Smartphone based Virtual Inductance and Capacitance Meter

In the field of Electrical and Electronic LC meter is an essential tool to engineer to carryout design work. It is commonly used to measure inductance and capacitance. However, it has a size, weight and require the use of internal battery source may cause some inconvenient by the time battery run out when in need to use the meter. In view of this, a virtual miniature meter utilizing smart phone as power source and display can an alternative solution to modern LC meter. The design and implementation challenge includes the measurement method, microcontroller selection platform, batteryless design, USB communication, APP development and a reasonably small product casing design that does not exceed the length and width of the typical 6 smartphone.

As a team of young engineers, you are required to design a functional prototype of a virtual miniature multi meter that does not require any battery as it is power up by the smartphone USB. The measurement reading will also be sent through smartphone USB to an APP which will display the reading. In the design process, you need to conduct some background research without directly copying others work (PLO8), apply measurement method, define the problems (PLO2), investigate all the possible design (PLO4) limitations, and brainstorm the possible solution. You should be able to present your design and solution (PLO3), justify and defend your decision on the selection of controller, display, power source, casing and etc. The proposed design is to be analysed, where results on safety, durability, performance and cost are expected. You are also required to explain the engineering codes and standard (PLO6) related to your design, and address the safety, health, environment and sustainability issues appropriately (PLO7).

Specification

Inductance and capacitance measurement

OTG USB communication with Smartphone App

Maximum 3 probes socket (2 probles are preferred)

Manual or Autoranging (Autoranging is preferred)

The wider the range the better

Arduino hardware (Arduino Uno, Nano, etc)