PIC Microcontroller Projects for Engineering Students

The abbreviation of PIC is the “Peripheral  Interface Controller”, and it is a family of the microcontroller. This microcontroller is manufactured by various companies like the microchip, NXP, etc. This microcontroller comprises Analog to digital converters, memories, timers/counters, serial communication and interrupts assembled into a single IC. When we select PIC microcontrollers for PIC microcontroller projects or embedded projects on electronics or electrical domains, there are several options for us, ranging from 8-bit to 32-bits. There are many types of microcontrollers are available like AVR, 8051, PIC, and ARM. PIC microcontroller programming is done by using integrated development tools to perform many control operations.

When we are choosing PIC microcontroller projects based on electronics or electrical, there are many options for us. Ranging from eight-bit to Thirty-two bits, diverse micro-controllers are accessible to go well with projects and products of different complications and cost restraints. But if we talk about student projects, it may be either major projects or mini-projects; there are only a few microcontrollers that are compatible. Get an idea about some of the top PIC Microcontroller Projects Ideas by reading the following concepts.

PIC Microcontroller Projects for Engineering Students

These microcontrollers are used in many applications like audio accessories, smartphones, video gaming devices, advanced medical devices, etc. You can get an idea about the list of top PIC microcontroller projects for engineering students by reading the below conceptual information.

A PIC Sonar (Ultrasonic) Range Finding Project

The PIC micro-controller based sonar range finder functions by spreading a short pulse of noise at a frequency impossible to hear by human ears i.e. ultrasonic sound or ultrasound.  Later the micro-controller notice the echo of the noise spread. The span from spreading noise to echo reception, we’ll estimate the distance from the article.

This sonar range project makes use of 5 standard transistors to obtain and spread the ultrasonic sound and a comparator to position the threshold echo recognition level – so there are no unique constituents except the micro-controller. The ultrasonic sound transducers are ordinary 40 kHz sort. Note- the inner oscillator of the PIC microcontroller is employed and this hoards 2 pins – that can be employed for standard I/O.

PIC Based BRAM (Beginner’s Robot Autonomous Mobile)

This project exhibits how to develop a BRAM. It is intended to be effortlessly built by bringing into use some of the constituents that can be discovered easily at home. The key controller for this robot project is a Microchip (PIC16F690). 2 old CDs are employed to develop the chassis for the robot system. The geared DC motor, caster, battery power, and the robot’s bumper keys or whiskers are grasped in the lower deck while the upper deck comprises of the robot’s sensor board, the PIC16F690 microchip & motor driver.

Below given is BRAM’s construction material:

• 2 CD or DVDs for the chassis
• 2 geared DC motor with the wheel or modified servo motor can be used
• One 3 by 1.5 volt AA battery box with ON-OFF buttons
• 1 plastic bead and 1 paper clip for the caster
• 2 micro keys and 2 paper clips for the bumpers sensor
• Bolts, printed circuit board, Nuts, holders, double tape to embrace all of these constituents together.

Versatile Central Heating Program Controller using PIC16F628A

This versatile central heating system controller is intended to make use of a boiler. The 2 relay controls the hot water & heat supply. It contains a front panel key control with an LCD screen of 16×2. It also gives a sequential association that permits to work from distance via PC’s help.

The programmer & heating boiler control relays are clutched in different units just to locate the relays near to the boiler whereas the programmer can be positioned anywhere in the residence employing low voltage power back to the relay component. Moreover, you can also develop a series interface link neighboring to the programmer in this case only 4 wires for power & relay controls are required.

Features

• Self-regulating for central heating and boiler.
• Ten flexible programs.
• Programs can be set as per convince.
• Manual operation and setup from facade panel or remote
• Battery support for RTC (Real Time Clock).
• The programmer located at a distance from the boiler can use a 6-core alarm cable.
• The front panel can be locked
• Based on Microchip PIC 16F628 (microcontroller).

