The Project Code
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
a
The
'P'
Code
Tips for executing a Project at student level
and an illustration of a Real Project
executed by the author.
For:
ENGINEERING STUDENTS, DEGREE STUDENTS, ELECTRONIC
HOBBYISTS, AMATEURS AND ANYBODY WHO WOULD LIKE TO CREATE
AWARENESS INTO THE PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF
PROJECT MAGAEMENT AT COLLEGE LEVEL.
- Durgesh Bhat Kalya
db arts 2004
T H E M Y S E R I E S E D I T I O N
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
b
Introduction to my project.
I would like to introduce the project "Intelligent monitoring and
control system Kit" in short IMCS Kit, which has been the root cause
to write this book. This book is a reflection of the work that went
in the background during the execution of project IMCS. From now on
I will refer to Intelligent Monitoring and System Kit as Project
IMCS for easy reading.
Description:
IMCS Kit is as a complete study kit for control system engineers with full room for hardware and software
flexibility. The heart of the kit is a PIC16F877 (Ap H, pg 39)* controller with carefully designed supporting
hardware components.
The main features of the module comprised the following:
IR Based Remote sensing unit for universal IR transmitters.
Monitoring and Control using PIC16F877.
Easy Interface to PC using the RS232 Port. Easy re-programming of the PIC16F877 without the relieve of
any additional PIC burner using Boot loader.
User defined friendly interface.
Smaller size and easy expansion of the circuitry.
The kit was designed to cater to the requirement of easy programming as it was found that earlier kits needed
separate software and hardware to re-program the PIC. A boot loader which was found compatible to the
PIC16F877 was used for this purpose.
The project involved the design of the IMCS Kit with features that were defined with respect to both industrial
and domestic control of equipments. The project was a tremendous learning experience in the lines of Planning,
Goal Making, and Project Management, Designing and Testing of Hardware.
The IMCS card is now a complete Monitoring and Control Kit for students and professionals to experiment
their programming and hardware design skills.
In this book I have described the various aspects in formulation of a project and is illustrated the same using -
the project IMCS Kit. The methods and the techniques discussed in this book are an outcome of research and
testing which were performed and executed during the Project IMCS Kit. References and information have
been presented in Appendix sections (Starts from Page 27) for smoother reading.
* Refer Appendix H for definition of technical terms used throughout the book, Page No. 39.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
c
Who will win this book useful and why?
Engineering students, Diploma students, electronic hobbyists, amateurs and anybody who
would like to create awareness into the practical and theoretical aspects of project management
and project documentation.
Use this book as a guide to get to know various aspects in a Project execution at basic levels as
well as the documentation aspect of a project after its completion.
This book contains resources and useful information on various elements which will
supplement you in successful completion of your projects.
When should I read this book?
My advice is start reading this book when you have started with your project. This book will be
effective in guiding you with the project if you practice the techniques as and when you read it.
Remember this book will only commence your eyes to unusual possibilities and it is up to you to be as
creative and innovative as possible.
How will this book help you?
This book attempts to answer the following questions.
What is the first stage in Project formulation?
What are the things I should sustain in mind when I launch with a Project?
How do I keep track of Project developments?
What should I do in the beginning of the project in order to note a good
report in the end?
How do I start writing a Good Describe?
How do I test my Project successfully?
Presentation! What is presentation?
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
d
A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T
I would like to thank the people who supported and nurtured me, powered me up to write this book and made
me realize the power of my dreams.
Laxmitha, my sister, for the fights, those talks in the night, for scolding me, telling me what to do when I fought
with my best friend, encouraging me to perform better and being there for me when ever I wanted a helping
hand.
Mohan and Malathi, my parents, for being the most valuable people in my life, for giving me chunky freedom to
learn and explore new things, teaching me to tell the truth and respect the elders, keeping worries and tensions
away from me, and standing for me and showing me the light at the end of the tunnel.
Preethi, for being my project partner, inspiring me to fabricate better, supporting my ideas, providing quick
solutions, in time criticisms, unbelievable technical knowledge and most of all her never ending Friendship.
Vikram, for being my savior, teaching me good habits, telling me to contemplate differently, giving me his room for
executing the project.
Smt Saroja, Sri Krishnamurthy, Sowmya, Sandhya, Savitha and Roopa for encouraging, supporting and telling
the golden words " You can do it"
Sumanth, for being there and not there, whatever, he showed me what it is to live ones life, make ones own
decisions and rule our principles and for being my best buddy!
Aparna and Anushree who are two pots full of encouragement, thank you for believing in me.
Suchitra and Prabodh for notion me in difficult situations, helping me out of worries and for teaching
me appreciate the beautiful life and inspiring me to be one in it.
Lobo, for providing a mixture of technical and fair support, he helped me come out with my Ideas, sometimes
even played the role of a Technical guide.
Dileesh and Divya, for understanding me and also helping me out of my toughest difficulties.
Mr. Ashok and Mr. Deepak for guiding me with the PCB designing and fabrication and providing me support
for the improvement in the design.
Mr. Aziz, for guiding me in the project and helping me learn the importance of planning and project
management.
Ashwathappa for giving me an opportunity to point to my self, helping me open my mind to new things, for his
never ending support in doing well and for equally appreciating me.
Mr. Suresh, for being a wonderful person to me, giving me permissions to use the lab, the components and also
making me realize that I can make things work if I try. Thank you for believing in me.
Jacob and Manohar, for providing me oxygen in the demolish, in the form of their company technical facility for
debugging the hardware.
Ratneesh for giving me his knowledge on Boot loader without which the IMCS kit would not have functioned.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
e
I would like to specially thank Laxmitha, Sowmya and Divya for proofreading the book and for the showers of
heavy criticisms.
I thank one and all whose names I may not have mentioned here but were involved in this comely venture and
made this project a wonderful learning experience.
Thank you!
