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Mobile RF Detector Project Report

The document describes a mini project report on an RF detector circuit. It includes an abstract, contents list, list of figures, list of acronyms, and 5 chapters - introduction, hardware description, hardware implementation, results, and conclusion. The hardware description chapter provides the circuit diagram and descriptions of the main components used in the circuit including resistors, capacitors, transistors, LED, piezo buzzer, IC CA3130, and IC NE555 timer.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
164 views30 pages

Mobile RF Detector Project Report

The document describes a mini project report on an RF detector circuit. It includes an abstract, contents list, list of figures, list of acronyms, and 5 chapters - introduction, hardware description, hardware implementation, results, and conclusion. The hardware description chapter provides the circuit diagram and descriptions of the main components used in the circuit including resistors, capacitors, transistors, LED, piezo buzzer, IC CA3130, and IC NE555 timer.

Uploaded by

himanshu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

A Mini Project Report on

“RF DETECTOR”
SUBMITTED BY:-

VISHWAJEET KUMAR 1319221060


HIMANSHU RAI 1319221016
ABHIJEET KUMAR 1319221001

G. L. BAJAJ INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT


[Approved by AICTE, Govt. of India & Affiliated to U.P.T.U,
Lucknow]
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the mini project entitled “RF DETECTOR” is submitted by
VISHWAJEET KUMAR 1319221060
HIMANSHU RAI 1319221016
ABHIJEET KUMAR 1319221001
in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree Bachelor of Technology in
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University, Kukatpally, Hyderabad for the academic year 2012-2013.

PROF. NITIN PAL

Head of the Department, EEE

Date: External Examiner


Abstract

This handy, pocket-size mobile transmission detector or sniffer can sense the presence of
an activated mobile cell phone from a distance of one and-a-half meters. So it can be used to
prevent use of mobile phones in examination halls, confidential rooms, etc. It is also useful for
detecting the use of mobile phone for Spying and unauthorized video transmission. The circuit
can detect the incoming and outgoing calls, SMS and video transmission even if the mobile
phone is kept in the silent mode. The moment the Bug detects RF transmission signal from an
activated mobile phone, it starts sounding a beep alarm and the LED blinks. The alarm continues
until the signal transmission ceases. Assemble the circuit on a general purpose PCB as compact
as possible and enclose in a small box like junk mobile case. As mentioned earlier, capacitor C3
should have a lead length of 18 mm with lead spacing of 8 mm. Carefully solder the capacitor in
standing position with equal spacing of the leads. The response can be optimized by trimming
the lead length of C3 for the desired frequency. You may use a short telescopic type antenna.

Use the miniature 12V battery of a remote control and a small buzzer to make the gadget pocket-
size. The unit will give the warning indication if someone uses Mobile phone within a radius of
1.5 meters.

i
Contents

Abstract i
Contents ii
List of Figures iii
List of Acronyms iv
1. Introduction 01
1.1 Objective 01
1.2 Problem of Statement 01
1.3 Motivation 01
2. Hardware Description 02
2.1 Circuit diagram 02
2.2 Components description 03
2.2.1 Resistor 04
2.2.2 Capacitor 05
2.2.3 Transistor 07
2.2.4 LED 10
2.2.5Piezo buzzer 12
2.2.6 IC CA 3130 14

2.2.7 IC NE 555 TIMER 16


3. Hardware Implementation 18
3.1 Basic concept and working of cell phone detector 18
3.2 Application 20
4 Results 21
5 Conclusion and Future scope 23
References 24
Appendix 25

ii
List of Figures

2.1 Circuit diagram


2.2.1 Three resistors
2.2.2 Modern capacitors, by a cm rule.
2.2.2 Ceramic capacitors
2.2.2 Axial lead (top) and radial lead (bottom) electrolytic capacitors
2.2.3 Assorted discrete transistors
2.2.4 LED
2.2.4 Various types LEDs
2.2.5 Buzzer
2.2.6 IC CA3130
2.2.7 IC NE555 Timer
3.1 Circuit diagram
4.1 Circuit when not detecting the cell phone
4.2 Circuit when detecting a cell phone

