Home monitoring system

Abstract

The idea for home automation has existed since the introduction of electricity inside houses. The appliances found inside a consumer’s home can be interfaced directly with each other through the use of one micro-controlled device, which is able to monitor important factors such as lighting, temperature control and security control, amongst other factors. The aim of this project is to implement the idea of home automation, on a small-scale model of a house through the use of an FPGA board, which can be programmed to perform various functions and interface it with an electrical circuit that mimics an ordinary house electrical system. Through the use of a high level language such as VHDL, the FPGA is programmed to interface all sensors implemented in the circuity, provide the end-user constant monitoring of environmental factors and, according to these factors, appliances will be switched on accordingly with minimal voltage, in order to prevent energy wastage. The user will also have the ability to control these appliances manually instead of allowing every component to be controlled automatically. The project will also implement a security system that allows maximum security of the house, mainly when the house is left unoccupied. This dissertation will clearly bring out the benefits of having an automated system implemented inside one’s house.