Circuit 12 – Remote Sensing (Fibre Optic Cable).
Function
This circuit is remotely controlled using a fibre optic link. When light shines on the sensor, a
motor will turn or alternatively a solenoid is activated.
Circuit diagram
Components
SW1 = Switch (Toggle) R2 = LDR
R3 = 10k ohm R4 = 470 ohm
R5 = 10k ohm R6 = 10k ohm
VR1 = 470k ohm C1 = 470F
IC1 3140 (Op-amp) D1 = Diode 1N4001
Transistor = TIP 121 Motor/Solenoid
5mm Standard LED Fibre optic cable
Operation
An operational amplifier (3140) is used in a comparator mode.
If the voltage at pin 3 of the Op-amp is less than the voltage at pin 2 then the output voltage at
pin 6 is 0V. If voltage at pin 3 is more than the voltage at pin 2 then the output voltage is 7V.
This section of the circuit will be used to detect variation of input voltages.
The output pin 6 is connected to the base of a transistor.
This circuit uses a transistor (TIP121) as an electronic switch.
The action of the transistor.
First it must be explained that the transistor (TIP121) is a special type of transistor.
It is in effect two transistors housed in one package. It has the advantage of being able to pass a
much heavier current than the ordinary transistor.
When the voltage on the base of the transistor is less than 1.2V, the transistor is switched off. No
current can flow through the transistor from collector to emitter so no current can flow. The
motor is stopped.
If more than 1.2V is applied to the base, the transistor switches on. Now current can pass easily
from collector to emitter so current can flow from top rail, through the motor and the transistor
back to the battery. The motor is now turning.
Returning to the sensor section of the circuit.
R5 and R6 form a voltage divider circuit and as both resistors are the same value, the voltage at
the connection of the two resistors is half the battery voltage (i.e. 4.5V), this is known as the
reference voltage.
This voltage is applied to pin 2 of the Op-amp.
The LDR and the variable resistor also form a voltage divider circuit.
In dark conditions the resistance of the LDR is very high in comparison to VR1.
There will be a large voltage drop across the LDR so the voltage remaining at the connection of
the LDR and VR1 will be small (i.e. less than 4.5V).
This means the voltage at pin 3 is less than the voltage at pin 2 so the output at pin 6 of the Op-
amp is 0V, the transistor is switched off so the motor is stationary.
Consider now in bright conditions.
The resistance of the LDR is small, this means now the voltage drop across it is small.
So the voltage now at pin 3 will increase, (will be more than 4.5V), this means now the voltage
at pin 3 is greater than the voltage at pin 2 so output voltage at pin 6 of the Op-amp will be high
(7V). The transistor will switch on and current can now flow through the relay coil. The motor is
now turning.
By adjustment of VR1 the motor can be made to come on at a predetermined light level.
Note
It is sometimes helpful to know if a section of the circuit is operating correctly as it helps in fault
finding in the event of the overall circuit failure.
For that reason a voltage dropper resistance R4 in series with an LED is connected between the
output of the Op-amp and the 0-volt rail. So if the LED is lit and the motor is not turning it can
be assumed a faulty transistor is the reason for the failure.
Calculation of the value of R4
It is most important that an LED must have no more than 2 volts dropped across it, also the
current flowing through the LED should not exceed 20 mA
As output at pin 6 of Op-amp when high is 7V. 5 volts must be dropped across R4.
With 5 volts dropped across it and the maximum permissible current of 20 mA flowing through
the LED, the size of resistor can be calculated using Ohms law:
Note, in electronic circuits it is never good practice to have components operating at their upper
limits so a resistor value of 390 or 470 ohms should be used for R4.
Sensor
Two options are shown
See PCB Layout Circuit 12
A 6V, 60 mA bulb is used in series with a 47 ohm resistor as the light source.
For best results the bulb should be housed in a sealed tube with the fibre optic cable held in with
plasticine.
The same system should be used to house the LDR with the cable again held in with plasticine,
this prevents unwanted light falling on the LDR.
Another option is to use a transistor circuit as shown in the circuit diagram.
In this case when the LDR (emitter section) is in darkness the transistor is switched off, the LED
is unlit.
In bright conditions the transistor is switched on and the LED is lit.
The LED and fibre optic cable end must be housed in a tube that is sealed to exclude background
light. A yellow or white LED must be used.
Note
There is no limit on the length of optic fibre cable that can be used but do not put sharp bends in
the cable.
Function of resistor R3.
It is not good practice to have a high voltage (7V) on the base of a transistor.
For this reason a base resistor should be inserted (value not critical, i.e. use 10k ohm).
Function of diode 1N 4001
All motors contain coils of wire. When the value of current flowing in the coil changes rapidly it
can produce very high voltages which could harm the circuit. For this reason it is good practice
to fit a diode in parallel with the motor.
Function of capacitor C1.
It is possible in some instances for unwanted signals “noise”, to be generated within a circuit.
These unwanted signals can adversely affect the operation of the circuit.
A large capacitor (say 470 F) is connected between the 9V and the 0V rails to filter out these
unwanted signals.
Relay operation.
When current flows through the relay coil, a switch within the relay closes.
This switch can be used to switch on another circuit, (secondary circuit.).
There is no electrical connection between the first, (primary) circuit and the circuit being
controlled, (secondary circuit).
In this case the primary circuit is operating from a 9V battery whereas the secondary circuit is
operating from a 12V supply showing there is no electrical connection between the two circuits.
