Digital Stopwatch Using Arduino Uno and LCD Display

MICROLINK INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Seminar and Semester Project in Computer Engineering

Prepared by:

Name
ID No

Submitted to Mr. Esubalew

Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Objectives

1.3 Scope

Chapter 2: Principle of Operation

2.1 Overview of Arduino Uno

2.2 Features of Arduino Uno

2.3 How Arduino Uno Works

2.4 Working Principle of Digital Stopwatch

2.5 Circuit Diagram

Chapter 3: Design Consideration

3.1 Hardware Components Required

3.2 Software Components Required

Chapter 4: Implementation and Testing

4.1 Hardware Implementation

4.2 Software Implementation

4.3 Testing and Results

4.4 Simulation

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusion

5.2 Recommendations

Reference

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background
Time measurement is essential in various fields such as sports, scientific experiments, and
industrial processes. Traditional stopwatches provide manual timing, but digital
stopwatches offer better precision, automation, and usability. This project leverages an
Arduino Uno microcontroller, an LCD display, and control buttons to implement a digital
stopwatch capable of measuring time with high accuracy. The system provides start, stop,
and reset functionalities and displays the elapsed time in real-time on an LCD screen.

1.2 Objectives
- Develop a digital stopwatch using Arduino Uno and a 16x2 LCD display.
- Implement start, stop, and reset functionalities using push buttons.
- Ensure precise time measurement using the Arduino’s internal timer.
- Provide a clear user interface via an LCD display.

1.3 Scope
This digital stopwatch is designed for use in various applications requiring precise time
measurement. The system is lightweight, portable, and user-friendly. The project can be
expanded to include additional functionalities such as lap timing, data storage, or Bluetooth
connectivity for remote monitoring.

Chapter 2: Principle of Operation

2.1 Overview of Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno is a widely used microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P chip. It
is popular for prototyping and embedded systems due to its simplicity and extensive
support from the Arduino community.

2.2 Features of Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno operates at 5V and has 14 digital input/output pins, 6 PWM-capable pins,
and 6 analog input pins. It features a 16 MHz quartz crystal, USB connection, power jack,
and a reset button. The board is programmed using the Arduino IDE, which supports a
simplified version of C/C++.

2.3 How Arduino Uno Works

The Arduino Uno executes code written in the Arduino IDE. Inputs from push buttons
control the internal timer, and outputs such as an LCD display show elapsed time. The
system uses millis() function to measure time without blocking other operations.

2.4 Working Principle of Digital Stopwatch

The digital stopwatch works by utilizing the Arduino’s internal clock to measure time
intervals. When the start button is pressed, the timer starts counting using the millis()
function. Pressing the stop button pauses the timer, while the reset button clears the
recorded time. The elapsed time is displayed in real-time on the 16x2 LCD display.

2.5 Circuit Diagram

[Insert circuit diagram here]
Chapter 3: Design Consideration

3.1 Hardware Components Required

- 1. Solderless Breadboard

A breadboard is a tool for quickly and easily building electronic circuits without soldering. It
has interconnected rows and columns of holes where electronic components and wires can
be inserted. It allows for temporary connections and makes debugging easy.

2. Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P. It has digital and
analog input/output (I/O) pins that allow it to interface with sensors, displays, and other
components. It is programmed using the Arduino IDE and executes instructions to control
the digital stopwatch functions.

3. 16x2 LCD Display

A 16x2 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is a screen that can display 16 characters per row
and 2 rows of text. It is used in this project to show the stopwatch timer in real-time. It
operates with the LiquidCrystal library in Arduino and is controlled using 6 digital pins.

4. Push Button x 3 (Start, Stop, Reset)

Push buttons act as input devices for user control:

 Start Button: Begins the stopwatch countdown.

 Stop Button: Pauses the time measurement.

 Reset Button: Resets the stopwatch to zero. Each button is connected to a pull-
down resistor to prevent accidental triggering.

5. 10k Variable Resistor (Potentiometer)

A potentiometer (variable resistor) is used to adjust the LCD contrast. Turning the
potentiometer changes the resistance, modifying the voltage going to the LCD, making the
display more or less visible.

