A computing system consists of many parts and one very essential component of a computer is the Monitor.

Is a monitor an input or output device?

A monitor is an output device which displays information in the form of text, graphics and video. Information is sent to the monitor from the CPU. This information is sent to the monitor in machine language, which it then converts to a format a human user can interpret.

Difference between input and output devices  

There are inputs, and there are output devices that can be connected to a computer.

So, what is the difference between input and output? Let’s take a look at each of them individually to better understand the differences between them.

But, before we delve into inputs and outputs, we need to quickly cover what encompasses a computer system. 

A computer system consists of a combination of software and hardware as seen below;

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Software (Operating system)
• Hardware (motherboard, graphics card, sound card, etc)
• Communication ports
• Power system 
• Memory
• Inputs 
• Outputs

What is an input device?

A computer as you might know is a machine. Computers communicate in binary (digital), that is 0’s and 1’s, which is also known as machine code. 

At the heart of any computing system is the Central Processing Unit. The CPU acts like our brain. It has the job of receiving, processing, and transmitting information. 

An input device is responsible for gathering information from the outside world and sending (‘inputting’) this information to the CPU which can then process this data as needed. 

Information in the outside world is analog (not 0’s and 1’s). But in order for the CPU to recognize data, it needs to be presented in digital form. Input devices have the task of converting analog information into digital data which the CPU can process. 

The flow of information starts from the outside world, and makes its way inward to the CPU.

Inputs that can be connected to a computer include devices such as;

• Keyboards
• Mice
• Scanners
• Joystick
• Webcam
• Microphone

What is an output device?

While input devices provide information to the CPU, output devices perform the opposite task. The CPU sends information to an output device which will perform a particular task in the physical world.

The job of the output device is to present information to a user in a format which they can interpret. The format can be text, graphics, tactile, audio and video.

For example, a speaker is an output device. It receives information from the CPU (in machine language), and then converts it to audio which you as the user can listen to. 

Other common computer outputs include;

• Monitor
• Printer
• Headphones/ Earphones
• Projector
• Speakers

The flow of information in this scenario starts at the CPU and works its way ‘out’ toward the output. 

Key differences between input and output devices

Is a monitor an input or output device? An in depth look

So, we just learnt about the differences between an input and output device. So, which category does the monitor belong to?

A monitor is an output device. This is because the monitor is a device which has the purpose of providing information to the user. The information is sent to the monitor from the CPU which it then presents in a visual format which includes text, graphics and video. 

The monitor is the primary output device of the computer. Without it we would not know what tasks we are performing. It’s the main way you interact with your computer and gives you instant visual feedback as a result of a task you might perform within the computer. 

Monitors have many features which include;

• Size
• Resolution
• Bandwidth
• Refresh rate
• Dot Pitch
• Interlaced or non-interlaced

With the advancement of technology there are many different types of monitors available as output devices for computers as seen in the list below;

• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) – used in earlier computers
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
• LED
• OLED
• DLP
• TFT
• Plasma screen
• Touchscreen

Can a monitor be an input device?

A traditional monitor cannot be an input device because it does not have the technological capabilities to do so. However, over the years, technology has advanced and given us new unforeseen opportunities. 

On the previous list of different types of monitor, there is one type which is very common in computing nowadays. That is the touchscreen monitor. This new technology allows the user to interact with the computer by being able to ‘touch the screen’. Before you were limited to interacting with programs using a mouse and a keyboard, however now with touchscreens you do not need a mouse or keyboard.

In this instance, a touch screen monitor is an input and output device.This is because a touch screen monitor sends data to the CPU, as well as receives data from it. 

Traditional monitors are like a one way street, whereas touch screen monitors are like a two way street where information travels in both directions, making it a combination of an input and output.

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There are many different types of inputs and outputs that can be interfaced to a computer which include devices such as monitors, webcams, scanners, mice, and many more. 

Another very common device missing in that list is a Keyboard. 

Is a keyboard an input or output device?

A keyboard is an input device because it takes information from the outside world (in the form of physical keystrokes from the user), and sends it to the central processing unit (CPU). 

Information is ‘inputted’ into the computer via the keyboard and is why it is an input device. 

Difference between input and output devices

There are inputs, and there are output devices that can be connected to a computer.

So, what is the difference between input and output? Let’s take a look at each of them individually to better understand the differences between them.

But, before we delve into inputs and outputs, we need to quickly cover what encompasses a computer system. 

A computer system consists of a combination of software and hardware as seen below;

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Software (Operating system)
• Hardware (motherboard, graphics card, sound card, etc)
• Communication ports
• Power system 
• Memory
• Inputs 
• Outputs

What is an input device?

A computer as you might know is a machine. Computers communicate in binary (digital), that is 0’s and 1’s, which is also known as machine code. 

At the heart of any computing system is the Central Processing Unit. The CPU acts like our brain. It has the job of receiving, processing, and transmitting information. 

An input device is responsible for gathering information from the outside world and sending (‘inputting’) this information to the CPU which can then process this data as needed. 

Information in the outside world is analog (not 0’s and 1’s). But in order for the CPU to recognize data, it needs to be presented in digital form. Input devices have the task of converting analog information into digital data which the CPU can process. 

The flow of information starts from the outside world, and makes its way inward to the CPU.

Inputs that can be connected to a computer include devices such as;

• Keyboards
• Mice
• Scanners
• Joystick
• Webcam
• Microphone

What is an output device?

While input devices provide information to the CPU, output devices perform the opposite task.  The CPU sends information to an output device which will perform a particular task in the physical world.

For example, a monitor is an output device which is responsible for displaying information in a format that a human user can read and interpret. 

Other common computer outputs include;

• Monitor
• Printer
• Headphones/ Earphones
• Projector
• Speakers

The flow of information in this scenario starts at the CPU and works its way ‘out’ toward the output. 

Key differences between input and output devices

Is a keyboard an input or output device? An in depth look

So, we just learnt about the differences between an input and output device. So which category does the keyboard belong to?

A keyboard is an input device. This comes down to the fact that it receives information from the outside world (primarily through human interaction) and sends it to the CPU. For example, when you press down on a key, that information is sent to the processor which can process it accordingly.

The main way users interact with a computing system using a keyboard as an input is by using the keys. Underneath the keys are buttons which when pressed send information to the CPU. 

A keyboard consists of many keys each having their own unique purpose. There are keys for letters, numbers, symbols, and other various functions. 

Nowadays with the advent of touchscreens, a keyboard doesn’t have to be physically present. They can be displayed on the touchscreen itself. The keyboard is displayed on screen when needed and the user simply has to press the buttons on the screen. 

Can a keyboard be an output device?

The keyboard is primarily an input device, however, keyboards do include LEDs which are outputs. These LEDs are used to provide certain statuses to the user. Like when you press the caps-lock key, an LED illuminates to let you know that caps-lock is on. 

However, the keyboard still remains primarily an input device.

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You can connect outputs like monitors or televisions, as well as connect inputs like a keyboard and mouse just like you would a normal computer.

The great added benefit of the raspberry pi is that it can be programmed according to your needs for a certain purpose or project. It is programmed using coding languages like Scratch and Python. 

You might be on the lookout for a new raspberry pi, or already have one lying around and are wondering if it is a microcontroller. 

So is a raspberry pi a microcontroller? The raspberry pi is not a microcontroller. It is a single-board (the size of a credit card) that emulates a computer. However, just like a computer, it requires a processor as its brains to operate. It uses a microprocessor (not a microcontroller) as the main processor.

This article shall take a deeper look as to why a raspberry pi is not a microcontroller. 

What is a raspberry pi? – A closer look

To better understand why a raspberry pi is not a microcontroller, it will help to take a closer look at the raspberry pi individually. 

The first raspberry pi was launched in 2012, created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which is a UK charity whose main focus is to make it easier and more accessible for people to learn about computing.  

So, what exactly is it?

The raspberry pi has all the makings of a small computer which can fit in the palm of your hand. It uses Linux as its operating system.

It is very similar to a development board as it includes a set of General Purpose Input-Output (GPIO) pins allowing you to connect a range of inputs and outputs for prototyping personal projects such as home automation.

Different parts of a raspberry pi

Just like a computer, the raspberry pi is an embedded system comprising different hardware sections that each have its own functionality contributing to the overall system. Below are the hardware components;

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Memory (RAM)
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Ethernet port
• GPIO pins 
• Xbee socket
• Power source connector 
• Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART)
• HDMI 

Central processing unit (CPU)

The first and most crucial hardware component of a raspberry pi is the Central Processing Unit (CPU). 

The CPU is the brain of the entire system which has the job of undertaking all operations (logical and mathematical) that occur within the raspberry pi. 

It is very similar to how our brain handles all operations and tasks within the system of the human body. 

The raspberry pi uses an ARM11 series microprocessor as the CPU (we shall take a more in-depth look at this when we discuss why a raspberry pi is not a microcontroller).

Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM), is where a computer stores its short term memory. It uses it for all active programs and apps. 

It is used for the same purposes in a raspberry pi for things like compiling large pieces of software, running server workloads, and running applications. 

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

The Graphics Processing Unit is a chip within the raspberry pi that is responsible for accelerating the process of graphics rendering. It is capable of processing many pieces of information simultaneously. 

Ethernet port

The great ability of the raspberry pi is to be able to access the internet. It does this through its Ethernet port which connects to a router. 

GPIO pins

The General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) pins are used to interface digital and analog inputs and outputs to the raspberry pi such as buttons, sensors, motors, LEDs, etc. This allows you to give the raspberry pi added abilities. 

XBEE socket

Wireless communication is very prominent in the electronic scene. The Xbee socket is used to give the raspberry pi the means of wireless communication.

UART

The Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) is another form of communication that the raspberry pi utilises. It is an input/output port used to transfer data serially (one at a time) in the form of text. 

HDMI

Last but not least, is the HDMI port.

HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface is an audio/video interface used for transmitting uncompressed video and audio data. The raspberry pi has an HDMI port to be able to interface with other HDMI compatible devices such as monitors and televisions.

Why the raspberry pi is not a microcontroller

Now that we have taken a closer look at the raspberry pi, we can answer the question if it is a microcontroller or not.

So, is a raspberry pi a microcontroller? 

No, the raspberry pi is not a microcontroller. As we just saw, it is essentially a miniature embedded computing system the size of a credit card, which comprises different parts such as the CPU, GPU, GPIO pins, etc. It is a development board similar to an Arduino (however, a raspberry pi has greater computing power). 

A microcontroller on the other hand is also very similar to a computer, which is embedded on a single integrated chip. It is used as the brain of embedded systems to handle computations and manage tasks.

The key difference is that a raspberry is an embedded system already set up with all necessary hardware components which we saw earlier, whereas the microcontroller is just a single chip and does not come set up. 

Does a raspberry pi use a microcontroller or microprocessor?

Earlier we saw that one of the key components of the raspberry pi is its central processing unit (CPU), which has the job of undertaking all operations (logical and mathematical).

The CPU is the brain, and without it the raspberry pi would be useless. 

We just saw that a raspberry pi is not a microcontroller. 

But, what you need to know is that the CPU in embedded systems use devices like a microcontroller which are capable of handling operations. 

There are two main options of devices used for CPUs; Microcontrollers and Microprocessors.

The real question is, does a raspberry pi use a microcontroller or microprocessor? 

The raspberry pi uses a microprocessor. Since the raspberry pi is a mini computer, it needs to have hardware specifications to match. For that reason, a raspberry pi primarily uses a microprocessor as the CPU. This comes down to the microprocessor having faster processing speeds than the microcontroller. It is capable of handling more instructions per second. 

Differences between a microcontroller and microprocessor

The speed of a microprocessor and microcontroller is just one of the key major differentiations between the two. However, there are many other notable differences. 

Let’s take a look at some of them. 

The first difference is that a microprocessor contains only a CPU within a single chip, whereas a microcontroller consists of a CPU, memory, input/outputs and other peripherals all on a single chip.

A microprocessor uses an external bus to connect to memory and other peripherals, while a microcontroller uses an internal bus. 

The architecture that these two devices are built on is also different. A microcontroller utilises the Harvard architecture, and a microprocessor is built on the Von Neuman architecture.

Microprocessors are capable of much higher speeds compared to a microcontroller (in the order of gigahertz vs megahertz). 

Applications of microprocessors include;

• Computers
• Home security systems
• Gaming systems
• Transportation such as planes and cars
• Medical devices
• Mobile phones 

Applications of microcontrollers include;

• Calculators
• Washing machines 
• Robotic arms
• Cameras
• Digital multimeters 

Why does raspberry pi use a microprocessor and not a microcontroller?

By looking at the differences and some of the applications, you can see that microprocessors are used in more complicated systems where millions of instructions are executed every second. 

The raspberry pi isn’t any different. It is used for many complex applications such as home automation, internet of things, etc, which would require a microprocessor for its heavier and faster lifting powers. 

Is there a raspberry pi that uses a microcontroller?

There isn’t one single version of the raspberry pi.

It has many different versions and variations, each having its own unique uses and characteristics. Things that will vary from one pi to the next include speed, memory, physical size and weight, cost, and number of input/outputs.   

For example, one version might have more GPIO pins, lower power consumption, a different type of microprocessor etc. 

Below are some of the different types of raspberry pi;

• Raspberry Pi 1 model B
• Raspberry Pi 1 model A
• Raspberry Pi 1 model B+
• Raspberry Pi 1model A+
• Raspberry Pi Zero
• Raspberry Pi 2 B
• Raspberry Pi 3 B
• Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless

All the versions listed above use a microprocessor as the CPU. However there is one specific, raspberry pi board that uses a microcontroller; the Raspberry Pi Pico.

This particular board is created using the RP2040 microcontroller, designed by the Raspberry Pi foundation.

What types of microprocessors does a raspberry pi use?

As different  raspberry pi boards will have their own specific uses and characteristics, each of them also use different types of microprocessor specific for certain applications. 

The table below highlights the different types of microprocessor used for the different raspberry pi boards.

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Appliances like toasters, microwaves, dryers, dishwashers, hot water kettles, sandwich presses, air fryers, just to name a few. 

Another very crucial appliance is the Washing Machine. 

Whether you have one at home, or use one at your local dry cleaners, this appliance is an amazing piece of engineering that makes our lives so much easier.

Without a washing machine you would have to physically wash your clothes by hand (which isn’t very fun!).

Sensors play a vital role in many different parts of a washing machine to help it achieve the task of washing clothes and fabrics. 

Below are some of the sensors used in a washing machine;

• Temperature
• Rotor position
• Dirt
• Water level
• Optical
• Vibration

This article shall take a closer look at the different parts of a washing machine, types of sensor used, and why these sensors are essential in the overall functionality of the washing machine.  

Deeper look at sensors and washing machines

Before we dive into what sensors are used in washing machines, it will help to learn a bit more about the sensor and washing machine individually.

This will help you later understand why certain sensors are used for certain parts of a washing machine. 

But, if you aren’t too concerned with learning about sensors or washing machines, you can always skip straight to the section ‘What sensors are used in a washing machine’ further down. 

What is a sensor

Embedded systems (such as a computer)  in the most simplest form consist of inputs, a processor and outputs.

Let’s consider a computer. It has inputs (mouse, keyboard), a processor (Central Processing Unit), and outputs (printer, speakers, monitor).

So what is a sensor? 

A sensor is a type of input device whose main function is to ‘sense’ physical changes in the environment (real world) and provide this information to the processor of the system. 

Us humans have our own sensors. 

Five of them!

We have the ability to make sense of the environment around us through Touch, Smell, Sight, Taste and Sound. 

Just like a computing system, we too also have a processor (our brain), and outputs (muscles, arms, legs).

So, imagine you are at a party and the DJ plays your favourite song.

You are able to sense the sound waves traversing the airwaves using one of those five senses (in this case sound through your ears).

This information is sent to your brain (processor) which realises this is your favourite song! It then informs your body(output) to move uncontrollably (or controllably depending on your dancing skills) to the beat of the song. 

Sensors in computing and electronic systems work in the same manner. They provide information from the world to the processor who can deal with that information as needed. 

For example, let’s take a look at a fan heater. 

This fan heater will have a temperature sensor which has the job to sense the ambient temperatures to ensure that the temperature you set is maintained. 

If temperatures start to rise, the sensor will sense this rise, and then relay this information to the processor. The processor can then suspend heating until temperatures fall back to the levels you set. 

Why we use sensors

But, are sensors really that essential? 

The simple answer is yes! 

There are many benefits to using sensors in embedded systems. 

Let’s go back to the heater. If it did not have a sensor, the temperature would rise above the level you set making the room hotter than you would like. 

Sensors provide a means of feedback of real world data so that changes can be made by the processor if needed.

Other advantages include;

• Making systems more efficient
• Predictive and preventative maintenance
• Increasing accuracy 

Closer look at the washing machine

Let’s take a look at the washing machine. 

Whether you have used one or not, you would have no doubt come across a washing machine before. 

The main purpose of a washing machine is to wash different types of fabrics and clothing. It was created to make our lives easier by eliminating the manual labour needed for washing clothes with your hands (i.e, rubbing clothes together and squeezing water out of them).

The only manual labour associated with washing your clothes with a washing machine is loading the clothes into it.

Different types of washing machine

There are primarily two types of washing machine, which can be classed by how clothes are loaded into them; Top loading and Front Loading.

Top loading washing machines

This type of washing machine has its opening for the clothes at the top where clothes are loaded from. 

A great advantage of this type of washing machine is that you do not have to be constantly bent over while loading and unloading clothes.

