ADC without ADC.
Here is a example how to read analog values without an Analog-to-Digital converter. Any Microchip PIC microcontroller without ADC can be used. (10/1/2006)
Digital electronics and Analog electronics doesn't mix easily. A Microcontroller can't get analog values unless an Analog-to-Digital converter is used, however, you may find a little complicated the use of an ADC and it need lots of Input/Output ports.
Some Microcontrollers, like the small 8-pin Microchip PIC 12F675, do have an ADC integrated, but it is expensier than a PIC without ADC. A simple solution is to use a RC circuit to measure the resistance or capacitance.
Basically, a RC circuit is just a capacitor and a resistor. The circuit labeled A shows the most common RC circuit used. I like to use the B circuit, I get better results.
You can replace the resistor and use a thermistor to measure temperature (PTC or NTC), also a photoresistor can be used to measure light. Any kind of resistive sensor can replace the resistor. If you are using a capacitive sensor, just replace the capacitor instead of the resistor.
How it works:
Just connect the RC circuit directly to an I/O pin of the microcontroller. You can use a 33pf capacitor and 1k resistor.
An good application of this technique is my "One wire keypad":
The PIC will measure the RC value of the I/O pin. If the time measured is too long, that means; there is no key pressed. Precision resistors and Mylar capacitor is required to get exact values.
You can see my " Security Keypad " uses a similar technique.
Instead of using a single I/O pin, I used an I/O pin for each row.
Note: Measuring capacitance or resistance usign this technique is affected by the voltage.
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