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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #158566
Title: AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION USING SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE MICROCONTROLLERS AND SEMICONDUCTOR SENSORS

Author
item Fisher, Daniel
item Thomson, Steven
item Smith, Lowrey
item Brazil, Brian

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/2003
Publication Date: 7/27/2003
Citation: Fisher, D.K., Thomson, S.J., Smith, L.A., Brazil, B.L. 2003. Automated data collection using simple and inexpensive microcontrollers and semiconductor sensors. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers. Paper number 033146. pg 9.

Interpretive Summary: Manual collection of field and laboratory data can be a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive process. Automating the collection of data can result in data being collected more frequently, at regular intervals, and more consistently and objectively. Many different types of data-collection instruments and sensors are available today. In some applications, the requirements may be such that an off-the-shelf system is not suitable, whether for functional, economic, or other reasons. Recent advances in the performance, ease of use, and cost of electronic microcontrollers, semiconductor sensors, and other components may provide alternatives to those wishing to automate the data-collection process. This paper discusses the features, capabilities, and potential uses of a class of low-voltage, multi-featured, easily programmed microcontrollers and inexpensive semiconductor sensors.

Technical Abstract: The features, capabilities, and potential uses of a class of low-voltage, multi-featured, easily programmed microcontrollers are presented. A number of semiconductor sensors and auxiliary components are discussed, and a listing of equipment and informational resources is given.