iii
List of Acronyms

GSM Global System for Mobile

RF Radio Frequency

AM Amplitude Modulation

FM Frequency Modulation

LED Light Emitting Diode

BJT Bipolar Junction Transistor

UJT Unipolar Junction Transistor

FET Field Effect Transistor

JFET Junction Field Effect Transistor

MOSFET Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor

CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

TTL Transistor-Transistor Logic

OP-AMP Operational Amplifier

UHF Ultra High Frequency

iv
RF DETECTOR

CHAPTER – 1

Introduction

1.1 Overview
As increase in the technology in the world using the electronic equipments are being used
in a wrong way like, in the examination halls and confidential rooms. To avoid this we are
introducing a project called CELLPHONE DETECTOR

This handy, pocket-size mobile transmission detector or sniffer can sense the presence of
an activated mobile cell phone from a distance of one and-a-half meters. So it can be used to
prevent use of mobile phones in examination halls, confidential rooms, etc. It is also useful for
detecting the use of mobile phone for Spying and unauthorized video transmission. The circuit
can detect the incoming and outgoing calls, SMS and video transmission even if the mobile
phone is kept in the silent mode. The moment the Bug detects RF transmission signal from an
activated mobile phone, it starts sounding a beep alarm and the LED blinks. The alarm
continues until the signal transmission ceases.

1.2 Problem Statement


Previously, there was no technology to detect the cell phones in the examination hall and
in cell phone restricted areas. There is manual checking and there is still a chance of having the
cell phone with the person if he is not checked properly. So to avoid this problem, an automatic
detection of cell phone is introduced.

1.3 Motivation

Cell phones are used in good way and also in a bad way. When the class is going on,
students intend to use their cell phones and not listening to what is being taught. These days,
students are also carrying their cell phones to the examination halls to copy which would help
them to get good marks.

To avoid this problem, the cell phone detector is introduced.

Page 1
RF DETECTOR

CHAPTER – 2

Hardware Description

2.1 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Figure 2.1 Circuit diagram

Page 2
RF DETECTOR

2.2 COMPONENTS LIST

RESISTOR

1. R1 ________2.2M
2. R2 ________100K
3. R3 ________2.2M
4. R4 ________1K
5. R5________12K
6. R6________15K
CAPACITOR

7. C1 ________22pF
8. C2 ________22pF
9. C3 ________0.22µF
10. C4 ________100µF
11. C5_________47pF
12. C6 _________0.1µF
13. C7_________ 0.1µF
14. C8_________ 0.01µF
15. C9__________4.7µF
16. IC CA3130
17. IC NE555
18. T1 BC548
19. LED
20. ANTENNA
21. PIEZO BUZZER
22. 5 INCH LONG ANTENNA
23. ON/OFF SWITCH
24. POWER SUPPLY

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RF DETECTOR

2.2.1 Resistor

Figure 2.2.1 Three resistors

Electronic Symbol

(Europe)

(US)

A resistor is a two-terminal electronic component that produces a voltage across its


terminals that is proportional to the electric current through it in accordance with Ohm's law:

V = IR

Resistors are elements of electrical networks and electronic circuits and are ubiquitous in
most electronic equipment. Practical resistors can be made of various compounds and films, as
well as resistance wire (wire made of a high-resistivity alloy, such as nickel/chrome).The
primary characteristics of a resistor are the resistance, the tolerance, maximum working voltage
and the power rating. Other characteristics include temperature coefficient, noise, and
inductance. Less well-known is critical resistance, the value below which power dissipation
limits the maximum permitted current flow, and above which the limit is applied voltage. Critical
resistance depends upon the materials constituting the resistor as well as its physical dimensions;
it's determined by design. Resistors can be integrated into hybrid and printed circuits, as well as
integrated circuits. Size and position of leads (or terminals) are relevant to equipment designers;
resistors must be physically large enough not to overheat when dissipating their power.

