Week 9: Describe Input & Output Controller

OBJECTIVE : To describe the input and output of the controller.

METHODOLOGY : 1. Identify the input and output of the controller from the block diagram.
              2. Do a research on the function of the components.

RESULTS : The input for the controller is the sensor, which is moisture sensor. For the output of the controller is relay and pump.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION : 
1. Soil Moisture Sensor
This sensor is used to test the moisture of the soil. When the soil is having water shortage, the module output is at high level, else the output is at low level. By using this sensor, one can automatically water the plants requiring automatic watering techniques. The soil moisture sensor consists of two probes which are used to measure the volumetric content of water in the soil. The probes allowed the current to flow through the soil and it gets the resistance value to measure the resistance value. 

2. Relay

Relay are electromechanical devices that use an electromagnet to operate from open position to a closed position. It is used to open and close the circuit. It can control electrical circuit by opening and closing the contacts in another circuit. The advantages of relay is it can be used to control motors, heaters, lamps or AC circuits which themselves can draw more electrical power. Relay is also a type of switch.

3. Pump Water

DC powered pump use direct current from motor, battery or solar power to move fluid in a multiple of ways. Motorized pumps typically operate on 6, 12, 24, or 32 volts of DC power. The water pump is used to artificially supply water for a particular task. It can be electronically controlled by interfacing it to a microcontroller. It can be triggered ON/OFF by sending a signal as required. In this project, a 5V DC motor pump is used to transfer the water from the water tank to the plants. The main advantage of DC (direct current) pumps over AC (alternating current) pumps is that they can operate directly from a battery, making them more convenient and portable. They are easier to operate and control, since AC systems typically require a controller to manage speed. DC pumps also tend to be more efficient. However, AC pumps are usually designed for higher speed and huge burst of power.

4. Blynk

Blynk is a smartphone application that allows you to create an interface for controlling and monitoring a project. Blynk app is free to download for Android and iOS. Blynk uses an interface of drag and drop widgets. Blynk also can work over internet, Bluetooth and USB. Basically, to run the Blynk application, they will use an Internet platform. To connect a Blynk server and pair it with smartphone, a Blynk libraries should be writes in the sketch (coding section). It is simple easy because we can just get it from the Internet. 

CONCLUSION : The input and output of the controller has been describe.