Faculty of Telecommunication & Space

Technology
Telecommunication Department

Project title:

Smart Mailbox Using GSM

Done By:
Ahmed Abd Elfatah 2010-06052
Alameen Omeer Alameen 2011-04050

Supervisor:

Eng :Mohamed Abdeen

Dedication
I dedicate this research to my dear parents
for their sincere support and great help
during my preparation of this research.
Dedication to our sister
&
Brother who will broader the enjoyable
distance in our way

Dedication to all our teachers is whom we

respect so much the mean to us a chaplet of
education & knowledge.

AKNOWLEDGMENT
I owe a great many thanks to a great many
people who helped and supported us during
the project completing.
Thanks and appreciation to the help to the
helpful people at FU for their support.
I would also thank my Institution and my
faculty member without whom this project
would have been a distant reality. I also

extend my heartfelt thanks to my family

and well-wishers.

ABSTRACT
Mailbox is a popular low-impact activity that is a
great way to stay update with everything and
maintain good communicate with other when you
to tell or notify other by something. In Modern
country all formal communicate going through
mail so to avoid the delay of response to those
mail the below design comes.

Chapter
One

1.1 Introduction:
Telecommunication is communication at a distance by technological means,
particularly through electrical signals or electromagnetic waves. Due to the many
different technologies involved, the word is often used in a plural form, as
telecommunications.
Data Communications is the transfer of data or information between a source and a
receiver. The source transmits the data and the receiver receives it. The actual
generation of the information is not part of Data Communications nor is the resulting
action of the information at the receiver.
Wireless communication is the transfer of information without the use of wires. The
distances involved may be short (a few meters as in television remote control) or long
(thousands or millions of kilometers for radio communications). The term is often
shortened to "wireless". It encompasses various types of fixed, mobile, and portable
two-way radios, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and wireless
networking.
Wireless communication can be via radio frequency communication, microwave
communication, Applications may involve point-to-point communication, point-tomultipoint communication, broadcasting, cellular networks and other wireless
networks.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications

is a cellular network GSM

(Global System for Mobile Communications, originally Groupe Spcial Mobile), is a

standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)
to describe protocols for second generation (2G) digital cellular networks used by
mobile phones. It is the de facto global standard for mobile communications with over
90% market share, and is available in over 219 countries.

1.2Problem Definition:
1- There are a lot of people who does not check there mail box daily.

2- There are critical mail such as electrical bill and bank credit card report )
which if been delayed may cause problem .

1.3Objective :

1- To keep update with each mail you received immediately.

2- Save time for going out and check.

Chapter
two

2.1 Mailbox:
Mailbox is a receptacle for receiving incoming mail at a private residence or
business, in the early 1800's, most letters in the U.S. were taken to the post office to
be mailed, and recipients had to retrieve their mail from the post office. It wasn't until
1863 that mail was delivered to homes of people who lived in cities without additional
charge. By 1890, hundreds of cities delivered mail to residents' homes, thus leading to
a

need

for

mailboxes.

2.2 Telecommunication:

Telecommunication is communication at a distance by technological means,

particularly through electrical signals or electromagnetic waves. Due to the many
different technologies involved, the word is often used in a plural form,
as telecommunications.
Early

telecommunications

as beacons, smoke

technologies

signals, semaphore

included
telegraphs,

visual
signal

signals,

such

flags,

and

optical heliographs. Other examples of pre-modern telecommunications include audio

messages such as coded drumbeats, lung-blown horns, and loud whistles. Electrical
and electromagnetic telecommunication technologies include telegraph, telephone,
and teleprinter, networks, radio, microwave transmission, fiber optics, satellites and
the Internet.
A revolution in wireless telecommunications began in the 1900s with pioneering
developments in radio communications by Guglielmo Marconi. Marconi won

the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 for his efforts. Other highly notable pioneering
inventors and developers in the field of electrical and electronic telecommunications
include Charles

