Gravity: UV Index Sensor (240-370nm, UVA, UVB, UVC)

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

DC

DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.

Gravity

Gravity is DFRobot’s plug-in connector system for sensors, motors and modules, using standard cables to reduce loose jumper wiring. It matters because Gravity-compatible parts can connect directly to these ports, while non-Gravity parts may need adapters or manual wiring.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

I2C address

An I2C address is the number a device uses so a microcontroller can tell it apart from other devices on the same I2C bus. It matters because two devices with the same fixed address may conflict if used together.

microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.

Torque

A twisting force that causes something to rotate, usually measured in newton-metres or kilogram-centimetres. It matters when choosing motors, servos, gears, and tools because higher torque is needed to lift heavier loads, turn larger wheels, or move mechanisms without stalling.

UART

UART is a simple asynchronous serial interface that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, usually labelled TX and RX, with both ends set to the same baud rate. It is a common way for microcontrollers and other serial devices to exchange data.

UVA

UVA is the longer-wavelength part of ultraviolet light, closest to visible violet light. Measuring it separately matters when you need to distinguish general UV exposure from the more energetic UVB and UVC bands.

UVB

UVB is a middle band of ultraviolet light that is more energetic than UVA and is important in sun exposure and plant-related UV monitoring. A sensor with a separate UVB channel lets you measure this band without it being mixed together with other UV light.

UVC

UVC is a short-wavelength, high-energy band of ultraviolet light often used in germicidal lamps and curing applications. A separate UVC reading matters if your project needs to monitor or verify UVC sources rather than just detect general UV light.

wavelength

The distance between repeating peaks of a wave, often used to describe the colour of light in nanometres. For visible lasers and LEDs, wavelength tells you the approximate colour, such as red, green or blue.