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(B) How Signals Are Transmitted Using GPIO

GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins are digital pins on microcontrollers that can be configured as input or output for transmitting signals. As inputs, they read digital signals from external devices, while as outputs, they send signals to control devices like LEDs. This functionality allows for simple and cost-effective communication between microcontrollers and external components.

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28 views2 pages

(B) How Signals Are Transmitted Using GPIO

GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins are digital pins on microcontrollers that can be configured as input or output for transmitting signals. As inputs, they read digital signals from external devices, while as outputs, they send signals to control devices like LEDs. This functionality allows for simple and cost-effective communication between microcontrollers and external components.

Uploaded by

sivasankaripsyec
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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How Signals are Transmitted Using GPIO

Introduction
GPIO stands for General Purpose Input/Output. It is a digital pin found on microcontrollers or
single-board computers (like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc.) that can be programmed to act as an
input or an output for digital signals.

Working Principle

1. GPIO as Input
When configured as input, the GPIO pin reads the digital signal (logic 0 or logic 1) coming from an
external device or sensor. Logic 0 (LOW) means the voltage on the pin is near 0V, and Logic 1
(HIGH) means the voltage is near the supply voltage (e.g., 3.3V or 5V). The microcontroller
continuously monitors the voltage level to detect the state of switches, sensors, or buttons.
Example: A button connected to a GPIO input pin sends HIGH when pressed and LOW when
released.

2. GPIO as Output
When configured as output, the GPIO pin sends signals to external devices by setting the pin HIGH
or LOW using software commands. Setting the pin HIGH applies voltage to the connected device,
and LOW removes the voltage or connects to ground.
Example: A GPIO output pin can control an LED — Writing HIGH → LED ON, Writing LOW → LED
OFF.

3. Signal Transmission Process


1. Configuration: Each GPIO pin must first be configured as input or output using a program or
firmware.
2. Logic Level Control: The microcontroller sets or reads the logic level (0 or 1) through internal
registers.
3. Electrical Transmission: The digital signal is transmitted as an electrical voltage through the
GPIO line. Devices interpret these voltage levels as binary information.
4. Synchronization (if needed): In advanced systems, GPIO signals may be synchronized with a
clock for timing accuracy.

4. Diagram
+----------------------+
| Microcontroller |
| (e.g., Raspberry Pi)|
| |
| GPIO Pin ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■> Signal (HIGH/LOW)
| |
+----------------------+
|
v
External Device
(LED, Sensor, Relay)
5. Advantages
• Simple and cost-effective communication.
• Used for both input sensing and output control.
• Enables control of multiple peripherals directly.
• Fast digital signal switching.

Conclusion
In summary, GPIO pins transmit signals as digital voltage levels (HIGH or LOW). When used as
input, they receive signals from sensors or buttons, and when used as output, they send control
signals to devices like LEDs, motors, or relays. Thus, GPIO forms the basic interface between a
microcontroller and the external world.

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