When working with analogue signals, scaling them to the correct range for the Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) is always important. Below are some projects that will help anyone starting in this area.
Project 11 - Using the Raspberry Pi to measure temperature
Outline
This application note shows the hardware and Python code required to measure temperature using the Raspberry Pi. Any of the Raspberry Pi models can be used including B, B+ and the Raspberry Pi 2.
In this project the output from the TMP36 sensor is well within the 0 to 3.3V of the ADC and does not need amplification.
Project 13 - Using the Raspberry Pi to measure battery voltage
Outline
This application note shows the hardware and Python code required to measure the voltage of a 9V PP3 battery using the Raspberry Pi. Any of the Raspberry Pi models can be used including B, B+ and the Raspberry Pi 2.
Because the battery voltage is around 9V, it needs attenuating (using a potential divider) and bufferring before passing to the ADC.
Project 14 - Using the Raspberry Pi to measure current
Outline
This application note shows the hardware and Python code required to measure DC current using the Raspberry Pi. Any of the Raspberry Pi models can be used including B, B+ and the Raspberry Pi 2.
The voltages in this project are quite small and needs amplification before passing to the ADC.
Summary
The 3 projects here are instructional in learning to use ADCs to measure analogue voltages, be they from sensors or simple voltage and current measurement. They will make great projects for students in schools or colleges. For more 'strater electronic' projects keep an eye on our projects page.
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