In this project, we will create a temperature meter using a thermistor and Arduino. Before building this project, it's essential to understand the key component: the thermistor.
A thermistor, short for Thermal Resistor, is a type of resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. This component finds widespread use in various electronic circuits, such as SMPS, battery packs (for temperature detection), charging circuits, thermometers, and more.
There are two main types of thermistors:
- NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient): The resistance decreases as temperature increases.
- PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient): The resistance increases as temperature increases.
For this project, we will use an NTC thermistor.
- NTC Thermistor (10kΩ)
- 10kΩ Fixed Resistor
- 220Ω Fixed Resistor (for LCD)
- 10K Potentiometer (for LCD)
- 16x2 LCD Display
- Arduino UNO R3
- Connecting wires as required!
- LCD D4 pin to digital pin 5
- LCD D5 pin to digital pin 4
- LCD D6 pin to digital pin 3
- LCD D7 pin to digital pin 2
- LCD RS pin to digital pin 12
- LCD Enable pin to digital pin 11
- LCD R/W pin to GND
- LCD VSS pin to GND
- LCD VCC pin to 5V
- LCD LED+ to 5V through a 220-ohm resistor
- LCD LED- to GND
For contrast adjustment (recommended), wire a 10k potentiometer to +5V and GND of the Arduino. Connect the wiper pin (center pin) of the potentiometer to the LCD screen's VO pin (pin 3).
It can measure temperatures from -40°C to 125°C and provides accurate measurements. When using the I2C module, you can significantly reduce the number of connecting wires for the LCD display.
- Don't forget to install the LiquidCrystal library for the LCD display if it is not installed by default.
Go to Sketch -> Include Library -> Manage Libraries...
Search LiquidCrystal
and install the latest version.
- Ensure the circuit connection is stable; if it isn't, it may show incorrect outputs on the display.
By following these connections and using the components listed, you can assemble a temperature meter using an Arduino and an LCD display. This setup allows you to read temperature data from the NTC thermistor and display it on the LCD screen effectively.