What i s a Solenoid V alve? A solenoid is an electromechanical device which allows for an electrical device to control the flow of a gas or liquid. The electrical device causes a cu rrent to flow through a co il located on the solenoid valve. This current flow in turn results in a magnetic field which causes the displacement of a metal actuator . The actuator is mechanically linked to a mechanical valve inside the solenoid valve. The valve then changes state, either opening or closing to all ow a liquid or gas to either flow through o r be blocked by the so lenoid valve. A spring is used to return the act uator and valve back to t heir restin g state when the current flow is removed. Solenoid valves come in various co nfigurations and sizes. Solenoid valves can be normally open, normally closed, or a two wa y valve. A normally open solenoid valve allows a liquid or g as to flow through unless a current is applied to the solenoid valve. A normally closed valve works in the o pposite manner. A two way solenoid valve has three ports; one port is common, o ne is normally open and the t hird is normally closed. Factory automation makes frequent use o f solenoid valves. A computer device running a factory auto mation program to fill a container with some liquid can send a signal to the so lenoid valve to open, all owing the container to fill, and then remove the signal to close the solenoid valve and stop t he flow of liquid until the next container is in place. A gripper for grasping items on a robot is frequently an air controlled device. A solenoid valve can be used to allow air pressure to close the gripper, and a second solenoid valve can be used to open the gripper. If a two way solenoid valve is used, two separate valves are not needed in this application. Temperature Sensor - The LM35:- Temperature Sensor - The LM35 The LM35 is an integrated circuit sensor that can be used to measure temperature with an electrical output proportional to the temperature (in o C) The LM35 - An Integrated Circuit Temperature Sensor y Why Use LM35 s To Measure Temperature? o You can measure temperature more accurately th an a using a thermistor. o The sensor circuitry is sealed and not subject to oxidation, etc. o The LM35 generates a higher output v oltage than thermocouples and may not require that the output voltage be amplified. y What Does An LM35 Look Like? o Here it is.