Week 2 - Optocoupler (I): Research and Initial Testing

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Week 2 - Small Update

The optocoupler circuit is being tested as of right now using a simple circuit (pics of circuit and code to come later being edited). The optocoupler or opto-isolator works by the opto-isolator IC sending a signal from a Low Voltage (LV) circuit to the High Voltage (HV) circuit. 

This allows isolation between the two circuits as connecting a HV ground with a LV circuit will result in damage to the LV circuit, so the opto-isolator is essential to avoid damage and burning of the Arduino when we test it with HV circuits later on. The optocoupler is normally used in applications such as allowing a microcontroller to control servos or other motors that use a higher voltage than the TTL logic on the (3.3V or 5V) microcontroller.


We tested the optocoupler using a DC power supply, a simple breadboard circuit, and Arduino to verify the signal sent from a LV circuit to a HV circuit is received. A problem is experienced where the signal received disappears and appears and disappears again for a loop, we are currently researching and will be troubleshooting ASAP :0 

We also have a new co-supervisor, Mr. Joe. Mr. Joe would like us to work on the LORA communication with Arduino. The LORA would use Bluetooth/wifi to send data wirelessly from the sensors to the dashboard of the solar car as well as to the chase vehicle. We will also be looking into Sparkfun Esp8266 Thing (its' name contains the word "Thing"). 

 Source: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13231

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