Operation of a Remote Control: operating principle (part 1 of 2)

Abstract

This work has as main objective of dissemination of the use of the Arduino microcontroller in teaching and learning of Modern Physics. To do so, we developed a didactic sequence in order to explore the operation of remote controls. This sequence will be presented in two modules: the first one is for the study of the physical phenomena involved in the transmission of wireless signals by means of infrared radiation and it is the focus of the 1st part of the article. The second module is for the understanding of the model associated with the logic and interpretation of signals by the infrared receiver. For this second module, activities are developed by coupling the IR receiver of the series PNA4601M to the Arduino microcontroller that interprets and executes actions from the codes received. All the proposed experiments in these modules are designed to make possible an understanding not only of the operation of a remote control, but the whole process of communication involved and the different commands/codes coming from each key. We intend to explore Physics concepts from instruments and technological applications present in the students daily lives making Physics classes more dynamic and motivating.