Mobile Phone Detector: A Project Report
Mobile Phone Detector: A Project Report
Mobile Phone Detector: A Project Report
on
MOBILE PHONE DETECTOR
Submitted by
G. Sai horak 180060034
N. charishma 180060035
CH. Sravyasri 180060036
Sec - 1, Batch -9
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KL UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
ENGINEERING.
Analog Electronics Circuits and Design (18EC2103)
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Mr.G.sai horak -180060034, Ms. N. charishma- 180060035, Ms. CH. sravyasri-
180060036 of section 1 studying II/IV B.Tech in EEE has satisfactorily completed project MOBILE
PHONE DETECTOR in the semester II during the academic year 2019-2020
Signature of HOD
S.V.N .LALITHA
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We express great pleasure for me to express my gratitude to our honourable President Sri.
Koneru Satyanarayana, for providing the opportunity and platform with facilities in accomplishing the
project-based laboratory. We express the sincere gratitude to our principal Dr. K. Subbarao for his
administration towards our academic growth.
We express sincere gratitude to our Head of the department EEE Dr. S. V.N. LALITHA for
her leadership and constant motivation provided in successful completion of our academic semester. We
record it as our privilege to deeply thank for providing us the efficient faculty and facilities to make our
ideas into reality.
We express my sincere thanks to our project supervisor Mr. KASI UDAYKIRAN for his novel
association of ideas, encouragement, appreciation and intellectual zeal which motivated us to venture this
project successfully.
We are pleased to acknowledge the indebtedness to our lab technicians who devoted themselves
directly or indirectly to make this project success.
Last but not the least we express our deep gratitude and affection to our parents who stood behind
us in all our endeavours.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 ABSTRACT v
2 Introduction vi-vii
4 Architecture of project ix
6 implementation xxi-xxiv
8 applications xxv
10 result xxvii-xxviii
12 reference xxx
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ABSTRACT
This handy, pocket-size mobile transmission detector or sniffer can sense the presence of an
activated mobile cell phone from 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.
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INTRODUCTION
The most common electronic equipment used now-a-days is Cell Phone or Mobile Phone. With
advancement in communication technology, the requirement of cell phones has increased dramatically.
A cell phone typically transmits and receives signals in the frequency range of 0.9 to 3GHz. This article
provides a simple circuit to detect the presence of an activated cell phone by detecting these signals. we
have designed two circuits that act as Cell Phone Detector Circuit, one using a combination of Schottky
Diode and a Voltage Comparator and the other using a bicmos op-Amp.
As increase in the technology in the world using the electronic equipment’s 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 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.
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.
Motivation :
Cell phones are used in good way and 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.
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Use of Cell Phone Detector:
It is also useful for detecting the use of mobile phone for spying and un-authorized video transmission.
Certain places where use of mobile phones are not allowed like exam hall, temple, offices and theatre’s,
in those places to detect and restrict the use of mobile phones this proposed system is very helpful. This
must detect the incoming and outgoing calls, SMS and video transmission even if the mobile phone is
kept in the silent mode. The illegal use of cell phones is a growing and dangerous problem in correctional
institutions worldwide. These devices are a significant threat to prison security and circumvent the
monitoring processes in prisons, while helping inmates commit new crimes both inside and outside the
facility
The transmission frequency of mobile phones ranges from 0.9 to 3 GHz with a wavelength of 3.3 to 10
cm. So, a circuit detecting gigahertz signals is required for a mobile bug. The lead length of the capacitor
is fixed as 18 mm with a spacing of 8 mm between the leads to get the desired frequency. The disk
capacitor along with the leads acts as a small gigahertz loop antenna to collect the RF signals from the
mobile phone.
When 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. The transmitter power of the modern 2G antenna in the base station is 20-100
watts. The mobile phone transmits short signals at regular intervals to register its availability to the nearest
base station. Distance to cellular base station is the most important environmental factor. Generally, the
nearer a cellular phone is to a base station or transmitting tower, the weaker will be the signal that needs
to come from the phone. Range of frequencies of different categories are, am radio frequencies between
180 kHz and 1.6mhz,FM radio uses 88 to 180 mhz, TV uses 470 to 854mhz.waves at higher frequencies
but within the RF region is called Microwaves. Mobile phone uses high frequency RF wave in the
microwave region carrying huge amount of electromagnetic energy.
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ABOUT PROJECT
Cell Phone Detector is a circuit that can sense the presence of any activated cell-phone nearby and gives
an indication of activated cell-phone near around of it. Basically Cell-phone detector is a Frequency
Detector or a Current to Voltage Converter Circuit which catches frequencies about 0.8 - 3.0GHz (Mobile
band frequencies). RL tuned circuit (Resistor–Inductor circuit) is not suitable for detecting the RF signals
in Gigahertz range.
