Chapter 2

Devices Selection of the System

There are some devices and components which are required to design Arduino
based Medical Reminder. Some of them are specific applications and some are system
components. The main components of this system are:

 Power Supply
 Microcontroller (Arduino UNO)
 Real Time Clock RTC Module
 Resistor
 Capacitor
 Motor Driver
 DC Motor
 Push Button

2.1 Power Supply

A power supply is an electronic device that supplies electric energy to an electrical

load. The primary function of power supply is to convert one form the electrical energy to
other and, as a result, power supplies are sometimes referred to as electric power
converters.
Some power supplies are discrete, stand-alone devices, whereas others are built into larger
devices along with their loads. Every power supply must obtain the energy it supplies to
its load, as well as any energy it consumes while performing that task, from an energy
source.
All power supplies have a power input, which receives energy from the energy
source, and a power output that delivers energy to the load.
 A DC power supply is one that supplies a constant DC voltage to its load.
Depending on its design, a DC power supply may be powered from a DC source or from
an AC source such as power mains. All power supplies have a power input, which receives
energy from the energy source, and a power input that delivers energy to the load. In most
power supplies the power input and output consist of electrical connector or hardwired
circuit connections, through some power supplies employ wireless energy transfer in lieu
of galvanic connections for the power input or output. Some power supplies have other
types of inputs and outputs as well, for functions such as external monitoring and control.

D1 D1
1 2
7805

Np:Ns
D2 3 5V Power
D2
Supply
AC
C1

Figure 2.1 Power Supply Circuit

2.1.1 Transformer
A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or
more circuits through electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic induction produces an
electromotive force within a conductor which is exposed to time varying magnetic fields.
Transformers are used to increase or decrease the alternating voltages in electric power
applications.
A varying current in the transformer's primary winding creates a varying magnetic
flux in the transformer core and a varying field impinging on the transformer's secondary
winding. This varying magnetic field at the secondary winding induces a varying
electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in the secondary winding due to electromagnetic
induction. Making use of Faraday's Law (discovered in 1831) in conjunction with high
magnetic permeability core properties, transformers can be designed to efficiently change
AC voltages from one voltage level to another within power networks.
 Transformers have become essential for the transmission, distribution, and
utilization of alternating current electrical energy. A wide range of transformer designs is
encountered in electronic and electric power applications. Transformers range in size from
RF transformers less than a cubic centimeter in volume to units interconnecting the power
grid weighing hundreds of tons.
For simplification or approximation purposes, it is very common to analyze the
transformer as an ideal transformer model as presented in the two images. An ideal
transformer is a theoretical, linear transformer that is lossless and perfectly coupled; that
is, there are no energy losses and flux is completely confined within the magnetic core.
Perfect coupling implies infinitely high coremagnetic permeability
and winding inductances and zero net magnetomotive force.

Np : Ns
+ +

~ Vp Vs Load

- -
Figure 2.2 Transformer

A varying current in the transformer's primary winding creates a varying magnetic

flux in the core and a varying magnetic field impinging on the secondary winding. This
varying magnetic field at the secondary induces a varying electromotive force (EMF) or
voltage in the secondary winding. The primary and secondary windings are wrapped
around a core of infinitely high magnetic permeabilityso that all of the magnetic flux passes
through both the primary and secondary windings. With a voltage source connected to the
primary winding and load impedance connected to the secondary winding, the transformer
currents flow in the indicated directions.
 According to Faraday's Law, since the same magnetic flux passes through both the
primary and secondary windings in an ideal transformer,a voltage is induced in each
winding. The primary EMF is sometimes termed counter EMF. This is in accordance with
Lenz's law, which states that induction of EMF always opposes development of any such
change in magnetic field.

Transformers can be classified in many ways as the following:

 Power capacity: From a fraction of a volt-ampere (VA) to over a thousand MVA.

 Duty of a transformer: Continuous, short-time, intermittent, periodic, varying.
 Frequency range: Power-frequency, audio-frequency, or radio-frequency.
 Voltage class: From a few volts to hundreds of kilovolts.
 Cooling type: Dry and liquid-immersed – self-cooled, forced air-cooled; liquid-
immersed – forced oil-cooled, water-cooled.
 Circuit application: Such as power supply, impedance matching, output voltage and
current stabilizer or circuit isolation.
 Utilization: Pulse, power, distribution, rectifier, arc furnace, amplifier output.
 Basic magnetic form: Core form, shell form.
 Constant-potential transformer descriptor: Step-up, step-down, isolation.
 General winding configuration: By EIC vector group – various possible two-
winding combinations of the phase designations delta, wye or star, and zigzag or
interconnected star; other – autotransformer, Scott-T, zigzag grounding transformer
winding.
 Rectifier phase-shift winding configuration: 2-winding, 6-pulse; 3-winding, 12-
pulse; . . . n-winding, [n-1]*6-pulse; polygon.

