 dB/ 10 cm; the piezo buzzer can be designed to emit very loud sound, for example, the common siren, are mostly made of piezo buzzer.

week 6

I met Mdm Naza ealier (20/2/2012) to showed her my Arduino buzzer circuit. She asked me the specification for the buzzer(the rated frequency) which I overlooked. So the new task for me is to find the suitable buzzer that can produce sound according to the frequency that I want. Herewith is some of the specification that need to be take into consideration;

******

Specifications:

Rated Voltage: A piezo buzzer is driven by square waves (V p-p).

Operating Voltage: For normal operating. But it is not guaranteed to make the minimum SPL under the rated voltage.

Consumption Current: The current is stably consumed under the regular operation. However, it normally

takes three times of current at the moment of starting to work.

Capacitance: A piezo buzzer can make higher SPL with higher capacitance, but it consumes more electricity.

Sound Output: The sound output is measured by decibel meter. Applying rated voltage and square waves, and the distance of 10 cm.

Rated Frequency: A buzzer can make sound on any frequencies, but we suggest that the highest and the most stable SPL comes from the rated frequency.

Operating Temp.: Keep working well between -30℃ and +70℃

week 5

Last Thursday (16/2/2012), I had a brief discussion with Mdm. Naza regarding my concern about my project. As I mention last week, the progress is out of the path so yeah, I am a liltle bit freak out!

Mdm Naza then suggested me to change the program from Assembly to Arduino UNO. Next, due to the changes I've made, I am going to use a piezo buzzer circuit to produce the sound frequency. (The decicion has been made, I'm going to change the circuit to more simpler!)
The circuit will be modified by the Arduino program. So, throughout the week, I've been doing some research on Arduino UNO as well as the buzzer circuit that will be used together with Arduino. If things goes well, I would like to add up other features like a switching(for patients to notify if they heard the sound) as well as the LCD display(to display the frequency value).

Arduino UNO

Theory of piezo buzzer

The piezo buzzer produces sound based on reverse of the piezoelectric effect. The generation of pressure variation or strain by the application of electric potential across a piezoelectric material is the underlying principle. These buzzers can be used alert a user of an event corresponding to a switching action, counter signal or sensor input. They are also used in alarm circuits. 

The buzzer produces a same noisy sound irrespective of the voltage variation applied to it. It consists of piezo crystals between two conductors. When a potential is applied across these crystals, they push on one conductor and pull on the other. This, push and pull action, results in a sound wave. Most buzzers produce sound in the range of 2 to 4 kHz.

The Red lead is connected to the Input and the Black lead is connected to Ground.

Week 4

Ok.. this is really like a wake up call for my project.. time is running out and i haven't start with my circuit construction yet..

Last thursday (9/2/2012), I had a brief discussion with Sir Zubir regarding my project where i did mention last time that i have a problem with the programming. Since my circuit is going to use Assembly Language to run it, Sir Zubir remind me that i will faced a problem if there is a problem with my project. As i don't really understand the Assembly Language, therefore it will be hard for me to troubleshoot my circuit. I also had a short discussion with my supervisor, Mdm Naza and she suggest me to find another circuit while Sir Zubir suggest me to use simpler program.


# i'm changing the circuit as well as the program use so i need to buy all the component all over again.

Week 3

As Salam..

As for the third week, the progress is getting a little bit slow i can say.. I haven't start with the circuit construction yet.. but i'm planning to do it sooner.. 

I didn't get the chance to have a proper consultation with my supervisor this week but I did manage to have a quick discussion with her right after our class session. The discussion is all about the programming that is going to be used for my project. We still trying to look for a simpler language for the programming and a further discussion is needed.

Next, as i mention in previous post, i wanted to go to Jalan Pasar sometime on last week to check out the electronic component needed for the circuit construction. So, I went to Jalan Pasar on saturday. I'm having a problem of getting a Mux 4051. Planning on going there again some time on next week. 

Below is some of the picture of electronic components that i've bought. 

Week 2

As i mention earlier, we're now in week 2. The progress so far still smooth and as planned.

FYP briefing has been held on 26/1/2012 by Mdm. Norazlina. There also a short talk delivered by Prof. Zul about ' A systematic approach for FYP'. During the briefing, the student also had been remind that submission of the thesis and resit for claim will be on week 7.

Next, I had a short discussion with my supervisor regarding the program that i'm going to use in the project.  Through out the research been made, audiometer commonly used an 'assembly language' as a program to make it work and function well but I would like to use Arduino instead to make it even more simpler. Further discussion need to be made with my supervisor as well as Sir Zubir regarding this matter.

I also did some planning to go to Jalan Pasar to get some of the hardware needed for the project. 

Week 1

This is the 2nd week but I did not have time to update the stuff on last week as it was the first week of the semester 1 2012. So, everything is a little hectic and only now I can update things that I have done for the 1^st week.

    FYP briefing was held on 17/1/2012(Tuesday) by FYP committee. I'm not able to attend the briefing since I have class during that time but I has been informed with my friend that the briefing is all about the blog that us, the FYP's student need to create. As well as about the t-shirt that need to be worn during Engineering's Day. 

   Next, I had a meeting with my supervisor on 20/1/2012. We talked about gantt chart and I had to do some correction to my gantt chart as per advice by my supervisor. We also did some discussion on my circuit diagram as I have a slightly concerns about it. 

this is the Gantt chart that i've already made some correction.. 

    Therefore, I decided to reduce the range of frequency and make only one type of frequency that is the minimum one. This is to make the circuit simpler as this project is only to built up the prototype. Wide range of frequency can be done in next project perhaps. ;)

    

    

New spirit for the new semester of 2012

Hello..~

Welcome to my blog.

Just like the title above, new semester of 2012 is just started and I am currently in final year in Bachelor of Engineering in Medical Electronic. So, with new spirit of enthusiasm, I would love to strive for the best.

This is like a log book where there will be a weekly update of my final year project from the beginning to the end of the process it is produced.

So, enjoy reading. ;)