Component Detector and Temperature Measurement

for LM34/35 sensors

Introduction
LabVIEW is a graphical programming language that uses graphical icons to develop
applications. It is possible to interface temperature and pressure sensors with LabVIEW for
monitoring and control in various applications. The method for interfacing the sensors with
LabVIEW varies depending on the type of sensor being used. For digital (serial) output sensors,
direct interfacing via a serial port is possible, whereas analogue sensors require a data acquisition
module (DAQ) for converting analogue signals to digitized data, which can then be provided to
LabVIEW. National Instruments offers various DAQs based on input and output channels, and
signal conditioning circuits may be used to remove noise and make the sensor output compatible
with the DAQ input range. The LM34 and LM35 integrated circuits are commonly used
precision temperature sensors that output a voltage proportional to the temperature in Fahrenheit
and Celsius, respectively. The NI myDAQ, a low-cost portable device for data acquisition, can
be used with LabVIEW to measure and analyze real-world signals for various applications.
Students can use NI myDAQ with LabVIEW to explore and practice acquired signals and control
processes anytime and anywhere.
Explanation
LM 34 and LM 35 are temperature sensors that are widely used in temperature sensing
applications. LM 34 is a Fahrenheit sensor that can measure temperature between -50 to +300
degrees Fahrenheit and has a low output impedance, linear output, and precise inherent
calibration feature. It requires a single supply and draws a minimum current of 75 uA during
operation. The LM 35, on the other hand, is a precision temperature sensor that measures
temperature in Celsius (Centigrade) range. It has an output voltage that is linearly proportional to
the temperature and also requires a single supply. The LM 35 is rated to operate between -55 to
+150 Degree Celsius, while the improved version LM 35C operates between -40 to +110 Degree
Celsius. Both sensors are designed to have low self-heating properties, with LM 34 having a self-
heating property of less than 0.2 F at normal air temperature, and LM 35 having a self-heating
property as low as 0.1 degree at still air. These sensors can be easily interfaced with LabVIEW
using a data acquisition module (DAQ) and can be used to monitor and control the temperature
specific to any application.
Procedure

In this project, we are using an LM35 temperature sensor to measure temperature. The sensor
produces a voltage that varies linearly with temperature and is directly proportional to it. The
measurable range of the LM35 sensor is -55°C to 150°C, with a linear accuracy of 0.5°C at
+25°C. In our project, we are using a supply voltage of 15V. The LM35 sensor produces a
voltage of 0.36V at 36°C and 0.21V at 210°C.
To interface with the NI myDAQ, we use LabVIEW programming. We first design the front
panel, which includes numeric indicators, a thermometer, and a round LED for indication. The
temperature measurement range is set from 0 to 100. The block diagram is then designed to
program the system, using a loop structure. The DAQ Assistant is used to acquire signals and
read the data from the ai0 channel, which is connected to the screw terminal of the device. The
analog input data from the DAQ is managed and standardized to display the accurate temperature
by multiplying the DAQ Assistant production with a numeric constant '100'.

The LabVIEW front panel displays the temperature reading, with a green light visible when the
temperature is less than 40°C, and a red light visible when the temperature exceeds 40°C. If the
temperature exceeds 40°C, a danger message is displayed. The external hardware and software
setup of NI myDAQ is also shown in the figure.

Conclusion
The LM35 temperature sensor has a linearly proportional relationship between the temperature
and the output voltage. This characteristic makes it suitable for various applications such as
home automation, oil exploration, hot air balloons, GPS devices, and battery systems. In this
project, the LM35 sensor was used to measure temperature and display it on the LabVIEW front
panel. The green light turned on when the temperature was less than 40 degrees, indicating a safe
temperature, while the red light turned on when the temperature exceeded 40 degrees, warning of
potential danger. Overall, the LM35 temperature sensor's precision and accuracy make it a
valuable tool in a wide range of temperature-sensing applications.