2.1.2 Full Wave Bridge Rectifier

A diode bridge is an arrangement of four diodes in a bridge circuit configuration
that provides the same polarity of output for either polarity of input. When used in its most
common application, for conversion of an alternating current (AC) input into a direct
current (DC) output, it is known as a bridge rectifier. A bridge rectifier provides full-wave
rectification from a two-wire AC input, resulting in lower cost and weight as compared to
a rectifier with a 3-wire input from a transformer with a center-tapped secondary winding.
,
Vp = √2 × Vrms -1.4

D4 D1
+V
AC

D2 Load
D3 DC

-V 0V

Figure 2.3 Full Wave Bridge Rectifier

2.1.3 7805 Regulator

The 78xx (sometimes L78xx, LM78xx, MC78xx...) is a family of self-contained
fixed linear voltage regulator integrated circuits. The 78xx family is commonly used in
electronic circuits requiring a regulated power supply due to their ease-of-use and low cost.
For ICs within the family, the xx is replaced with two digits, indicating the output voltage
(for example, the 7805 has a 5-volt output, while the 7812 produces 12 volts). The 78xx
line are positive voltage regulators: they produce a voltage that is positive relative to a
common ground. There is a related line of 79xx devices which are complementary negative
voltage regulators. 78xx and 79xx ICs can be used in combination to provide positive and
negative supply voltages in the same circuit.
78xx ICs have three terminals and are commonly found in the TO-220 form factor,
although they are available in surface-mount, TO-92, and TO-3 packages. These devices
support an input voltage anywhere from around 2.5 volts over the intended output voltage
up to a maximum of 35 to 40 volts depending on the model, and typically provide 1 or 1.5
amperes of current (though smaller or larger packages may have a lower or higher current
rating).
The advantages are as follows;
 78xx series ICs do not require additional components to provide a constant,
regulated source of power, making them easy to use, as well as economical and
efficient uses of space. Other voltage regulators may require additional components
 to set the output voltage level, or to assist in the regulation process. Some other
designs (such as a switched-mode power supply) may need substantial engineering
expertise to implement.
 78xx series ICs have built-in protection against a circuit drawing too much current.
They have protection against overheating and short-circuits, making them quite
robust in most applications. In some cases, the current-limiting features of the 78xx
devices can provide protection not only for the 78xx itself, but also for other parts
of the circuit.

The disadvantages are as follows;

 The input voltage must always be higher than the output voltage by some minimum
amount (typically 2.5 volts). This can make these devices unsuitable for powering
some devices from certain types of power sources (for example, powering a circuit
that requires 5 volts using 6-volt batteries will not work using a 7805).
 As they are based on a linear regulator design, the input current required is always
the same as the output current. As the input voltage must always be higher than the
output voltage, this means that the total power (voltage multiplied by current) going
into the 78xx will be more than the output power provided. The difference is
dissipated as heat. This means both that for some applications an adequate heatsink
must be provided, and also that a (often substantial) portion of the input power is
wasted during the process, rendering them less efficient than some other types of
power supplies. When the input voltage is significantly higher than the regulated
output voltage (for example, powering a 7805 using a 24 volt power source), this
inefficiency can be a significant issue. Buck converters may be preferred over 78xx
regulators because they are more efficient and do not require heat sinks, but they
are more expensive.
 A voltage regulator is designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage level.
A voltage regulator may be a simple "feed-forward" design or may include negative
feedbackcontrol loops. It may use an electromechanical mechanism, or electronic
components. Depending on the design, it may be used to regulate one or more AC
or DC voltages.
  Electronic voltage regulators are found in devices such as computer power supplies
where they stabilize the DC voltages used by the processor and other elements. In
automobile alternators and central power station generator plants, voltage
regulators control the output of the plant. In an electric power distribution system,
voltage regulators may be installed at a substation or along distribution lines so that
all customers receive steady voltage independent of how much power is drawn from
the line.