Front loading washing machines

This type of washing machine has its opening for the clothes in the front where clothes are loaded from. 

According to studies this type of washing machine consumes less power, while giving the best washing results.

Different parts of a washing machine

Rather than having one part that performs all of the functionalities, the washing machine consists of many different parts each having a specific task that helps the washing machine achieve its ability of washing clothes and fabrics.

Taking a closer look and understanding the different parts will be of help later as to why particular sensors are used in the washing machine. 

While there are front and top loading versions, the parts that I am going to cover will be found in most washing machines. 

Let’s take a look. 

Part #1 of a washing machine: Washing machine tub

The bulk of a washing machine is the Washing Machine Tub. It usually consists of two parts; an inner tub and an outer tub.

In top load washing machines, the inner tub is commonly referred to as a wash basket, and in front load variations it is known as a drum.

The outer tub remains in a fixed position and has the job of holding the inner tub as well as collecting wash water so it can be drained. 

The inner tub is where you put all your clothes or fabrics and rotates back and forth in order to clean them. It can be made with various materials that include plastic, porcelain and stainless.

Part #2 of a washing machine: Agitator/Impeller and Lifter/Fins

We just saw that the inner tub is where you put all your clothes in and rotates back and forth to clean them. However, just rotating isn’t going to help much to remove stubborn dirt and grime.

In top loading washing machines, an Agitator or Impeller sits in the middle of the inner tub and aids in the cleaning of clothes. 

In front loading versions they are known as Lifters or Fins which help the tumbling and mixing of clothes inside the inner tub. 

Part #3 of a washing machine: Motor

The rotation and movement of the inner tub doesn’t happen by magic. It harnesses the awesome powers of a motor to do so.

In front load models, the motor sits at the bottom, whereas in top load versions it will reside in the back.

The motor can either be a direct drive, or a belt drive. 

Direct drive motors are connected directly to the inner tub, whilst belt drive motors are connected to the inner tub via a belt. 

Part #4 of a washing machine: Water inlet valve

The washing machine needs water to rinse and clean the clothes. 

It gets this water by using what is known as a water inlet valve. It consists of two ports, one for hot water and one for cold. 

However, sometimes water inlet valves will only have one port for cold water. These types have an internal heater to heat the water to the right temperature. 

Part #5 of a washing machine: Drain pump

Washing machines go through different cycles to wash clothes which include a main wash, first rinse, and final spin.

As you can imagine, the water after the first main wash is going to be very dirty. Using this same water during the different cycles to clean your clothes isn’t very hygienic. 

This is where the drain pump comes in.

It has the job of removing water before, during and after different wash cycles. 

Part #6 of a washing machine: Washer drain hose

As we just saw, the drain pump removes water from the inner tub. But, it needs somewhere to go. 

A drain hose is connected to the drain pump and provides a means for the water to travel through. It usually exits the washing machine from the bottom or the back and ends up in a sink where the water can be drained.  

Part #7 of a washing machine: Console and display

The console is the main interface which you use to interact with the washing machine and select the different settings such as cycles, timing, temperatures, fabrics, etc. 

What sensors are used in a washing machine

Like most electrical and electronic devices, machines, etc, washing machines will have gone through the evolution process and had changes from their initial versions.

However, their overall functionalities stay very similar (as we saw with the different parts of a washing machine). 

When it comes to Sensors, one washing machine might have more compared to another, however, there are a set of sensors that are common in every washing machine. 

Below are commonly used sensors in a washing machine. 

Sensor #1 used in a washing machine: Temperature

The first sensor that you would find in a washing machine is a Temperature sensor.

There are many different types of temperature sensors, each using different forms of technology and working principles to measure the temperature of air, liquid or solid objects. 

Common types include;

• Thermistor
• Resistance temperature detectors (RTD’s)
• Thermocouples

So, why are temperature sensors used in washing machines?

A washing machine isn’t just used to wash one particular type of garment or fabric. Because of this, it offers a range of temperatures for different fabrics to ensure they do not get damaged when washed. Also, during the different periods of a wash cycle, a range of temperatures are used.

Temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature of the water, relay this information to the water inlet valve to help regulate the flow of hot or cold water to maintain the desired water temperature. 

As well as measuring the temperature of water, temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature of the motor to make sure it does not overheat (which has the potential of damaging it).

Sensor #2 used in a washing machine: Hall-effect / Reed sensor

Next up are Hall-effect sensors  and Reed sensors. 

A hall-effect sensor is a class of sensor that has the ability to detect the presence and magnitude of a magnetic field. 

Not traditionally a sensor, a reed sensor is a type of switch that opens (or closes) in the presence of a magnetic field. While they can detect the presence of a magnetic field, they cannot measure the magnitude. 

Both of these devices are very versatile and have many different uses in washing machines. Let’s take a look at some. 

Measuring motor speed

As we saw earlier, the inner tub is the part of the washing machine that rotates with the help of a motor.There are many different wash cycles each having their own speed of rotation of the inner tub. 

Hall-effect sensors are used in washing machines to detect the speed of the motor to ensure the inner tub is at the right speed for the right wash cycle. 

The hall effect sensor also has one added benefit of being able to detect the direction of rotation of the motor.

Lid/Door position

As a safety measure, washing machines do not begin any cycle if the lid/door is open, as water could spill out. 

It will only commence a wash cycle if it is closed.

Reed sensors are used to detect when the door is open or closed. They are contactless giving them a greater lifespan. 

Water level

Water is constantly being pumped in and out of a washing machine for the many different wash cycles that it goes through (as different wash cycles may require different amounts of water).

But, just randomly pumping water in or removing it is not an effective method, as you might add or remove too much causing incorrect levels of water.

A crucial component is knowing the current level of water so that the right amount of water can be pumped in or out. 

While there are many methods to measure water levels, one very common one is using a reed float sensor, which comprises two parts; a reed switch housed within a shaft, and a magnet inside a float. 

The float sits in the water and moves up and down with varying water levels. The reed switch within the housed unit closes whenever the float comes within close proximity.  

Dial position

You might just be washing a small load, or require low temperatures, or high soak levels, etc. A washing machine has many different features and functions for different fabric types.

The console is where a user interacts with the washing machine to select the right settings.

While earlier models had less features and used buttons, newer models have many more features and utilize a rotation dial.

Earlier, washing machines used mechanical selector switches for the rotation dial. However, mechanical switches wear out fast.

A better option for a rotation dial is a Rotary Hall-effect sensor which has no moving parts giving it a longer lifespan.

Vibration

Last up for hall-effect and reed sensors, is detecting vibrations in a washing machine. 

You might have witnessed it for yourself, and seen that washing machines can get quite violent and vibrate at alarming rates.

These vibrations can cause damage to the motor’s bearings and couplings. Some can vibrate enough to move them within a given area. 

Reed sensors are used to measure the magnitude and frequency of vibrations within a system, machine or equipment susceptible to frequent vibrations. 

They help ensure that vibrations do not exceed set limits. 

Sensor #3 used in a washing machine: Optical

Finally, the last type of sensor used in a washing machine is an Optical sensor.

These types of sensors detect light or a change in light levels. They can detect electromagnetic radiation from infrared to ultraviolet.

They are used in washing machines to determine the light permeability of water which can reveal things like how much dirt or detergent is present. 

Are weight sensors used in a washing machine?

You might have noticed that I haven’t included a sensor to measure the weight of the load. But, washing machines have a certain limit of weight they can handle.

So how does a washing machine know if you have exceeded the limit of weight if it does not have weight sensors?

Rather than using a sensor, the washing machine knows how much the load weighs depending on the resistance placed on the motor (how much work the motor has to do to rotate the inner tub). 

The lighter the load, the less resistance placed on the motor, and vice versa. 

If the weight exceeds the limit, the motor will not have sufficient power to rotate the inner tub. 

Would a washing machine function without sensors?

Sensors play an important role in many embedded systems, and the washing machine is no different. 

While there might be some aspects where a washing machine might function without a sensor (as we just saw with the weight of clothes), other instances, sensors are crucial and needed.

We saw the different parts of the washing machine where sensors were used earlier. Removing just one of them would cause issues. 

For example, if we removed the reed sensor which detects the water level, the drain pump would not know when to stop pumping water in, which could lead to overflows. 

So, a washing machine would not function properly without the help of sensors.

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While you can watch movies in the comfort of your own home, nothing beats the experience of going to the cinema and watching blockbuster movies on the big screen.

Cinemas display larger than life movie images with the use of  Projectors.

What is a projector used for?

A projector is a device that has the ability to project an image (or moving images) onto a screen (or plain surface). It’s main purpose is to recreate images at a larger scale compared to the limitations of television, laptop, computer screens. 

But, the projector has many other uses than just displaying movies at the cinema. This article will discuss other applications where a projector can be used. 

Also, you can recreate the cinema experience in the comfort of your own home with the aid of a projector. 