Durgesh Bhat Kalya,
B.E Ins. Tech.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
f
Overview:
Before starting with the book I would like to first present overall picture of what we are dealing with
when we say "Project"
A project is 'Any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted'- Word Web
A project is 'A planned undertaking'
A project is 'An enterprise carefully planned to achieve a particular aim'- Oxford Dictionary
So a project is 'a piece of planned work or activity which is completed over a period of time and
intended to execute a particular aim.
Then what is the main aim of the project? For a student the final aim of the planned work is scoring
marks and the main aim is to learn the concept of Planning and experiencing its advantages in the form
of very good scores.
The definition and theory is fine but how does one go about executing it?
My search for the answer has led me to write this book. I hope you find it as appealing as I found
writing it. All the very best!
Durgesh
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
g
C o n t e n t s :
1. Finding the Right people and Thinking of a Good idea...........1
2. Goal Making............................................................3
3. Defining selection criteria for the components.....................5
4. Writing a block intention...............................................9
5. Project management ...................................................11
6. Dividing the work, learning the ethics of team work..............13
7. Designing the circuit.....................................................14
8. Components shopping.................................................16
9. PCB layout designing.................................................17
10. Testing..................................................................18
11. Software development...............................................20
12. Some Finishing Touches............................................21
13. Technical Writing and Documentation...........................22
Appendix: A
Application notes.............................................................27
Appendix: B
Softwares and Application Package......................................28
Appendix: C.
Technical Writing and Documentation..................................29
Appendix: D
Printed Circuit Board for IMCS..........................................30
Appendix: E
Multimeter...................................................................35
Appendix: F
Flow Charts.................................................................36
Appendix: G
Bootloader..................................................................37
Appendix: H
Glossary.....................................................................39
Appendix: I
Reference...................................................................40
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
1
1. Finding the Lawful people and
Thinking of a Good Idea
Before starting with the actual project, we should first find the right partners or the moral people should
find each other!
How do I choose my partner?
You are whom you are with.
In a class room of really good number of students finding project partners may perceive very easy but keep
in mind that No one Can Choose Anybody; it's the relationship that you have created with your peers
that will abet you and others to choose. Ask a friend whom you think makes a good partner. If you
don't find one, ask anybody whom you can rely on. Remember you should be what you expect from
others.
I found that person in my best friend and soon we were working on the project. Finding the right
person means finding a team member who understands you, who knows your capabilities and flaws,
one who can stand for your ideas and one who disagrees with you if you are wrong. So if you are all
that you want in your project mate then finding one becomes less of an effort.
Thinking of a good idea
A good Plan is half work done. Planning is the next half.
Idea is our intention or what we intend to do with something. In the beginning it is just a thought and
as we go deep into it, an Notion becomes certain and forms a Goal. When you are working on this for your
project, thinking of a good idea takes more than what is just said. Pre-work in the manufacture of research on
various available technologies, going through previously submitted projects and some innovative
thinking, which comes from within, are to be performed to get a satisfactory notion on what the project will be
and on what will be the technology be based. For your convenience I have made a list of points to help
you get going with an Idea.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
2
The following will help you ring bells in your mind.
1) Jot down your interests on a sheet of paper, it can be a Subject that you are studying or
anything thing that fascinates you.
2) List out the type of technology that interests you or you are associated with, it can be anything
in software, hardware or more specifically microcontrollers, processors, C- programming,
VHDL, Data acquisition systems, Mechanical lever, Ph-analysis, etc,
3) Discuss these technologies with your friend on the above two points that you have gathered
and also the ones your friend has outlined.
4) Near to a conclusion on the type of technology you would want to use or specifically
speaking, the type of work your project will contain.
5) Discuss your thoughts on concluded topics with a professor or your lecturer or anybody you
think is technically proficient in the Topic you have chosen. If you get a GO sign then proceed
with research on the topic and do feasibility studies in order to bag out how practical your idea
is.
6) If this type of approach does not work for you then you need to begin with Goal making which
is discussed in detail in chapter 2.
When I started working on the project all I had was the technical knowledge that I had gathered during
the later semesters of engineering and a thirst to do something different. As I needed a good project to
bag well in final year of engineering, I started reading books, journals, browsing websites and
discussing on technological lines with my friend in order to find a strong Idea to work on. I also tried
contacting officials in the industry to get into their projects as it would give me first hand experience
in the field of Instrumentation Technology. During this, I came across a Project Manager working for
a Private organization at Bangalore. After couple of meetings with him, he agreed to guide me and my
partner in the project. It is evident that finding the right people and a thinking of good idea is a very
necessary part of making a good start. Now In order to achieve your goals you need to PLAN your
moves!
Useful Tip:
Maintain a scrap book for jotting down notes, ideas and any information pertaining to the project.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
3
2. Goal Making
Goal making is an elementary step in any project. Making a goal which is practical and logical is very
essential because with a strong foundation one can conclude greater heights.
A Practical goal is one which can be achieved in precise time. For a Computer Engineering student,
creation of software for smaller applications is practical where as a gargantuan Computer Firm is required for
larger application Softwares. For an Electrical Engineering student, designing a module for handling
fewer applications is practical whereas to create a product which will have wider applications and
serve as domestic product for daily spend requires a team of people having different backgrounds.
A Logical goal is one which is achieve forward keeping the Number Aspects of a project in mind. Number
Aspects are TIME, MONEY and SPACE. It is important to identify the available time for execution
of the project. The orientation and the nature of the project execution depend on how much MONEY
you can spend on the project. The smoothness and ease of project execution is depended on the nature
of Dwelling available, whether you are going to use a LAB or a Room with basic technical facilities.
Having a favorable idea of how sizable is your project and making the suitable choices in selection of Place for
project execution and well-behaved management of Time and Money will give you a good start on your
GOAL MAKING.
Useful Tip:
Maintain a separate book for all the expenditures and important contact addresses and phone
numbers.
For the project IMCS Kit, We started with identifying Control Mechanisms in daily life and also the
main principle of Control involved in such Mechanisms. These Observations were analyzed keeping
in mind the Number Aspects to see the feasibility of execution of our goal.
