Practical PIC Projects

   

2-Channel IR Relay Controller
for PIC10F200

  • Description
     
  • Schematic
     
  • Circuit Description
     
  • PCB Layout
     
  • Component List
     
  • Construction photos
     
  • Firmware
     

 


Description

This project is a 2 channel infrared (IR) remote controlled relay driver with power saving.  It works with 12-bit SIRC IR signals as used by Sony remote controls.

The controller also features a power save feature which reduces the relay holding voltage to 50% of the relays nominal operating voltage once the relay has switched on.

The board uses Microchip's low cost PIC10F200 microcontroller along with a handful of easy to find  components making this possibly the lowest cost remote controlled relay driver around.  Everything you need to know to build this project, including the firmware code is right here on the project page.

 

 
Don't forget to check out the accompanying mini IR remote control which can be used with this project.

Schematic

        

Download schematic in PDF

Circuit Description

The board requires a 12 volt DC supply input.  This is fed through diode D5 which provides protection from a reversed connection of the power supply. Capacitor C2 is used for decoupling the supply.  The 5 volt supply needed by the microcontroller U1 and the IR receiver U2 is generated using a simple zener shunt regulator comprising R6 and the 5.1 volt Zener diode D4.

The relays are switched on by microcontroller U1 via driver transistors Q1 and Q4.  These are low power NPN transistors, in this case BC547 but virtually any small NPN transistor will work here as they only need to switch around 30mA - BC548 or BC549 would also work well.  Diodes D1 and D2 provide protection for the transistors against the back EMF voltage transient when the relays are switched off.

The controller also features a power saving control which reduces the power consumption of the relays by around 50% when they are on.  Relays of the type used here typically need 75% of their nominal voltage to "pull-in", once on they will 'hold' with a lower voltage.  The datasheet for the Omron G5LE for example shows a must release voltage of 10% of rated voltage - for a 12V relay that's around 1.2V.  This circuit uses a holding voltage of around 50% or 6 Volts.

Normally the supply voltage is fed to the relay coils via zener diode D3 which drops 5.1 volts leaving around 6 volts across the relay coil. In parallel with D3 is transistor Q2.  When this transistor is switched on, it bypasses D3 and provides the full supply voltage to the relays.  This 'boost' voltage is switched by the microcontroller with Q2 being switched on via Q3.  The firmware in the microcontroller detects when a relay is being turned on and applies the boost for a minimum of around 100mS, again the datasheet for the relays gives typical operate time of 10mS, so the 100mS boost guarantees the relay will pull-in before the voltage is reduced.  If you find the relay used doesn't hold fully swap D3 for a 4.7 volt zener.

LEDs 1 and 2 are connected across the relay coils to give visual indication when the relays are on and can be omitted if not required.

The circuit is controlled by U1, a PIC10F200, the smallest and cheapest PIC available from Microchip.  The IR signal is detected and demodulated by U2 a TSOP4838 IR receiver IC.  This part was chosen because it has a low supply current requirement - typically around 1.5mA - making it ideal for use with the shunt regulator.  The output from the TSOP4838 is active low, when a signal is received the output goes to 0V, when no signal is received it is pulled high by an internal pull-up resistor.  The signal is decoded using the firmware programmed into the PIC10F200.  This has been written to decode the 12-bit SIRC protocol (see download section)

I recently had an email from someone asking why I used the TSOP4838 38Khz transceiver when the Sony SIRC protocol use a 40KHz carrier. It was a good question and the answer is that I source a lot of my parts from Rapid Electronics and they only stock the TSOP4838.   In practice this part will work just fine with a 40Khz IR signal.  However, if you can get hold of the TSOP4840 (40KHz variant) by all means use it.

For more information on the SIRC infrared protocol and codes see:

If you don't want the power save feature, replace D3 with a wire link and omit R2,R3,R5,Q2 and Q3.


PCB Layout

   

Download PCB artwork in PDF
Download PCB overlay in PDF

Suggested hole drill sizes:

  • terminal blocks drill at 1.1mm
  • relays drill at 1.5mm
  • U1, U2 drill at 0.85mm
  • everything else drill at 0.75mm

Component List

You can buy all the parts needed to build this project from most component suppliers world wide. In the UK you can get everything from Rapid Online and I've included a parts list with their part numbers below.

 

All Rapid parts/descriptions correct at 31 January 2010.  You should check part# and descriptions are correct when ordering in case I've made a mistake transferring them onto this page.