Deeper look at the projector

Before we dive into the different applications a projector is used for, let’s take a deeper look at the projector and its working principle. 

If you are not interested in this section you can just skip to the ‘Different uses of projector’ further in this article. 

Brief history of the projector

The projector dates back all the way to the early 17th century where it was known as a ‘Magic lantern’. A man named Christian Huygens is known for being its inventor.

Crucial optical components used for projections in the magic lantern such as lenses and prisms are still used in modern day projectors. 

Then came the era of Cinema! 

Projectors play an important role in the film industry to project images at large scale.

The first known projector was the Zoopraxisciope, created by Eadweard Muybridge in 1879. The Zoopraxiscope achieved motion by projecting images at a rapid pace from rotating glass disks. 

However, the more successful movie projector was created by the Lumiere Brothers based on the work of French inventor Leon Bouly. 

All these projectors mentioned above were analog. In the early 2000s they started getting replaced by digital versions which proved to be more advantageous compared to their analog counterparts. 

What does the projector do

The projector is an output device and as its name suggests, has the ability to ‘project’ images or video onto surfaces like a projector screen or wall. 

To project content (such as an image or video) the projector will need to be connected to a host device such as a computer, due to the fact that it does not have the ability to produce its own content. 

The computer sends content to the projector which it then reproduces at a larger scale. 

Since the analog projector is outdated, from now on when I refer to the projector, it will be of the digital kind. 

Different parts of a projector

There isn’t one particular component that makes the projector. There is a list of parts that help it achieve its end goal of projecting an image. 

Removing any of these parts will render the project useless. So each component plays a pivotal role.

Below is a list of the different parts that make up a projector, and a small description of what each one does. 

Lens 

The first part of the projector is the Lens. The lens is responsible for projecting images onto a surface such as a screen. 

Nowadays, lenses have the ability to zoom. 

This means you can make an image larger or smaller without actually having to move the projector from its current fixed location.

Projection lamp

The projection lamp is a light source which aids in the process of projecting an image. 

As you can imagine, the brightness of the projected image relies heavily on the power the projection lamp is capable of outputting.

 A Projection lamp can either be a Halogen bulb (most common in older projectors) or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). 

HDMI connectors

High Definition Multimedia Interface (or HDMI), is the newest and most common way of transferring high definition Audio and Video over a single cable. 

HDMI is now utilised by most (if not all) current digital projectors. So, every projector has HDMI ports, which media devices such as computers, DVD players, gaming consoles,etc, can be connected to. 

Power input

Just like any other electronic device, the projector needs electricity to operate. The power input is where you can plug in a power cable, which then gets connected to a power socket to power the projector.

Control Panel

Whether it is physical buttons, or a LCD touchscreen, the projector will have a control panel where you can choose different options and settings. Things, like play, pause, brightness level, contrast level, etc. 

Remote Control

Having to get up constantly to press pause, play or change settings on the projector is inevitably going to get very frustrating. That’s where the projector’s remote control solves the problem. Now you interact with the projector without having to leave the comfort of your seat. 

LAN

Most modern projectors have Wi-fi capability. But, wi-fi cannot always be reliable. So, having a LAN input can provide a means of wired internet connection. 

FAN

Fans are crucial components in many electronic devices. They help cool down components that get hot. 

The fan in the projector is no different. Since a light source is used to project images inside a projector, temperatures are going to rise. The fan can maintain an optimum temperature for the projector to operate within.

Different applications of a  projector and what its used for 00

Ok, let’s take a look at what the projector is used for. 

As we saw earlier in the ‘what does the projector do’ section, the projector has the task of taking media such as an image, or series of images (video) and projecting it onto a surface at a larger scale. 

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the different applications of a projector. 

Application #1 of projector: Home theater (cinema)

Let’s start with the most obvious application, one which you might already be familiar with, a Home theatre (or cinema) application.

Nothing beats the experience of going to the cinemas to watch a blockbuster film on the big screen. 

But, nowadays, the price of a ticket to go see a movie in the cinema can be quite hefty. Going on a regular basis isn’t the best option.

However, this is not the end of the story!

With the help of a projector, you can recreate the cinema experience right in the comfort of your living room.  

Below are some other things you might need to create the best home cinema experience:

• A projector screen
• Comfy sofas/couches
• Surround sound
• A dark room (to avoid glare on the screen)
• and, Popcorn of course!   

Application #2 of projector: Business Presentations

Ah, business meetings! 

They can be quite a pain right?! 

However, meetings are an essential part of every business. 

They help inform, educate, motivate and persuade people inside and outside of the business about sales, the current status of the company, plans for the future, and so much more.

Printing multiple reports (which is a waste of paper), or having people crowd around a single computer, or laptop is not the most efficient or effective way of presenting information.

The best option here is to use a projector along with a software such as PowerPoint Presentation, to better collate and present your information at a larger scale with more efficiency and effectiveness. 

Application #3 of projector: Classroom teaching

Whether you like it or not, schools are starting to go the digital route.

Children are getting their own laptops which are replacing books. 

Another aspect of the classroom that is changing is how teachers present information to their classes. 

Traditionally, chalkboards are used by teachers to write on to convey new information and show examples as well. 

While this is not a bad way of conveying information, it does have some downsides. 

The clarity of the information presented is dependent on the teacher’s ability to write neatly. If they have bad handwriting, it might make it more difficult for the students to understand and copy the information.

Also, a lot of time is spent writing which places physical stress on the teacher, and eats up a lot of teaching time. 

A projector can be used to display information that is clear to read. As you also have the option of zooming in and out, children sitting further back in the classroom will not have any issues. 

Using a projector also means that the teacher can pre plan a class lesson the day before which means that information can be presented instantaneously the day of the lesson. 

This means the teacher can concentrate more on teaching the information at hand rather than writing it down.

The class lesson will also be saved as a digital file which can be reused for future lessons. Also, if any child missed the lesson, they can get their hands on the lesson, whereas a chalkboard would have to be erased. 

Projectors are also very common in colleges (universities) to teach a large group of students. 

Application #4 of projector: Multiplayer gaming

I spent a lot of time when I was younger playing multiplayer games with my friends. 

Games such as Super Mario Kart, Halo, Crash Team Racing, and many others.

With these games you could have up to 8 players (if you had the right amount of controllers). 

If you have ever played a multiplayer game with 4 or more players, you know that if the screen is split between the number of players playing (for certain multiplayer games, like racing or first person shooters etc). 

This means that playing on a normal television screen (even though they are quite big these days), with so many players reduces the size of each player’s personal screen, making the gaming experience a bit harder.

A projector used for multiplayer gaming would mean that you can expand the screen size for each player while maintaining quality and enhancing the gaming experience. 

Application #5 of projector: Art

You might be wondering, how on earth can a projector be used for Art?!

Well, you would be surprised! 

Technology is playing a big part in the emergence of the ever growing sub-genre of Digital Art. The projector is one of those technologies used prominently in many Digital Art installations. 

It can be used to cast artwork onto walls, temporary installations, buildings, and many other surfaces. 

It also proves handy for painting murals on large surfaces. 

The artist can cast the image of the mural they are wanting to paint onto a wall, so that they can then plan and have guidelines of where to paint. 

Application #6 of projector: Slideshows

There are many milestones in our lives that we celebrate on a big scale.

Nothing more like birthday milestones; Sweet 16, 21st, 30th, 50th etc.

A projector can be a great way to display a slideshow of photos of the birthday boy/girl. 

It’s especially good if they are funny photos of them (so make sure to save funny photos of your friends, children, loved ones, etc for a potential future slideshow).

Different types of projector and what they are used for

There isn’t one specific type of projector that is used for all applications mentioned above. 

Projectors do vary in different characteristics that might make one more suitable for a particular application compared to the other. 

Below are the 4 most common types of projector used (again these are digital projectors);

• DLP (Digital Light Processing)
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
• LED (Light Emitting Diode)
• LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)

Let’s take a quick look at each type of projector and what type of application each is best suited to be used for. 

Digital Light Processing (DLP) Projectors

This type of projector uses a series of tiny mirrors which reflect light onto a screen. 

There is a colour wheel (or colour filter) that rotates in order to generate an array of colours. The colors on the wheel are usually Red, Green and Blue, as these colours can be combined to produce many other color variations. 

Advantages of DLP Projectors

• Vibrant colours
• High Contrast
• Sharper images with minimal space between pixels
• Minimal light loss while achieving maximum light output 
• Deeper Blacks 

Disadvantages of DLP Projectors

• Rainbow effect
• Pixels are limited
• Lower brightness
• Random flashes across screen

Applications of DLP Projectors

• Business meetings, conferences, seminars 
• Home cinemas
• Gaming
• Schools and Colleges

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Projectors

LCD projectors utilise the same technology prevalent in television and computer screens.

This type of projector uses three LCD panels which project an image. Just like the DLP projector, the three primary colours Red, Blue, and Green, are used to generate a myriad of colours. 

