Soil-moisture-meter

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The ICL, specifically the Intersil ICL 7106, integrates an analog-to-digital converter, a 3.5-digit LCD driver, a clock, a voltage reference, seven-segment decoders, and display drivers. An alternative component, the ICL7107, is available for driving seven-segment LEDs. The probe body is constructed from a five-inch length of lightweight aluminum tubing, with leads connected to both the body and the tip of the probe. The sensor operates as a variable resistor, modulating the base current of Q1 and consequently affecting its collector current. This variation in collector current results in a fluctuating voltage across the 100-ohm resistor R7, which the ICL converts for display purposes. The LCD draws approximately 25 µA, while the ICL consumes less than 2 mA, allowing the circuit to operate for an extended period when powered by a standard 9-V battery. The current drain from two 1.5-V AA cells remains very low, at under 300 µA. Calibration involves rotating R3 to the midpoint of its range, inserting the probe into a glass of water, and adjusting R8 to achieve a reading of 100. Upon removing the probe from the water, the LCD should display 000. Minor adjustments to R3 may be necessary to ensure the display reads 000, followed by readjusting R8 with the probe submerged and confirming a reading of 000 when the probe is out of the water.

The ICL 7106 serves as a versatile component in electronic measurement devices, particularly in applications requiring precise voltage readings. The integration of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) allows for the conversion of analog signals into digital format, which can then be easily displayed on an LCD. The design emphasizes low power consumption, making it suitable for battery-operated devices. The lightweight aluminum probe not only facilitates ease of handling but also contributes to the overall durability of the measurement instrument.

In terms of functionality, the variable resistor sensor is a critical element, as it directly influences the base current of the transistor Q1. This relationship is essential for accurate readings, as the collector current must be precisely controlled to reflect the changes in the measured parameter. The inclusion of R7 as a load resistor allows the circuit to translate the variations in collector current into a corresponding voltage that the ICL can interpret.

Calibrating the device is straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring that operators can achieve accurate readings with minimal effort. The process of adjusting R3 and R8 allows for fine-tuning of the system, ensuring that it remains responsive to changes in the environment, such as temperature or conductivity when measuring liquid samples. This adaptability makes the ICL 7106 an excellent choice for applications in laboratories, educational settings, and field measurements where reliable data is essential.

Overall, the design of the ICL 7106 circuit not only prioritizes efficiency and accuracy but also provides a practical solution for various electronic measurement challenges.ICl, an Intersil ICL 7106, contains an aid converter, a 3,1/2-digit LCD driver, a clock, a voltage reference, seven segment decoders, and display drivers. A similar part, the ICL7107, can be used to drive seven segment LEDs. The probe body is a five-inch length of light-weight aluminum tubing. The leads from the circuit are connected to the body and tip of the probe. The sensor functions as a variable resistor that varies Ql "s base current, hence its collector current.

The varying collector current produces a varying voltage across 100 0 resistor R7, and that voltage is what IC1 converts for display. The LCD consumes about 25 pA, and ICl consumes under 2 mA, so the circuit will run for a long time when it is powered by a standard 9-V battery. Current drain of the two 1.5-V AA cells is also very low: under 300 pA To calibrate, rotate R3 to the center of its range.

Then place the end of the probe into a glass of water and adjust R8 for a reading of 100. When you remove the probe from the water, the LCD should indicate 000. You might have to adjust R3 slightly for the display to indicate 000. If so, readjust R8 with the probe immersed. Check for a reading of 000 again with probe out of water. 🔗 External reference