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Understanding Analog Inputs and Simulated Analog Outputs with PWM in Arduino

This document provides an overview of analog inputs and simulated analog outputs using PWM in Arduino, focusing on reading environmental variables and controlling outputs like brightness and sound intensity. It covers key concepts such as the difference between digital and analog signals, the use of analogRead() for sensor data, and the application of PWM through analogWrite() to create variable outputs. Hands-on activities and learning goals are included to reinforce understanding and practical application of these concepts.

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daltonjohn11111
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© © All Rights Reserved
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2 views

Understanding Analog Inputs and Simulated Analog Outputs with PWM in Arduino

This document provides an overview of analog inputs and simulated analog outputs using PWM in Arduino, focusing on reading environmental variables and controlling outputs like brightness and sound intensity. It covers key concepts such as the difference between digital and analog signals, the use of analogRead() for sensor data, and the application of PWM through analogWrite() to create variable outputs. Hands-on activities and learning goals are included to reinforce understanding and practical application of these concepts.

Uploaded by

daltonjohn11111
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding Analog Inputs and Simulated Analog

Outputs with PWM in Arduino

🧭 Overview:

This week focuses on the fundamentals of analog electronics in the context of Arduino: how
we read variable environmental inputs (like light or knob position), and how we simulate
variable outputs like brightness or sound intensity using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
These concepts are central to creating responsive systems that can smoothly interact with the real
world.

From reading how much light is shining through a window to gradually dimming an LED,
mastering analog inputs and PWM gives your Arduino the ability to go beyond simple ON/OFF
logic. By the end of this week, students will be capable of designing interactive devices that
adjust behavior based on nuanced sensor inputs.

📚 Topics Covered in Detail:

1. 🧮 Digital vs Analog Signals – What’s the Difference?

The Arduino is great at digital logic (HIGH or LOW, 1 or 0), but many real-world variables—
light, sound, temperature, pressure—change continuously, not in just two states.

 A digital signal is binary: it’s either HIGH (5V) or LOW (0V). Example: a push button.
 An analog signal is variable, with values that can change in a continuous range.
Example: brightness from a lamp or twist of a knob.

Arduino Uno has:

 6 analog input pins (A0–A5) that read voltages between 0 and 5V and convert them into a
digital number (0 to 1023) using a process called analog-to-digital conversion (ADC).
 Digital output pins that can simulate analog-like behavior through PWM (discussed
below).

2. 📥 Reading Analog Values Using analogRead()


To interact with analog sensors, Arduino uses the analogRead() function. This command reads
the voltage level on a given analog pin and converts it into an integer from 0 to 1023:

 0 corresponds to 0V
 1023 corresponds to 5V (assuming default reference voltage)

Syntax:

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int sensorValue = analogRead(A0);

Typical use cases:

 Reading the position of a potentiometer (rotary knob)


 Detecting ambient light levels via an LDR
 Measuring voltage from a photoresistor, flex sensor, or thermistor

3. 🌀 Analog Sensors: Potentiometers and LDRs

Two widely used analog sensors:

 Potentiometer: A variable resistor that acts as a voltage divider. Turning the knob
changes the resistance and thus the voltage at the output pin. Great for user-adjustable
controls.
 LDR (Light Dependent Resistor): Changes its resistance based on ambient light. Bright
light → low resistance → higher voltage; darkness → high resistance → lower voltage.

Both sensors are connected in a voltage divider configuration:

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+5V ---[LDR]---[Resistor]--- GND
|
A0

4. ⚡ What is PWM and Why Do We Use It?

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a clever technique used to simulate analog output on
digital pins. Since Arduino cannot output true analog voltage (like 2.3V or 3.7V), it uses PWM
to vary the average voltage by rapidly switching a pin ON and OFF.

 The duty cycle (percentage of time the signal is HIGH in each cycle) determines the
average voltage.
o 100% duty cycle → always ON → full brightness
o 50% duty cycle → ON half the time → medium brightness
o 0% duty cycle → always OFF → no brightness

Arduino PWM pins are marked with a ~ (e.g., pins 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 on Uno).