A Versatile Temperature Data Logger Using PIC12F683 and DS1820

Here we are exhibiting a temperature data logger project which is based on a Microchip’s 8-pin microcontroller (PIC12F683). It studies temperature figures from a digital sensor (DS1820) and accumulates in its inner EEPROM. The microcontroller has 256 bytes of domestic EEPROM and the temperature values will be saved in an 8-bit format. This implies the 8 vital bits of temperature values from the digital sensor will be studied and the temperature resolution will be of one degree C.

Temperature logger features

• Interprets temperature from a digital sensor and accumulates in the inner EEPROM
• Can accumulate approx 254 temperature values. EEPROM location “0” is employed to save the sampling breaks, and location “1” is employed to save the number of records.
• 3 sampling break alternatives are there: 1 second, 1 minute, and 10 minutes. This can be chosen while powering up.
• Start and Stop keys for manual control.
• The recorded values are sent to the PC via a serial port. A send button is existing to begin data transfer.
• A LED to show different ongoing processes.
• Re-set key to delete all previous data.

Gas Sensor Using PIC16F84A

Here we are showcasing a gas sensor circuit supported by a PIC16F84A microcontroller & GH-312 sensor. GH-312 is capable of sensing gases like liquefied gas, propane, smoke, alcohol, butane, Methane, hydrogen, etc. As it detects any of these gases, it prompts the micro-controller (PIC16F84A), which in return turns ON the buzzer and sparkles the LED. Here we have used 9 volts battery in the project as the sensor needs a 9 Volts input.

The output of the sensor when it prompts the microcontroller is 5V which is ideal for an undeviating union to any micro-controller. Though 9V battery is used, any 12 volts power supply will labor flawlessly as the sensor can manage from 9 volts to 20 volts and the microcontroller’s voltage is synchronized by a 7805 controller.

RS232 Communication with PIC Microcontroller

This project exhibits how to execute an uncomplicated communication through an RS232 interface using a PIC micro-controller. RS232 is normal for a successive communication interface which permits to transmit and obtain data through 3 wires at-least. By RS232 interface it is achievable to arrange a connection amid a microcontroller and a PC, through the PC’s COM port or amid 2 micro-controllers.

The RS232 is employed for various reasons such as- transmitting PC commands to a micro-controller, conveying debugging info from a microcontroller to a terminal, download the latest firmware to the micro-controller, and various other things. PC will be incorporated with a terminal program to receive & send data. Data transferred via micro-controller is shown in the terminal window and the key(s) pushed within the terminal will convey the matching key code to the micro-controller.

LED Bike Light using PIC10F200

In this project there is a multi-functional LED bike light, making use of 3 LEDs. The project is supported by the baseline (PIC10F200) micro-controller, operating from a voltage supply of two-five volts.  In stand-by form, it uses the power of less than 1µA creating it an ideal match for battery power-driven function. It employs 3 separately driven high-intensity LEDs, and a solitary press on key for switching the light ON-OFF and altering the modes of functioning.

3-Switch Mini IR Remote Control

This 3 button mini IR remote control project transmits 12 bit SIRC IR indications as utilized by any TV remote controls.  It is intended to function with both the 2 channel relay and 3 channel relay driver board projects. The relay driver board makes use of Microchip’s PIC10F200 (microcontroller) which is low in cost together with a few of effortlessly to located constituents making it extremely economical to assemble.

The 3 button mini IR remote circuit is very easy.  PIC10F200 (microcontroller) is programmed with firmware to produce a 40 KHz carter transformed with SIRC configured data. All the 3 switches are assigned with different command code that the firmware will convey by means of the IR LED when the button is pressed.  The complete unit is getting power from a CR2032 which is a 3 volts lithium coin battery.  When no key is pressed the micro-controller goes in standby mode where it uses approx 100nA (0.1μA).  If the battery is not in use, it will last for a number of years.