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RF DETECTOR

2.2.2 Capacitor

Figure 2.2.2 Modern capacitors, by a cm rule.

A capacitor or condenser is a passive electronic component consisting of a pair of


conductors separated by a dielectric. When a voltage potential difference exists between the
conductors, an electric field is present in the dielectric. This field stores energy and produces a
mechanical force between the plates. The effect is greatest between wide, flat, parallel, narrowly
separated conductors.

An ideal capacitor is characterized by a single constant value, capacitance, which is


measured in farads. This is the ratio of the electric charge on each conductor to the potential
difference between them. In practice, the dielectric between the plates passes a small amount of
leakage current. The conductors and leads introduce an equivalent series resistance and the
dielectric has an electric field strength limit resulting in a breakdown voltage.

Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits to block the flow of direct current while
allowing alternating current to pass, to filter out interference, to smooth the output of power
supplies, and for many other purposes. They are used in resonant circuits in radio frequency
equipment to select particular frequencies from a signal with many frequencies.

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RF DETECTOR

(1)Ceramic capacitor

In electronics ceramic capacitor is a capacitor constructed of alternating layers of metal


and ceramic, with the ceramic material acting as the dielectric. The temperature coefficient
depends on whether the dielectric is Class 1 or Class 2. A ceramic capacitor (especially the class
2) often has high dissipation factor, high frequency coefficient of dissipation.

Figure 2.2.2 Ceramic capacitors

A ceramic capacitor is a two-terminal, non-polar device. The classical ceramic capacitor


is the "disc capacitor". This device pre-dates the transistor and was used extensively in vacuum-
tube equipment (e.g., radio receivers) from about 1930 through the 1950s, and in discrete
transistor equipment from the 1950s through the 1980s. As of 2007, ceramic disc capacitors are
in widespread use in electronic equipment, providing high capacity & small size at low price
compared to other low value capacitor types.

Ceramic capacitors come in various shapes and styles, including:

 disc, resin coated, with through-hole leads


 multilayer rectangular block, surface mount
 bare leadless disc, sits in a slot in the PCB and is soldered in place, used for UHF
applications
 tube shape, not popular now

Page 6
RF DETECTOR

(2)Electrolytic capacitor

Figure 2.2.2 Axial lead (top) and radial lead (bottom) electrolytic capacitors

An electrolytic capacitor is a type of capacitor that uses an ionic conducting liquid as one
of its plates with a larger capacitance per unit volume than other types. They are valuable in
relatively high-current and low-frequency electrical circuits. This is especially the case in power-
supply filters, where they store charge needed to moderate output voltage and current
fluctuations in rectifier output. They are also widely used as coupling capacitors in circuits where
AC should be conducted but DC should not.

Electrolytic capacitors can have a very high capacitance, allowing filters made with them
to have very low corner frequencies.

2.2.3Transistor

Figure 2.2.3 Assorted discrete transistors


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RF DETECTOR

A transistor is a semiconductor device commonly used to amplify or switch electronic


signals. A transistor is made of a solid piece of a semiconductor material, with at least three
terminals for connection to an external circuit. A voltage or current applied to one pair of the
transistor's terminals changes the current flowing through another pair of terminals. Because the
controlled (output) power can be much more than the controlling (input) power, the transistor
provides amplification of a signal. Some transistors are packaged individually but most are found
in integrated circuits.

The transistor is the fundamental building block of modern electronic devices, and its
presence is ubiquitous in modern electronic systems.

Usage

The bipolar junction transistor, or BJT, was the most commonly used transistor in the
1960s and 70s. Even after MOSFETs became widely available, the BJT remained the transistor
of choice for many analog circuits such as simple amplifiers because of their greater linearity and
ease of manufacture. Desirable properties of MOSFETs, such as their utility in low-power
devices, usually in the CMOS configuration, allowed them to capture nearly all market share for
digital circuits; more recently MOSFETs have captured most analog and power applications as
well, including modern clocked analog circuits, voltage regulators, amplifiers, power
transmitters, motor drivers, etc

Advantages

The key advantages that have allowed transistors to replace their vacuum tube
predecessors in most applications are

 Small size and minimal weight, allowing the development of miniaturized electronic
devices.
 Highly automated manufacturing processes, resulting in low per-unit cost.
 Lower possible operating voltages, making transistors suitable for small, battery-powered
applications.
 No warm-up period for cathode heaters required after power application.
Page 8
RF DETECTOR

 Lower power dissipation and generally greater energy efficiency.