5. 🧾 Using analogWrite() to Simulate Analog Output

The analogWrite(pin, value) function sends a PWM signal to a pin:

 value ranges from 0 (0% duty cycle) to 255 (100% duty cycle)
 The frequency is fixed (typically 490 Hz or 980 Hz depending on the pin)

Example:

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analogWrite(9, 128); // Send ~50% duty cycle to pin 9

Use cases:

 Dimming LEDs
 Controlling motor speed
 Generating tones on buzzers
 Adjusting brightness or sound intensity gradually

Hands-On Activities:

🔄 Activity 1: Potentiometer-Controlled LED Brightness

Objective: Connect a potentiometer to an analog input and an LED to a PWM pin.

Steps:

1. Connect potentiometer’s middle pin to A0.


2. Connect outer pins to +5V and GND.
3. LED to pin 9 (with resistor).
4. Use code to read analog value and map it to PWM range:

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int pot = analogRead(A0);
int brightness = map(pot, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
analogWrite(9, brightness);

Observe how the LED brightness varies smoothly as the potentiometer is turned.

🌞 Activity 2: LDR-Based Sunlight Detector

Objective: Use an LDR to detect ambient light and provide real-time feedback via Serial
Monitor.

Steps:

1. Wire LDR and resistor as voltage divider to A1.


2. Print light level using Serial Monitor:

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int lightLevel = analogRead(A1);
Serial.println(lightLevel);

3. Challenge: Add an if-statement to light an LED only when brightness is below a


threshold.

🌈 Activity 3: LED Fade with PWM

Objective: Create a loop that gradually increases and decreases an LED's brightness using
analogWrite().

Sample code:

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for (int i = 0; i <= 255; i++) {
analogWrite(9, i);
delay(10);
}
for (int i = 255; i >= 0; i--) {
analogWrite(9, i);
delay(10);
}

Try changing the delay to affect the fade speed.


🎵 Activity 4: PWM Buzzer Tones

Use analogWrite() to drive a passive buzzer. Lower duty cycles will result in softer tones. This
introduces the idea that PWM isn't just for light—it's also useful in sound modulation.

Bonus: Use the tone() function to play melodies using mapped analog input values.

🎯 Learning Goals:

By the end of this module, students will:

 Grasp the difference between digital and analog inputs/outputs


 Learn how to read analog data from sensors using analogRead()
 Use PWM to simulate analog outputs with analogWrite()
 Create interactive projects that react to environmental data
 Understand the concept of duty cycle and how it relates to perceived brightness or
intensity
 Map sensor input ranges to usable output ranges using the map() function
 Build practical confidence with circuits using potentiometers and LDRs
 Debug and verify sensor behavior using Serial Monitor

📝 Homework / Practice:

📌 Task 1: Build an Automatic Night Light

Objective: Use an LDR to detect darkness and gradually increase LED brightness using PWM.

Requirements:

 Use analog input from an LDR to determine ambient light level


 Use map() to convert LDR value to LED brightness (PWM output)
 LED should become brighter as it gets darker

Code Hint:

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int light = analogRead(A0);
int brightness = map(light, 1023, 0, 0, 255); // Inverse relationship
analogWrite(9, brightness);
Bonus: Add a second LED that acts as a high-brightness warning (e.g., flashes in pitch black).

📌 Task 2: Write a Reflection (100–200 words)

Prompt: "Explain in your own words the difference between analog and digital pins in
Arduino. Give an example of when you'd use each type in a real-world project."

Suggestions:

 Compare how they behave (binary vs. continuous)


 Discuss when precision and variability matter
 Use examples like light detection, fan control, volume knobs

🚀 Optional Extensions (Advanced Learners):

 Create a 3-color LED "mood light" controlled by multiple potentiometers


 Combine LDR and buzzer for an automatic alarm when light exceeds a threshold
 Connect a motor and control speed using potentiometer-PWM setup

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