The main Goal of the IMCS project was formulated as-
Goal
To design a module which allows an individual to custom program a set of controls for the desired
application. This module should be flexible in control operations and user-friendly with the help of
some control mechanism.
Useful Tip:
For motivation make a poster of your goal and stick it on the wall at your work site or in your room.
As our intended module would serve the user in the end, we worked Backwards.
Working BACK
This is a strategy used to plan your moves. The outcome of any project conducted is intended to be
used or applied to some problem or serves as an application for a specific spend. With this final consume or
application in mind it becomes easy to plan for the project and sometimes it solves most of our
doubts regarding what should be incorporated in the project and what should be excluded from
it.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
4
As the goal of project IMCS Kit was to make Control of equipments easier, we formulated the user
requirement as follows:
Home Use:
Security- opening and closing of Doors, Lockers etc.
Comforts- Heater, Fan, Water level controller.
Others- Lights (On and Off).
Office use:
Sequential logic controller
Automated switching of systems.
For a summary on Application Notes refer to the section in Appendix A (page 27)
We mostly concentrated on Home Applications, as in this case the load considerations would be less
and also it would mask operations analogous to Industrial Applications.
The module which we were going to design would help in Monitoring and Controlling the parameters
such as temperature, water level, motor speed control etc; it was called Shiny Monitoring and
Control System. During the course of the project the module evolved into a very flexible and userfriendly
system hence we finally named it as Brilliant Monitoring and Control System Kit.
Useful Tip:
Make a note of even the smallest bit of information you find during the project execution as these
small act of scribbling will abet you in easy documentation of your work.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
5
3. Defining selection criteria for the
components
In order to define the selection criteria more clearly, the module of IMCS Kit was first divided into
smaller sub-modules. These sub modules were further broken down into components. This division
was purely based on function that each part performed.
To collect a positive portray of how the Final module was divided see the division diagram in Figure-0
(Figure-0)
Defining a selection criterion involved distinctively four main phases,
Phase 1- Prime requirement definition
Phase 2- Secondary requirement definition
Phase 3- Short listing of sub-modules.
Phase 4- Selection of components for short listed sub-modules
Prime requirement definition
In the Project IMCS Kit, the basic aim of carrying out the proposed idea was to have a very facilitative
and at the same time a very interactive environment. Hence, we wanted to use components that could
satisfy our requirements and also that the modules should be very easy to use, along with a reliable
operation. Therefore we thought it was best to first list all the recent technologically advanced useful
devices/techniques that could be implemented in our project.
These devices/techniques were categorized under our prime requirements such as,
1] A controller to control the various activities of the final module.
2] Remote transmitter and receiver for easy control of the final module.
3] Other supporting components and devices which would supplement the final module operations.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
6
Secondary requirement definition
The first list was very general and did not point out to particular technique or a device and hence it
was defined with more clarity and now it contained practical and logical consideration as well. The
secondary requirements were as follows.
1] It should be readily available in the market. It also implies that the components should be
affordable.
2] Compatibility of one component to the other.
3] They should have number of unique features that could be flaunted in our usage.
To meet the Secondary requirements, we conducted a survey which had the following objectives:
1) Identifying the available sub-module
2) Identifying any compatibility issues occurring with the use of the identified sub-modules
intended to be used in the Final module effect.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
7
Short listing of sub-module
The various sub-modules that were surveyed were further short listed with the help of our selection
criteria. The short listing procedures for sub-modules were characterized by a kindly notice for
possible issues resulting from the expend of the sub-modules.
.
Selection of components for short listed modules:
The main components under each category of modules were then finalized and are as follows
,
The resources for conducting such research studies and surveys can be found on the component
manufactures websites in the form of DATA SHEETS, APPLICATION NOTE and Other related
documents. The best place to get started is the College Library. Some colleges also keep old
INFRA-RED:
1] IR Transmitter - Universal remote control,
2] IR Receiver - TSOP1738.
MICROCONTROLLER:
3] Microcontroller - PIC16F877.
OTHER PERIPHERAL DEVICES:
4] DAC - MAX519,
5] RTC - DS1307,
6] Serial port driver - MAX232.
EXTERNAL MEMORY:
7] EEPROM - 24LC256P.
Listing of Individual Components
1] IR Transmitter,
2] IR Receiver,
3] Microcontroller,
4] Genuine Time Clock,
5] External Memory,
6] Digital to Analog Converter,
7] Serial Port Interface etc.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
8
project reports. Remember any piece of information that is related to your project can serve as very
crucial but at the same time useless and unnecessary. It is up to you to decide what fact is to be
considered. I would say trust your instincts.
Useful Tip:
When carrying out device/technique studies keep a Project Diary and update it regularly with new
ideas and information you advance across. This will not only help you in easy execution of project
but also will be of tremendous serve at the time of Picture making.
A pictorial description of Selection Criterion:
Defining a criterion
depending on the
requirements.
Specifically
elaborate each
requirement with
respect to a
device/technique.
Final Criterion for
Selection of
device/technique.
Conduct a research
on available
devices/techniques
Final Criterion for
Selection of device/
technique
Short listed
devices/
techniques
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
9
4. Writing a block diagram.
Block diagram is an essential allotment of any project execution especially for projects which incorporate
electronic designs. Mainly because it provides us with direction to disappear with the project and guides
us towards the main goal. The block diagram for IMCS Kit was first drawn by considering only the
key components in the drawing and at a later stage the block diagram was modified to include other
supporting modules. The block diagram not only serves as a draft of what is going to be fabricated but
updating, correcting and analyzing the block diagram and incorporating newer and more efficient
components is the key to a systematic and successful design. The following is a description of how the
first block diagram for project IMCS Kit was drawn.
With the knowledge of the basics on interfacing of a PIC-Microcontroller, we started drawing our first
block method (figure 1). This was the first step in realizing our goal. Though it was very rough
sketch of a circuit, no technical details involved, it did give us a general Thought of how our circuit would
look after it was made to include the right devices/techniques.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
10
The draft was then updated to include more details with regard to the functions each module
performed (view Figure-2.)