Component Description Part #
R1,2,3,4,5   * PACK 100 10K 0.25W CF RESISTOR (RC)  62-0394
R7,8 * PACK 100 1K 0.25W CF RESISTOR (RC)    62-0370
R6 * PK 100 680R 0.25W CF RESISTOR (RC)    62-0366
C2 47U 25V 105 DEG.RADIAL ELECT. (RC) 11-1165
C1 100N 2.5MM Y5V DIELEC.CERAMIC (RC) 08-0275
D1,2,5 1N4148 75V 200 MA SIGNAL DIODE. (RC) 47-3309
D3,4 BZX55C5V1 ZENER DIODE 0.5W DO35 5.1V RC 47-3852
Q2 BC327-25 TO-92 50V PNP TRANSISTOR (PS)RC 81-0390
Q1,3,4 BC547B TRANSISTOR NPN TO-92 50V (RC) 81-0468
LED1,2 L-7113GD LED 5MM GREEN DIFF 20MCD (RC) 55-0120
U1 PIC10F200-I/PG MICROCONTROLLER (RC) 73-1952
U2** TSOP4838 IR RECEIVER MODULE 38KHZ (RC) 55-0905
K1, K2*** 36.11 12V MINIATURE SPDT 10A RELAY RC 60-4192
socket for U1 8 PIN 0.3IN TURNED PIN SOCKET(RC) 22-1720
X1,2 3 WAY 16A INTERLOCKING TERMINAL BLOCK RC 21-0442
X3 2 WAY 16A INTERLOCKING TERMINAL BLOCK RC 21-0440

Parts List Notes

* All the resistors are supplied in packs of 100 so only order 1 pack of each.

** TSOP4840 may also be used if you can get hold of it (not available from Rapid Electronics).
It is available from Farnell, Part No 1469636  VISHAY SEMICONDUCTOR - TSOP4840 - IR RECEIVER, 40KHZ

*** PCB uses a standard relay footprint, alternative manufacturers products can be used.
Suggested alternatives are listed at the end of the Construction section

 Not got a programmer?  Buy a pre-programmed PIC for this project from the online store


 


Construction

Photos

Construction is very straightforward however, before you start please read through this section so you know what to do, the photo's are clickable to get a 1024x768 detailed version.


Fig.1

Fig .2

Fig. 3

Fig.4

Fig.5

Fig.6

Fig.7

Fig.8

Fig.9

Construction notes

Fig 1.   Install the diodes.  Make sure the black band marking on the diode matches the overlay.  Also make sure you don't get the 1N4148 and BZX55 zener diodes mixed up.  They look virtually identical so keep them separated and install them one at a time.

Fig 2.  Install the resistors. Doesn't matter which way round these go but it does matter what values go where. Check the coloured bands 10K 10K resistor  and 1K  1K resistor Also note: in these photos R6 is a 470R resistor 470R resistor but after testing I decided to use a 680R 680R resistor and that's what I've spec'd in the parts list.

Fig 3.   Now fit C1 and C2.  C2 is the 47uF capacitor and as it's a polarised part it needs to be fitted the correct way round.  One of the leads will be shorter than the other.  The short lead is the negative terminal and should be fitted so it is on the side arrowed in the photo (click on photo)  C1 is the 100nF ceramic capacitor and fits either way.

Fig 4. Next install the four transistors.  Q2 is a PNP transistor type BC327.  The other three are NPN type BC547 - don't get them mixed up.  These need fitting the correct way round, align the body of the part as shown in the photos.

Fig 5.  Finishing up now, install the two LEDs.  The LEDs have one lead shorter than the other denoting the Cathode terminal.  Fit the short lead into the hole nearest the relays (also shown arrowed in photo).  Install the 8 pin socket for U1 and the three screw terminal blocks.

At this point, before U1 and U2 are installed I recommend applying 12 volts to the power terminal.  Then using a voltmeter, measure the voltage between pins 2 (Vdd) and 7 (Vss) of the U1 socket.  It should measure 5.1 volts, if it doesn't find out why and correct it before moving on. 

Once you've tested the power, disconnect the 12 volts supply - never work on a board with power connected.

Program the PIC

If you haven't done this already you need to program the PIC10F200 with the firmware at the bottom of this page before fitting it to the board - it won't work until it is.

