Huy Tang

Light dependent resistor

This article will guide you through the basic ideas about Iight dependent resistor as well as its use in some specific applications

4/17/2011

1) What is light dependent resistor? LDR are sensors that allow you to detect light. They are small, inexpensive, low-power, easy to use and don't wear out. For that reason they often appear in toys, gadgets and appliances. They are often referred to as CdS cells (they are made of Cadmium-Sulfide) and photo-resistors. LDR are basically a resistor that changes its resistive value (in ohms ) depending on how much light is shining onto the squiggly face. They are very low cost, easy to get in many sizes and specifications, but are very inaccurate. Each photocell sensor will act a little differently than the other, even if they are from the same batch. The variations can be really large, 50% or higher! For this reason, they shouldn't be used to try to determine precise light levels in lux or mili-candela. Instead, you can expect to only be able to determine basic light changes 2) Typical construction of light dependent resistor Below is a picture showing the typical construction of a LDR

In our case the photoconductive layer is Cadmium Sulphite

3) Specifications A)Resistance versus illumination

In Nhat Tao, therere 2 types of LDR(This is the specific specs for LDR in Nhat Tao) : The small one (5mm in diameter) : R is approximately 400ohm at full day light R is approximately 1.6:2 kohms at normal day light R is approximately 1.123 Mohms at darkness The large one (12mm in diameter) R is approximately 600ohm at full day light R is approximately 5.6:6.1 kohms at normal day light R is approximately 1.840Mohm at darkness Bear in mind that LDR are very inaccurate. The variation of resistance even within the same manufacture can be as large as 50%. Thus, use the aforementioned specs as an approximation only b) Spectral Response LDR, particularly the common CdS cells that you're likely to find, are not sensitive to all light. In particular they tend to be sensitive to light between 700nm (red) and 500nm (green) light. Empirically speaking, I would say that LDR is most sensitive to light at 550mm in wavelength.

c) Light memory characteristic LDR has a particular property in that they remember the lighting conditions in which they have been stored. This memory effect can be minimized by storing LDR in light prior to use. Light storage reduces time to reach steady resistance value 4) Some specific use of LDR a)Light detecting circuit:

With a properly selected resistor R1, the voltage at the base of the transistor in the dark state is less than 0.7 V, and therefore the transistor is in the cut-off state. Since the transistor is cutoff, no current flows from its collector to its emitter, so the LED will be off. As the photo-resistors resistance decreases (as the result of an increase in light intensity), the voltage at the base increases due the voltage divider formed by R1 and the photo-resistor. Once the base voltage reaches 0.7 V, the base current starts to flow, and any further decrease in the photo-resistors resistance causes an increase of base current. This base current increment will be amplified by the current gain of the transistor up to the point that the transistor saturates. Below is the necessary steps to choose appropriate component values:

1. Choose the supply voltage, VS. The supply voltage is often a predetermined value rather than a design choice. For example, suppose the supply consisted of five alkaline batteries in series. Then VS = 5 * 1.5V = 7.5V. 2. Select R1. First, choose the value of the photo-resistors resistance (call it Ron) within the range that you measured earlier at which you would like the LED to be turned on. The resistance value can be that for when the photo-resistor is covered or somewhat shaded, its up to you. The value of R1 should be such that 0.7V = VS*R1/(R1+Ron).

Choose a nominal resistor value closest to the value you calculated for R1, or you can use a variable resistor (trim pot). Depending on the resistor value you choose, you may want to check the equation above for RON to make sure it still within the range that you want. 3. Select Rc, the current limiting resistor. With this resistor, the collector current is limited to Imax=(VS - VLED - VSat)/RC , where VLED is the voltage drop across the LED (i.e., the voltage you measured across the LED when it was on.), and VSat is the saturation voltage between the collector and emitter. Select RC so that the LED current is limited to be less than 20 mA (preferably 5-10 mA). You may need to iterate this calculation depending on the limited choice of resistor values that we have in the lab. Using Rc, construct and test the circuit. Note: For dark detecting circuit, simply swap position of LDR and R1 Some references on light levels

5) Conclusions

Throughout this report, I have tried to guide you to the basics about LDR and its relevant applications. Although I didnt quite satisfied with this report myself, I still hope that you find this article useful as a guide towards better understanding of LDR.