FIGURE-2
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
11
5. Project Management
You are all set to go and execute your project but you have to perform one last but very notable task
of Planning. The base of any project, the ultimate guide for any task is a Project Belief or Project
Management.
While formulating our plan on paper we faced certain difficulties. Although we had a block diagram to
guide us, we could not proceed as it lacked clarity in the matter of how we were going to achieve our
goal.
We were rescued by a concept that is globally used and in simple two words known as Project
Management, which fetch things done systematically, efficiently and effortlessly.
Project management caters to the needs on issues of Number Aspects which were discussed
in the second chapter. We made consume of the commonly used Office Application Packages such
as WORD and SPREADSHEETS which enabled us to list out our tasks, assign dates and
schedule the tasks in a real time frame in order to finish the project in assigned time.
The planning process began with identifying the process that would give us our required
module. It was like identifying what ingredient to add and how much to add and how long to
add in order to get the required taste, shape and quality of a dish. The Table (leer Figure-3),
which is our first project plan, will give you an idea on Planning.
FIGURE-3
TASKS
Days
Allotted Date(s)
(A) Hardware
1 User Requirement 3 20,21,22
2 Finalize Requirement 1 23
3 Defining System Requirement 1 23
4
Listing Individual Components and options
available 4 24,25,26,27
5 Drawing of schematic 3 28,29,30
6 Layout Generation 5 31,1,2,3,4
7 PCB Fabrication 5 5,6,7,8,9
8 Assembly 2 10,11
9 Board Bring up - testing for basic operations 5 12,13,14,15,16
10 Report writing 5
(B) Software
1 Software Requirement 3 17,18,19
2 Design Top- Identifying Modules 2 20,21
3 Detail Perform of Complex modules 5 22,23,24,25,26
4 Implementation - C coding 2 27,28
5 Testing 2 29,30
(C) Pre-Requisites
1
Process Control Theory and Ladder
Diagram 1 20
2 Digital Logic Design 1 21
3 Microcontroller Basics 1 22
4 Other Hardware Basics 1 23
5 OR CAD Exposure 1
6 C- Coding Basics 1 15
7 Finding contacts for outsourcing 3 24,25,26
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
12
FIGURE-4
Use of the SPREADSHEET Application Package to convert the plan of FIGURE-3 into more easily readable
format as shown in FIGURE-4
Office Application Packages are those Programs which are run on PC's to aid in office works.
Peep Appendix B for listing of Softwares and application packages customary.
db arts 2004
Dividing the work and learning the ethics of team work. The plan which now consisted of numerous tasks had to be somehow achieved. We had two factors under our control they were resources and time! So we considered dividing these factors among ourselves as the first step towards a team work strategy. This division though initially seemed logical, actually made things worse in the sense that communicating and synchronizing the work had to be performed every now and then. This consumed a lot of time and created confusions. It did not last long as we started to maintain a Dairy which we called it 'the project notes". This step not only facilitated our synchronization of tasks but also helped us in easy documentation of the project report. We took great interest in regularly updating and maintaining the project diary.
Refer to Appendix C (Page-31) for information on Technical Writing and Documentation of Project IMCS Kit.
Chill out Tip:
Reflect of a precise good name for your project!
Team work Works! This fact is very evident in each and every aspect of IMCS kit. For example
consider the name Intelligent Monitoring System Kit. This was an outcome of team work. The name
was finalized after considering the following names which were suggested by the Project Team,
Room Control System
Techno-savvy impulses
Ball of Tech fire
Techno Clerk
Remote home Monitoring System
Intelligent home systems
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
14
7. Designing the circuit.
As the IMCS Kit had various main modules which were depicted in the compose of a block diagram, it
was easier to analyze them individually and this also helped in drawing of individual circuit diagrams.
The main circuits in the project IMCS Kit, which were first identified were Display Circuit, Keyboard
Interface unit, Serial Port Interface unit,Digital to Analog interface unit, Real Time Clock interface
unit etc.,. As we were familiar to these individual circuits in our theory classes and also from
conducting experiments in the practical labs, we were able to scheme the first circuit diagram of
individual modules. This draft was closely analyzed and corrected at various levels depending on
inter-component compatibility, Power and design considerations to work towards a working circuitry.
The circuit also had to
be drawn in a procedure as
to facilitate easy
testing. Hence we had
to consume sufficient
time on learning the
basics of each
component used in
the circuit. The
various circuits were
then clubbed keeping
the Microcontroller in
the centre and various
components around it.
This resulted in our
next block diagram
(figure-5)
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
15
Drawing the first circuit
With the help of the block diagram and short listed components and tested circuits the first circuit
plot was drawn using the software tool. The circuit though in its very premature level was the first
step towards actual circuit design and as grand as 70 % of this fabricate remained the same and the rest
was either excluded or modified during the project review works. Later this circuit diagram was
updated to contain the Pin assignments (Figure-6).
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
16
8. Components shopping
As we had conducted a survey in the beginning on the components availability and performance
before short listing, it was easy to find the components we required. We bought our components from
Retail shops. For certain components which were only available on demand we had to rely on the
Online Shopping, the various companies which we interacted during components buying are listed in
the Appendix B. These Manufactures were kind enough to provide us with samples which served us
remarkably well for the IMCS kit.
This is the shopping list we prepared in order to ease the component buying process.
List of all the components aged in the circuit.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
17
9. PCB layout designing.
After the completion and finalization of the Circuit design we had to move one more step further into
realizing the module. This involved the fabrication of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) on which we
would set our circuit do and the short listed components.
IMCS has a design, which meets the industry standards in PCB layout design. The PCB is a Glass-
Epoxy based board, which has layer of masking to protect the circuit and has print of component
placement positions on its surface which mostly achieved by screen printing on the board.
