Light Sensor

Name of the Group

- Ahmed Thaer Ajol
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 Work:
A light sensor works by converting light energy into electrical signals.

Light sensors, also known as photodetectors, are devices that detect and measure light intensity. They work by converting the
energy of incoming light into electrical signals that can be analysed and interpreted. There are several types of light sensors,
including photodiodes, phototransistors, and photoresistors, each with their own unique properties and applications.

Photodiodes are the most common type of light sensor and are widely used in electronic devices such as cameras and optical
communication systems. They work by absorbing photons of light, which causes an electron to be released and creates a flow
of current. Phototransistors are similar to photodiodes but have a higher sensitivity and gain, making them useful for low-
light applications.

Photoresistors, also known as LDRs (light-dependent resistors), work by changing their resistance in response to changes in
light intensity. They are commonly used in light meters and automatic lighting systems. Other types of light sensors include
photovoltaic cells, which convert light energy into electrical energy, and CCDs (charge-coupled devices), which are used in
digital cameras and telescopes.
Types of Light Sensors

1. Photoresistors: The most common light sensor type used in a light sensor circuit are
photoresistors, also known as Light-Dependent Resistors (LDR). Photoresistors detect whether a light
is on or off and compare the relative light levels throughout the day.

2. Photodiodes: Photodiodes are another type of light sensor. But instead of using the change in
resistance like LDR, it’s more complex to light, easily changing light into a flow of electric currents. It
is also commonly known as a photodetector or photo sensor.

3. Phototransistors: The last light sensor type we’ll be exploring today is the phototransistor. The
phototransistor light sensor can be described as a photodiode + amplifier. With the added
amplification, light sensitivity is far better on the phototransistors. However, it does not fair better in
low-light detection than in photodiodes.
 Connection:

• Hardware connections:
• Step 1: Connect Grove – Light Sensor to port A0 of the
Grove – Base Shield
• Step 2: Connect Grove – LED Bar to port D2 of Grove –
Base Shield
• YouSeeeduino
can opt to directly connect Grove – Light Sensor to
as well
• Step 3: Plug Grove – Base Shield into Seeeduino
• Step 4: Connect Seeeduino to PC through a USB cable
•
•
Advantage
• Allow significant savings on energy bills
• Cheap and simple to install, particularly wireless systems
• User-friendly
• Convenient—lights switched on automatically when needed
• Long battery life due to their low power consumption
• Help with health and safety requirements (e.g. lighting in corridors)