REFLECTION
The following discusses the things I learned from the circuit as well as my understanding of its workings. The explanation of function for each step is located at the bottom of the page.
What I learned:
Building the birthday circuit using a potentiometer, 555 timer, M74, capacitor, and 74193 segment was an incredibly rewarding learning experience. Firstly, I gained a deeper understanding of the functionalities and interactions of these electronic components. The potentiometer allowed me to control the input voltage, while the 555 timer acted as a versatile oscillator, generating clock signals for the circuit. The M74 integrated circuit served as a counter, enabling the sequencing of the digits, and the 74193 segment display driver facilitated the output of each digit on the seven-segment display. I learned how all of the parts interacted through each step in order to create the full product.
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In addition to learning about the individual components, I also honed my skills in circuit design and prototyping. I had to carefully analyze the requirements of the project and determine how each component would fit together to achieve the desired functionality. This involved selecting appropriate resistor and capacitor values, understanding the pin configurations of each component, and considering the power requirements of the circuit. Another significant aspect of this project was troubleshooting. I encountered various challenges along the way, such as incorrect wiring, improper connections, and unexpected behavior of the components. Through meticulous observation, research, and experimentation, I was able to identify and resolve these issues, strengthening my problem-solving abilities and increasing my familiarity with the components.
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Furthermore, this project highlighted the importance of patience and attention to detail. Even a minor error in the circuit could lead to unpredictable results, so I had to be meticulous in every step, from soldering connections to verifying the correctness of the wiring. This attention to detail not only ensured the proper functioning of the circuit but also instilled in me a sense of pride and accomplishment upon its successful completion. Overall, building a circuit that outputs my birthday was an invaluable learning experience that expanded my knowledge of electronics, enhanced my circuit design and troubleshooting skills, and reinforced the importance of patience and attention to detail. It was a challenging yet fulfilling project that provided practical insights into the fascinating world of electrical engineering and inspired me to continue exploring and experimenting with new circuits and applications in the future.
How the circuit
works (intro, Steps below):
The Arduino played a crucial role in determining the signals sent to the Seven-Segment Display, dictating the numbers displayed. By developing Arduino codes, seven output signals were generated from the digital output pins, precisely controlling each segment of the Seven-Segment Display. By setting certain signals to high and others to low, it became possible to manipulate the illuminated segments, enabling the display of specific numbers. The code was designed to output each digit/character of the birth date sequentially, including the dashes represented by the g-segment. To facilitate the transition from one digit to the next, the code incorporated three digital inputs.
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The combination of inputs created eight possible input combinations, each corresponding to a specific number or dash displayed on the Seven-Segment Display. These combinations ranged from the binary numbers 000 to 111 and could be easily cycled through, representing the ordered digits of the birth date. To automate the cycling process without user intervention, an IC 74193 4-Bit Counter was employed. Its first three outputs were directly connected to the Arduino inputs. The counting action of the counter was regulated by a 555 Timer IC, generating alternating high and low signals for the Counter's count up clock pulse input (CPU). The counter fed inputs 000(2) to 111(2) to the Arduino, which then translated them into the necessary digits (numbers and dashes) for displaying the birthday. Additionally, a potentiometer was incorporated into the 555 Timer circuit to adjust the incrementation speed, controlling how quickly the birth date digits cycled through.
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STEP 1
The binary inputs and their corresponding digit outputs were organized in a truth table. Additionally, separate truth tables and Karnaugh Maps were created for each of the seven segments. These tables and maps helped identify the specific input values that activated each segment. By analyzing the numbers associated with the illuminated segments, a set of activating input values was determined for each segment. This information was then utilized to construct Boolean expressions for each segment, outlining the conditions necessary for the segment to be illuminated as shown by the Arduino code
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STEP 2
The next step involved writing the Arduino code to display the birth date. A two-dimensional array was initialized, representing the digits and segments of the Seven-Segment Display. The code assigned the value 1 to the illuminated segments in each digit and 0 to the others. When a specific digit was to be displayed, the corresponding row was processed in a loop, activating the appropriate output pins. This code was then uploaded onto the Arduino, which was connected to the Seven-Segment Display on the breadboard, enabling the autonomous display of the birth date.
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STEP 3
In the third step, the Arduino received three input values instead of fixed cycles. Based on the detected input combination (binary iteration), seven conditional statements were created. These statements determined whether a specific segment should be turned on or off, utilizing Boolean expressions specific to each segment.Output signals were then generated, with each signal corresponding to a particular segment. To execute this code, the input values were sourced from an IC 74193 4-Bit Counter, which provided three binary digit outputs. The count up clock pulse input of the counter was connected to a pulsar on the trainer, allowing users to increment the counter and influence the ordered cycle of digits displayed on the Seven-Segment Display.
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STEP 4:
In the final step, the focus was on achieving full autonomy in the circuit while incorporating an adjustable display speed feature. This was accomplished by introducing a 555 Timer IC to replace the previous pulsar used. The Timer was responsible for generating high signals to the Counter's CPU, with intermittent low signals, enabling the Counter to increment through its values and facilitating the cycling of digits in the circuit. Additionally, the Timer was connected to a 10 kΩ potentiometer. By adjusting this potentiometer, the duty cycle (high time to pulse width ratio) could be modified, allowing control over the rate at which a renewed high signal was provided to the Counter. This adjustment effectively regulated the speed of incrementation. Once these modifications were successfully implemented, the circuit became fully functional, autonomous, and complete.