6. 100Ω Resistor x 3

Resistors limit the current flow in a circuit to protect components from excessive voltage
or current.

 Used to prevent damage to LEDs by controlling their brightness.

 Ensures stable operation of push buttons and other elements.

7. Green LED
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) that glows green when the stopwatch is running. It acts as a
visual indicator of an active stopwatch.

8. Red LED

A red LED lights up when the stopwatch is paused or reset, signaling that timing has
stopped.

9. Buzzer

A buzzer provides an auditory alert when:

 The stopwatch starts.

 The stopwatch stops.

 The timer reaches a certain value. It is connected to a digital output pin on the
Arduino.

10. Male to Male Jumper Wires

These wires are used to connect components on the breadboard and establish circuits
between the Arduino and sensors. They come in different colors for easy identification.

11. Hard Jumper Wire

Hard jumper wires serve the same purpose as male-to-male jumper wires but are rigid and
provide stable electrical connections.

12. Battery Clip

A battery clip is used to connect a 9V battery to the circuit. It provides power to the
Arduino Uno and components when not connected to a USB power source.

13. Battery 9V

A 9V battery is the primary power source for the stopwatch circuit when it is not
connected to a computer or external power supply. It allows the stopwatch to operate
independently.

Conclusion

Each of these components plays a crucial role in the digital stopwatch project. The Arduino
Uno is the brain of the system, the LCD displays the time, the buttons allow user
interaction, and LEDs/Buzzer provide feedback. Proper integration of these components
ensures an efficient and functional digital stopwatch system.

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Digital Stopwatch

MICROLINK INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Seminar and Semester Project in Computer Engineering

Digital Stopwatch Using Arduino Uno and LCD Display

Prepared by:

Name ID No

Submitted to Mr. Esubalew

Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Objectives 1 1.3 Scope 1

Chapter 2: Principle of Operation 2 2.1 Overview of Arduino Uno 2 2.2 Features of Arduino
Uno 2 2.3 How Arduino Uno Works 2 2.4 Working Principle of Digital Stopwatch 3 2.5
Circuit Diagram 4

Chapter 3: Design Consideration 5 3.1 Hardware Components Required 5 3.2 Software

Components Required 7

Chapter 4: Implementation and Testing 8 4.1 Hardware Implementation 8 4.2 Software

Implementation 9 4.3 Testing and Results 10 4.4 Simulation 10

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations 11 5.1 Conclusion 11 5.2 Recommendations

12
Reference 13

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

Time measurement is essential in various fields such as sports, scientific experiments, and
industrial processes. Traditional stopwatches provide manual timing, but digital
stopwatches offer better precision, automation, and usability. This project leverages an
Arduino Uno microcontroller, an LCD display, and control buttons to implement a digital
stopwatch capable of measuring time with high accuracy. The system provides start, stop,
and reset functionalities and displays the elapsed time in real-time on an LCD screen.

1.2 Objectives

 Develop a digital stopwatch using Arduino Uno and a 16x2 LCD display.

 Implement start, stop, and reset functionalities using push buttons.

 Ensure precise time measurement using the Arduino’s internal timer.

 Provide a clear user interface via an LCD display.

1.3 Scope

This digital stopwatch is designed for use in various applications requiring precise time
measurement. The system is lightweight, portable, and user-friendly. The project can be
expanded to include additional functionalities such as lap timing, data storage, or Bluetooth
connectivity for remote monitoring.

Chapter 2: Principle of Operation

2.1 Overview of Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno is a widely used microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P chip. It
is popular for prototyping and embedded systems due to its simplicity and extensive
support from the Arduino community.

2.2 Features of Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno operates at 5V and has 14 digital input/output pins, 6 PWM-capable pins,
and 6 analog input pins. It features a 16 MHz quartz crystal, USB connection, power jack,
and a reset button. The board is programmed using the Arduino IDE, which supports a
simplified version of C/C++.

2.3 How Arduino Uno Works

The Arduino Uno executes code written in the Arduino IDE. Inputs from push buttons
control the internal timer, and outputs such as an LCD display show elapsed time. The
system uses millis() function to measure time without blocking other operations.

