EE212 – Analog Electronics I

Semester 1, 2022

Mini-Project:
Mobile Phone Detector

Sahil Shivnesh Kumar (S11196021)

Ravneel Prasad (S11158407)
Tearei Abiuta (S11174764)
Problem Statement
Students are often found trying to use their mobile phones in exam halls. This circuit can be used
in exam halls to detect the presence of mobiles and prevent their usage. The circuit may be used
to detect phones used for spying as well as unwanted media transmission. The phone detector
can also be used to track down stolen phones. As a result, our team has decided to create a circuit
to detect mobile phones in various situations.
Objectives
Build a mobile phone detector circuit that:
 employs a practical idea to identify phones
 is within the scope of EE212
 is easy to build and maintain
 is inexpensive
Introduction
In the modern age, technology has evolved into one of the most important tools for completing
numerous activities in everyday life. It has applications in communication, transportation,
education, industry, and data security [1]. When you're in university, you'll realize that one of the
most frequent technologies utilized by the majority is a cell phone. It is very uncommon to find
someone without a phone, as it makes communication between individuals in distant locations
much simpler.

The basic version of phones only allowed users to make and receive calls and text messages.
Modern day applications were not included in these phones. Nowadays, mobile phones have
evolved into a new variety known as smartphones, which can run web browsers, store games,
films, and provide navigation. Students, on the other hand, utilize their smartphones to save
lecture and tutorial materials, e-books, and videos, as well as connect with classmates. If a
mobile phone is used in restricted areas, such as exam halls and gas stations, it may have
unforeseen consequences. In other circumstances, this gadget may distract students during a
lecture or tutorial session. As a result, mobile phone detectors can be employed in this case to
detect a phone that is present in a unwanted region [2].

Radio frequency signals are sensed by the Cell Phone Detector circuit. The capacitor is used to
detect the mobile phone signal in the circuit because of its unique capacity to rectify low
frequency signals with low noise rate. Using the diode, this signal will be rectified. Any low-
power signal, such as an LED, can be amplified and utilized to power a signal [3]. This may be a
great exciting project since we can detect if someone is sending or receiving a message, or if a
call is coming or someone is attempting to call someone using this simple electrical circuit.
When the circuit detects an RF signal from a mobile phone that has been activated, it will
illuminate the LED. The LED will begin to blink and will continue to blink until the
incoming/outgoing signal is no longer detected. Overall, mobile phone detectors can restrict the
use of cellphones in jails, movie theaters, classrooms, and any other location where cellphone
use is prohibited [4].
Equipment
 3 x Resistors [100 k Ω , 1k Ω, 220 k Ω ¿
 3 x Capacitors [ 1 μF, 1 μF, 100 μF ]
 1 x NPN Transistor [ BC548 ]
 1 x LED [ Blue ]
 1 x Op-Amp [ LM358 ]
 1 x Diode [ IN4148 ]
 Antenna (15cm single strand wire)
Methodology
Our group first gathered to go through the topics and theories covered in this course. Then we
decided on a project concept: "Mobile detector using a Schottky diode."
However, because a Schottky diode was not accessible in the lab, we used a switching diode.
Our project topic was also updated to "Mobile Phone Detector" exclusively.
Because the Schottky diode was not available, we had to make some extra alterations to our
original circuit. We elected to utilize an Op-amp (LM358) instead of a voltage comparator
(LM311) in our circuit, and we also decided not to use an inductor.
The circuit will be supplied with a 4.5V constant voltage supply.

Figure 1 shows the block diagram implementation of the circuit

The block diagram illustrated in Fig. 1 sum up the whole project circuit.

The electromagnetic pickup stage, amplification stage, and output alert stage are all included in
this circuit. The first step is to properly bias the low power dual operational amplifier IC LM358.
We only require one operational amplifier from IC LM358 and leave the other open.

When the antenna on this mobile phone detector circuit detects an active mobile electromagnetic
signal, it transforms the signal into a very low power electric signal, which is then amplified by
the LM358 operational amplifier. The Op-amp component of the circuit is the RF Signal
Detector, and the indicator is the Transistor employed in the circuit. The capacitors and antenna
are used to detect RF Signals when a mobile phone makes or receives a phone call or sends or
receives a text message. An Op-Amp is used to read the signals since it transforms the rise in
current at the input to voltage at the output.. The Capacitors absorb the energy emitted by the
mobile phone in the form of an RF signal and use it as an input to the LM358. The inverting side
of the op-amp is linked to the two 1μF capacitors and the 100k resistor, while the non-inverting
side is connected to the 100μF capacitor and the 220k resistor.
Figure 2 shows the pin layout for the LM358 Op-Amp [5].

The output of LM358 is connected to the LED via the transistor. The output from the op-amp is
connected to the base of the transistor. A 1kΩ resistor is connected to the collector pin of the
BJT. And the diode and the LED are connected to the emitter pin of BC548.

Figure 3 shows the terminals for the BC548 transistor [6].

Then output is applied to the LED through the transistor to the switching diode and the phones
can be found through the flashing of LED.

