UV sensors measure the power or intensity of incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This form of electromagnetic radiation has shorter wavelengths than visible radiation, but is still longer than x-rays. UV sensors are used for determining exposure to ultraviolet radiation in laboratory or environmental settings. They are transmitters that respond to one type of energy signal by producing energy signals of a different type. Generally, these output signals are electrical signals that are routed directly to an electrical meter for observation and recording. The generated electrical signals from UV sensors can also be sent to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and then to a computer with software for generating graphs and reports.
UV sensors are used in many different applications. Examples include pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and robotics. UV sensors are also used in the printing industry for solvent handling and dyeing processes. In addition, UV sensors are also used in the chemical industry for the production, storage, and transportation of chemicals.
The UVB (Ultra Violet B-rays) sensor is an ultraviolet light sensor that can detect the wavelength range of 290 to 320 nm of UV rays.
An overview of the GUVB photodiode
GUVB is a UV Schottky-type Photodiode with Photovoltaic Mode Operation. Its working temperature is -30 to 85 degrees Celsius and its maximum reverse DC voltage is 3 volts.
Specification
Application
- Output Type: Analog-Voltage
- Wavelength Range: 240 to 320 nm
- Peak Wavelength: ~310 nm
For more specifications, please refer to datasheet
- UV Index Monitoring
UVB Sensor module Key Features
- User-selectable module power supply voltage between 3V3 and 5V
- Photovoltaic Mode Schottky-type Photodiode
- integrated op-amp
- On Board, ON/OFF LED indicator
- GebraBit Pin Compatible with GEBRABUS
- It can be used as a daughter board of GebraBit MCU Modules
- Featuring Castellated pad (Assembled as SMD Part)
- Separatable screw parts to reduce the size of the board
- Package: GebraBit small (36.29mm x 32.72mm)
GebraBit UVB sensor module
GebraBit UVB-SENSOR features Photovoltaic Mode Schottky-type Photodiode.
This module can operate with “3V3” or “5V” supply Voltages by Considered “VCC SEL” jumper selector.
As you know, sensor Output is current type, so GebraBit UVB-SENSOR has an integrated op-amp which converts UV-B Photodiode Output, to an analog voltage on the “A0” pin.
The user needs a starter circuit and driver for the hardware development and of course the software development of the UVB sensor. GebraBit has designed the UVB sensor circuit using an UV-B photodiode and provided access to its analog output for users.
It is enough to put the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module in the BreadBoard, then by applying the proper voltage set up the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module with any of Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Discovery board, and especially we recommend using GebraBit microcontroller development modules (GebraBit STM32F303 or GebraBit ATMEGA32 module) then receive the data.
The reason for our recommendation when setting up the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module with GebraBit microcontroller development modules (such as GebraBit STM32F303 or GebraBit ATMEGA32), is the presence of an internal 3V3 regulator on these modules and the compatibility of the pin order of all GebraBit modules together (GEBRABUS standard), it’s enough to Put the UVB-SENSOR in the corresponding socket as shown in the above picture and develop the desired sensor module without the need for wiring.
Introduction of module sections
GUVB photodiode
The GUVB photodiode is a schottky type photodiode that is used as the UV-B sensor in this module and its circuit is designed and placed on top of the module.
VCC SEL
According to the state of the VCC SEL selector jumper 0R resistance, the main voltage of the sensor power supply is selected between “5V” and “3V3”.
Op amp
There is an integrated op amp on the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module to convert the sensor current output to analog voltage. This analog voltage output is available to the user on pin “A0”.
Power LED
According to the state of the VCC SEL jumper and applying voltage to the module by the corresponding pin, this LED is lit.
GebraBit UVB sensor Module pins
Supply pins
3V3 and 5V: These pins can supply the sensor main power according to the state of the VCC SEL selector jumper.
GND: This is the ground pin for powering the sensor.
Analog output pin
AO: The sensor output data will be available in the form of analog voltage through this pin, and the output of this pin will change when the ultraviolet light intensity changes.
Connect to the processor
Connection with GebraBit STM32F303
Due to the compatibility of the pin order of GebraBit modules with each other (GEBRABUS standard), to start the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module with GebraBit STM32F303 microcontroller module, it is enough to easily place the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module as pin to pin on the GebraBit STM32F303 module and start the module by applying voltage. Here, for better understanding, the separate connection of these two modules is shown:
Connection with GebraBit ATMEGA32A
Due to the compatibility of the pin order of GebraBit modules with each other (GEBRABUS standard), to start the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module with the GebraBit ATMEGA32A microcontroller module, it is enough to easily place the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module as pin to pin on the GebraBit ATMEGA32A module and start the module by applying voltage. Here, for better understanding, the separate connection of these two modules is shown:
Note: When using GebraBit microcontroller modules, note that the VCC SEL selector jumper of the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module is set to “3V3” so that you can easily get the “3V3” voltage from the microcontroller module.
Connection with ARDUINO UNO
Follow the steps below to connect the GebraBit UVB-SENSOR module to ARDUINO UNO:
- Connect the “3V3” pin of the UVB-SENSOR module to the “3V3” pin of the ARDUINO UNO board output (red wire).
- Connect the “GND” pin of the UVB-SENSOR module to the “GND” pin of the ARDUINO UNO board. (Black wire)
Connect the “AO” pin of the UVB-SENSOR module to one of the ARDUINO UNO board analog pins (blue wire).
How to connect the above mentioned steps can be seen in this picture: