Summary of Photoelectric Smoke Detector
This project is a photoelectric smoke detector using an infrared light source and a photodiode photo chamber, controlled by the RE46C190 smoke detector IC. The IC handles sensing, battery checks every 86 seconds, chamber integrity checks every 43 seconds, and supports interconnection of multiple detectors via I/O PIN-12 so that triggering one unit can activate all connected units.
Parts used in the Photoelectric Smoke Detector Project:
- RE46C190 smoke detector IC
- Infrared light source (IR LED)
- Photoelectric receiver (photodiode)
- Battery (power source)
- Supporting passive components (resistors, capacitors)
- Interconnection wiring for I/O PIN-12
- Enclosure/chamber for the photoelectric sensing assembly
Smoke detector is a device incorporated on fire alarm system; it is usually installed on buildings to alarm the occupants when there is a fire (when there’s smoke, there’s fire). This provides the crucial early warning to escape injury or death in fire. This project uses optical method design; the sensing part is the photo chamber that is composed of infrared light source and a photoelectric receiver (photodiode).
The design of this project is not so complicated because of the specialized IC (Integrated Circuit) intended for smoke detection. The RE46C190 smoke detector IC provides all the required features for a photoelectric smoke detector type of electronic project with minimal external component needed. During standby mode, the RE46C190 IC is programed to check the battery condition every 86 seconds and the chamber integrity every 43 seconds. Interconnection between multiple detectors (through I/O PIN-12) is also possible; this will activate all the connected detectors when one of the units is triggered.
For more detail: Photoelectric Smoke Detector
- What sensing method does this smoke detector use?
It uses the optical (photoelectric) method with an infrared light source and a photodiode in a photo chamber. - Which IC is used to control the detector?
The RE46C190 smoke detector IC is used to provide required features for the photoelectric detector. - How often does the IC check the battery?
The IC is programmed to check the battery condition every 86 seconds during standby. - How often does the IC check chamber integrity?
The IC checks the chamber integrity every 43 seconds. - Can multiple detectors be connected together?
Yes, detectors can be interconnected through I/O PIN-12 to activate all connected units when one is triggered. - What components form the photo chamber?
The photo chamber is composed of an infrared light source and a photoelectric receiver (photodiode). - Is the project design complex?
No, the design is not very complicated because the RE46C190 IC provides most required functions with minimal external components.