The PCB of IMCS Kit was designed in order to meet the following Industry and user requirements:
A design to facilitate easy soldering of components during component placement.
Presence of maximum flexibility in design for providing more options which can be
manipulated in order to change the Input / Output ports configuration, with the abet of
switches.
Double sided PCB, to reduce space.
Presence of test points to facilitate Easy Testing of the board.
Inclusion of General-purpose area for expanding the circuitry in future if required.
For detail information on PCB manufacturing refer to the Appendix D.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
18
10. Testing
Testing is verification of the designed module for its intended operation. Testing in our project started
with verification of the PCB. We used the tools such Multimeter (see Appendix E for details on
multimeter), cathode Ray oscilloscopes to test the various connections and identification of errors. If
errors were found, it was corrected using several debugging techniques.
Following discusses a details description of IMCS Kit Testing performed before and after
mounting of components:
ASSEMBLING.
The following was performed in the direction of assembling.
1) Cross-checking of the circuit and circuit-connection after the PCB was fabricated.
2) Checking weather the parts and components are working and are in a good state before
assembling.
3) Assembling all the components and check if the gracious components are going into the right
place.
SOLDERING
1) The components' extra lead was trimmed before soldering them onto the PCB.
2) After soldering them, they were checked for proper link onto the board circuit.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
19
CHECKING FOR Suitable CONNECTIVITY IN THE CIRCUIT
1) The circuit was then checked for the proper connectivity between the points with the help of
the multimeter and was verified with the actual circuit diagram on paper.
2) The Circuit was powered up and then checked for voltages and currents across the test points.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
20
11. Software development
This was another aspect of our project. Though some projects will not have this part or may have only
this part. The project IMCS Kit consisted of 5% software and the remaining Hardware and thus
comparatively we had lesser amount of work in software development.
A software part in an electronic project is nothing but a Program that controls the various devices by
interacting with various components in the main module. Mostly the coded program runs in the main
controller or a processor.
As the microcontroller required a program for its operation, we started with basic approach of Flow
Chart produce and writing of algorithm.
Refer to the Appendix F for
Information on Flow Chart Drawing
and writing Algorithms.
In the final process of Software
development the program was
restricted to perform a simple
function which could display a
particular operation of the IMCS Kit.
The program performed the function
of turning on/off an LED on the
IMCS board on using the Push
Button Switch provided on the
Board.
Implementation of software on hardware- the Bootloader
We used the concept of Bootloader to write programs to the PIC directly with the use of only a RS232
port. The bootloader software was available on the internet and was
called as HI-Tech's C version Bootloader. The Bootloader program was first burnt into the PIC using
a PIC burner. Later the PIC was placed in its noxious on the IMCS kit and several re-programming was
done using the feature of the BOOTLOADER and RS232 ports.
Pic-Downloader program was used to enable the operation of Serial programming with reduced
programming time and ease of re-programming while debugging.
Refer to Appendix G for Information on Boot loader and Serial programming.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
21
12. Some Finishing Touches.
Protecting the module
The IMCS module was then mounted over a wooden benefit in order to protect it from shocks and
damage. The wooden support was specially designed with respect to the dimension and care was taken
to provide appropriate clearance for the soldering side and for proper heat dissipation from the KIT.
Pictures : The IMCS KIT (P-1) and its Power supply KIT(P-2).
P-1
P-2
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
22
13. Technical Writing and
Documentation.
The typical and commonly used headings in a project report are given below.
Shroud page
Title Page
Certificate of Project Completion
Summary
Acknowledgement
Introduction
Symbols
Theory related to Project work
Introduction to the Project
Project Details
Sample Program/Calculation
Summary of Results
Conclusions
Concluding Remarks
Appendix
Bibliography /References
Cover page:
The mask page contains the Title of the project and the names of individuals who have worked for it.
You can also include details of the Department and name of the Institution. Some colleges require
putting the College Logo on the cover page. Most of the colleges have a Colour code for the Cover
page.
You can download your college Logo from the college website
You can Screen Print the Cover Page if you have a Dark Colour Shroud requirements.
Title Page:
The main page which gives the reader of the report the Topic of the Project. Choose a name which is
self explanatory. For example a title "Data Acquisition System" is very ambiguous instead exhaust the title
"Data Acquisition System using Computer" or "Data Acquisition System - Review".
A title page should be able to provide the following information about the project:
1) Title of the Project
2) Names of individuals who worked in the project with their Roll Numbers.
3) Names of Professors / Guides who have guided in the Project.
4) Name of the institution and the department in which the people in the project study/ work.
5) The Year of Submission.
Certificate of Project Completion
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
23
This page certifies and validates your project picture.
You can change the Body of the certificate but remember the certificate should clearly specify the
following:
1) Title of the Project
2) Names of individuals who worked in the project with their Roll Numbers.
3) Provisions for Signatures with names of Professors / Guides who have guided in the Project.
4) Name of the institution and the department the students belong.
The general format is as shown
B A N G A L O R E I N S T I T U T E O F T E C H N O L O G Y
K .. R .. R O A D,, B A N G A L O R E -- 5 6 0 0 0 4 ..
D e p a r t m e n t o f I n s t r u m e n t a t i o n T e c h n o l o g y
C E R T I F I C A T E
This Certifies that the project titled "ABC Works" carried out by Mr. X, Mr. Y and Mr. Z, in partial
fulfillment of requirements for the award of Degree of Do YOUR DEGREE HERE in NAME OF
THE DEPARTMENT of the NAME UNIVERSITY,ADDRESS of the UNIVERSITY in the year 2004. It
is certified that all corrections/suggestions indicated for Internal Assessment have been
incorporated in the report deposited in the Department Library. The project Report has been
approved as it satisfies the academic requirements in respect of project work prescribed for the
PUT YOUR DEGREE HERE.
