What kind of electronics are in a mosquito killer?
The mosquito killer uses a microcontroller to control an exothermic reaction that produces carbon dioxide from propane gas. The microcontroller controls a heater and it also handles the user interface, which contains buttons for setting the amount of time that the mosquito killer is on. LEDs tell the user when the product is on and working. Q: How does the microcontroller control the exothermic reaction? A: When you first start the mosquito killer, the heating element is cold. The controller turns on the heater while monitoring the internal temperature. As temperature rises, the propane gas produces CO2, which simulates human breathing that attracts mosquitoes. As internal temperature rises, the microcontroller adjusts the gas flow, which controls temperature. Q: How does the unit monitor temperature? A: Thermocouples in the unit measure internal temperature, and thermistors monitor outside temperature. A photocell senses light that the microcontroller uses to turn the unit off during