Telephone Operated Remote Control Using PIC16F84A Microcontroller

This project design manages at-least eight devices by bringing into play a PIC microcontroller known as PIC16F84A, allied to the telephone line. The exclusive aspect here is that not like another phone line remote control; this gear does not require the call to be replied at the remote end hence no charges will be applied. This gadget depends on the number of rings given on the phone line to stimulate or disengage the devices.

Directions for the telephone operated remote key:

• While developing the central circuit, make certain you bring into play an 18 pin socket for the microcontroller. Don’t solder directly IC’s to the circuit board as you may require removing it for programming. Prior to making use of PIC on the central circuit, firstly program it. There are a number of programmers available on the net to program PIC microcontrollers.
• Take out the PIC from the programmer 18 pin socket and place it inside the central circuit socket.
• Now fix the circuit to the telephone line and turn ON the power supply.
• Now the circuit board is ready to test.

Automated Town Water Management System

One of the vital features of any town management comprises water management. It is a fundamental feature as these days water springs are extremely limited and no one can afford its wastage. This water management project talks about automation in water allocation and management with technological advancements. A variety of aspects incorporated in the system are as below:-

• Mobile controlled water allocation in various regions.
• Speed controlling of the motor in association to the tank water level.
• Bill calculation on basis of water consumed.
• Allocation of water as per the bill payment.
• Updates & status on cell phones via G.S.M Module.
• Voice declarations in the office concerning status.
• Data Logger in the administrative center for statistical analysis.

PIC Microcontroller Based Measuring

The main objective of this project is to measure solar cell parameters through multiple sensor data acquisitions.

The power supply consists of a step-down transformer 230/12V, that steps down the voltage to 12V AC. This AC voltage is converted to DC using a bridge rectifier, ripples are removed using a Capacitive filter, and then it is regulated to +5V using a voltage regulator, which is required for the operation of the microcontroller and other circuits.

This project uses a solar panel, that keeps monitoring the sunlight. In this project, various parameters of the solar panel like current, voltage, temperature or light intensity are monitored using a PIC microcontroller of the family PIC16F8.

The light intensity is monitored using an LDR sensor; similarly, the current by the current sensor; the voltage by the voltage divider principle, and the temperature by the temperature sensor, respectively. All these data are displayed on an  LCD display, which is interfaced with the PIC microcontroller.

PIC Microcontroller based Street Light that Glows on Detecting Vehicle Movement

The main goal of this project is to detect a vehicle movement on highways and switch ON only a bunch of street lights ahead of it, and then to switch off the lights when the vehicle passes away from the lights to conserve energy. During the night time, all the lights on the highway remain ON for the vehicles, but lots of energy is wasted when there is no vehicle movement.

This project gives a solution that helps conserve energy which is achieved by using sensors that sense an approaching vehicle on the highways and then prompt a bunch of street lights ahead of the vehicle to switch on. As the vehicle passes by the street lights, the system automatically switches off the lights.

Presently, HID lamps are used in urban street systems; HID lamps work on the principle of gas discharge. Thus, the intensity is not controllable by any voltage reduction. In the future, white LED-based lamps will be replaced by HID lamps in the street lighting systems. Light intensity is also possible by PWM (pulse width modulation) which is generated by the PIC microcontroller.

Sensors that sense vehicles’ movement is placed on either side of the road to send signals to the microcontroller so as to switch on/off the LEDs. Thus, this project helps to conserve a lot of energy. Furthermore, this project can be developed by using suitable sensors not only to detect the failed street lights on the highway but also to send SMSs to the control department through a GSM modem for corrective action.

PIC Microcontroller based Auto Intensity Control of Street Lights

This project is used to control the auto intensity of the street lights using a PIC microcontroller. This proposed system uses light-emitting diodes in place of HID lamps in the street lighting system to conserve energy. PIC microcontroller is used to control the intensity of light by developing PWM signals that drive a MOSFET to switch the LEDs accordingly to the desired operation.

