Clap Based fan switching system
Report submitted by Group 240
CB.EN.U4ECE20221 Harishankhar T K
CB.EN.U4ECE20252 Santhosh M
CB.EN.U4ECE20254 Shailesh R
CB.EN.U4ECE20255 Shriramya K R
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course
19ECE384 – Open Lab
Department of Electronics and Communication
Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering,
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore – 641112
June 2023
1. Motivation:
The motivation behind choosing the topic of a clap-based fan switching system stems
from the desire for a more convenient and user-friendly approach to controlling
household appliances. Traditional switches require physical interaction, which can be
cumbersome or inaccessible in certain situations. By incorporating sound recognition
technology into the fan control mechanism, users can simply clap their hands to turn
the fan on or off, eliminating the need for reaching for a switch or remote. This
innovation provides an intuitive and hands-free solution, particularly beneficial for
individuals with mobility limitations, the elderly, or those with busy hands. Moreover,
it adds an element of novelty and technological advancement to everyday household
appliances, enhancing the overall user experience.
2. Problem Statement:
The objective was to develop a circuit that meets the following criteria:
Appropriately responding to hand claps struck at a distance of 1 metre or
less
Appropriately responding to a hand clap of amplitude 130 dB or more at a
distance of 1 metre
3. Design Procedure:
Components:
Condenser mic: A condenser mic is used as a sound sensor to detect the clapping
sound.
BJT as an amplifier: Since the output of the condenser mic is in the range of
millivolts, it has to be amplified using a BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) to the
range of a few volts before further use.
Optocouplers: The electrical isolation provided by optocouplers helps to protect
sensitive circuits from noise, interference, or voltage differences between the input
and output sides. This isolation prevents the transfer of undesirable signals or
disturbances that may exist in one circuit from affecting the other.
555 timer: The output of the 555 timer is connected to the control circuitry that
operates the switching mechanism for the fan. When the timer is triggered, its output
goes high for the specified time delay, providing a control signal to turn on or off the
fan.
BJT as a switch: A BJT is used as a switch to control the relay that in turn operates
the switching on and off of a fan.
Figure 1- Flow chart
4. Budget:
S.No Component/Service Cost
1. Condenser Mic Rs. 20
2. 0-12V step down, 0-230V step up Rs. 125
transformer
3. PC817 optocouplers Rs. 35
4. LED Rs. 20
5. 12V relay Rs. 100
6. L78M12CV Linear Voltage Regulator Rs. 45
7. 9V batteries Rs. 40
8. AC Fan Rs. 290
9. PCB (fabrication, soldering and Rs. 2674
components)
Total Rs. 3349
5. Board Layout:
Figure 2 - Board Layout
6. Simulation Results /Discussion:
Figure 3- Output of 555 timer
The output of the 555 timer in monostable mode is used to trigger the BJT which acts
as a switch for the relay. The simulation of the output of the 555 timer is shown in
figure 3.
7. Implementation:
Figure 4- Implemented circuit
Figure 5 - PCB
8. Discussion and conclusion:
The clap switching circuit works for claps struck at a range of about 1 meter. The
range of the circuit mainly depends upon the microphone used and its sensitivity.
Besides, the amplitude of the input needed is also relatively higher than the ideal
value. This could pose as a problem for potential users/ Target demographic which
mainly comprises of the elderly. Therefore, a more appropriate microphone could be
used to rectify these issues. As another step of noise immunity, the circuit could be
further changed with the addition of a decade counter to incorporate switching with
two claps. This modification would prevent the circuit from getting triggered by false
signals that are similar to claps. The same concept of two or more claps could also be
used to induce speed change of the fan in the circuit. These are all recommendations
that can be considered for further development of the clap based switching system to
make it more accessible and useful for the users.
