A Microcontroller Based Digital Thermometer with Timer (Digithermo)
Using conventional thermometers for measuring temperature will require a separate instrument for measuring time such as stop clocks, ordinary watches, or digital timers. These thermometers are fragile, prone to measurement errors, contain hazardous material that can burn the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if spilled.
A microcontroller based digital thermometer with timer (DigiThermo) was designed and constructed. The device employs the AT89C4051 CMOS microcontroller (MCU), interfaced with the CA3162 ADC and a 16 x 1 character LCD display. Temperature is measured with a precision IC linear temperature sensor (LM35D) and time is counted using the MCUs timer circuits. The circuit was assembled on a prototype board, tested, modified and finally assembled on a set of matrix boards, and cased in a portable, stylish plastic casing with the sensor attached to a 28.0 cm long probe.
Results during testing showed that the device displays time count in seconds and temperature in degrees Celsius. The device can be used in the chemistry and engineering laboratories as well as in industrial, agricultural and in other applications requiring simultaneous temperature/time measurements.
Keywords: DigiThermo, Firmware, Microcontroller, Programming, Temperature, Thermometer, Timer
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Abayomi-Alli A.
Abayomi-Alli, A. obtained his B.Tech Degree in Computer Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso in 2005, MSc Computer Science from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in the 2009. He started his career at Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria as a Graduate Assistant in 2007 before moving to the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria in 2011. His current research interests include microprocessor systems and applications, biometrics, image quality assessment and machine learning.
Etuk E. J.
Etuk, E. graduated with a first class Degree in Computer Engineering from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada in 2009 and is presently a post graduate student on commonwealth scholarship at Northumbria University.
Ezomo P. I.
Ezomo, P. I. has a B.Eng and M.Eng Degree in Electrical Electronics. He is presently a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada. He has extensive experience in microprocessor systems and automation while he worked in the oil and gas industry for over twenty years.
Izilein F. A.
Izilein, F. A. has a B.Eng and M.Eng Degree in Electrical Electronics. He presently lectures at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in Igbinedion University Okada.
Akingboye A.Y.
Akingboye, A.Y. graduated from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso with a Master of Technology (M.Tech) and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees in Computer Science in 2012 and 2005 respectively. His research interests include Microprocessor Systems and Human Computer Interaction. He is presently with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada.
Erameh K. B.
Erameh, K. B. graduated with a first class Degree in Computer Engineering from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada in 2010 and is presently a graduate assistant on post graduate studies at the University of Benin.
Abayomi-Alli A.
Abayomi-Alli, A. obtained his B.Tech Degree in Computer Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso in 2005, MSc Computer Science from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in the 2009. He started his career at Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria as a Graduate Assistant in 2007 before moving to the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria in 2011. His current research interests include microprocessor systems and applications, biometrics, image quality assessment and machine learning.
Etuk E. J.
Etuk, E. graduated with a first class Degree in Computer Engineering from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada in 2009 and is presently a post graduate student on commonwealth scholarship at Northumbria University.
Ezomo P. I.
Ezomo, P. I. has a B.Eng and M.Eng Degree in Electrical Electronics. He is presently a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada. He has extensive experience in microprocessor systems and automation while he worked in the oil and gas industry for over twenty years.
Izilein F. A.
Izilein, F. A. has a B.Eng and M.Eng Degree in Electrical Electronics. He presently lectures at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in Igbinedion University Okada.
Akingboye A.Y.
Akingboye, A.Y. graduated from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso with a Master of Technology (M.Tech) and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees in Computer Science in 2012 and 2005 respectively. His research interests include Microprocessor Systems and Human Computer Interaction. He is presently with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada.
Erameh K. B.
Erameh, K. B. graduated with a first class Degree in Computer Engineering from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Igbinedion University Okada in 2010 and is presently a graduate assistant on post graduate studies at the University of Benin.