______________________ _____________________
Signature of Internal Guide Signature of External Guide
______________________ _____________________
Signature of the HOD Signature of the Principal
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
24
Summary :
It is also called as Synopsis or Abstract. It is a sketchy summary of the main points of the project or
the theory on which your project is based. Here you can talk about what is the highlighting feature in
the project. It should be very brief and concise.
Acknowledgement
You can Thank and be grateful to all the people, organizations and institutions who have helped you in
successful completion of the project. Try to be innovative and interesting and try to mention about
how each of the people or institution helped you.
Introduction
Introduce the Project in particular and talk about why you resolve the particular project. Mention what
has been achieved during the project. Describe your project and mention any information that is
related to the project. Write about general aspects of the project and create in the reader, an bustle to
read your report in the reader.
You can use Introduction to Briefly Interpret the Chapters that Follow in the after Introduction
Symbols
Use this section to expand abbreviations, define special symbols which the reader will come across in
the report.
Theory related to Project work
In this section you can do the following:
1) Explain Basics of Elements used in the project.
2) Explain evolution of the Project, scope of the project.
3) Any Elementary notes that the reader should be equipped in order to understand the report
more clearly.
4) You can also expend this as introduction to the Core Project.
Introduction to the Project
Introduce your project. Be systematic in writing about your project. If you project was an
improvement over another old project then mention about the old project and its disadvantages. Try to
bring out the main features of the project. Write about different technologies that have been
incorporated in the project. Write about the advantages of your Project.
Project Details
Use this section to technically describe your project. Clarify in detail all the features of the project.
Provide considerable data and number information where ever needed. This part of the portion can
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
25
include Procedures, detail explanation of techniques and any data which is very crucial. Use this space
to point to your project at the Hard Core level incorporating all the details and information in full.
Sample Program/Calculation
Certain projects have calculations, numerical derivations and mathematical explanations. Put them all
in this section. You can refer this section from other sections. This way there will be no room for
confusion and the reader who is concerned with the result can omit the explanations while reading the
Project Details and if he gets stuck he can refer to this section and clarify his doubts.
Conclusions
What is your project all about and what are the uses, scope and advantages of your project. Write all
these in brief. Expend this section to confirm your findings and complement your work.
Concluding Remarks
Use this section to clarify or mention anything that did not fit the sections which have been discussed.
Use this section to provide reasons for your work if any. If there is nothing important to be mentioned
or clarified then omit this section in the report.
Appendix
Appendix is like a Reference Guide to a topic in the Project report which does not belong to your
project but have to be mentioned in order to complete the explanation. Expend this to provide
mathematical formulae's, physical conversion scales, etc.,. Provide any information that you feel will
aid the reader in better understanding of the Narrate. Do not forget to mention "REFER TO
APPENDIX" in the Report if you feel it is significant for the reader to refer to the appendix for a clear
picture.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
26
Bibliography /References
List out all the resources you referred, studied and found useful while executing your project and
documentation of the project.
A typical Bibliography is as shown:
Bibliography
1
Byrne, N. Citing and Referencing - A Guide for Students, Dublin City University Library,
1998.
2
Hirschorn, R.M. and Miller, G. Control of nonlinear systems with friction, IEEE Trans.
on Control System Technology, Vol.7, No.5, Sept. 1999.
3
Whitfield, A. and Wallace, F.J. Study of incidence loss models in radial and mixed-flow
turbo machinery, Proc. Cong. Heat Fluid Flow in Steam and Gas Turbine Plant, Univ.
Warwick, Coventry, UK, April 1973, pp 122-32.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
27
Appendix: A
Application Notes:
Home Application:
To make easy control of devices such as Tube Lights, Fans, Water Pumps, etc, our controller gives the
user a powerful remote tool. The Remote control can be operated in a Drawing Room, Kitchen, and
Bathroom and can also operate together as a central controller for the entire home.
For example, to control the switch on and switch off tube lights in a Hall, it is easier if one remote
control button would switch off many tube lights at once or one by one as required.
Another illustration is Water Pump monitoring, with the help of the same remote control the user is
able to time the duration for the motor to run or the system can operate automatically to switch off
when the water fills up a tank.
The best feature of the module is User Programmable Timer, which the user can use to switch On/Off
a plot by setting Start time and Stop time.
With these functions, the user can accumulate many more functions and make his home centrally controlled
and secure.
Office Applications:
The applications in an Office are same as that of Home Applications but the area of applications differ.
The main area of application in an office is the control of a Seminar Hall, in which the one incharge
with the back of our controller gets the power to monitor and control various devices with ease and
there by saving time and also making the working environment more flexible and tension free as it is a
requirement in many Corporate Offices today.
Another application is the monitoring of various smaller devices such as that in a Laboratory, where
the supporting modules and various other Lab equipments have to be switched on especially in big
laboratories with mountainous number of work equipments. It is easier with the help of our Controller to
switch on the entire laboratory equipments and also accessories such as Lights and Air conditioners at
one go, there by saving time and energy.
Other Functions:
This Application is a very exclusive and very special one. It is intended for users with disability. The
user may be Vision or physically impaired but it should not stop him from leading daily life normally.
Our module helps such individuals with power to control switch On/Off and also to regulate any
device.
Exclusive Function:
The use of IMCS is not limited to the specific applications. It can be used to perform various other
operations which can be defined by the user. The IMCS KIT can be used by Professionals as a
platform to test their programming skills and Armatures can use it as a Microcontroller learning Kit.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
28
Appendix: B
The following Softwares and Application Packages were used in the project.
Application Package Old-fashioned for...
MS Word Documentation and Text Editing
MS PowerPoint Creating a Presentation of IMCS Project Seminars
MS Project and MS Excel Project Formulation and Evaluation.
Adobe PhotoShop Graphic Execute in the Report.
ORCAD PCB Layout Designing
PSPICE Circuit Testing and Simulation
PIC DOWNLOADER Download of Program into PIC.