 Higher reliability and greater physical ruggedness.
 Extremely long life. Some transistorized devices have been in service for more than 30
years.
 Complementary devices available, facilitating the design of complementary-symmetry
circuits, something not possible with vacuum tubes.
 Insensitivity to mechanical shock and vibration, thus avoiding the problem of micro
phonics in audio applications.

Limitations

 Silicon transistors do not operate at voltages higher than about 1,000 volts (SiC devices
can be operated as high as 3,000 volts). In contrast, electron tubes have been developed
that can be operated at tens of thousands of volts.
 High power, high frequency operation, such as used in over-the-air television
broadcasting, is better achieved in electron tubes due to improved electron mobility in a
vacuum.
 On average, a higher degree of amplification linearity can be achieved in electron tubes
as compared to equivalent solid state devices, a characteristic that may be important in
high fidelity audio reproduction.

 Silicon transistors are much more sensitive than electron tubes to an electromagnetic
pulse, such as generated by an atmospheric nuclear explosion.

Type

Bipolar junction transistor

The bipolar junction transistor (BJT) was the first type of transistor to be mass-produced.
Bipolar transistors are so named because they conduct by using both majority and minority
carriers. The three terminals of the BJT are named emitter, base, and collector. The BJT consists
of two p-n junctions: the base–emitter junction and the base–collector junction, separated by a
thin region of semiconductor known as the base region (two junction diodes wired together

Page 9
RF DETECTOR

without sharing an intervening semiconducting region will not make a transistor). "The [BJT] is
useful in amplifiers because the currents at the emitter and collector are controllable by the
relatively small base current. In an NPN transistor operating in the active region, the emitter-base
junction is forward biased (electrons and holes recombine at the junction), and electrons are
injected into the base region. Because the base is narrow, most of these electrons will diffuse into
the reverse-biased (electrons and holes are formed at, and move away from the junction) base-
collector junction and be swept into the collector; perhaps one-hundredth of the electrons will
recombine in the base, which is the dominant mechanism in the base current. By controlling the
number of electrons that can leave the base, the number of electrons entering the collector can be
controlled. Collector current is approximately β (common-emitter current gain) times the base
current. It is typically greater than 100 for small-signal transistors but can be smaller in
transistors designed for high-power applications.

Unlike the FET, the BJT is a low–input-impedance device. Also, as the base–emitter
voltage (Vbe) is increased the base–emitter current and hence the collector–emitter current (I ce)
increase exponentially according to the Shockley diode model and the Ebers-Moll model.
Because of this exponential relationship, the BJT has a higher transconductance than the FET.

Bipolar transistors can be made to conduct by exposure to light, since absorption of


photons in the base region generates a photocurrent that acts as a base current; the collector
current is approximately β times the photocurrent. Devices designed for this purpose have a
transparent window in the package and are called phototransistors.

Page 10
RF DETECTOR

2.2.4 Light-emitting diode

Figure 2.2.4 LED

Type Passive, optoelectronic

Working principle Electroluminescence

Invented Nick Holonyak Jr. (1962)

Electronic symbol

Pin configuration Anode and Cathode

A light-emitting diode (LED) is an electronic light source. LEDs are used as indicator
lamps in many kinds of electronics and increasingly for lighting. LEDs work by the effect of

Page 11
RF DETECTOR

electroluminescence, discovered by accident in 1907. The LED was introduced as a practical


electronic component in 1962. All early devices emitted low-intensity red light, but modern
LEDs are available across the visible, ultraviolet and infra red wavelengths, with very high
brightness.