Advantages of LCD Projectors

• More light efficient compared to DLP projectors
• Brighter images 
• Colours vibrant in brightly lit rooms
• Sharp and focused image

Disadvantages of LCD Projectors

• Projector is heavy and inconvenient to move around
• Dead pixels may arise over time 
• Short lifespan as well as being expensive

Applications of LCD Projectors

• Schools and colleges
• Business meetings, conferences, seminars 
• Home cinemas 

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Projectors

Next up is LED projectors.

As mentioned earlier, the project has a projection lamp, which is a light source which aids in projecting images. 

With this type of projector, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp is used. 

LED lamps are ideal as they produce very little heat compared to incandescent light bulbs, making them very efficient and also helps increase their lifespan. 

Advantages of LED Projectors

• More efficient to other projectors that use incandescent light bulbs
• Can produce a wide variety of color without the need of a color filter
• Compact 
• Faster setup time
• Longer lamp lifespan

Disadvantages of LED Projectors

• Can be quite expensive
• Require an optimum temperature to operate effectively 
• Blue light pollution

Applications of LED Projectors

• Business meetings, seminars, conferences
• Home cinemas
• Education (classrooms, colleges)

Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) Projectors

Last, but not least, is the Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) projector.

This type of projector uses similar technology to a LCD projector. 

However, rather than just passing through LCD cells, the red, blue and green components of the divided light reflect off a shiny surface behind a cell array. 

It uses three LCOS chips to divide the white light into red, blue and green components. 

Advantages of LCOS Projectors

• High resolution
• Smoother pixel edges
• Natural images

Disadvantages of LCOS Projectors

• Low contrast ratio
• Bad in ambient lighting
• Short lamp lifespan

Applications of LCOS Projectors

• Near to eye viewing systems
• Optical beam steering 
• Micro projectors 
• Holographic projectors

Benefits of a projector

The projector has many different applications it is used for because it has many benefits, some of which are listed below;

• Larger images (while maintaining quality)
• Recreate cinema experience
• Deliver presentations to large group of people (classrooms, business meetings, etc)
• Eye comfort (Your eyes will feel more comfortable looking at a projected image)
• Compact
• Portable

Final thoughts

So, the main purpose of a projector is to create a large scale image or video.

But, while they are most commonly used in cinemas, and home cinemas for watching movies, they have plenty of other applications when they are used. 

They are great for delivering information to the masses in a clear, and concise manner. But, it comes down to your imagination and creativity as you saw with its uses in the art scene as well.

The possibilities are endless!

The post What is the projector used for? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

While older mobile technology was just restricted to calling or texting your family and friends, with an Iphone opened the doors to so many more possibilities. 

You can browse the internet, take high definition video and pictures, play games, watch movies etc. 

The great thing is that you can do these things no matter where you go as the Iphone has a portable battery which is rechargeable. 

This means that sooner or later, you will have to recharge the Iphone. But, sometimes the only convenient time to recharge your Iphone to full capacity is during the night when you are asleep. 

This means that you might not have the chance to unplug your Iphone when it reaches 100 percent.

But, do Iphones stop charging at 100 percent?

Yes, Iphones stop charging when they reach 100 percent .The newer Iphone operating system (iOS 13), has a feature known as ‘optimised battery charging’. What this feature does is to reduce the rate of ageing of your Iphone battery, by limiting the time the Iphone spends at 100 percent charge when plugged into a battery charger. 

Why do Iphones stop charging at 100 percent?

Before we look at how the Iphone stops charging at 100%, let’s take a look at why it isn’t good practice to keep a battery charging past 100%.

Unfortunately, the rechargeable battery inside your Iphone has a limited life. 

Over time, the battery is going to become less efficient. You might have experienced this personally when you charge the Iphone and its battery charge drops within a few hours of use. 

With every charge and discharge, there is build up of internal chemicals which make it harder to charge thus making the discharge time shorter with time. 

While this is not uncommon for a rechargeable battery, there are certain bad practices that speed up the process and lower the lifespan of an Iphone battery. 

One of those bad practices is overcharging your Iphone battery. 

If you constantly charge your iphone’s battery to 100% and drain it to 0, you are going to reduce the overall battery capacity which equates to less battery life. 

This type of practice places a lot of stress on the battery. 

Other possible issues which might occur if you kept charging an Iphone battery more than 100%, is that it could overheat and could lead to damage, or worst case scenario, start a fire. 

This concept is known as Thermal Runaway.

As a battery overcharges, it heats up. Due to this, it can now take on more current heating up further and thus lead to battery damage or fire. 

But, fear not, smartphones like your Iphone, have fail safes to prevent these exact scenarios. We shall take a look at them in the next section.

What happens when when an Iphone reaches 100 percent charging

We all live busy lives, and fully charging your Iphone to 100% during the day might not be a viable option.

So, why not charge it while we sleep? We tend to sleep 6-8 hours which is a perfect amount of time to fully charge your Iphone. 

But, it takes about 3-4 hours to reach a 100% battery charge (this is just using a normal charger).

This means the Iphone is going to be plugged in for an extra 2-4 hours at full charge.

So, what happens when the Iphone reaches 100 percent charge and is still left plugged in for those extra hours?

Charging circuits inside smartphones use a method known as Trickle Charging to slow the rate of charging once your Iphone reaches 100 percent charge.

It charges the battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate which allows the battery to maintain it’s 100 percent charge while plugged in and also avoiding damage at the same time. 

However, while trickle charging is good for maintaining full charge and avoiding your battery overheating, it’s not the best practice when it comes to extending the life of your battery.

Even though the rate is slowed down, the constant application of voltage for a long period of time stresses the battery.

Iphone’s optimized battery charging

But, the great engineers at Apple have come up with a solution to combat this. 

The iOS13 (or higher) have something known optimised battery charging. This feature was created to reduce the wear on an Iphone battery which helps to extend its lifespan. 

It does this by limiting the time the Iphone spends fully charged. 

When the Iphone reaches a charge of 80%, the feature delays the rate of charge so that it will take longer to reach 100 percent charge. 

This might seem odd, but this will benefit your battery in the long run. 

The feature is enabled by default when you purchase a new Iphone with iOS13 or higher. 

Do all Iphone types have the same charging scheme?

All Iphone versions include a trickle charging circuit that slows down the rate of charge when it reaches 100 percent charge. 

However, the optimised battery charging, which charges your Iphone to 80 percent, and then slows the charging from then, is only available to Iphones that have iOS13 or higher.

So, it’s not dependent on your phone, but what version of operating system it is currently running. It is more a software feature than a hardware one.

Does the battery charger affect what happens to Iphone after 100 percent ?

A battery charger is a device used to charge mobile devices with rechargeable batteries such as your Iphone.

A battery charger can come in a variety of output voltages depending on the mobile device you are charging. 

Smartphones such as your Iphone will require a voltage of 5 volts. 

Another characteristic of a battery charger is it’s output current. 

You do not need a specific output current to charge an Iphone. However, the amount of current will determine how fast your Iphone charges to its maximum value. 

The lower the output current rating the longer it will take, and vice versa. 

So, no matter what battery charger you use, the trickle charging circuit (or the optimised battery charging feature, if you are using iOS13) will come into effect to prevent overcharging of your battery. 

Charging your Iphone without having to keep it connected overnight

As you saw earlier, keeping your Iphone plugged in for long periods of time when it has reached 100 percent charge isn’t the best practice as it will reduce the lifespan of the it’s battery.

Below are some tips to charge your Iphone, without having to keep it plugged in overnight. 

Tip #1 charging your Iphone: Fast charger

The first tip is to invest in something known as a Fast Charger.

A fast charger has a higher output power rating that will increase the rate of charge.

Standard chargers might be rated at 5 watts, which might take 3-4 hours. 

But, fast chargers can have output power ratings that range from 15 watts all the way to 100 watts! 

You will be able to charge your Iphone in as little as 1.5 hours (or less). 

This means you can charge your phone to maximum (or thereabouts) while you eat your dinner and watch your favourite TV show avoiding keeping it plugged in all night. 

Tip #2 charging your Iphone: Power Bank

A Power Bank is essentially a big battery that provides portable power which enables you to charge mobile devices like your Iphone on the go.

They come in a range of sizes each holding a specific amount of charge depending on your needs. 

So why am I suggesting power banks?

Well, if you are out and about and your Iphone is starting to lose charge, rather than using it till the battery dies and then recharging to 100 percent (which is bad for it), you can use the power bank to recharge it in portions throughout the day. 

That way you can maintain a certain battery level, and won’t have to fully charge it every night.

Tip #3 charging your Iphone: Airplane mode

The last tip is to turn Airplane mode on when you charge your Iphone. 

What airplane mode does is disables hardware functions of your Iphone which include cellular (text and call), wi-fi, bluetooth, and GPS.

If not disabled, these functions can drain your battery whilst running in the background. 