Wheatstone and Samuel

Morse(telegraph), Alexander

Graham

Bell (telephone), Edwin Armstrong, and Lee de Forest (radio), as well as John Logie
Bairdand Philo Farnsworth (television).
The world's effective capacity to exchange information through two-way
telecommunication networks grew from 281 pet bytes of (optimally compressed)
information

in

1986,

to

471

pet

bytes

in

1993,

to

2.2

(optimally

compressed) Exabyte's in 2000, and to 65 (optimally compressed) Exabyte's in

2007. This is the informational equivalent of two newspaper pages per person per day
in 1986, and six entire newspapers per person per day by 2007.[9] Given this growth,
telecommunications play an increasingly important role in the world economy and the
global telecommunications industry was about a $4.7 trillion sector in 2012. The
service revenue of the global telecommunications industry was estimated to be $1.5
trillion in 2010, corresponding to 2.4% of the worlds gross domestic product (GDP).
2.3 Data Communications:
The distance over which data moves within a computer may vary from a few
thousandths of an inch, as is the case within a single IC chip, to as much as several
feet along the backplane of the main circuit board. Over such small distances, digital
data may be transmitted as direct, two-level electrical signals over simple copper
conductors. Except for the fastest computers, circuit designers are not very concerned
about the shape of the conductor or the analog characteristics of signal transmission.

Frequently, however, data must be sent beyond the local circuitry that constitutes a
computer. In many cases, the distances involved may be enormous. Unfortunately, as
the distance between the source of a message and its destination increases, accurate
transmission becomes increasingly difficult. This results from the electrical distortion
of signals traveling through long conductors, and from noise added to the signal as it
propagates through a transmission medium. Although some precautions must be taken
for data exchange within a computer, the biggest problems occur when data is
transferred to devices outside the computer's circuitry. In this case, distortion and
noise can become so severe that information is lost.

Data Communications concerns the transmission of digital messages to devices

external to the message source. "External" devices are generally thought of as being
independently powered circuitry that exists beyond the chassis of a computer or other
digital message source. As a rule, the maximum permissible transmission rate of a
message is directly proportional to signal power, and inversely proportional to
channel noise. It is the aim of any communications system to provide the highest
possible transmission rate at the lowest possible power and with the least possible
noise.
2.4 Communications Channels
A communications channel is a pathway over which information can be conveyed. It
may be defined by a physical wire that connects communicating devices, or by a
radio, laser, or other radiated energy source that has no obvious physical presence.
Information sent through a communications channel has a source from which the
information originates, and a destination to which the information is delivered.
Although information originates from a single source, there may be more than one
destination, depending upon how many receive stations are linked to the channel and
how much energy the transmitted signal possesses.
In a digital communications channel, the information is represented by individual data
bits, which may be encapsulated into multibit message units. A byte, which consists
of eight bits, is an example of a message unit that may be conveyed through a digital
communications channel. A collection of bytes may itself be grouped into a frame or
other higher-level message unit. Such multiple levels of encapsulation facilitate the
handling of messages in a complex data communications network. Any
communications channel has a direction associated with it:

Figure (2.1) communication channel

The message source is the transmitter, and the destination is the receiver. A channel
whose direction of transmission is unchanging is referred to as a simplex channel. For
example, a radio station is a simplex channel because it always transmits the signal to
its listeners and never allows them to transmit back.
A half-duplex channel is a single physical channel in which the direction may be
reversed. Messages may flow in two directions, but never at the same time, in a halfduplex system. In a telephone call, one party speaks while the other listens. After a
pause, the other party speaks and the first party listens. Speaking simultaneously
results in garbled sound that cannot be understood.
A full-duplex channel allows simultaneous message exchange in both directions. It
really consists of two simplex channels, a forward channel and a reverse channel,
linking the same points. The transmission rate of the reverse channel may be slower if
it is used only for flow control of the forward channel.
Many utility industry operators are looking for new ways to maximize their
investment in communication networks while ensuring reliable, secure data
transmission. There is a variety of communications solutions, the two most common
being wireless technology and wired options-such as copper and fiber-optic cable.
While both have a place in utility market applications, such as distribution
automation, we are beginning to see an increase in the use of wireless technology.

There are many factors contributing to this increase-including cost savings, flexibility
and power consumption. When looking at the big picture, a utility operator will
discover each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages. Many feel the
most reliable option for a communication network is the traditional wired approach.
On the other hand, with so many different types of wireless technologies, the decision
making does not stop once an operator chooses wireless. Communication networks
are not one-size-fits-all, and it is critical that utility operators understand the type of
technology needed to have the most effective communication network for their
individual system. In addition, they need to consider the economic factors when
searching for the best system their budget allows.

