Sensor Information Hub
Comprehensive guide to 30+ sensors with specifications, applications, wiring diagrams, and code examples for makers and engineers.
| Sensor Name | Type | Accuracy | Price | More Information |
|---|
Smart Weather Station
Build a complete weather monitoring system that measures temperature, humidity, pressure, and rainfall.
Required Sensors:
- DHT22 - Temperature & Humidity
- BMP280 - Barometric Pressure
- Rain Sensor - Precipitation
- Anemometer - Wind Speed
- Wind Vane - Wind Direction
Environmental
Motion
Home Security System
Create a comprehensive security system with intrusion detection and environmental monitoring.
Required Sensors:
- PIR Motion Sensor - Movement Detection
- Magnetic Reed Switch - Door/Window
- Ultrasonic Sensor - Distance
- Sound Sensor - Noise Detection
- Gas Sensor - Smoke/CO Detection
Motion
Proximity
Chemical
Health Monitoring Device
Build a wearable device to track vital signs and activity levels.
Required Sensors:
- Pulse Sensor - Heart Rate
- MAX30102 - Blood Oxygen
- MPU6050 - Activity Tracking
- Temperature Sensor - Body Temp
- GSR Sensor - Stress Levels
Biometric
Motion
Digital Sensors (I2C/SPI)
Protocols for communicating with digital sensors:
- I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit):
• Uses SDA (data) and SCL (clock) lines
• Supports multiple devices on same bus
• Slower than SPI but uses fewer pins
• Common in environmental sensors - SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface):
• Uses MOSI, MISO, SCLK, and CS lines
• Faster communication than I2C
• Requires more pins per device
• Common in displays and high-speed sensors
Analog Sensors
Working with analog sensors and ADC conversion:
- Voltage Division: Many analog sensors output variable voltage
- ADC Resolution: Arduino has 10-bit ADC (0-1023 values)
- Reference Voltage: Default is 5V, can be changed to 3.3V or external
- Sampling Rate: How frequently to read the sensor
- Filtering: Smoothing noisy sensor readings
Sensor Calibration
Important steps for accurate sensor readings:
- Zero Calibration: Setting baseline readings
- Span Calibration: Setting maximum range
- Temperature Compensation: Adjusting for temperature effects
- Linearization: Converting non-linear outputs
- Periodic Recalibration: Maintaining accuracy over time
Sensor Libraries
- Adafruit Sensor Library: Unified sensor driver framework
- Arduino Sensor Libraries: Official and community libraries
- PlatformIO Libraries: Extensive sensor support
- GitHub Repositories: Open-source sensor code
- Manufacturer Libraries: Specific sensor support
Learning Resources
- Arduino Documentation: Official sensor tutorials
- Adafruit Learning System: Comprehensive guides
- SparkFun Tutorials: Project-based learning
- Instructables: Community project guides
- YouTube Channels: Visual learning resources
Tools & Equipment
- Multimeter: Voltage, current, resistance measurement
- Oscilloscope: Signal analysis and debugging
- Logic Analyzer: Digital signal analysis
- Breadboard: Prototyping without soldering
- Jumper Wires: Connecting sensors to microcontrollers
Popular Sensor Applications
Internet of Things (IoT)
- Smart home automation
- Environmental monitoring
- Asset tracking
- Predictive maintenance
- Energy management
Robotics & Automation
- Obstacle avoidance
- Line following
- Object detection
- Position tracking
- Force feedback
Healthcare & Wearables
- Fitness tracking
- Medical monitoring
- Fall detection
- Sleep analysis
- Stress monitoring
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