Week 10

Date: 26th - 30th March 2012

I have started my work on Arduino, my chosen microcontroller, and Zigbee, as my wireless medium. My lecturer, Mr. Zul had agreed to help me purchase Arduino Uno R3 and Xbee module.

Arduino Uno R3

I chose Arduino as my microcontroller because it is an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple i/o board and a development environment that implements the Processing/Wiring language. The beauty of open-source is that, the IDE can be downloaded for free.

  

Arduino Uno R3 Features: 

• ATmega328 microcontroller
• Input voltage - 7-12V
• 14 Digital I/O Pins (6 PWM outputs)
• 6 Analog Inputs
• 32k Flash Memory
• 16Mhz Clock Speed

Xbee 1mW 802.15.4

I chose Xbee because it allows a very reliable and simple communication between microcontrollers, computers, systems, and anything with a serial port. Point to point and multi-point networks are supported.

Features:

• 3.3V @ 50mA
• 250kbps Max data rate
• 1mW output (+0dBm)
• 300ft (100m) range
• Built-in antenna
• Fully FCC certified
• 6 10-bit ADC input pins
• 8 digital IO pins
• 128-bit encryption
• Local or over-air configuration
• AT or API command set

Week 9

Date:19th - 23rd March 2012

In the beginning of the week, I spent times designing PCB tracing for my EOG circuit. At the end of the week, my EOG circuit on PCB was completed. Next step is to test the circuit and compare the output result with breadboard circuit connection.

Week 8

Date: 12th - 16th March 2012

I came back to KL after a week mid-semester break and went to Jalan Pasar to pick up my Instrumentation Amplifier that I ordered. Then, I constructed my EOG circuit on breadboard.

Week 7

Date: 27th February - 2nd March 2012

I went to Jalan Pasar to order my Instrumentation Amplifier IC, INA118 and INA126. I was told that those items need to be order from Singapore and it gonna take about 3 days to arrive. Next week will be our mid-semester break for a week, so I proceed with the order and gonna pick up my ICs as soon as I am back from my hometown. 

The pictures below showing my ICs' pins configuration and internal architecture with basic connection.

INA126 MicroPOWER INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIER

It is a precision instrumentation amplifiers for accurate, low noise differential signal acquisition. Their two-op-amp design provides excellent performance with very low quiescent current (175mA/chan.). This, combined with wide operating voltage range of ±1.35V to ±18V, makes them ideal for portable instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

INA118 Precision, Low Power INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIER

It is a low power, general purpose instrumentation amplifier offering excellent accuracy. Its versatile 3-op amp design and small size make it ideal for a wide range of applications. Current-feedback input circuitry provides wide bandwidth even at high gain (70kHz at G = 100).

After I get my hands on the ICs, I am planning to do the basic connection then decide on what I am going to do next depending on the result.