2.4 Working Principle of Digital Stopwatch

The digital stopwatch works by utilizing the Arduino’s internal clock to measure time
intervals. When the start button is pressed, the timer starts counting using the millis()
function. Pressing the stop button pauses the timer, while the reset button clears the
recorded time. The elapsed time is displayed in real-time on the 16x2 LCD display.

2.5 Circuit Diagram

[Insert circuit diagram here]

Chapter 3: Design Consideration

3.1 Hardware Components Required

 Solderless Breadboard

o A tool for building circuits without soldering, making debugging and

modifications easier.

 Arduino Uno

o The microcontroller that processes input and controls the stopwatch

functions.

 16x2 LCD Display

o Displays real-time stopwatch readings.

 Push Button x 3 (Start, Stop, Reset)

o Used to start, stop, and reset the stopwatch.

 10k Variable Resistor

o Adjusts the LCD contrast for better visibility.

 100R Resistor x 3

o Limits current flow, protecting components.

 Green LED

o Lights up when the stopwatch is running.

 Red LED
 o Indicates the stopwatch is paused or reset.

 Buzzer

o Provides sound alerts for start, stop, or reset events.

 Male to Male Jumper Wires

o Used for making temporary circuit connections.

 Hard Jumper Wire

o Provides stable electrical connections.

 Battery Clip

o Connects the 9V battery to the circuit.

 Battery 9V

o Powers the Arduino when not connected via USB.

3.2 Software Components Required

The Arduino IDE is used for writing, compiling, and uploading code to the Arduino Uno. The
LiquidCrystal library is utilized for interfacing with the LCD display.

Chapter 4: Implementation and Testing

4.1 Hardware Implementation

The components are assembled on a breadboard, with appropriate wiring connecting the
push buttons to the Arduino. The LCD display is connected to display the elapsed time.

4.2 Software Implementation

The Arduino code uses the millis() function to keep track of time. It detects button presses
and updates the display accordingly.

4.3 Testing and Results

Testing involves verifying that the stopwatch starts, stops, and resets correctly. The
displayed time is compared against an external reference stopwatch for accuracy.

4.4 Simulation

Software simulations using tools such as Proteus can be performed to validate the circuit’s
functionality before physical implementation.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusion

The digital stopwatch developed using an Arduino Uno and an LCD display provides precise
and reliable time measurement. Its user-friendly interface and simple controls make it an
effective tool for various timing applications.

5.2 Recommendations

 Improve display readability by using a larger screen or an OLED display.

 Add lap time functionality for more advanced applications.

 Implement wireless connectivity for remote control and data logging.

Reference

 "Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius" – Simon Monk

 "Beginning Arduino Programming" – Brian Evans

 "Exploring Arduino" – Jeremy Blum

 Online resources and Arduino community forums

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3.2 Software Components Required

The Arduino IDE is used for writing, compiling, and uploading code to the Arduino Uno. The
LiquidCrystal library is utilized for interfacing with the LCD display.
Chapter 4: Implementation and Testing

4.1 Hardware Implementation

The components are assembled on a breadboard, with appropriate wiring connecting the
push buttons to the Arduino. The LCD display is connected to display the elapsed time.

4.2 Software Implementation

The Arduino code uses the millis() function to keep track of time. It detects button presses
and updates the display accordingly.

4.3 Testing and Results

Testing involves verifying that the stopwatch starts, stops, and resets correctly. The
displayed time is compared against an external reference stopwatch for accuracy.

4.4 Simulation
Software simulations using tools such as Proteus can be performed to validate the circuit’s
functionality before physical implementation.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusion
The digital stopwatch developed using an Arduino Uno and an LCD display provides precise
and reliable time measurement. Its user-friendly interface and simple controls make it an
effective tool for various timing applications.

5.2 Recommendations
- Improve display readability by using a larger screen or an OLED display.
- Add lap time functionality for more advanced applications.
- Implement wireless connectivity for remote control and data logging.

Reference
- "Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius" – Simon Monk
- "Beginning Arduino Programming" – Brian Evans
- "Exploring Arduino" – Jeremy Blum
- Online resources and Arduino community forums