Using Electronic Modules News Today

The MicroMag3 measures the strength of a magnetic field in three axes (north-south, east-west and up-down). It can be used as a magnetic compass and inclinometer. by Jim Rowe

Instead of seven segments, this LED display module has 14 segments per character, so it can display letters, digits and even a few symbols. It has a built-in I2C serial interface, allowing popular microcontrollers like the Arduino Uno or Nano to drive it easily. by Jim Rowe

This month we’re looking at the tiny ADS1115 that can add up to four high-speed 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) channels to almost any microcontroller. It has a built-in I2C serial interface, so it can be easily connected to popular microcontrollers like an Arduino Uno or Nano. by Jim Rowe

Small monochrome OLED display modules have become widely available at a low cost in the last few years. Their I2C serial interface means that popular microcontrollers can easily drive them. by Jim Rowe

This module is designed to form the basis of a liquid pH meter, for testing the acidity or alkalinity of things like the water in fish tanks or swimming pools, or the liquid in a vat when you’re making beer or wine. It comes complete with two pH sensor probes, and can be easily hooked up to an Arduino or other microcontroller to form a pH meter. by Jim Rowe

This module should be of particular interest if you want to build robotic devices. It uses infrared (IR) light to accurately sense the proximity of objects from 0mm to well over 100mm. It’s based on a technology known as FlightSense, patented by ST Microelectronics. by Jim Rowe

This ultraviolet (UV) light-sensing ‘breakout’ module detects the intensity of UV solar radiation and hence the degree of protection you may need to prevent skin damage. If you connect it to an Arduino or other microcontroller, it can even indicate the current ‘UV Index’. by Jim Rowe

This programmable constant-current DC load can be used to test power supplies and check the capacity of batteries. It’s a self-contained device that delivers good value for money. by Jim Rowe

The AD8238-based heart rate monitor module is a low-cost way to monitor the operation of the heart via an Arduino or similar, like an electrocardiogram. It comes with a 3-electrode lead and is available from Jaycar. by Jim Rowe

In this last article on low-cost air quality sensors, we look more closely at particulate matter (PM) sensors, also called “dust” or “smoke” sensors. by Jim Rowe