This thesis describes the realisation of a wireless light control unit for LED strips with low cost components. The heart of this light control unit which is called “ESP32 Light Controller” is the ESP32 microcontroller from the manufacturer Espressif. This microcontroller is equipped with the wireless functionalities WLAN and Bluetooth. In addition, this prototype should be easy to use. As a result, a web interface was implemented so that any user can control the attached LED strips easily with the internet browser of a mobile device. Moreover, the light control standard Art-Net is also implemented. Consequently, the LED strips can be controlled as well with the help of Art-Net capable applications. The opportunity for the integration of the “ESP32 Light Controller” in smart home applications, the software supports UPD control commands. In addition to the software design, the electric circuit and a PCB were designed. The outputs are designed to support all the available LED strips. Common anode and common cathode types with a supply voltage of 12V and 24V of direct current are supported. With the help of a 3D construction software and a 3D printer, the housing of this prototype was designed and realized.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Light Systems
- LED
- LED stripes
- Light control protocols
- DALI
- KNX
- DMX512
- Art-Net
- LED
- ESP32 Light Controller
- Espressif ESP32 Microcontroller
- Hardware design
- Software design
- PWM output
- Network configuration
- UDP Implementation
- Art-Net
- HTTP Implementation
- Web-Interface
- Housing
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this bachelor thesis was to develop a wireless light control unit for LED strips using the Espressif ESP32 microcontroller. The project aimed to create a user-friendly system with multiple control options, including a web interface and support for the Art-Net lighting protocol. The design also needed to accommodate various LED strip types and incorporate safety features such as overcurrent protection.
- Design and implementation of a wireless LED light control unit.
- Integration of the ESP32 microcontroller and its wireless capabilities (WLAN and Bluetooth).
- Implementation of multiple control methods (web interface, Art-Net, UDP).
- Support for diverse LED strip types (common anode, common cathode, 12V and 24V).
- Incorporation of safety features and hardware design considerations.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the project's goals: creating a light control unit for LED strips using the ESP32 microcontroller, offering multiple control methods and supporting various LED types. It outlines the challenges, including the need for high-side and low-side switching to accommodate different LED strip configurations, and the integration of various communication protocols. The chapter sets the stage for subsequent chapters detailing the hardware and software designs.
Light Systems: This chapter explores the fundamentals of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and LED strips, detailing their operation and various types. It provides a comparative analysis of different light control protocols (DALI, KNX, DMX512, and Art-Net), highlighting their features, capabilities, and suitability for the project. The selection of Art-Net for the ESP32 light controller is justified in the context of this comparison, emphasizing its suitability for integration with existing lighting infrastructure.
ESP32 Light Controller: This chapter details the hardware and software design of the "ESP32 Light Controller." The hardware section describes the microcontroller's role, circuit design, PCB layout, and 3D-printed housing, emphasizing the design's capacity to handle different LED strip types and its extensibility for future additions like motion sensors. The software section explains the implementation of PWM output, network configuration, UDP control, Art-Net integration, and the web interface, illustrating how these elements contribute to the system's overall functionality and user experience.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Light Control Unit, LED Strips, ESP32 Microcontroller, WLAN, Art-Net, PWM, Web Interface, UDP, Hardware Design, Software Design, Common Anode, Common Cathode.
Frequently Asked Questions: ESP32-Based Wireless LED Light Control Unit
What is the main objective of this project?
The primary goal is to develop a wireless LED light control unit utilizing the Espressif ESP32 microcontroller. This unit aims to provide a user-friendly system with multiple control options, including a web interface and support for the Art-Net lighting protocol, while accommodating various LED strip types and incorporating safety features.
What are the key features of the designed light control unit?
Key features include wireless control via WLAN and Bluetooth, multiple control methods (web interface, Art-Net, UDP), support for diverse LED strip types (common anode, common cathode, 12V, and 24V), and integration of safety features and robust hardware design.
Which light control protocols are discussed and why was Art-Net chosen?
The document explores DALI, KNX, DMX512, and Art-Net. Art-Net was selected due to its suitability for integration with existing lighting infrastructure and its capabilities, making it a suitable choice for the ESP32 light controller.
How does the hardware design of the ESP32 Light Controller accommodate different LED strip types?
The hardware design considers the need for both high-side and low-side switching to accommodate various LED strip configurations (common anode and common cathode) and voltage requirements (12V and 24V). The design is also extensible for future additions.
What software components are implemented in the ESP32 Light Controller?
The software implementation includes PWM output for controlling LED brightness, network configuration for wireless communication, UDP and Art-Net protocols for lighting control, and a web interface for user interaction.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the document?
The document provides summaries for an Introduction chapter (outlining project goals and challenges), a Light Systems chapter (exploring LEDs, LED strips, and comparing light control protocols), and an ESP32 Light Controller chapter (detailing the hardware and software design of the controller).
What are the key words associated with this project?
Key words include: Light Control Unit, LED Strips, ESP32 Microcontroller, WLAN, Art-Net, PWM, Web Interface, UDP, Hardware Design, Software Design, Common Anode, Common Cathode.
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document serves as a comprehensive language preview, providing a detailed overview of the project, including its objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use and analysis.
- Quote paper
- Patrick Marchhart (Author), 2017, ESP32 Light Controller, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/461290