Can Wood Be Used as a Capacitive Sensor in an LM358 Op-Amp Circuit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of wood as a capacitive sensor within an LM358 op-amp circuit. Participants explore the behavior of the circuit when different materials, such as wood and skin, are introduced, and the implications for the circuit's output.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a circuit setup where pin 4 and pin 8 of the LM358 are connected to ground and +5V, respectively, and notes that touching wood or skin causes pin 1 to be high.
  • Another participant critiques the circuit design, suggesting that the output lacks meaning and questions the role of pin 3 in the circuit's operation.
  • A third participant echoes the initial post about the circuit's behavior with wood and skin, while also prompting for clarification on the intended purpose of the op-amp setup.
  • A fourth participant emphasizes the importance of providing a circuit diagram to facilitate understanding among contributors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints regarding the circuit's design and functionality, with no consensus reached on the effectiveness of using wood as a capacitive sensor or the overall circuit design.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the circuit's behavior, particularly regarding the role of static electricity and the connections to pin 3, which remains unresolved.

hackhard
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i connected pin 4 and 8 to gnd and +5 v respectively
.when pin 2 touches wood, or hand pin 1 is high.
i understand skin is capacitive , but wood?
 
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Your circuit is badly designed so the output has no meaning. What about pin 3?

The output (pin 1) will be high if 1In- (pin 2) is lower than 1In+ (pin 3).

Static electricity on your skin or the wood can easily make pin 2 higher or lower than pin 3.
 
hackhard said:
i connected pin 4 and 8 to gnd and +5 v respectively
.when pin 2 touches wood, or hand pin 1 is high.
i understand skin is capacitive , but wood?

quite an odd post
How about posting about what you are actually trying to achieve with this op-amp :smile:Dave
 
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Likes   Reactions: sophiecentaur
A circuit diagram helps everyone to understand what's being discussed. You can't expect every contributor to make a personal sketch.
 

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