LEDs are based on the semiconductor diode. When the diode is forward biased (switched
on), electrons are able to recombine with holes and energy is released in the form of light. This
effect is called electroluminescence and the color of the light is determined by the energy gap of
the semiconductor. The LED is usually small in area (less than 1 mm2) with integrated optical
components to shape its radiation pattern and assist in reflection.

LEDs present many advantages over traditional light sources including lower energy
consumption, longer lifetime, improved robustness, smaller size and faster switching. However,
they are relatively expensive and require more precise current and heat management than
traditional light sources.

Applications of LEDs are diverse. They are used as low-energy indicators but also for
replacements for traditional light sources in general lighting, automotive lighting and traffic
signals. The compact size of LEDs has allowed new text and video displays and sensors to be
developed, while their high switching rates are useful in communications technology.

Figure 2.2.4 Various types LEDs

Page 12
RF DETECTOR

2.2.5 PIEZO BUZZER

Piezoelectricity is the ability of some materials (notably crystals and certain ceramics,
including bone) to generate an electric field or electric potential in response to applied
mechanical stress. The effect is closely related to a change of polarization density within the
material's volume. If the material is not short-circuited, the applied stress induces a voltage
across the material. The word is derived from the Greek piezo or piezein, which means to
squeeze or press.

A buzzer or beeper is a signaling device, usually electronic, typically used in


automobiles, household appliances such as microwave ovens, or game shows.

It most commonly consists of a number of switches or sensors connected to a control unit


that determines if and which button was pushed or a preset time has lapsed, and usually
illuminates a light on the appropriate button or control panel, and sounds a warning in the form
of a continuous or intermittent buzzing or beeping sound.

Initially this device was based on an electromechanical system which was identical to an
electric bell without the metal gong (which makes the ringing noise). Often these units were
anchored to a wall or ceiling and used the ceiling or wall as a sounding board. Another
implementation with some AC-connected devices was to implement a circuit to make the AC
current into a noise loud enough to drive a loudspeaker and hook this circuit up to an 8-ohm
speaker. Nowadays, it is more popular to use a ceramic-based piezoelectric sounder which makes
a high-pitched tone. Usually these were hooked up to "driver" circuits which varied the pitch of
the sound or pulsed the sound on and off.

In game shows it is also known as a "lockout system" because when one person signals
("buzzes in"), all others are locked out from signaling. Several game shows have large buzzer
buttons which are identified as "plungers". The buzzer is also used to signal wrong answers and
when time expires on many game shows, such as Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud and The Price
is Right.

Page 13
RF DETECTOR

The word "buzzer" comes from the rasping noise that buzzers made when they were
electromechanical devices, operated from stepped-down AC line voltage at 50 or 60 cycles.
Other sounds commonly used to indicate that a button has been pressed are a ring or a beep.

Figure 2.2.5 Buzzer


2.2.6 IC CA 3130

Figure 2.2.6 IC CA 3130

This IC is a 15 MHz BiMOS Operational amplifier with MOSFET inputs and Bipolar
output. The inputs contain MOSFET transistors to provide very high input impedance and very
low input current as low as 10pA. It has high speed of performance and suitable for low input
current applications.

CA3130A and CA3130 are op amps that combine the advantage of both CMOS and
bipolar transistors. Gate-protected P-Channel MOSFET (PMOS) transistors are used in the input
circuit to provide very-high-input impedance, very-low-input current and exceptional speed
performance. The use of PMOS transistors in the input stage results in common-mode input-
voltage capability down to0.5V below the negative-supply terminal, an important attribute in
single-supply applications.

Page 14
RF DETECTOR

A CMOS transistor-pair, capable of swinging the output voltage to within 10mV of either
supply-voltage terminal (at very high values of load impedance), is employed as the output
circuit.

The CA3130 Series circuits operate at supply voltages ranging from 5V to 16V, (2.5V to
8V). They can be phase compensated with a single external capacitor, and have terminals for
adjustment of offset voltage for applications requiring offset-null capability.

Terminal provisions are also made to permit strobing of the output stage. The CA3130A
offers superior input characteristics over those of the CA3130.

