5. E-textiles¶
What is Electronics¶
Electronics is the study of electrical circuits and devices that power modern technology. From microchips to sensors, it enables innovations in communication, healthcare, and more, forming the foundation of countless everyday tools and systems
Understanding Electronics: Circuits, Voltage, Resistance, and Current¶
Electronics centers around circuits, which are pathways for electric current to flow. These circuits consist of key components:
- Voltage (V): The force that pushes electrons through the circuit, measured in volts (V).
- Current (I): The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A).
- Resistance (R): The opposition to current flow, measured in ohms (Ω).
The relationship between these elements is defined by Ohm's Law:
V = I × R
This means:
- Higher voltage increases current.
- Higher resistance decreases current.
Circuits can be simple (like a single lightbulb and battery) or complex (like the processors in your devices), but they all rely on these fundamental principles.
*This photo was made by AI tools
This week assignment¶
This week explores the creation of soft sensors to enhance interactivity in textiles. The objective is to build one digital and one analog sensor, integrate them into textile swatches, and demonstrate their functionality using Arduino.
Components of Software, Hardware, and Conductive Materials in Electronics¶
Software
- Arduino IDE
Hardware Components
- LEDs
- Resistors
- Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs)
- Batteries (3V)
Microcontrollers
- Arduino Uno Board
- XIAO ESP32C3 Board
Connection Tools
- USB-C Cable
- Breadboard
- Alligator Clips
- Jumper Wires
Input/Output Components
- Push Button
- Piezo Buzzer
Tools
- Soldering Iron
- Multimeter
Conductive Materials
- Conductive Fabric
- Conductive Thread
- Conductive Tape
- Aluminum Foil
- Conductive Beads and Isolating Beads
- Sewable Snaps
Resistive Materials
- Velostat
- Carbon-Loaded Conductive Fabric
- Resistive Thread
How They Work Together
The software (Arduino IDE) programs the microcontroller, which interacts with the hardware components and conductive materials to execute tasks like lighting LEDs, sensing inputs, or creating wearable circuits. Conductive materials make it possible to integrate circuits seamlessly into textiles and other flexible designs. Resistive materials like Velostat are used to create sensors that react to pressure or touch, adding interactivity to wearable designs.
Materials and Techniques¶
Digital Sensor¶
| Material | Usage |
|---|---|
| Conductive thread | Created pathways for electrical current |
| Copper fabric | Enhanced conductivity |
| Denim | Provided base material for swatch |
| detection |
Process Highlights:
- Braided conductive threads to create pathways.
- Added a button to enable on/off functionality.
Analog Sensor¶
| Material | Usage |
|---|---|
| Conductive fabric | Provided electrical contact |
| Foam | Added flexibility to the layers |
| Velostat | Created pressure-sensitive range |
| Felt | Provided soft, durable layers |
Process Highlights:
- Layered materials to achieve variable resistance.
- Adjusted the layers to ensure consistent readings.
¶
Sensor Readings¶
| Sensor Type | Input | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Sensor | Button press | HIGH (1) when pressed, LOW (0) when released |
| Analog Sensor | Pressure | Value range from 0 (low pressure) to 1023 (high pressure) |
Analog Sensor Readings Example:
- No pressure: Value ~10
- Medium pressure: Value ~512
- Full pressure: Value ~1023
Graph/Visualization: Include a chart showing the range of values.
Integration into Textile Swatches¶
For the first swatch, I integrated both an analog and a digital sensor, powered by a 3V battery. The analog sensor, made using Velostat, adjusts its resistance based on pressure, while the digital sensor works through a conductive material, allowing for an on/off response. Both sensors are incorporated into the textile, making the swatch interactive and functional. This integration demonstrates how sensors can be seamlessly incorporated into fabric-based designs, adding a layer of interactivity while maintaining flexibility and comfort.
Digital Sensor Swatch¶
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Braided denim with conductive threads |
| Connection | Conductive thread links to Arduino |
| Functionality | On-off detection with button activation |
Analog Sensor Swatch¶
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Soft felt with embedded Velostat |
| Connection | Soft conductive fabric links to Arduino |
| Functionality | Pressure-sensitive detection |
Braclet making !¶
For this swatch, I decided to make a bracelet using Velostat that lights up when you press the sandwich in your hand. This will help you recognize when you're getting angry and remind you to relax your hand.
Connection Prototyping¶
I started prototyping by making the connections of the circuit with one LED light and a sound sensor in parallel connection.
Microcontroller (GEMMA M0)¶
The GEMMA M0 is a small and versatile microcontroller board designed by Adafruit, specifically tailored for wearable electronics and e-textile projects. Built around the ARM Cortex M0 processor, it is compact yet powerful, making it ideal for creating innovative projects that integrate with fabrics, textiles, and accessories.
The GEMMA M0 offers seamless compatibility with Arduino IDE, allowing for easy programming and integration with various sensors, LEDs, and other electronic components. Its small size (about the size of a coin) makes it perfect for embedding in clothing, accessories, or other wearable items without adding bulk. Additionally, it supports NeoPixel LEDs, analog sensors, and a variety of input/output devices, making it highly versatile for interactive designs.
Whether you're creating a light-up garment, interactive costume, or smart accessories, the GEMMA M0 is an excellent choice for e-textile projects, allowing you to seamlessly blend electronics with fabric and fashion.
Key Features of GEMMA M0
- 🟢 Compact size for easy integration into fabric-based projects
- 🔵 Powered by the ARM Cortex M0 processor for enhanced performance
- 🟣 Built-in USB support for easy programming and power
- 🟠 Arduino-compatible with support for various sensors and output devices
- 🟡 Flexible power options: Can run on a small LiPoly battery, ideal for portable projects
Building the curcuit¶
I started placing the velostat in sandwish technique betwen two layers of cobber sheets and two spnges
-
I started making the cut of the braclet checking the place of the pressing
-
Then I checked the connection with the sensor
-
And the connection with both LED light and sound sensor using the braided Conductive thread !
Circuit and Schematic¶
Components used
| Component | Usage |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | Processes signals and controls the circuit |
| Conductive Threads | Creates pathways for electrical current in the circuit |
| Velostat | Detects pressure and creates variable resistance |
| LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) | Senses light levels and adjusts the circuit's response |
| Sound Sensor | Outputs sound-related signals, typically used to trigger actions |