The intensity of street lights is kept high during peak hours; as the traffic on the roads tends to decrease slowly in the late-night hours, the intensity also decreases gradually until morning. Finally, it completely shuts down in morning 6 and again resumes at 6 pm in the evening. Furthermore, this project can be developed by integrating it with the solar panel, which helps convert the solar intensity into corresponding energy which is used to feed the highway lights.

PIC Microcontroller based Density based Traffic Signal System

The main intention of this project is to develop a density based traffic signal system. This project uses a PIC microcontroller, which is interfaced duly with the sensors. Automatically, these sensors change the timing of the junction to accommodate the movement of vehicles so as to avoid the unnecessary waiting time for the vehicles at the junction.

The sensors used in this project are IR, and photodiodes are in the line of sight configuration across the loads to detect the density at the traffic signal. The density of the vehicles is measured in three zones; low, medium, high based on which timings are allotted accordingly.

Furthermore, this project can be enhanced by synchronizing all the traffic junctions in the cities by launching a network among them. The network can be wired or wireless. This synchronization will greatly help in reducing traffic congestion.

PIC Microcontroller based

The main objective of this project is to design a medication reminder using a PIC microcontroller that reminds a patient to take the medicine on the set time. This project is best suited for elderly people. This proposed system reminds medicine with a buzzing sound and also displays the name of the medicine to be taken at that time.

This project uses a matrix keypad to store the respective time of a particular medicine. Based on an RTC interfaced to the microcontroller, the programmed time for the medicine is displayed on the LCD along with a buzzer sound to alert the patient about taking an appropriate medicine. The microcontroller used in this project is of PIC16F8 family and the RTC maintains an accurate time as it is supported by the crystal.

Furthermore, this project can be enhanced by integrating it with GSM technology, so that a patient receives a reminder through an SMS about the medicine he has to take on his/her cell phone. Also, a provision to change the name of the medicine can be incorporated by interfacing this device with a PC.

Some More PIC Controller Projects

Here is a list of some more  microocntroller based projects.

• Detecting Power Theft prior to feeding energy Meter and Intimating to Control Room by GSM
• Speed Control Unit Designed for a DC Motor using PIC Microcontroller
• Auto Intensity Control of Street Lights using PIC Microcontroller
• Networking of Multiple Street Junction Signals for Better Traffic Management
• Vehicle Movement Sensed LED Street Light with Idle Time Dimming
• Cordless Mouse Features by TV Remote Using PIC Microcontroller
• Measuring Solar Photovoltaic Power
• Medication Reminder using PIC Microcontroller
• PIC Controlled Dynamic Time Based City Traffic Signal
• Using TV Remote as a Cordless Mouse for the Computer using PIC Microcontroller
• Pre Stampede Monitoring and Alarm System using PIC Microcontroller
• Portable Programmable Medication Reminder using PIC Microcontroller
• Speed Synchronization of Multiple Motors In Industries using PIC Microcontroller
• Synchronized Traffic Signals at Various Junctions using PIC Microcontroller
• Energy Meter Billing with Load Control over GSM with User Programmable Number Features by PIC Microcontroller
• Solar Energy Measurement System
• Density-based Traffic Signal System using PIC Microcontroller
• RFID Based Device Control and Authentication using PIC Microcontroller
• Street Light that Glows on Detecting Vehicle Movement
• Vehicle Theft Intimation to the Owner on his Cell Phone by GSM with User Programmable Number Features using PIC Microcontroller

Thus, at the beginning of developing any PIC microcontroller projects, simple PIC has to be used.  This will certainly assist those students and hobbyists who actually desire to do great innovations on PIC interfacing, but are facing a hard time to discover an excellent project to initiate with. These pic microcontroller projects explained here are truly some of the most excellent electronic projects supported PIC microcontroller interfacing. We believe that you might have got a better understanding of these project ideas. Furthermore, any queries regarding this article, or final year electronics projects you can approach us by commenting in the comment section below.