Features

• MOSFET Input Stage Provides:

- Very High ZI = 1.5 T

- Very Low current = 5pA at 15V Operation

• Ideal for Single-Supply Applications

• Common-Mode Input-Voltage Range Includes Negative Supply Rail; Input Terminals can be
Swung 0.5VBelow Negative Supply Rail

• CMOS Output Stage Permits Signal Swing to Either (or both) Supply Rails

Applications

• Ground-Referenced Single Supply Amplifiers

• Fast Sample-Hold Amplifiers

• Long-Duration Timers/ Mono stables

• High-Input-Impedance Comparators (Ideal Interface with Digital CMOS)

• High-Input-Impedance Wideband Amplifiers

• Voltage Followers (e.g. Follower for Single-Supply D/A Converter)

Page 15
RF DETECTOR

• Voltage Regulators (Permits Control of Output Voltage Down to 0V)

• Peak Detectors

• Single-Supply Full-Wave Precision Rectifiers

• Photo-Diode Sensor Amplifiers

2.2.7 IC NE555 TIMER

Figure 2.2.7 IC NE 555 Timer

The NE555 IC is a highly stable controller capable of producing accurate timing pulses.
With a monostable operation, the time delay is controlled by one external resistor and one
capacitor. With an astable operation, the frequency and duty cycle are accurately controlled by
two external resistors and one capacitor.

DETAILS OF PIN

1. Ground, is the input pin of the source of the negative DC voltage


2. Trigger, negative input from the lower comparators (comparator B) that maintain
oscillation capacitor voltage in the lowest 1 / 3 Vcc and set RS flip-flop
3. Output, the output pin of the IC 555.

Page 16
RF DETECTOR

4. Reset, the pin that serves to reset the latch inside the IC to be influential to reset the IC
work. This pin is connected to a PNP-type transistor gate, so the transistor will be active
if given a logic low. Normally this pin is connected directly to Vcc to prevent reset
5. Control voltage, this pin serves to regulate the stability of the reference voltage negative
input (comparator A). This pin can be left hanging, but to ensure the stability of the
reference comparator A, usually associated with a capacitor of about 10nF to pin ground
6. Threshold, this pin is connected to the positive input (comparator A) which will reset the
RS flip-flop when the voltage on the capacitor from exceeding 2 / 3 Vcc
7. Discharge, this pin is connected to an open collector transistor Q1 is connected to ground
emitter. Switching transistor serves to clamp the corresponding node to ground on the
timing of certain
8. Vcc, pin it to receive a DC voltage supply. Usually will work optimally if given a 5-15V.
The current supply can be seen in the datasheet, which is about 10-15mA.

Features

• High Current Drive Capability (200mA)


• Adjustable Duty Cycle
• Temperature Stability of 0.005% /C
• Timing from Sec to Hours
• Turn off time less than 2mSec

Applications

• Precision Timing
• Pulse Generation
• Time Delay Generation
• Sequential Timing

Page 17
RF DETECTOR

CHAPTER – 3
Hardware Implementation

3.1 BASIC CONCEPT AND WORKING OF CELLPHONE DETECTOR

Purpose of the circuit

This circuit is intended to detect unauthorized use of mobile phones in examination halls,
confidential rooms etc. It also helps to detect unauthorized video and audio recordings. It detects
the signal from mobile phones even if it is kept in the silent mode. It also detects SMS.

CONCEPT

Mobile phone uses RF with a wavelength of 30cm at 872 to 2170 MHz. That is the signal
is high frequency with huge energy. When the mobile phone is active, it transmits the signal in
the form of sine wave which passes through the space. The encoded audio/video signal contains
electromagnetic radiation which is picked up by the receiver in the base station. Mobile phone
system is referred to as “Cellular Telephone system” because the coverage area is divided into
“cells” each of which has a base station. The transmitter power of the modern 2G antenna in the
base station is 20-100 watts.

