Photovoltaic cell as an on/off switch - circuit help

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SUMMARY

Neil, a Mechanical Engineer, seeks assistance in creating a circuit that uses a photovoltaic cell to turn a handheld camera on and off. The challenge lies in converting the constant signal from the photovoltaic cell into discrete on/off pulses compatible with the camera's switch. A suggested solution involves using a comparator circuit with operational amplifiers (op-amps) to process the photocell output and a one-shot circuit utilizing flip-flops to generate the necessary pulses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photovoltaic cells and their output characteristics
  • Knowledge of comparator circuits and operational amplifiers (op-amps)
  • Familiarity with flip-flop circuits and their applications
  • Basic circuit design principles for integrating sensors and switches
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to design and implement a comparator circuit using op-amps
  • Learn about one-shot circuits and how to use flip-flops for pulse generation
  • Explore the characteristics and wiring of photovoltaic cells in electronic circuits
  • Study practical examples of integrating sensors with electronic switches
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, circuit designers, and engineers interested in integrating photovoltaic cells with electronic devices for control applications.

n1ftyneil
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Photovoltaic cell as an "on/off" switch - circuit help

Hi all,

My first post here. I'm a Mechanical Engineer prodding my finger where it shouldn't be - circuits! I need help and I am hoping you folks can. PLEASE excuse the umb terminology - I don't know this world well!

I want to turn a handheld camera on/off with a photovoltaic cell and am trying to build a circuit to do so. My problem is this. The on/off switch that I have sends one pulse when you press it on and one when you press it off i.e there is not constantly a signal coming from that switch. However, with the photovoltaic cell, when the light is there, I obviously always have an signal coming and when the light is off, there is nothing.

I need help with what I need to wire inbetween to convert that constant signal so it is recognised as an "on" and that when that constant signal stops, it is registered as turning off.

I'm imagining this is pretty simple?

Many thanks!

Neil
 
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You could use a comparator circuit on the photocell output (using op-amps) to trigger a one-shot (using flip-flops) to give the pulses.
 


great! Thanks for the comments. No idea what that stuff is but I'm off to google it all.
 

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