Figure 2.4 7805 Regulator

2.2 Microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a

processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in
the form of Ferrolelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip,
as well as a typically small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded
applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general
purpose applications.
Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as
automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office
machines, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost
compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output
devices, microcontroller make it economical to digitally control even more devices and
process. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components
needed to control non-digital electronic systems.
Some microcontrollers may use four-bit words and operate at frequencies as low as
4kHz, for low power consumption (single-digit-milliwatts or microwatts). They will
generally have the ability to retain functionality while waiting for an event such as a button
press or other interrupt; power consumption while sleeping (CPU clock and most
peripherals off) may be just nanowatts, making many of them well suited for long lasting
battery applications. Other microcontrollers may serve performance-critical roles, where
they may need to act more like a digital signal processor (DSP), with higher clock speeds
and power consumption.

2.2.1 Arduino Uno

Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of
which 6 can be used as PWN outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16MHz quartz crystal, a USB
connection, a power jack, an ICP header and a reset button. It contains everything needed
to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power
it with a AC to DC adapter or battery to get started.
The Uno has a resettable poly fuse that protects computer’s USB ports from shorts
and over current. Although most computers provide their own internal protection, the fuse
provides an extra layer of protection. If more than 500mA is applied to the USB port, the
fuse will automatically break the connection until the short or overload is removed.
The Uno board can be powered via the USB connection or with an external power supply.
The power source is selected automatically. External (non-USB) power can come either
from a AC-to-DC adapter or battery. The adapter can be connected by plugging a 2.1 mm
center- positive plug into the board’s power jack. Leads from a battery can be inserted in
the GND and Vin pin headers of the POWER connector. The board can operate on and
external supply from 6 to 20 volts. If supplied with less than 7V, however, the 5V pin may
supply less than five volts and the board may become unstable. If using more than 12v, the
voltage regulator may overheat and damage the board. The recommended range is 7 to 12
volts. Technical specs
 Operating Voltage 5V
 Input Voltage (recommended) 7-12V
 Input Voltage (limit) 6-20V
 Digital I/O Pins 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
 PWM Digital I/O Pins 6
 Analog Input Pins 6
 DC Current per I/O Pin 20mA
 DC Current for 3.3V Pin 50mA
 Flash Memory 32 KB (ATmega328P)
of which .5KB used by bootloader
 SRAM 2KB (Atmega328P)
 EEPROM 1KB (Atmega328P)
 Clock Speed 16 MHz
 Length 68.6 mm
 Width 53.4 mm
 Weight 25 g
 Figure 2.5 Arduino UNO Board

2.3 Real Time Clock (RTC) Module

This tiny module based on the clock chip DS1307 which support the I2C protocol.
The clock/calendar provides seconds, minutes, hours, day, date, month and year
information. The end of the month date is automatically adjusted and including corrections
for leap year. The clock operates in either the 24-hour or 12-hour format with AM/PM
indicator. The RTC module use the I2C bus to communicate with Arduino.

Features:

 5V DC supply
 Programmable Square-Wave output signal
 Consumes less than 500nAI Battery-Backup Module with Oscillator Running
 56-byte, Battery-Backed Nonvolatile (NV) RAM for data storage
 Figure 2.6 Clock Module

2. 4 Liquid Crystal Display

A flat-panel display or other electronic visual display that uses the light-
modulating properties of liquid crystal is called liquid Crystal Display. A 16×2 LCD
display is very basic module and is very commonly used in various devices and circuits.
These modules are preferred over seven segments and other multi segment LEDs. A 16×2
LCD means it can display 16 characters per line and there are 2 such lines. The
specifications of the LCD module is described below;

_ Display Format: 16 Character x 2 Line

_ Viewing Direction: 6 O’Clock
_ Input Data: 4-Bits or 8-Bits interface available
_ Display Font: 5 x 8 Dots
_ Power Supply: Single Power Supply (5V + (or) - 10 %)
Since less pin are needed for this project, LCM1602 I2C module is used together with
1602A LCD.
 Figure 2.7 16x2 LCD module with I2C module

I2C (inter-integrated circuit) protocol uses SDA (serial data) and SCL (serial clock) pins
and it uses 0x27 address or 0x3F address (sometimes).
_ Interface: I2C
_ I2C Address: 0x27
_ Pin Definition: VCCGNDSDASCL
_ Back lit (Green with white char color)
_ Supply voltage: Single Power Supply

2.5 Motor Driver

The L298 is an integrated monolithic circuit in a 15-Lead multiwatt and power SO20
packages. It is a high voltage, high circuit dual full-bridge driver designed to accept
standard TTL logic levels and drive inductive loads such as relays, solenoids, DC and
stepping motors. Two enable inputs are provided to enable or disable the device
independently of the input signals. The emitters of the lower transistors of each bridge are
connected together and the corresponding external terminal can be used for the connection
of an external sensing resistor. An additional supply input is provided so that the logic
works at a lower voltage.
Pin connection of the L298 Motor Driver is as follow.