When a GSM (Global System of Mobile communication) digital phone is transmitting,


the signal is time shared with 7 other users. That is at any one second, each of the 8 users on the
same frequency is allotted 1/8 of the time and the signal is reconstituted by the receiver to form
the speech. Peak power output of a mobile phone corresponds to 2 watts with an average of 250
milli watts of continuous power. Each handset with in a ‘cell’ is allotted a particular frequency
for its use. The mobile phone transmits short signals at regular intervals to register its availability
to the nearest base station. The network data base stores the information transmitted by the
mobile phone. If the mobile phone moves from one cell to another, it will keep the connection
with the base station having strongest transmission. Mobile phone always tries to make
connection with the available base station. That is why, the back light of the phone turns on
intermittently while traveling. This will cause severe battery drain. So in long journeys, battery
will flat within a few hours.
Page 18
RF DETECTOR

AM Radio uses frequencies between 180 kHz and 1.6 MHz, FM radio uses 88 to 180 MHz,
TV uses 470 to 854 MHz. Waves at higher frequencies but within the RF region is called Micro
waves. Mobile phone uses high frequency RF wave in the micro wave region carrying huge
amount of electromagnetic energy. That is why burning sensation develops in the ear if the
mobile is used for a long period. Just like a micro wave oven, mobile phone is ‘cooking’ the
tissues in the ear. RF radiation from the phone causes oscillation of polar molecules like water in
the tissues. This generates heat through friction just like the principle of microwave oven. The
strongest radiation from the mobile phone is about 2 watts which can make connection with a
base station located 2 to 3 km away.

How the circuit works?

Ordinary LC (Coil-Capacitor) circuits are used to detect low frequency radiation in the
AM and FM bands. The tuned tank circuit having a coil and a variable capacitor retrieve the
signal from the carrier wave. But such LC circuits cannot detect high frequency waves near the
microwave region. Hence in the circuit, a capacitor is used to detect RF from mobile phone
considering that, a capacitor can store energy even from an outside source and oscillate like LC
circuit.

R5 100R
BUZZER

R1 3.9 M IC1 LED


Red
CA 3130
7
3 R4 100 R
6 +
C
IC1
0.22 UF 2 9 V Battery
4
R2
C1
100K R3 1 M C2
100 0.1
UF
25V

Figure 3.1 Circuit diagram

Page 19
RF DETECTOR

Use of capacitor

A capacitor has two electrodes separated by a ‘dielectric’ like paper, mica etc. The non
polarized disc capacitor is used to pass AC and not DC. Capacitor can store energy and pass AC
signals during discharge. 0.22µF capacitor is selected because it is a low value one and has large
surface area to accept energy from the mobile radiation. To detect the signal, the sensor part
should be like an aerial. So the capacitor is arranged as a mini loop aerial (similar to the dipole
antenna used in TV).In short with this arrangement, the capacitor works like an air core coil with
ability to oscillate and discharge current.

How the capacitor senses RF?

One lead of the capacitor gets DC from the positive rail and the other lead goes to the
negative input of IC1. So the capacitor gets energy for storage. This energy is applied to the
inputs of IC1 so that the inputs of IC are almost balanced with 1.4 volts. In this state output is
zero. But at any time IC can give a high output if a small current is induced to its inputs. There a
natural electromagnetic field around the capacitor caused by the 50Hz from electrical wiring.
When the mobile phone radiates high energy pulsations, capacitor oscillates and release energy
in the inputs of IC. This oscillation is indicated by the flashing of the LED and beeping of
Buzzer. In short, capacitor carries energy and is in an electromagnetic field. So a slight change in
field caused by the RF from phone will disturb the field and forces the capacitor to release
energy.

3.2 APPLICATION

 It can be used to prevent use of mobile phones in examination halls, confidential rooms, etc.
 It is also useful for detecting the use of mobile phone for spying and unauthorized video
transmission.
 It is useful where the use of mobile phone is prohibited like petrol pumps and gas stations,
historical places, religious places and court of laws.

