PANIMALAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE

JAISAKTHI EDUCATIONAL TRUST

BANGALORE TRUNK ROAD,VARADHARAJAPURAM
NAZARETHPET, POONAMALLEE, CHENNAI-600 123

ELECTRONICS AND
COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

STATIC ELECTRICITY SENSOR

A MINI PROJECT REPORT

SUBMITTED BY

NAVANTH RAJA B 211422106265

VAIRASUNDHARAM S 211422106470
JEEVANANTHAM C 211422106175
PIRAJAN S 211422106291
 TABLE OF CONTENT

S.NO CONTENT PG.NO

1. ABSTRACT
2. CIRCUIT DESIGN
3. COMPONENTS REQUIRED
4. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
5. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
6. OBSERVATION
7. CONCLUSION
8. APPLICATIONS
 ABSTRACT
Static electricity is a common phenomenon that has a significant impact on our
everyday lives and industrial processes. This project aims to meet the demand
for a high-performance and sensitive static electricity sensor circuit. The sensor
uses basic electronic components, such as an antenna, a BC547 transistor, and
a series of resistors, to sense static electric charge and provide a reliable
indication.
The objective of this project was to design, build, and evaluate
a static electricity sensor circuit that can be used in various applications. The
importance of this work extends to industries where static electricity causes
major problems, such as electronics manufacturing, where ESD (Electrostatic
Discharge) can harm delicate components and affect product quality. The
sensor circuit design is based on the principles of detecting the changes in
electric field strength caused by static electric charge accumulation on objects.
The sensor circuit's components, operating theory, and mathematical equations
are explained in detail. The construction of the sensor circuit is detailed,
covering the soldering of components, connections, and positioning of the
antenna to optimize field detection. Practical calibration and testing procedures
were carefully followed to ensure the sensor's sensitivity, response time, and
reliability. The results of these experiments show the circuit's effectiveness in
sensing static electricity.
This project presents a static electricity sensor circuit as a
valuable tool in various applications, especially in environments where static
electricity poses a threat. The circuit design's simplicity, along with its proven
efficiency, opens the door to a range of practical applications. The results
indicate the potential for the sensor to serve as an early warning system,
alerting users to the presence of static charge, and ultimately improving the
reliability and safety of electronic systems.
 CIRCUIT DESIGN
1. Transistor Selection: Choose a transistor for amplification. The BC547
is a common choice for its versatility. They can handle voltages in the range
of 45-50 volts.
2. Antenna: Use a simple wire or a copper turnings as an antenna to sense
changes in the electric field. Connect it to the base of the transistor.
3. Feedback Resistor (R1): This resistor is connected between the collector
and base of the transistor. It helps set the operating point of the transistor.
The value of R1 can be calculated using Ohm's Law
𝑉𝐶𝐶 −𝑉𝑐𝑒
R1=
𝐼𝑐

Where:
- VCC is the power supply voltage.
- Vce is the collector-to-emitter voltage (typically around 0.2-0.3V).
- IC is the collector current (for BC547,100mA)
4. Emitter Resistor (R2): This resistor is connected to the emitter of the
transistor and provides feedback to stabilize the circuit. Its value is chosen
empirically to set the sensitivity of the sensor.
5. Base Resistor (R3): R3 is connected in series with the base of the
transistor. It helps control the input impedance and biasing of the transistor.
The value of R3 is often chosen based on transistor data sheets and circuit
requirements.
6. LED : We need to add an LED to indicate when the sensor detects static
electricity.
 COMPONENTS REQUIRED

S.no Components Specifications Quantity

1. Battery 9 Volts 1

2. Transistors BC547 3

3. Resistors 1MΩ,100KΩ,220Ω Each 2

4. Bread Board - 1

5. Connecting wires - As required

6. LED Light 12V ,5mm 1

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

1. CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY

1. Set up the breadboard for circuit assembly.

2. Insert the BC547 transistor into the breadboard, ensuring correct placement
of the collector (C), base (B), and emitter (E) pins.
3. Attach the antenna (simple wire) to the base (B) of the transistor.
4. Connect resistors as follows:
- R1 between the collector and base of the transistor.
- R2 between the emitter and ground.
- R3 in series with the base of the transistor.
5. Connect the battery or power supply to the circuit, supplying the required
voltage.
6. LED Indicator: Connect it in series with a current-limiting resistor and
position it where it is easily visible.
2. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

1. Power ON the circuit and allow it to stabilize.

2. Record the initial voltage readings across the transistor and LED to
establish a baseline.
3. Prepare static charge sources (a statically charged object) at various
distances from the antenna.
4. Gradually move the static charge source closer to the antenna. Take care
not to bring it too close initially to avoid damaging the transistor.
5. As the static charge source approaches the sensor, observe and record
changes in voltage readings across the transistor and the behavior of the LED
indicator.
6. Record the distance at which the sensor detects the static charge source
 OBSERVATION

S.No DISTANCE (cm) Voltage Across LED Indicator

Transistor (V)
 CONCLUSION
In this project, we successfully designed, assembled, and evaluated a static
electricity sensor circuit based on the BC547 transistor. The sensor, employing
fundamental electronic principles, demonstrated its capability to detect static
electric charge through disturbances in the electric field. The following key
observations and conclusions can be made:

• The sensor exhibited reliable and sensitive detection capabilities,

responding to the presence of static electric charge within a considerable
range.
• By adjusting the values of resistors R2 and R3, we optimized the
sensitivity and response time of the sensor, making it adaptable to
different scenarios.
• We observed that the sensor was particularly effective at low to moderate
static charge intensities, making it suitable for applications such as
monitoring static charge buildup in various environments.
To conclude, this project underscores the potential of a simple yet effective
static electricity sensor circuit to detect and respond to static electric charge.
Its versatility and sensitivity make it a valuable tool for a variety of
applications, contributing to the mitigation of ESD risks, enhanced
environmental monitoring, and the improvement of industrial processes. The
project highlights the significance of fundamental electronic principles in
addressing real-world challenges and provides a foundation for further
exploration and refinement of static electricity detection technologies.
 APPLICATIONS

The static electricity sensor circuit designed in this project holds promise for a
range of practical applications:

1. ESD (Electrostatic Discharge Protection): In electronics manufacturing, the

sensor can serve as an early warning system, alerting personnel to the presence
of static electricity and helping to prevent ESD-related damage to sensitive
components.
2. Cleanroom Environments: The sensor can be employed in cleanroom
facilities to monitor and mitigate the impact of static electricity on
manufacturing processes and sensitive equipment.
3. Environmental Monitoring: The sensor can be utilized in environmental
monitoring to detect static charge changes in the atmosphere, contributing to
weather forecasting and atmospheric research.
4. Industrial Processes: In industrial settings where static electricity can pose
hazards or affect product quality, such as textile and plastics industries, the
sensor can be integrated into process control systems to enhance safety and
product quality.
5. Scientific Research: The sensor can find applications in scientific
experiments, including studies involving static electricity phenomena and their
effects.