Stefan Bracher
Electronics Reference
Back to MicrocontrollersThis page summarizes the main hardware components used in my electronics and microcontroller projects. It serves as a quick reference for myself, for students, and anyone else that might be interested.
Diese Seite fasst die wichtigsten Hardware-Komponenten zusammen, die ich in meinen Elektronik- und Mikrocontrollerprojekten verwende. Sie dient als schnelle Referenz für mich selbst, für Studierende und für alle anderen Interessierten.
Cette page résume les principaux composants matériels que j’utilise dans mes projets d’électronique et de microcontrôleurs. Elle sert de référence rapide pour moi-même, pour les étudiant·e·s et pour toute personne intéressée.
Questa pagina riassume i principali componenti hardware che utilizzo nei miei progetti di elettronica e microcontrollori. Serve come riferimento rapido per me, per gli studenti e per chiunque sia interessato.
Microcontrollers
| Picture | Component | Family | Main Use | Example Project / Video | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Arduino Micro | Arduino | Compact prototyping and embedded control with native USB | DHT22 Temperature and Humidity with Arduino | Based on ATmega32U4. Can emulate USB devices such as keyboard or mouse. |
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Arduino UNO R3 | Arduino | General-purpose learning, prototyping, control | Train automation with Arduino - Two trains on one loop |
Widely used in teaching and introductory projects |
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ESP32 | ESP | Wireless control, web interfaces, IoT | Model Train Remote Control by Phone (ESP32) | Useful for phone control, browser interfaces, remote monitoring |
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PIC16F684 | PIC | Low-level embedded projects and assembler-based control | Push-button light switch with PIC16F684 | Used in earlier PIC projects |
Sensors / Inputs
| Picture | Component | Measures / Detects | Output Type | Example Project / Sample Code | Notes / Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Push Button | User input | Digital input | Push-button light switch with PIC16F684 | |
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Potentiometer | Adjustable voltage divider | Analog input | 1 Channel / 8-Bit parallel ADC using a PIC16F684 | Commonly used to adjust thresholds, brightness, or other analog parameters. |
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Phototransistor | Light intensity | Analog and/or Digital | - | Light-controlled transistor. Often used for light detection, object sensing, and line-following applications. |
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DS18B20 | Temperature | Digital (1-Wire) | DS18B20 and LCD Display with Arduino | Libraries used: OneWire, DallasTemperature. Connections: VCC (Red), Data (Yellow), GND (Black). Requires 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistor between VCC and Data. |
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DHT22 | Temperature and humidity | Digital | DHT22 Temperature and Humidity with Arduino | Libraries used: DHT sensor library. Connections: VCC (Red), Data (Green), GND (Black). |
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IR Distance Sensor | Object proximity / distance | Analog and/or Digital | IR_Sensor.ino | Common module with AO (analog) and DO (digital threshold) outputs. Does not work well in daylight. Video: IR Proximity Sensor Module Demo |
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Reed Switch | Magnetic field | Digital | - | Used for detecting passing trains with magnets under wagons |
Actuators / Outputs
| Picture | Component | Function | Control Type | Example Project / Video | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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LED | Light output / indication | Digital / PWM | Push-button light switch with PIC16F684 | Used for status indication, simple outputs, and light. Requires a current-limiting resistor. |
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L298N H-Bridge Motor Driver | Bidirectional DC motor control | Digital / PWM | Model Train Remote Control by Phone (ESP32) | Typical pins: IN1, IN2 (motor direction), ENA (speed control via PWM), OUT1/OUT2 (motor), VCC (motor supply), 5V (supply), GND. |
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Optocoupler | Signal transfer between isolated circuits | Digital | - | Useful for isolating circuits and safely replacing buttons to control external devices. Typical part names: 4N35 (6 pin), PC817 (4pin) |
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Transistor | Electronic switching / amplification | Semiconductor | - | Allows a microcontroller to drive higher-current loads such as motors, relays, or LEDs. Example: 2N2222 |
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Servo Motor | Controlled angular position | PWM | - | Useful for positioning tasks. Typically controlled with a PWM signal from the microcontroller. |
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DC Motor | Rotational motion | Digital / PWM | - | Usually needs to be driven through a transistor or motor driver (and not directly from the microcontroller). |  |
LCD Display | Text display output | Parallel / I2C | DS18B20 and LCD Display with Arduino | Displays two lines of 16 characters. Often used with an I2C backpack for simplified wiring. |
Other Circuit Parts
| Picture | Component | Function | Interface / Type | Example Project / Video | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Resistor | Current limiting and voltage division | Passive component | - | Common uses include LED current limiting, voltage dividers, and pull-up/pull-down resistors. |
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Capacitor | Energy storage and filtering | Passive component | - | Used for power supply smoothing, signal filtering, and timing circuits. |
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Diode | Allows current to flow mainly in one direction | Semiconductor | - | Commonly used for reverse-polarity protection, flyback protection across coils, and rectification. |
Communication
| Component / Method | Category | Main Use | Typical Projects / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Serial | Wired communication | Data transfer between microcontroller and computer | Programming, serial monitor,Logging |
| WebSerial | Browser-based serial communication | Display serial data directly in a browser | No LCD needed, useful for modern user interfaces |
| Wi-Fi (ESP32) | Wireless communication | Remote control and web interfaces | Phone-based control and local web servers |
| Bluetooth (ESP32) | Wireless communication | Short-range device communication | Potential for local wireless control |
| I2C | Serial bus | Communication with sensors and displays | Common for LCD backpacks and modules |
| SPI | Serial bus | Fast communication with peripherals | Used where speed is important |