𝑉𝑠 : 12 volt jumper-remove if using a supply voltage greater than 12 volt DC

GND: Ground

Vss: 5volt Input

SENSE A: DC motor 1 “+”, “-”

SENSE A: DC motor 2 “+”, “-”

ENA: Enables PWM signal for motor A

ENB: Enables PWM signal for motor B

IN11: Connected with pin 5 for ARDUINO

IN12: Connected with pin 4 for ARDUINO

IN13: Connected with pin 6 for ARDUINO

IN14: Connected with pin 7 for ARDUINO

 OUT2 +V5
OUT1 OUT3 OUT4
100nF

2 3 4 13 14

+V55
9 A B
Vref
100nF

1 2 3 4

In4
In1 5 12

In2 7 In3

InA
6 10 InB

1 5 15 11
SENCE A SENCE B
R5A
R5B

Figure 2.8 Internal Circuit Diagram of L298N

Figure 2.9 L298N Motor Driver

2.6 DC Motor

Almost every mechanical moment is accomplished by an electric motor. Electric

machines are means of converting energy. Motors take electrical energy and produce
mechanical energy. Nearly all types of DC motors have some internal mechanism, either
electromechanical or electronic, to periodically change the direction of current flow in part
of the motor. DC motors were the first type widely used, since they could be powered from
existing direct-current lighting power distribution systems. DC motor’s speed can be
controlled over a wide range, using either a variable supply voltage or by changing the
strength of current in its field windings. An example of small motor applications includes
motors used in automobile, robot, hand power tools and food blenders. Larger DC motors
are used in propulsion of electrical vehicles, elevator and hoists, or in drives for steel rolling
mills. It has two power connections to supply the voltage, one is termed as positive and the
other is negative. The operation voltage is 3 volts to 6 volts DC. Reduction ratio is 1:48.

Figure 2.10 DC Motor

2.7 Resistor

The different types of resistors are including fixed and variable resistors, carbon,
film, carbon composition, metal film, etc. There are many different types of resistor
available for use within electronic circuits. These different resistor types have somewhat
different properties dependent upon their construction and manufacture. This makes the
different types of resistor suitable for different applications. Over the years, the resistor
types used in mass electronics production have changed. Years ago, all the resistors used
had leads and were relatively large, and by today's standards they offered a low level of
performance. Today, the resistor types used are much smaller and offer much higher levels
of performance. In this thesis, fixed resistors are used in the circuit project.

Figure 2.11 Any Kinds of Resistors

2.8 Capacitor
There are many different types of capacitors and they each vary in their
characteristics and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Some types of
capacitors can charge up to higher voltages and, thus, can be used in high voltage
applications. Some capacitors can charge up to very high charges, such as aluminum
electrolytic capacitors. Some capacitors have very low leakage rates and others have very
high leakage rates. All of these factors determine how and in what application each of the
capacitors will be used in circuits.

Many types of capacitors are shown in electronic components although suppressor

capacitors, electrolytic capacitors and polyester capacitors are fixed in the circuit design.
They are used in LC tank to oscillate resonant frequency in the project circuit. Capacitors
are calculated as parallel and series method to get the amount of capacitance requires in
this LC tank.
 Figure 2.12 Suppressor, Electrolytic and Polyester Capacitors
2.9 Push Button
A push-button (also spelled pushbutton) or simply button is a simple switch
mechanism for controlling some aspect of a machine or a process. Buttons are typically
made out of hard material, usually plastic or metal. The surface is usually flat or shaped to
accommodate the human finger or hand, so as to be easily depressed or pushed. Buttons
are most often biased switches, although many un-biased buttons (due to their physical
nature) still require a spring to return to their un-pushed state. Terms for the "pushing" of
a button include pressing, depressing, mashing, hitting, and punching.

Figure 2.13 Push Button

2.10 Summary
This chapter describes devices and components used in Arduino based Medical
Reminder. The features and operation of each device are discussed in detail.
Microcontroller Arduino Mega is the heart of the system. The next chapter will present
Hardware Design and Software implementation of Arduino based Medical Reminder.