Interfacing DIP Switch with Arduino

Introduction

The DIP switch is an electronic component that is commonly used to control various devices and circuits. It is a simple and reliable way to switch between different settings or configurations. With the advent of the Arduino microcontroller, interfacing DIP switches has become even easier. Arduino provides a convenient way to interface with DIP switches, allowing users to control and manipulate their projects with ease.

In this article, we will explore how to interface a “DIP switch with an Arduino” and take a look at some practical applications.

What is a DIP Switch?

DIP switch stands for Dual In-line Package switch. It is a small electronic component that is used to control the configuration of a circuit or device. A DIP switch typically consists of a series of tiny switches arranged in a row on a rectangular package. Each switch can be either on or off, and its state is controlled by a small lever or button.

Hardware Components

To interface the DIP switch with Arduino, you’ll need the following hardware components to get started:

Components	Value	Qty
Arduino UNO	–	1
USB Cable Type A to B	–	1
DC Power for Arduino	–	1
DIP Switch	–	1
LEDs	–	6
Jumper Wires	–	1

DIP Switch Pinout

DIP Switch Arduino Circuit

Make connections according to the circuit diagram given below.

Wiring / Connections

Arduino	DIP Switch	LEDS
D7	1
D6	2
D5	3
D4	4
D3	5
D2	6
D13		LED1 +
D12		LED2 +
D11		LED3 +
D10		LED4 +
D9		LED5 +
D8		LED6 +

Installing Arduino IDE

First, you need to install Arduino IDE Software from its official website Arduino. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on “How to install Arduino IDE“.

Code

Now copy the following code and upload it to Arduino IDE Software.

// Arduino pins used for the LEDs
#define LED1 13
#define LED2 12
#define LED3 11
#define LED4 10
#define LED5 9
#define LED6 8
 
// Arduino pins used for the switches
#define S1 7
#define S2 6
#define S3 5
#define S4 4
#define S5 3
#define S6 2
 
// State of each switch (0 or 1)
int s1state;
int s2state;
int s3state;
int s4state;
int s5state;
int s6state;
 
void setup() {
  // pins for LEDs are outputs
  pinMode(LED1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LED2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LED3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LED4, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LED5, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LED6, OUTPUT);
  // pins for switches are inputs
  pinMode(S1, INPUT);
  pinMode(S2, INPUT);
  pinMode(S3, INPUT);
  pinMode(S4, INPUT);
  pinMode(S5, INPUT);
  pinMode(S6, INPUT);
  // setup serial port
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Serial port open");
}
 
void loop() {
  s1state = digitalRead(S1);
  digitalWrite(LED1, s1state);
  s2state = digitalRead(S2);
  digitalWrite(LED2, s2state);
  s3state = digitalRead(S3);
  digitalWrite(LED3, s3state);
  s4state = digitalRead(S4);
  digitalWrite(LED4, s4state);
  s5state = digitalRead(S5);
  digitalWrite(LED5, s5state);
  s6state = digitalRead(S6);
  digitalWrite(LED6, s6state);
  Serial.print(s1state);
  Serial.print(s2state);
  Serial.print(s3state);
  Serial.print(s4state);
  Serial.print(s5state);
  Serial.print(s6state);
  Serial.println();
}

Code Explanation

This Arduino code defines the pins used for LEDs and switches and sets them as inputs or outputs. It also initializes the state of each switch as 0 (off) or 1 (on). In the setup function, the code sets the pins for the LEDs as outputs and the pins for the switches as inputs. It also sets up the serial port for communication with the computer. In the loop function, the code reads the state of each switch using digitalRead() and sets the corresponding LED to match the switch state using digitalWrite(). The code also sends the state of each switch to the computer via the serial port using Serial.print() and Serial.println(). This code can be used to create a simple circuit where the state of LEDs can be controlled by the state of switches and the state of switches can be monitored using a serial monitor.

Applications

Here are some applications of DIP switches:

• Setting configuration options in electronic devices such as routers, printers, and modems
• Selecting operational modes in electronic equipment such as audio/video equipment, lighting systems, and security systems
• Setting frequency channels and transmitter power levels in wireless communication systems such as radio and TV broadcasting
• Setting options for personal computer motherboards, sound cards, and other internal peripherals
• Configuring settings for programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs)
• Selecting input and output modes for microcontrollers, such as controlling the flow of data between different peripherals
• Setting addresses and data communication protocols for input/output devices, such as analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs)
• Configuring test equipment for calibration and measurement purposes.

Conclusion

DIP switch with an Arduino is a straightforward process that opens up many possibilities for controlling electronic projects. By using Arduino’s digital input pins and some basic programming, we can easily read the state of a DIP switch and perform various actions based on its settings. Whether you’re working on a robotics project, creating a custom control panel, or just experimenting with electronics, knowing how to interface with DIP switches can be a valuable skill.