To use the ACS712 current sensor with Arduino, follow these steps:
- Connect the ACS712 module to your Arduino. The module typically has three pins: VCC (power), GND (ground), and OUT (output). Connect VCC to a 5V pin on the Arduino, GND to a GND pin on the Arduino, and OUT to an analog input pin (e.g., A0).
- Connect the load you want to measure to the ACS712 module. The load should be connected in series with the sensor, so that all the current flowing through the load also flows through the sensor.
- Write a program in the Arduino IDE to read the analog voltage output from the sensor and convert it to a current value. The ACS712 sensor outputs a voltage proportional to the current flowing through it, and the sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted by selecting the appropriate model (5A, 20A, or 30A). The formula to convert the voltage output to current is:
current = (analogRead(A0) – 512) / sensitivity
where A0 is the analog input pin connected to the sensor, 512 is the midpoint of the analog input range (0-1023), and sensitivity is the sensitivity of the sensor (e.g., 0.185V/A for the 5A model).
- Upload the program to your Arduino board and test the sensor by measuring the current flowing through the load. You can use a multimeter to verify the accuracy of your measurements.
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