This means that it will take you longer to charge your phone. So, by turning airplane mode on, you will stop these functions draining the battery, and thus charge your phone faster. 

How to prevent your Iphone from discharging so quick 

Prevention is the best cure. 

If you can prevent your Iphone from losing all its charge so quickly in the first place, you won’t have to always keep charging it. 

Below are some tips you can use to prevent your from discharging so quickly. 

Tip # 1 to prevent your Iphone discharging so fast: Airplane mode when you drive

Driving while using your phone is a very bad habit. 

Many accidents on the road nowadays occur because the driver is distracted. One of the main reasons is using your phone.

Avoid using your phone when driving! 

Since you won’t (and shouldn’t) be using your phone when driving, you can put it in airplane mode which will help conserve battery power at the same time. 

A double win!

Tip # 2 to prevent your Iphone discharging so fast: Minimum brightness when indoors

The higher the brightness of your Iphone, the more power is needed. This means that it’s battery is going to drain faster. 

When you are indoors, you do not require a lot of brightness, as there isn’t much glare from light outside to obstruct your view. 

So, reduce the brightness of your Iphone when indoors to again conserve it’s battery levels. 

Also, all Iphones have a neat function known as auto-brightness, which adjusts the brightness of the phone based on light levels. 

This is a great option compared to leaving your Iphone at full brightness all the time. 

Tip # 3 to prevent your Iphone discharging so fast: Close apps running in background

There are many apps that run in the background even though you might not be using them. 

You might assume that if you aren’t using them they don’t use any battery, but, these apps can drain the battery whilst running in the background. 

Some of the most popular apps are the culprits which include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Youtube, Whatsapp, and many dating apps. 

So, if you want to prolong the battery life of your Iphone, close these apps if you are not using them. 

Tip # 4 to prevent your Iphone discharging so fast: Lock phone before putting it in your pocket

It might have happened to you, or you might know someone who has been butt dialed before. 

This happens when the person has their phone in their pocket and inadvertently calls someone as a result of pressure being applied to buttons.

If you don’t lock your screen, you run the risk of alos opening apps which will start running and draining the phone’s battery while in your pocket. 

The best way to avoid this scenario is to lock your phone before placing it in your pocket.

The post Do iPhones stop charging at 100 percent? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

Devices like printers, scanners, webcams, keyboards, external harddrives and many more. 

The one thing that these devices have in common is their connectivity.

They all utilize Universal Serial Bus (USB) as a means of communicating to a host device like a computer. 

However, a computer or laptop is limited by how many USB ports it has. 

This is where a USB Hub plays a crucial role by enabling you to extend the number of USB ports you might be limited by. 

But, sometimes just one USB hub might not cut it. 

So, how many USB hubs can you daisy chain?

You can connect up to 127 devices to a computer via a single daisy chain of USB hubs. So the number of USB hubs that you can daisy chain together depends on the number of ports the USB hub has. 

But, the USB hub is considered a device as well, so there is a bit more to the question which we will look at a bit deeper in this article. 

A deeper look at daisy chain

Daisy chaining in electrical and electronic engineering involves connecting multiple devices in a sequence. 

The term Daisy Chain is derived from a garland of daisy flowers which are connected in a sequence or ring formation. 

Devices can be daisy chained in order to transfer power, analog signals, digital data, or a combination of the three.  

It is often used to connect large scale devices in series. One common application where daisy chaining is common which you might be familiar with is Power Strips. 

One power strip can be connected to another, to add more power outlets which can then power more devices. 

Other commonly used applications of daisy chaining are with USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt and Ethernet cables. 

A USB hub is a device that utilities USB protocols for communication, so a USB hub can be connected to another to form a daisy chain formation. 

But, just how many USB hubs you can daisy chain is the question at hand, which we shall look at in more depth next. 

How many USB hubs can you theoretically daisy chain

USB hubs are most commonly used to extend the number ports of a computer system (as it can only come with a limited set of USB ports).

But, sometimes you might require multiple USB hubs.  

You will require multiple to accommodate multiple input and output devices. 

So, you will need to daisy chain the USB hubs by connecting one USB hub to another. 

As you can see, the first USB hub gets connected to a single port of the computer giving us 4 new USB ports. 

Then when we connect the second USB hub to the first USB hub, we lose one USB port (from the first USB hub) but gain 4 more (from the second USB hub) now giving us a total of 7 USB ports. 

Below is a simple formula to calculate the number of USB ports you will have available depending on the number of USB hubs you are using and the number of USB ports the hub has. 

But, how many USB hubs can you daisy chain?

You can connect up to 127 devices to a computer via a single daisy chain. 

Note, there is more than meets the eye here. This does not mean daisy changing 127 USB hubs to a single USB port of a computing system. What this means is that you can daisy chain ‘X’ amount of USB hubs that can accommodate 127 devices. 

Another important note to make is that the ports you are using to connect one USB into another is also part of the 127 connections of the daisy chain.

So, theoretically if you were to use a 4 port USB, you can daisy chain up to 32 USB hubs (32 x 4 = 128).

USB hubs come in a range of sizes which can have 2, 4 or 7 USB ports.

So, the number of USB hubs required to accommodate 127 devices on a single daisy chain depends on how many ports it has. 

From a glance you will be able to come to a conclusion that you will require more 2 port USB hubs than a 7 port one. 

Are there any issues when you daisy chain multiple USB hubs

While it might be theoretically possible to daisy chain up 127 devices to a computing system (which includes the 32 USB hubs), there are some things you need to take into consideration before you do so. 

Issue #1 daisy chaining USB hubs : Shared power

As mentioned earlier, USB hubs come in a range of sizes with a varying number of ports. 

Another distinction between USB hubs is whether they are Powered or not powered.

An unpowered USB hub is the most common type of hub used and as the name suggests it does not have its own power source. 

Devices connected to the USB hub are powered from the computer’s USB port that the hub is connected to. 

However, a computer USB port is limited to the power it can deliver. 

It is rated at 2.5 watts which is equivalent to 5 volts and 0.5 amps.

So, what this means is that if you connect multiple devices (let alone 127), power is going to be distributed amongst these devices per USB hub daisy chained.

They are not going to receive the sufficient power required to operate them efficiently. It is also going to place a lot of stress on the computer and the USB port which all these devices are connected to. 

This means that daisy changing multiple devices using unpowered USB hubs isn’t the best option. 

But, this is not the end of the story! 

If you do need to daisy chain devices to a single port of a computer, you should use powered USB hubs to do so. 

Powered USB hubs have their own power source which is used to power devices connected to that particular hub. 

This will take stress off the computer’s USB port. 

Issue #2 daisy chaining USB hubs : Data transfer speeds

Power is not the only thing that is shared amongst devices of a single daisy chain of USB hubs. 

Data transfer speeds are another aspect that is shared amongst devices connected to a USB hub. 

No matter what the scenario, the faster the data transfer rate the better!

The fastest available transfer speed at this moment in time is 10 Gbps which is the USB version 3.1. So, if a computer has USB 3.1 ports, this is the fastest data speed it can achieve. 

This number is constant and does not increase if you daisy chain more peripheral devices. 

What this means is that just like power, the data transfer speed will be divided up amongst the peripheral devices connected at any given time. 

This might be ok if you are connecting devices that do not require fast transfer speeds like a mouse, or keyboard.

But, problems arise when you connect larger devices that require faster transfer speeds such as printers, external harddrives, scanners etc. 

They might not receive the necessary data speeds to operate efficiently as the overall data transfer speed is shared.

Issue #3 daisy chaining USB hubs : Latency

Latency can be described as the delay between the request for information and its arrival.

Or the amount of time it takes the piece of data to travel across a network from one communication endpoint to another. 

Latency can cause issues in many different aspects of computing such as VR gaming or telesurgery, where the smallest delays can have huge impacts. 

Cable lengths can account for one of the biggest factors of latency. 

If the cable length is too long, it is going to add the time required for data transferred (while it might be miniscule to you, in the computing world it might seem a lifetime). 

The shorter the cable the better!

This is why there is a restriction of the length of USB cables. 

Now imagine you daisy chain 32 USB hubs. The cable length is going to increase incrementally as you add more hubs. This is going to add latency (especially to devices further down the daisy chain).

So, limit the number of USB hubs if you are using it in applications where timing is essential. 

Issue #4 daisy chaining USB hubs : Power consumption

The last issue to consider is how much power will be consumed if you daisy chain 127 devices (including 32 USB hubs).

As you saw above, if you are daisy chaining these many peripheral devices, you are going to require a powered USB hub. 

But, using more powered USB hubs means that you are going to add to the overall power consumption. 

As you know, a rise in power consumption inevitably leads to a rise in power bills. 

So, limit the amount of devices and USB hubs you daisy chain to the essentials to save yourself putting a dent in your bank account. 

Connecting sensitive devices in a daisy chain

Another point to make is connecting sensitive devices in a daisy chain setup. 

Devices like external harddrives. 

As mentioned above, there are certain issues that can arise from daisy chaining USB hubs. Issues such as shared power and data transfer rates. 

An external harddrive is a device that you can use to backup your important files, photos, videos etc. 

If it is part of a daisy chain setup with other power hungry devices, it is not going to receive the right amount of power to operate efficiently. 

This means that if you are trying to save important information and the power drops, you are going to lose all that information. 

Your best bet is to connect the harddrive directly to a computer USB port. 

Can you daisy chain any version of USB hubs

Yes, you can daisy chain any version of USB hub. 

However, there is a limitation when doing so. Let’s take a quick look at what it is. 

USB communication has evolved over the years in many aspects. One of the major ones being data transfer speeds.

Below are the different data speeds over the years (the last one being the latest);

• USB 1.0 : 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second)
• USB 1.1 : 12 Mbps
• USB 2.0 : 480 Mbps
• USB 3.0 : 5 Gbps (gigabits per second)
• USB 3.1 : 10 Gbps

As you can see, there are many different speeds available for different applications depending on the need (but to reiterate, the faster the better!).

While you can connect USB hubs of different versions, the main issue is that the data transfer rate is limited to the slowest version.

For example, if you daisy chain a USB hub that is USB 3.1 to one that is USB 1.0, you are limited to the speed of the lowest version (USB 1.0) which is 1.5 Mbps.

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This means that you are spending more time in your car. If you are someone who can sit alone in silence with your thoughts I really envy you!

However, if you are like me, you will need some sort of music to fuel your fantasies. 

A radio is a great option, but radio stations tend to play the same songs on repeat and have a lot of annoying advertisements as well. 

So, having the luxury of being your DJ can make your commute more bearable. 

If your car does not have an auxiliary input jack, you can always use a FM Transmitter to play music or audiobooks from a mobile phone or MP3 player. 

Can you leave a FM transmitter plugged in?

Yes, you can leave a FM transmitter plugged into your car as it will not drain the battery when you turn the car engine off. Power is disconnected from auxiliary inputs and outputs like a socket which provides power to devices such as a FM transmitter. 

How a FM transmitter is powered when plugged into your car

If your car does not have its own auxiliary input, or bluetooth capabilities, you will not be able to play your own music.

Fear not, that is not the end of the story!

A FM Transmitter is a device you can use to play your own music if your car does not have the means to do so through an auxiliary input or bluetooth. 

Let’s take a closer look at a FM transmitter and how it is powered which will help you better understand whether you can leave it plugged in.

Without going into too much detail, the FM transmitter is a single transistor circuit which uses radio waves and frequency modulation to transfer information.

It is able to cover a lot of distance using very little power. 

The other key feature that is needed for a FM transmitter is Bluetooth. This way you can connect to it using your mobile phone.

FM transmitter circuit

Below is a common circuit diagram of a working FM transmitter.

Power sources in a car

A car battery is a crucial component in a car. 

One of its main purposes is to provide power when starting the car.

Other jobs it has include powering the lights, wipers, stereo system, GPS, and indicators. 

If you have, or are familiar with older cars, you know that most of them had cigarette lighters. This was a socket that was designed to heat an element which could then be used to light a cigarette. 

Nowadays, they are less commonly used for that but rather for powering portable electronics. 

Newer cars do not tend to have cigarette light sockets, but have their own dedicated power outlets for powering portable electronics. 

The FM transmitters are designed so that they can fit into a cigarette lighter socket, or a power outlet. 

However, both types of sockets provide the right amount of power for the FM transmitter. 

Why it is ok to leave a FM transmitter plugged in

If you have just purchased a FM transmitter, your main concern might be whether leaving a FM transmitter plugged in will drain your car battery. 

Let’s look at the different key ignition positions and when the battery of the car is used to power electronics.

The key ignition of a car has four positions;

• OFF
• ACC
• ON
• START

So, let’s look at each position to see if you could leave a FM transmitter plugged in. 

The first position of the key ignition is ‘OFF’

When the key is in the ‘OFF’ position the engine is off and no power is supplied to any of the accessories like the radio, windows etc. 

In the OFF position the FM transmitter has no chance of draining the battery as no power is being supplied to it anyway. 

But, a note should be made, while most cars do not provide power to auxiliary outputs, some cars might provide power to auxiliary outputs when the key is removed from the ignition.

You will have to research your car brand to see whether it provides power to auxiliary outputs when in the ‘OFF’ position. 

The second position of the key ignition is ‘ACC’ (or accessories)

When the key is in this position, the car supplies power to some of the car dashboard electrical accessories like radio, windows, etc. 

Leaving the FM transmitter plugged in this position is only a problem if you are using the radio as well. This is because the car battery is providing power to operate the radio without being recharged. 

So, you run the risk of draining the battery in this scenario.

However, if you are not using the radio, you can leave the FM transmitter plugged in without any problem. This is because the FM transmitter consumes very little power by itself. 

The third position of the key ignition is ‘ON’

This is the position that the car key sits at when the engine is on. Also, all dashboard electrical accessories have power supplied to them.

An important component of a car is the Alternator, which is a type of electrical generator. 

It has the job of recharging the car battery. It does so by converting mechanical energy (rotation of the wheels) into electrical energy.

If you are at rest (no wheel rotation) while the car is ‘ON’, and are using the radio and FM transmitter for long periods of time, you will drain the battery as it is not being recharged. 

The ‘START’ position is not relevant as it is just used to start the engine when it is off. 

Below is a summary of the different key positions and whether it is ok to leave a FM transmitter plugged in.

How to ensure the FM transmitter will not drain the battery

While the FM transmitter does not pose much threat of draining your car battery, there are some things you can do to ensure there is no chance of the FM transmitter interfering with your car.

• If you are unsure whether power is removed from auxiliary outputs, remove the FM transmitter before leaving your car. This way you will eliminate any doubt of whether it will drain the car battery
• Do not use the FM transmitter in conjunction with the radio when the key is in the ACC or ON position of the ignition for long periods of time due to the fact that the car battery is not being recharged.
• Make sure you have a healthy fully charged battery to begin with. A bad battery will drain faster.

The post Can you leave a FM transmitter plugged in? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

As technology has evolved over the years, so has the playstation console to keep up with the times. 

One notable change is video. 

Video has come a long way since its humble pixelated days.   

With higher definition capabilities of modern televisions, the line is blurred between what you are watching and reality. 

The newer Playstation 4 (PS4) uses a HDMI cable to transmit audio and video to a video output device such as a television. 

But, do USB to HDMI adapters work for a PS4?

No, USB to HDMI adapters do not work on a PS4. The PS4 only has a HDMI video out port that it uses to transmit audio and video in conjunction with a HDMI cable. It cannot transmit audio or video via USB. If the HDMI port of your PS4 is broken, you will need to get it fixed. 

How a PS4 displays video

Let’s take a closer look at the PS4 and how it transmits video.

As mentioned earlier, video has evolved a lot over the years. 

The older CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions typically had a resolution of 480p, whereas newer televisions have a resolution of 8K! 

That’s like watching cinema quality movies in the comfort of your living room.

Other than resolution, the cables and protocols for transmitting audio and video have also changed. 

Different types of video connection

Below is a list of the different types of video connection used for a variety of devices like VCR, DVD, TV and other HDTV equipment. 

Composite Video (RCA or F-pin)

This is a means of transmitting video information as a single signal over one wire. It is commonly connected using the RCA jack. Composite video connections were used for older video equipment such as VCR’s and DVDs.

S-Video (super-video) – This type of cable transmits video information in two parts; color (chrominance) and brightness (luminance). 

This produces better quality images as a composite video cable due to the fact that televisions are created to separate signals for color and brightness. 

Component video

This type of connection uses three cables to send red, green and blue signals. This is how it achieves sharp and clear images. 

DVI (digital visual interface)

DVI uses a digital interface standard to convert analog signals so that it can be utilized for analog and digital monitors. It provides a pure digital video connection for greater quality pictures.

HDMI (high definition multimedia interface)

HDMI is the latest and most used connection for video and audio currently. 

It combines digital video (DVI) and multi-channel audio all in one cable. It is used for high-definition video which encompasses 720p and 1080p video formats. 

The PS4 and HDMI

As you just saw, there are many ways to interface multimedia equipment with a video output device like a television or a monitor. 

Of the five connections mentioned, the PS4 uses HDMI as a means for transmitting audio and video to a television.

It has an HDMI output port which is located at the back, which you use in conjunction with a HDMI cable to connect to an output device capable of displaying video.

Note, the output device will also have to be HDMI compatible and have an input port.  

What is the purpose of a USB to HDMI adapter?

Electronic devices come with a limited number of ports, whether it be USB or HDMI ports. 

More often than not, they will have fewer HDMI ports than they do USB.

This means that if you need to connect multiple video output devices and only have one HDMI output port you are out of luck.

Or are you?

