Hall Effect Sensor in Current Detection Experiment

Objective

The objective of this experiment is to utilize a Hall Effect sensor for detecting current flow in a conductor. This experiment will demonstrate how Hall Effect sensors can measure magnetic fields generated by current and convert them into a voltage output.

Required Components

• Hall Effect sensor (e.g., ACS712)
• DC power source (e.g., battery)
• Load (e.g., resistive load, such as a light bulb or resistor)
• Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) or multimeter for voltage measurement
• Connecting wires
• Breadboard (optional for circuit assembly)

Circuit Setup

The circuit will consist of a Hall Effect sensor connected in series with a load to measure the current flowing through the circuit.

1. Connect the Hall Effect sensor in series with the load. The load should be connected to the output of the sensor.
2. Connect the supply voltage to the Hall Effect sensor according to its specifications (e.g., Vcc to +5V and GND to ground).
3. Connect the output of the Hall Effect sensor to an analog input pin on the microcontroller (if using one).
4. Ensure all connections are secure on a breadboard (if used).

Experiment Steps

1. Power the circuit by connecting the DC power source.
2. Using a multimeter, measure the voltage output of the Hall Effect sensor with no current flowing through the load (it should be near 2.5V for many sensors).
3. Gradually increase the load current (ensure the load is within the sensor’s range) and observe the voltage output from the sensor.
4. Record the voltage readings at different current levels, noting the relationship between current and output voltage.
5. If using a microcontroller, write a simple program to read the analog voltage and convert it to a current value based on the sensor's sensitivity (e.g., 185 mV/A for ACS712).
6. Analyze the results and determine the accuracy of the Hall Effect sensor in measuring current.

Analysis

Analyze the data collected from the experiment. Discuss how the output voltage from the Hall Effect sensor varies with the current flowing through the conductor. Examine the linearity of the sensor’s output and any deviations from expected values. Consider potential sources of error in the measurements.

Conclusion

This experiment demonstrates the use of a Hall Effect sensor for current detection. Hall Effect sensors provide a non-intrusive method for measuring current, which is valuable in various applications, including motor control, battery management, and energy monitoring systems.