The final circuit diagram for the mobile phone detector is shown below:

Figure 4 shows the final circuit for the mobile phone detector

The circuit shown in Fig.4 above will be implemented on the breadboard to see if the circuit can
detect RF signals from mobile phones while sending or receiving calls or text messages.
Results
Part 1: Hardware circuit when the phone is not within range

Figure 5 shows the circuit before it detects RF signals

The LED does not blink when the phone is not within the range of the circuit to be able to catch
the RF signals in mobile phones.

Part 2: Hardware circuit when the phone is placed within range and emitting signals

Figure 6 shows the circuit after it detects RF signals

The LED starts blinking when the phone is placed within the range of the circuit to be able to
catch the RF signals when making or receiving calls or when sending or receiving text messages.
Part 3: Simulation circuit of the mobile detector

Figure 7 shows the circuit implemented on software

The circuit was implemented on the Circuit Maker software for circuit testing. The signal
generator was used instead of the antenna for the signal in the circuit.
Discussion
For Fig. 5 above, it is the mobile phone detector hardware circuit before the detection. As it can
be seen above, the voltage was supplied and also all the components/wires were all connected
together. But still there is nothing happening as expected. The reason is due to the non-existence
of a radio frequency signal that usually comes from a mobile phone placed near the circuit.
However, if there is an incoming or outgoing call or messages to and from the mobile phone
placed near the circuit detector, then the LED on that circuit detector will automatically start
blinking to show that the circuit senses a RF signal released from the mobile phone. This can be
demonstrated in Fig. 6 above.
The simulation circuit can be seen in Fig. 7. The Circuit Maker software has been used to
simulate the mobile phone detector. A signal generator was placed instead of the antenna to
provide signal to the circuit.
Simply put together, the mobile phone works when the 1 μF capacitor and the antenna starts to
receive radio frequency (RF) signal, the op-amp (LM358) acts as the detector while the transistor
(BC548) acts as the indicator. So, when a mobile phone receives calls or texts or even sends
texts and calls, the 1 μF capacitor and the antenna capture RF signal and transfer it to the IC1
LM358 (Op-amp). This op amp is used as a comparator. It compares the input voltage to a
reference value and sends the signal to the IC's output pin if the input voltage is greater than the
reference voltage. The voltage is then transmitted to the transistor BC548, which functions as a
switch and permits the voltage to pass. The LED starts blinking indicating that a mobile phone is
being used in close proximity. The resistors are only used to protect the circuit from overload.
The diode is used only as a switch to enable the circuit to switch on and off.
The results indicate that the detector functioned brilliantly. The detector was capable of detecting
a signal at the specified frequency, indicating the presence of a mobile phone. The circuit's LED
was blinking, suggesting that the phone was in use. However, while in standby mode, a mobile
phone maintains radio silence. They are undetectable by this mobile phone detector. As a
consequence, this detector may be used to monitor cell phone usage in an exam room or any
other location where cell phone usage is forbidden.
Conclusion
We learnt more about specific equipment, its functions, and where it is really used as a result of
our investigation. It also included a number of recommendations and approaches. Self-assembly
of the equipment, application of theory, and learning how to utilize new devices, such as Op-
amps. The circuit for detecting mobile phones is made up of basic analog devices that we learned
about in class. It is biased using transistors that go into saturation when triggered. The detector is
simple and easy to use since it is made up of simple analog components that are affordable and
readily available in hardware. When the phone receives and sends calls and messages, the mobile
phone detector activates. This circuit works flawlessly to detect signals from mobile phones and
other devices. The recommended design, on the other hand, has a lot of room for development.
According to guidelines, digital components can increase the design's functionality. The output
signal can also be amplified and used for devices that send out more incursion notifications. This
project was created with the premise that it would be a mini-project that would have to keep
within the scope of this course.
References

1. “Mobile Phone Tracking System,” Electronics Hub, 18-Sep-2021. [Online]

Available: https://www.electronicshub.org/cell-phone-detector- circuit/#:~:text=The
%20basic%20principle%20behind%20the,signals%2C%20with%20low%20noise
%20rate.
[Accessed: 25-May-2022]

2. Admin and M. Says: “Simple mobile phone detector circuit using op-amp,” How To
Electronics, 03-Apr-2022. [Online]
Available:
https://how2electronics.com/mobile-phone-detector-circuit-op-amp/#:~:text=Mobile
%20Phone%20Detector%20is%20a,received%20or%20any%20GPRS%20used.
[Accessed: 21-Jun-2022]

3. E. F. —, “DIY Mobile Phone Detector Electronics Project,” Electronic Clinic, 05-Feb-

2022. [Online]
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service/.
[Accessed: 21-Jun-2022]

4. A. Rathore, “Mobile phone detector using LM358,” Electronics For You, 16-Aug-2021.
[Online]
Available: https://www.electronicsforu.com/electronics-projects/mobile-phone-detector-
using-lm358.
[Accessed: 21-Jun-2022]

5. Alldatasheet.com, “LM358 PDF: Alldatasheet :::” ALLDATASHEET. [Online]

Available:https://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheetpdf/view/11672/ONSEMI/LM358.html.
[Accessed: 21-Jun-2022]

6. Alldatasheet.com, “BC548 PDF, BC548 description, BC548 datasheet, BC548 View :::
Alldatasheet :::” ALLDATASHEET. [Online]
Available: https://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheetpdf/view/11552/ONSEMI/BC548.html.
[Accessed: 21-Jun-2022]