MPLAB Assembling and Compilation of the code
Websites:
www.dallas.com
www.microchip.com
www.maxim.com
www.ti.com
www.goodsky.com
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
29
Appendix: C
Technical Writing and Documentation
Project Reports are as important as the Project itself as it is a mirror which reflects the important
aspects of the Project. It is like a recipe book which lists its ingredients and also lists various steps
involved in the formulation of the project.
Below is the Index Page of the report of the project IMCS Kit. Notice the headings; the notion of
formulating a Report becomes clearer as you read through them.
CONTENTS
SL No Particulars Page No.
1. Introduction
1.1 Classification of control systems
1.1.1 Manual control system
1.1.2 Automated control system
1.2 The idea gradual our project
Technical aspect:
Initial process execution
Defining criteria for the components
Selection of various components
Finalization of the components
General picturesque description
Rigging up the circuit
Technical Part I:
Block diagram formation
Introduction to individual blocks
IR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
---------------
User's Guide
Application notes
Conclusion
Bibliography
Data sheet
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
30
Appendix: D
Printed Circuit Board for IMCS
Introduction
IMCS has a design, which meets the industry standards in PCB layout Make. The PCB is a Glass-
Epoxy based, has masking and component placement printed on its surface.
The PCB was designed in order to meet the Industry standards with the following factors:
Easy soldering of components during component placement
Flexibility in design. There are options available, which can change the configuration of Input/
Output ports with the help of switches.
Double sided PCB, to reduce space.
Testing made easy with test points.
General-purpose state for expanding the circuitry.
Before proceeding with the description of the PCB for IMCS, information on its make, layout
generation and fabrication is presented in the following sub chapters.
Effect of PCB
The circuit of IMCS is to be fabricated on a printed circuit board of convenient size. The manufacture of a
PCB consists of the designing of the layout of the circuits followed by the preparation of artwork. The
layout should therefore include all the relevant details of the PCB design, while the artwork
preparation brings it to the form required for the production process.
For designing of the PCB, Computer Aided Design (CAD) facility is utilized since it offers many
advantages over the classical manual steps of PCB. The following are some of the advantages of CAD.
Faster art work preparation.
Higher art work precision which is constant & independent of personnel.
Extremely flexible, because of the availability of the facilities to incorporate modifications into the
design which is usually on a magnetic disk.
Availability of a wide ranges of software with different features to suite any type of PCB design.
Computer aided design PCB involves the following steps;
1) Drawing the schematic diagram,
2) Creation of a net list,
3) Placement of components,
4) Routing,
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
31
5) Placement of legend & solder mask.
Drawing of the Schematic
Schematic diagram is the complete circuit diagram of the IMCS The software package ORCAD 9 ©®
is old-fashioned for drawing the schematic diagrams. This package consists of different libraries in which the
specifications & symbols of all the electronic components including the IC's to resistors. The libraries
also acquire the details of how much space each of the component occupies which is a very important
factor in compact design PCB's .There are two types of libraries namely
1) Analog library,
2) Devices library.
The analog library includes the IC's and other devices such as CMOS ICs. The intention library includes
the transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors etc. The schematic diagram is drawn using these two
libraries which are exactly same as the circuit diagram.
Creation of Net list
After the schematic is drawn, each of the components is given a distinct name & the resistors are
numbered (R1, R2 etc).The next step involves checking the connections if the circuit diagram made in
the schematic, which is facilitated by creating a NETLIST. Net-list is the list of components, which
indicates the components that are interconnected.
Placement of components
The first two steps mainly drawing a schematic & creation of the net list where basically drawing the
circuit device & checking the interconnections with the aid of the computer software. The next step
is to draw the actual size of the layout of the PCB. As a practice, a scale of 2:1 is selected for design
purpose as it offers a reasonable compromise between accuracy gained & handling convenience.
For placement of components & the rest of the PCB design, another software package called ORCAD
9 ©® is used, the libraries of which consists of the details of how much space a component occupies
which is an additional feature of this package.
On a layout of the PCB drawn to 2:1 scale, the software package ORCAD 9 ©® allots space for each
components of the circuit to be placed using the details present in the libraries. Just by specifying the
component name, the package gives a space it occupies on the PCB & places it suitably. Similarly, all
the components are placed in the layout. The placement is facilitated by the use of the bill if the
material obtained from the net list placement draw.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
32
Routing
The net list, which was created earlier, is accepted by the package CADSTAR & RATNEST is the
writing of the circuit. The writing is random (i.e. there is state connection between the components).
The line running along the connections are known as tracks. The RATNEST is used in routing.
Routing is done in order to obtain the required connections between the components so that no tracks
cross each other. For a double sided PCB routing is done on both sides of the board & routes running
on both, solder layer & components layers are connected through Plate Through Holes(PTH) in order
to establish obliging contact. Drill details are prepared which is helpful in drilling holes.
A computer printout is taken after routing is completed, is called check-plot. This is agreeable during
PCB mounting & soldering. The check-plot & drill details are as shown in the figure.
Placement of legend and solder mask
Placement device is referred to prepare the legend which is nothing but the naming of the
components on the PCB in order to facilitate recognition on the board.
Solder mask is prepared to avoid the soldering lead from shorting. It is organic coating, which is
applied selectively to those areas where no solder wetting is desired. Solder mask acts as a barrier
between the atmosphere & the board thus eliminating the danger of corrosion & leakage currents.
The details from the above steps of PCB design namely placement diagram, check-plot, legend, solder
mask are reduced to 1:1 scale & a laser printout is taken. The obvious & negative are used for PCB
manufacture.
PCB Manufacturing
Types of PCB:
PCB's are classified into 3 groups depending upon the number of layers on which the routing is done.
They are
Single sided boards,
Double sided boards,
Multi layer boards.
Single sided boards:
Single layered boards are those boards in which the routing is done on only the soldering layer of the
board. These circuits are not complex so that most of the jumpers are avoided. These are used mostly
in entertainment electronics where manufacturing costs have to be kept at a minimum. To jump over
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
33
the conductor tracks, jumper wires have to be utilized. However the number of jumper wires on the
board is restricted due to economic reasons. As the circuit complexity increases, the number of jumper
wires increases. Hence the double sided boards are preferred.