This Mobile Detector Circuit can detect incoming/outgoing calls, messaging, video
transmission and any SMS or GPRS uses within the range of 1 meter. This circuit is very useful to detect
Cell-phones at Cell-phone restricted places like Exam halls, meeting rooms, hospitals etc. It is also useful
in detecting the unauthorised use or spying using hidden Cell Phone. It can detect the RF Transmission
from the Mobile Phone and triggers Buzzer to produce beep sound, even if the phone is kept on Silent
mode and this alarm continues beeping till the presence of RF signals.
The basic principle behind the Cell Phone Detector circuits is to detect the RF Signals. In the Schottky
diode circuit, the Schottky Diode is used to detect the cell phone signal as they have a unique property of
being able to rectify low frequency signals, with low noise rate. When an inductor is placed near the RF
signal source, it receives the signal through mutual induction. This signal is rectified by the Schottky
diode. This low power signal can be amplified and used to power any indicator like a led in this case.
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. An ordinary RF
detector using tuned LC circuits is not suitable for detecting signals in the GHz frequency band used in
mobile phones.
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ARCHITECTURE OF PROJECT
COMPONENTS REQUIRED
1. CA3130 OP-AMP
2. RESISTORS – 2.2MΩ X 2, 100KΩ, 1KΩ
3. CAPACITORS – 22PF X 2, 0.22NF, 47PF, 100µF
4. BC548 NPN TRANSISTOR
5. LED
6. CONNECTING WIRES
7. BREADBOARD
8. 9V BATTERY
9. PIEZO BUZZER
10. IC NE555 TIMER
11. ANTENNA
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CA3130 OP-AMP
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
RESISTORS
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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.
CAPACITOR:
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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 have 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 frequencies
from a signal with many frequencies.
(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.
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
bare leadless disc, sits in a slot in the PCB and is soldered in place, used for UHF applications
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(2)Electrolytic capacitor
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.
BC548 is a NPN transistor so the collector and emitter will be left open (Reverse biased) when the base
pin is held at ground and will be closed (Forward biased) when a signal is provided to base pin. BC548
has a gain value of 110 to 800, this value determines the amplification capacity of the transistor. The
maximum amount of current that could flow through the Collector pin is 500mA, hence we cannot
connect loads that consume more than 500mA using this transistor. To bias a transistor, we have to supply
current to base pin, this current (IB) should be limited to 5mA.
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When this transistor is fully biased, it can allow a maximum of 500mA to flow across the collector and
emitter. This stage is called Saturation Region and the typical voltage allowed across the Collector-
Emitter (VCE) or Base-Emitter (VBE) could be 200 and 900 mV respectively.
When base current is removed the transistor becomes fully off, this stage is called as the Cut-off Region
and the Base Emitter voltage could be around 660 mV.
The BC548 is supplied in a standard TO-92 3-pin package. The assignment of transistor elements to
leads, i.e. the "pinout", uses the same convention used by some - but not all - other TO-92 devices. As
viewed in the top-right image, going from left to right, the pinout is as follows:
Sometimes the middle pin is supplied bent to form a triangle of leads (as found in TO-18 case transistors
and, for example, the ZTX108-L) to match the pinout of the BC108 more exactly.
The BC548 part number is assigned by Pro Electron, which allows many manufacturers to offer
electrically and physically interchangeable parts under one identification. Devices registered to this Pro
Electron number must have the following minimum performance characteristics:
LED:
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Type : Passive, optoelectronic
Electronic symbol :
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 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
can 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.
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Various types of LEDs
CONNECTING WIRES:
Connecting wires provide a medium to an electrical current so that they can travel from one point on a
circuit to another. In the case of computers, wires are embedded into circuit boards to carry pulses of
electricity. Most wires in computers and electronic components are made of copper or aluminum, because
copper is cheap and electrically conductive.
In a basic circuit, the wire comes from one terminal of a power source, then
connects to a switch that determines whether the circuit is open or closed. The connected wires of a device
are used to draw power and electricity and perform specified tasks. Before a current can travel through
the wire, the circuit has to be closed; in other words, there cannot be any breaks in the path. Electricity
cannot easily travel through air, and if it does there is a risk of stray current leaking into the surroundings
and causing damage or failing to power the appliance.
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BREADBOARD:
A breadboard is a rectangular plastic board with a bunch of tiny holes in it. These holes let you easily
insert electronic components to prototype (meaning to build and test an early version of) an electronic
circuit, like this one with a battery, switch, resistor, and an LED (light-emitting diode).
A breadboard is a platform you can use to build and test electronic circuits, usually
without having to do any soldering. Certain parts of the breadboard are wired together so that electricity
can flow from component to component in orderly rows. Amateurs and experts alike use them to
experiment with circuit ideas, and in some cases, they can be used to build useful devices directly on the
breadboard.
A breadboard is an inexpensive, easy-to-use piece of hardware for wiring electrical circuits. Breadboards
acquired their name because they are similar in shape to cutting boards used for cutting unsliced bread.
In the past, hobbyists and engineers nailed metal spikes into cutting boards when wiring circuits.
A breadboard is usually covered with holes lined with metal, in which wires and
electrical components such as resistors, diodes and capacitors can be plugged. The holes are divided into
rows, and holes within particular rows are wired together on the underside of the breadboard so that an
electric current can flow down the rows.