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RF DETECTOR

CHAPTER – 4
The moment the Bug detects RF transmission signal from an activated mobile phone, it
starts sounding a beep alarm and the LED blinks. The alarm continues until the signal
transmission ceases

Result

Figure 4.1 Circuit when not detecting the cell phone

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RF DETECTOR

Figure 4.2 Circuit when detecting a cell phone

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RF DETECTOR

CHAPTER – 5
CONCLUSION and FUTURE SCOPE

5.1 CONCLUSION

This pocket-size mobile transmission detector or sniffer can sense the presence of an
activated mobile cell phone from a distance of one and-a-half meters. So it can be used to
prevent use of mobile phones in examination halls, confidential rooms, etc. It is also useful for
detecting the use of mobile phone for spying and unauthorized video transmission.

5.2 FUTURE SCOPE

Trying to increase the detecting range of cell phone detector to few more meters for
observing wide range of area.

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RF DETECTOR

References

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Common questions

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The RF detector is primarily used to prevent the use of mobile phones in examination halls, confidential rooms, and other restricted areas. It is also effective in detecting mobile phone use for spying and unauthorized video transmission. Additionally, it's applicable in areas where mobile phone use is prohibited, such as petrol stations, historical places, religious sites, and courtrooms .

The RF detector is effective in preventing unauthorized mobile phone use by leveraging its ability to sense RF transmissions within a range of 1.5 meters. This detection method is reliable even when a phone is in silent mode, allowing for the monitoring of incoming and outgoing calls and texts. However, its limited range might challenge larger areas, necessitating improved range for broader applicability. The method's efficacy depends on the environment's control and the detector's strategic placement .

When an activated mobile phone is within the detection range of one and a half meters, the circuit detects RF transmission signals and triggers a beep alarm while an LED blinks. The alarm continues until the transmission ceases, indicating the presence of RF emissions from the phone .

The ceramic capacitor in the RF detector acts as a mini loop aerial, similar to a dipole antenna, able to oscillate and discharge current upon detecting RF signals. It carries and stores energy, forming an electromagnetic field. When a mobile phone emits high energy pulsations, the capacitor releases this energy, triggering the IC to produce high output that is signaled by the flashing LED and beeping buzzer .

The IC NE555 Timer in the RF detector plays a key role in generating the timing signals required to produce the audio and visual indications when an RF signal is detected. It facilitates the operation of the buzzer and LED by controlling the duration and frequency of the signal output, ensuring the alert is noticeable and effective in indicating a phone's presence .

Transistors provide significant advantages over vacuum tubes due to their small size, low power consumption, and high reliability, making them ideal for portable devices like RF detectors. Their automated manufacturing process results in lower cost and greater consistency in electronic circuits. Additionally, transistors don't require a warm-up period, unlike vacuum tubes, and are much more resilient against mechanical shock and vibrations — critical attributes for devices intended for varied and rugged environments .

The 0.22µF capacitor's energy capacity is crucial because it allows the capacitor to respond to small fluctuations in the electromagnetic field caused by RF signals from mobile phones. Its ability to store and discharge energy efficiently makes it suitable for detecting such signals and triggering the circuit's response, such as emitting a sound and light indication. This low-value capacitor with a large surface area is essential for its role as a sensor in the RF detector .

BJTs offer greater linearity and are easier to manufacture compared to MOSFETs, making them suitable for analog circuits like amplifiers. In contrast, MOSFETs excel in power applications due to their efficiency and are preferred in digital circuits for their low power consumption. However, in RF detectors, BJTs might be more suitable owing to their amplification capabilities and the precision required in signal detection .

The use of a miniature 12V battery is key to the portability of the RF detector. It enables the detector to remain compact and easily portable, fitting into small spaces like a jacket pocket. This allows for discreet detection in various environments, crucial for scenarios like examination rooms or private meetings .

The current detection range of the RF detector is limited to one and a half meters. A major challenge is extending this range to cover a wider area, which is critical in large spaces like examination halls or big conference rooms. It is proposed to improve the detector's range in the future, allowing it to sense RF signals from a much greater distance, thereby enhancing its practical application and effectiveness .

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