If you have a spare USB port, you can use a USB to HDMI adapter, to solve your problem.

The adapter can be plugged into the USB port giving you one more HDMI port. 

However, the downside with using the USB port is that it takes longer to transmit images and audio compared to an HDMI port. 

Why you cannot use a USB to HDMI adapter on a PS4

So, a USB to HDMI adapter can come in handy if you need an extra HDMI port. 

But, can it be used on the USB port of a PS4? 

Unfortunately, a USB to HDMI adapter will not work on a PS4. The PS4 does not support the transmission of video or audio by means of USB (it uses the HDMI standard to do so).

Also, the PS4 operating system does not have the appropriate drivers required to support the USB to HDMI adapter. It would just bypass the internal GPU of the PS4.

If you were to look at the ‘video output settings’ in the PS4, you would not be able to find ‘USB’ as one of the options. 

The USB to HDMI adapters are mainly used for computers and laptops which have the capability and necessary drivers needed to transmit video via USB.

What is the purpose of the USB ports on the PS4?

If the USB ports cannot be used to transmit video, what is their main purpose on a PS4?

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard for protocols of data transmission across cables and connectors, between computers (or anything that has a computing system, like a PS4), peripherals and other computers. 

The main purpose is to transport data, not video.

So, the USB ports on the PS4 are used to communicate with playstation peripherals such as, controllers, external harddrives, VR headsets, etc, and transmit data.

They can also be used as a means to charge wireless devices like wireless controllers, headsets, etc. 

What options do you have if your PS4 HDMI port is damaged?

If for the unfortunate circumstance you have damaged the HDMI port of your PS4, the only option you have is to get it fixed as a USB to HDMI adapter cannot be used.

The post Do USB to HDMI adapters work for PS4? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

Whether it be a webcam to connect you to loved ones, or a scanner to make digital versions of your physical documents. 

There are many ways for you and a computer to interact with each other. 

But, a computer is limited by how many USB ports it has, which can limit you to how many devices you can connect to it at any given time. 

USB Hubs are devices that extend the number of USB ports of a computer. 

But, can a USB Hub damage a computer?

No, a USB hub will not damage a computer. Power is only delivered from the computer USB port to the USB hub and not the other way round. There are no problems with the computer USB port being subjected to voltage or current from the USB Hub.  You might however, have issues with the amount of power being delivered to multiple devices on a USB hub from a singular computer USB port. 

A deeper look at whether a USB hub can damage a computer

Knowing a bit more about the USB Hub and how it is constructed will help shed some light on the question at hand.

So, let’s take a closer look at the USB Hub. 

The USB Hub

A USB hub comes in a number of sizes that offer a range of ports from 2,4 and 7.

The most common being the 4 ports. 

As well as coming in a range of ports, USB hubs can either be Powered or Unpowered.

An unpowered USB hub is a passive device. 

This means that it does not have its own power source. It receives power from the host (in this instance a computer) through the USB standard.

It then uses power received from the computer to power other peripheral devices that get plugged into it.The power is divided up depending on the size of the USB hub and how many devices are connected. 

Unpowered USB hubs are great from smaller devices like a mouse, keyboard, etc, that do not require a lot of power.

A powered USB hub on the other has its own power supply which it uses to power peripheral devices that get connected to it. 

This type of USB hub is great for higher power devices like printers, and scanners which require more power to operate. 

Main concern of connecting a USB Hub to a computer

The main concern when connecting a USB Hub to a computer is whether it will damage the USB ports of the computer or other internal parts of the computer like the motherboard.

This could be due to voltage or current being sent back from the USB Hub to the port. 

When it comes to unpowered USB hubs, there are no issues with them damaging the computer as the hub is powered by the computer.

The power comes from the computer itself so there will be no issues of Backfeeding (voltage or current being fed back to the computer). 

When it comes to powered USB hubs however, there might be a bit more of an issue. 

This is due to the USB hub having its own power supply which gets connected to the mains. 

Problems may arise if the power adapter of the USB hub fails (maybe due to a short circuit) which can cause power to bleed into the computer.

But, good quality USB hubs are designed with fail safes in the form of protection circuits which are created specifically for these scenarios. 

The protection circuits will include things like a Fuse, which are designed to fail when Overvoltage or Overcurrents occur. 

This helps protect the USB hub as well as the computer. 

Issues with using cheap USB hubs with a computer

The scenario where you might run into a USB Hub damaging a computer is if it is a cheap quality one. 

This is due to the way they are constructed. 

They are manufactured with cheaper parts to help increase profit margins. But, with sacrificing the quality of parts comes a greater drawback being the efficiency and effectiveness of the end product. 

One stand out drawback is the lack of a protection circuit. 

Due to poor design, many cheaper hub’s +5v pins for upstream and downstream data transfer are connected together as well as being directly connected to the +5V of the wall adapter. 

This is where a USB hub could potentially damage your computer. 

Also, bad workmanship in the form of poor soldering can contribute to a higher chance of short circuits occurring which can again potentially harm your computer. 

Other issues with cheap USB hubs are they don’t last very long, are usually never recognised by the computer and affect the overall transfer speeds. 

The only way to combat this is to invest in reputable brands who produce good quality USB hubs such as, Plugable, Anker, Rosewill, D-Link to name a few.  

Other factors to consider when using a USB hub with a computer

So, if you really want to protect your computer from potential damage against a USB hub, invest in a good quality hub.

But, there are some other factors to take into consideration when using a USB with a computer. 

Power distribution

Peripheral devices come in all shapes and sizes each having their own power requirements. 

For example, a printer will require more power compared to a mouse. 

So before acquiring a USB hub, you will need to know what sort of peripheral devices you will be using as power is distributed evenly in a hub.

Also, as we saw earlier, an unpowered USB hub does not have its own power supply but is powered from the computer’s USB port which means it  is limited to how much power it can deliver.

Connecting multiple power hungry devices on an unpowered USB hub is going to overload the computer. 

A better option is to use a powered USB hub. 

Also, using a powered USB hub with devices that do not require much power is overkill. 

You will need to look at what devices you will be connecting and choose the appropriate type of USB Hub. 

Transfer speeds

There are many different Transfer Speeds available for USB cables, connectors, ports and USB Hubs.

Transfer speed is how much data is able to be transfered.

Earlier versions (USB 1.0) had transfer speeds of 1.5 Mbps (Megabits per second). This version is the lowest of the transfer speeds available for USB devices. 

Below are the other cable transfer speeds (with the last one being the latest);

• USB 1.1 / Full-speed (12 Mbps)
• USB 2.0 / Hi-Speed (480 Mbps)
• USB 3.0 / Super-speed (5 Gbps)
• USB 3.1 / Super-speed (10 Gbps)

When connecting a USB hub into a computer you will need to make sure that they are both the same versions otherwise you will be restricted to the speed of the lowest version. 

For example, if you connect a USB hub which is version 1.1, to a computer which is version 3.1, the maximum transfer speed will be limited to version 1.1 (12Mbps). 

Since you cannot really change the USB port of the computer, you will need to match the USB transfer of the hub to the computer port.

Plugging and unplugging

The last factor to take into consideration is plugging and unplugging the USB from the computer. 

There are two parts to this. 

The first being how you plug and unplug the hub into the USB port of the computer physically. 

To ensure you do not damage the structural integrity of the computer’s USB port, make sure to plug and unplug the USB hub safely. 

Do not jam it in, or wiggle the USB cable once inserted which can physically damage the computer USB port. 

Place it in and remove it gently. (I know this might sound silly, but you can cause physical damage if not done right).

Also, you might have experienced the frustration of not plugging the USB cable the right way around into a USB port. 

So, before doing so, check to see if the USB cable of the hub is orientated the right way.

The second part is removing the USB hub using the ‘safely remove hardware’ function on a computer. 

What this function does is instruct the operating to wait for all processes accessing a file to finish first before dismounting a USB device. 

Say if you have a Hard Drive connected to the USB hub, and you unplug it without using the ‘safely remove hardware’ function, you run the risk of causing writing errors and data loss in the hard drive. 

So, before unplugging a USB hub (or and other USB devices), use the ‘safely remove hardware’ first before doing so. 

Will using more than one USB hub damage a computer?

No, using multiple USB hubs will not damage a computer. 

The same principles discussed above for one USB hub apply to using multiple hubs.

As before, you are more likely to run into issues with cheap quality powered hubs that do not have the necessary protection circuits to protect your computer from back feeding (of voltage and current). 

Also, using more than one hub means you will be using more devices which will place more strain on the computer’s USB port if the hub is not powered. 

Can a USB hub damage a laptop?

No, a USB hub will not damage a laptop.

The USB ports on a laptop are the same as that on a computer. It uses the same USB protocol from connection and communication. 

USB hubs are not designed for a specific host, so they can be used with many other host devices such as a laptop. 

Again, if you want to avoid damage to your laptop, stay away from cheaper powered USB hubs.

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