Double sided boards:
Owing to the compactness of a complex circuit, the double sided boards are designed. The double
sided boards have routing on both solder layer and component layer of the board. For routes which run
both sides of the board, the connection is established using the plated through holes. In fact the double
sided boards are also classified into 2 groups depending on the fact whether they have plated through
holes or not. They are
Double sided Boards with PTH.
Double sided Boards without PTH.
The IMCS system requires a double sided Board with PTH. The solder veil & legend becomes a
necessary part in a Double sided board since the tracks are very close & the number of components is
more. Hence they avoid short circuit due to spurious soldering & misplacement of components.
Multi Layered Boards:
As the circuit complexity increases it becomes difficult to find routes on Double sided Boards. Hence
boards which have more than 2 layers have to be used. These may range from 3 layers to 64 layer of
routing's depending on the circuit complexity & required compactness.
Fabrication of PCB
A camera printout of the legend, solder mask, component layer & solder layer in actual scale are
taken. The size of the PCB required is 6" X 4".
The fabrication of the board involves the following steps:
Exposure of the film on the board.
Etching,
Drilling,
Tinning,
Placement of solder veil & legend.
Exposure of the film on the board
This process involves the transferring of the circuit tracks on both solder layer & component layer on
the copper clad board. Screen printing techniques are used for the purpose.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
34
Etching
It is a process of forming the final copper packing after removal of unwanted copper, which is not
protected by an etch resist. The pattern of the circuit board which forms the circuit tracks are coated
with the material called etch resist which protects the coated site of peeling off & the board is dipped
in the solution called etchant. The etchant dissolves the non coated copper leaving late the required
circuit tracks. Example of etchant are Ferric-chloride, Cupric chloride etc.
Drilling
After etching the circuit pattern is obtained on both sides of the board. In a Double sided board the
PTH establishes contact between both the sides of the board using the drill details done on the design
on the PCB, holes are drilled through the board at appropriate points according to the specification
provided.
Tinning
In order to protect the tracks & the PTH from corrosion & increase the solder ability, the tracks & the
PTH are plated with pure tin. This is easy plating control.
Placement of solder mask and legend
Solder camouflage protects those areas on the board from solder wetting where it is applied. The production
of solder mask is facilitated by screen printing.
Account is placed on the component layer which is helpful in mounting of the components on the PCB
during soldering.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
35
Appendix: E
Multimeter
A meter is a measuring instrument. An ammeter measures novel, a voltmeter measures the potential
difference (voltage) between two points, and an ohmmeter measures resistance. A multimeter
combines these functions and possibly some additional ones as well, into a single instrument.
A multimeter tests electrical continuity. It also can measure the amount of
alternating current (AC or household fresh) or direct original (DC or battery
current) in a plugged-in or live circuit. It can check voltage, too. For example, a
multimeter can verify that there are about 120 volts in an AC circuit or that a 9-
volt battery is fully charged. In addition, a multimeter can check resistance. A
continuity tester checks resistance, but answers YES or NO. A multimeter
checks resistance and reports how many ohms (the measurement of resistance) a
circuit has.
Multimeters are relatively inexpensive. Multimeters are available in digital and analog models. Digital
multimeters will display readings in numbers. Analog multimeters indicate values with a needle over a
scale.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
36
Appendix: F
Flow Charts
A flow chart is an organized combination of shapes, lines, and text that graphically illustrates a
process or structure.
The following are the basic operational shapes with their functions:
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
37
Appendix G:
Bootloader
A bootloader is used to quickly download a new program into your PIC micro, in a few seconds.
Once you have it location up, you can quickly update the .hex file in your PIC micro with a single
keystroke!
Bootloading is easily performed in-circuit, with the PIC micro still plugged into your PCB.
No modification to your circuit board is required for the basic implementation.
Supports Windows, Linux (native and under Java), and DOS
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
38
How to use the bootloader
Program the PIC micro in the module with the bootloader code. This is a onetime operation.
Connect the PIC micro to PC via RS232 serial adapter
Add an extra line in your program to reserve the top 255 bytes in memory for the bootloader.
Click the Write button on the Windows software, and then reset your target circuit (Master
Distinct Circuit for PICs).
The bootloader remains active for 0.2 seconds after reset, to give the option of uploading new
code.
You can optionally area your IDE/editor to auto-load the compiled Hex file into the PIC16F87x,
using the pronounce line options for the Windows software.
For More Information on Bootloader visit http://www.microchipc.com/PIC16bootload/
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
39
Appendix H
Glossary.
ADC- Analog to Digital Converter, converts analog signal into digital signals.
Control System- Controls various electronic devices. It has a central controller such as Processors.
DAC- Digital to Analog Converter.
EEPROM- Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
IR- Infra Red signal
MASKING- A process of covering the PCB with a protective layer
PCB- Printed Circuit Board
PIC16F877- A type of microcontroller sometimes referred to as PIC.
RS232 port- A Serial communication port used in electronic systems.
RTC- Real Time Clock, a timer/counter Chip.
Sequential Logic Controller- A system which aids controls of devices using digital logic.
Soldering- Use of conducting material to bind the component leads on to the PCB using heat.
db arts 2004
Durgesh Bhat Kalya
40
Appendix I
References:
IMCS KIT Project Report
http://www17.brinkster.com/dbworks/ProjectReport.zip
Engineering Communication Centre
http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook.html
NASA Publishing Services.
http://grcpublishing.grc.nasa.gov
Owl online Writing Labs
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/reportW/generalguidelines.html
Business report Writing
http://planet.tvi.cc.nm.us/ba122/Reports/Report%20Writing.htm
db WORKS
http://www.durgeshbhat.com
dbarts2005 ©®
Saturday, April 30, 2005, 8:29:21 PM
Related Posts
Filed under Laser Etching Equipment by on Dec 17th, 2011. 
Leave a Comment