Quantum Tunnelling Proxy Demo Kit with Arduino Uno
Quantum Tunnelling Proxy Demo Kit — Capture Negative Resistance Curves with Arduino Uno
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
When a tunnel diode enters its negative resistance region, the current drops as voltage rises — a phenomenon that defies classical electronics and demands precise, high-resolution measurement to observe. This kit turns an Arduino Uno into a precision curve tracer, sweeping voltage from the MCP4725 DAC while the ADS1115 ADC samples current through a shunt configuration buffered by an LM358 op-amp. The DS3231 RTC timestamps every data point, and the 1.8-inch TFT renders the IV curve live as you adjust the sweep parameters in firmware.
What You'll Build
You will assemble and program a complete automated measurement station capable of plotting the current-voltage relationship of a tunnel diode proxy circuit. The final instrument sweeps a programmable voltage window, logs time-stamped ADC readings with 16-bit resolution, and displays the characteristic N-shaped curve on the onboard TFT screen. By the end, you will have a working data acquisition system that demonstrates concepts taught in solid-state physics, VLSI design, and advanced semiconductor device courses.
What You'll Learn
- How to interface a 12-bit DAC and 16-bit ADC over I2C on the same bus without address conflicts
- How to configure an LM358 op-amp as a transimpedance amplifier for converting nanoamp-level currents to readable voltages
- How to timestamp sensor readings using a DS3231 real-time clock and export data for MATLAB or Python analysis
- How to tune sampling rates and filtering to resolve the negative resistance dip without aliasing artefacts
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| MCP4725 DAC | 1 |
| ADS1115 ADC | 1 |
| LM358 Op-Amp | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| 1.8in TFT ST7735 | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| 9V Battery Snap | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is built for B.Tech ECE and EEE students tackling device physics lab requirements, Smart India Hackathon participants prototyping instrumentation hardware, and IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS undergraduates running semiconductor characterization experiments. It fits naturally into coursework on VLSI design, electronic devices, and measurement systems, giving students a hands-on instrument they can cite in project reports and mini-project submissions.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
The AI companion provides step-by-step debugging for this exact circuit, including I2C address scanning, op-amp biasing checks, and ADC calibration routines. WhatsApp support is also available for issues that need a human review.
Does this kit include a real tunnel diode?
No, the kit uses a passive component network to create a proxy circuit that exhibits a negative resistance region. This approach is safer, repeatable, and teaches the same measurement principles without risking a fragile and expensive germanium or gallium arsenide tunnel diode.
Can I export the IV curve data for a lab report?
Yes, the firmware includes a serial output routine that streams the timestamps, DAC voltage steps, and ADC current readings. You can capture these directly in the Arduino Serial Monitor and save them for analysis in MATLAB, Python, or Excel.
Is soldering experience required?
Yes, this is an advanced kit with two prototype boards that need point-to-point soldering. The included soldering iron and solder wire provide everything you need; our AI companion also covers cold joint identification and rework techniques.
Tunnel diode IV characteristics plotted by MCP4725 voltage sweep + ADS1115 current measurement.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items