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9V BATTERY:
A battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections[1] for
powering electrical devices such as flashlights, mobile phones, and electric cars. When a battery is
supplying electric power, its positive terminal is the cathode and its negative terminal is the anode. The
terminal marked negative is the source of electrons that will flow through an external electric circuit to
the positive terminal. When a battery is connected to an external electric load, a redox reaction converts
high-energy reactants to lower-energy products, and the free energy difference is delivered to the external
circuit as electrical energy Historically the term "battery" specifically referred to a device composed of
multiple cells, however the usage has evolved to include devices composed of a single cell.
PIEZO BUZZER :
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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 signalling 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 present 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.
In game shows it is also known as a "lockout system" because when one person
signals ("buzzes in"), all others are locked out from signalling. 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. 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.
IC NE555 TIMER:
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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
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
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HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION
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. This circuit consist an op-amp with
some active passive components. A LED and buzzer are used for indication of presence of cellphone.
Op-amp is configured as Frequency Detector or Current to Voltage Converter and its output is connected
to a LED and buzzer using NPN and PNP transistors.
Working of Mobile Detector is simple. Two 100nF capacitors (C2 and C3), in parallel, are
used for detecting RF signal from Mobile Phone. These capacitors are working as loop antenna for the
system. When there is any call or SMS then capacitors in parallel detect the data transmission frequencies
or RF signal and output of op-amp goes high or low (fluctuating) due to generated current at the input
side of op-amp. Due to these fluctuations, LED turns on and off through NPN transistor according to the
signal’s frequency. Now PNP transistor is also triggered with the same frequency and buzzer starts
beeping until data transmission gets finished. If you are not familiar with working of Op-amps then learn
more about Op-amps here.
Op-amp IC CA3130 (IC1) is used in the circuit as a current-to-voltage converter with capacitor C3
connected between its inverting and non-inverting inputs. It is a CMOS version using gate-protected p-
channel MOSFET transistors in the input to provide very high input impedance, very low input current
and very high speed of performance. The output CMOS transistor is capable of swinging the output
voltage to within 10 mV of either supply voltage terminal.
Capacitor C3 in conjunction with the lead inductance acts as a transmission line that intercepts the signals
from the mobile phone. This capacitor creates a field, stores energy and transfers the stored energy in the
form of minute current to the inputs of IC1. This will upset the balanced input of IC1 and convert the
current into the corresponding output voltage.
Capacitor C4 along with high-value resistor R1 keeps the non-inverting input stable for easy swing of the
output to high state. Resistor R2 provides the discharge path for capacitor C4. Feedback resistor R3 makes
the inverting input high when the output becomes high. Capacitor C5 (47pF) is connected across ‘strobe’
(pin 8) and ‘null’ inputs (pin 1) of IC1 for phase compensation and gain control to optimise the frequency
response.
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When the cell phone detector signal is detected by C3, the output of IC1 becomes high and low alternately
according to the frequency of the signal as indicated by LED1. This triggers monostable timer IC2
through capacitor C7. Capacitor C6 maintains the base bias of transistor T1 for fast switching action. The
low-value timing components R6 and C9 produce very short time delay to avoid audio nuisance.
Assemble the cell phone detector 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 optimised 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.
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.
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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 Microwaves. Mobile phone
uses high frequency RF wave in the microwave 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
microwave 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.
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.
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In this circuit we have used a CA3130 OP-Amp IC for detecting incoming or outgoing signal around
it. Op-amp non-inverting end is connected to Vcc through 2.2M resistor and it is also connected to the
ground through 100K resistor and 100uF Capacitor. Its inverting terminal is feedback from its output
through a 2.2M resistor for amplify the signal. Two 100nF capacitors are connected between inverting
and non-inverting terminal, working as loop antenna for the system. Two 100nF capacitors are connected
in series between Pin 1 and 8 of op-amp to boost the gain of the current to voltage converter at its output
pin.
Output of this op-amp is connected at the base of NPN transistor namely BC547 through a 1k resistor
and a LED is connected at its emitter for indication. A buzzer is also used for sound indication by using
a PNP transistor namely BC557. And a 9-volt battery is used for powering the circuit
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.
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.
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Limitations of Mobile Phone Detector Circuit:
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.
It can be used to detect stolen mobile phones.
It is useful where the use of mobile phone is prohibited like
o Petrol pumps
o Gas station
o Historical places
o Religious places
o Court of laws
o Examination halls
o Spying and unauthorized video transmission
o Military bases
o Hospitals
o Theatres
o Conferences
o Embassies
ADVANTAGES
Smaller in size
Detection of hidden cell phones
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\
MODEL CIRCUIT
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RESULT
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
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Circuit when detecting a cell phone
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CONCLUSION
This pocket-size mobile transmission detector or sniffer can sense the presence of an activated mobile
cell phone from 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.
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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References
1. www.google.com
2. www.wikipedia.org
3. www.datasheets4u.com
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