Fig 6.  Now fit the PIC10F200 U1 into the IC socket and the TSOP4838 U2, making sure they are both fitted the correct way round.  The PIC10F200 has a small indent in the top of the package next to pin 1

Fig 7/8/9.  This is the completed board with relays installed and U1 fitted in the socket. 

All done.  Give the board a once over checking for bad solder joints, bridges and anything else that doesn't look right.  If you're happy with the construction, apply 12 volt power supply and recheck the 5.1 volts between pins 2 and 6 of U1, if it's still correct then it's time to test with a remote control.

Operating

The code in the download section is set for a Sony TV remote and the following command buttons
:

1
Toggle K1
2
Toggle K2
3
 
4
K1 off
5
K2 off
6
 
7
Momentary K1
8
Momentary K2
9
K1 & K2 on
  0
K1 & K2 off
 
  • Toggle commands invert the current state of the output
  • On / Off commands force the output to that state
  • Momentary command turns the output on only while the button is pressed, the output turns off when the button is released.

You can use a one-for-all type remote control set for a Sony TV, or take a look at the mini IR remote control project here designed to work with this relay board.

The buttons the commands respond to can changed by editing the .asm file and reassembling the code.   Any commands you don't require or want deactived can be disabled by setting the command code in the .asm file to 255.  This is documented in the .asm file.

Power Supply

The board needs a 12 volt DC regulated supply.  Current draw is about 80mA when switching both relays on, in power save mode it drops to around 45mA and with both relays off it's under 10mA. 

Relays

The relay footprint is a standard size so the board can accommodate many different makes / models.  Just ensure that they are rated for 12 volt operation and 360-400mW coil power.

Some that should work are listed below:

Omron G5LB, G5LE
Finder 3611.9012.0000
Goodsky RW/RWH series
Matsushita JS series

24 volt operation

If you want to use this circuit with 24 volts relays it will work.  Obviously you will need to power it from a 24 volt supply not 12 volts.  You will also need to change the following parts:

  • D3       use BZX55-C9V1   9.1 volt zener diode

  • R6       use 1K8  0.25 watt 5% carbon film  1K8 resistor

  • R7, R8  use 3K9 0.25 watt 5% carbon film   3K9 resistor
     

  • C2 as specified is rated for 25 volts so it should be okay, but the 35 volt part would give more margin.


Firmware

The HEX file is ready to program straight into the PIC.  The asm file is the source code which you can modify and reassemble to work with different SIRC device and command codes, or just view to see how it works.  If you need to reassemble the code for different device/commands the 'Quick Guide to MPLAB' may be helpful

 Not got a programmer?  Buy a pre-programmed PIC for this project from the online store

Description Filename Download link
Source code for 10F200 sirc10fv15.asm download

HEX file ready to program into the PIC
 
sirc10fv15.HEX 04/02/2010 download
checksum 0x5904

If you found this code useful, please consider making a donation, thanks.        

 

Editing the code for different SIRC device/command codes

SIRC data is split into a device word and a command word.   Some of the codes used with 12-bit SIRC are shown below, this list is not exhaustive.   Also be aware that there are 15-bit and 20-bit versions of SIRC.  The firmware presented here does not support decoding of the 15 or 20-bit versions.

Device Type
1 TV
2 VCR 1
3 VCR 2
6 Laser Disc Unit
12 Surround Sound
16 Cassette deck / Tuner
17 CD Player
18 Equalizer
 
Command Function
0 Digit key 1
1 Digit key 2
2 Digit key 3
3 Digit key 4
4 Digit key 5
5 Digit key 6
6 Digit key 7
7 Digit key 8
8 Digit key 9
9 Digit key 0
16 Channel +
17 Channel -
18 Volume +
19 Volume -
20 Mute
21 Power
22 Reset
23 Audio Mode
24 Contrast +
25 Contrast -
26 Colour +
27 Colour -
30 Brightness +
31 Brightness -
38 Balance Left
39 Balance Right
47 Standby

Open the .asm file in MPLAB and locate the section of the code (see below)  You can edit these values to change the device ID and command codes the controller will respond to.  Once you have changed these values you will need to assemble the code and then reprogram the PIC10F200 with the resulting HEX file.

Setting a command code to 255 will disable that command.  If you only want momentary action on the outputs, change the value of C.cmd0.value thru C.cmd5.value to 255.  Then set C.cmd6.value and C.cmd7.value to the command code for the button you want to operate the output.

 



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