MECHATRONICS : ASSIGNMENT 1

- Pakala Yasaswini (22ME10058)

TASK 2: Adjustable light-level detector

Objective: - To turn on an LED when the light falls below a threshold using a
Light-dependent resistor(LDR) and an Operational Amplifier

Components Used: - LM 741 IC (OpAmp)

330 Ohm Resistor
3.3 kOhm Resistor
10 kOhm Potentiometer
LED
Light Dependant Resistor
9 V Battery
Connecting Wires

LM 741 IC:

- The LM741 is equipped with a single operational amplifier circuit, serving as a high-gain
voltage amplifier featuring both differential inputs and a single output.
- Internally, the IC incorporates an arrangement of multiple transistors, resistors, and
other components configured to achieve the desired operational amplifier operation.
However, the precise configuration details are proprietary to the manufacturer.
- Typically, the LM741 operates from dual power supplies, necessitating both positive and
negative supply voltages. Nevertheless, it can also operate with a single supply by
appropriately biasing its inputs.
- With high input impedance and low output impedance, the LM741 is well-suited for
interfacing with various input and output devices, capable of driving loads typically in the
range of a few kiloohms.
Circuit Schematic:

Working of the circuit:

- Its resistance diminishes when light shines on the Light Dependent Resistor (LDR).
- Consequently, the voltage across the LDR and potentiometer combination decreases as
the LDR's resistance diminishes in bright light.
- Conversely, the LDR's resistance increases when the light intensity decreases.
- This increase in resistance leads to a rise in the voltage across the LDR and resistor
combination.
- When the voltage across the LDR and resistor combination falls below the forward
voltage threshold of the Light Emitting Diode (LED), the LED begins to conduct, resulting
in illumination.
- The threshold for the LED to conduct is determined by adjusting the potentiometer.

Applications:

Night lights
Automatic street lights
Security systems
Twilight switches
Light intensity meters