In other words, data radios offer utility operators a viable solution for meeting their
distribution automation requirements while cutting costs. As the industry continues its
growth, the need to identify ways to lower infrastructure costs, improve time-tomarket and increase performance with reliable, easily installed networks are no longer
a wish, but a requirement.
As the smart gird continues to make strides in the power industry, utility operators are
looking for economical ways to manage their systems. To do this efficiently, a
communication system is required.
2.5 Modulation:
Is the addition of information (or the signal) to an electronic or optical signal carrier
In telecommunications, modulation is the process of conveying a message signal, for
example a digital bit stream or an analog audio signal, inside another signal that can
be

physically

transmitted.

Modulation

of

sine

waveform

transforms

a baseband message signal into a pass band signal.

2.5.1 Digital modulation:
is to transfer a digital bit stream over an analog band pass channel, for example over
the public switched telephone network (where a band pass filter limits the frequency
range to 3003400 Hz), or over a limited radio frequency band. The most
fundamental digital modulation techniques are based on keying:
1- PSK (phase-shift keying): a finite number of phases are used.

Phase of carrier signal is shifted to represent data

Differential PSK

Phase shifted relative to previous transmission rather than some reference

signal.

Figure (2.2) PSK

2- FSK (frequency-shift keying): a finite number of frequencies are used.

Values represented by different frequencies (near carrier)

Less susceptible to error than ASK

Typically used up to 1200bps on voice grade lines

High frequency radio

Even higher frequency on LANs using co-ax

Figure (2.3) FSK

3- ASK (amplitude-shift keying): a finite number of amplitudes are used.

Values represented by different amplitudes of carrier

Usually, one amplitude is zero

i.e. presence and absence of carrier is used

Susceptible to sudden gain changes

Inefficient

Typically used up to 1200bps on voice grade lines

Used over optical fiber

Figure (2.4) ASK

2.5.2 Pulse-code modulation (PCM)
is a method used to digitally represent sampled analog signals. It is the standard form
of digital audio in computers, Compact Discs, digital telephony and other digital
audio applications. In a PCM stream, the amplitude of the analog signal is sampled
regularly at uniform intervals, and each sample is quantized to the nearest value
within a range of digital steps.
PCM is the most commonly used technique in the PAM family and uses a sampling
rate of 8000 samples per second.
Each sample is an 8 bit sample resulting in a digital rate of 64,000 bps (8 x 8000).
Sampling Theorem: If a signal is sampled at a rate higher than twice the highest signal
frequency, then the samples contain all the information of the original signal.
2.5.3 Analog modulation

is to transfer an analog baseband (or low pass) signal, for example an audio signal or
TV signal, over an analog band pass channel at a different frequency, for example
over a limited radio frequency band or a cable TV network channel.
Amplitude modulation (AM) (here the amplitude of the carrier signal is varied in
accordance to the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal)

Frequency modulation (FM) (here the frequency of the carrier signal is varied
in accordance to the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal)

Phase modulation (PM) (here the phase shift of the carrier signal is varied in
accordance with the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating signal)

2.6 Encoder:
An encoder is a device, circuit, transducer, software program, algorithm or person that
converts information from one format or code to another, for the purposes of
standardization, speed, secrecy, security or compressions. Encoder is a device which
do operation of an encoding, undoing the encoding so that the original information
can be coded line to be transmit . The same method used to encode is usually just
reversed in order to decode. It is a combinational circuit that converts binary
information from n input lines to a maximum of 2n unique output lines.

Figure (2.5) HT12E

2.6.1 Decoder:
A decoder is a device which does the reverse operation of an encoder, undoing the
encoding so that the original information can be retrieved. The same method used to
encode is usually just reversed in order to decode. It is a combinational circuit that
converts binary information from n input lines to a maximum of 2n unique output
lines.
In digital electronics, a decoder can take the form of a multiple-input, multiple-output
logic circuit that converts coded inputs into coded outputs, where the input and output
codes are different. e.g. n-to-2n, binary-coder decimal decoders. Enable inputs must be
on for the decoder to function, otherwise its outputs assume a single "disabled" output
code word. Decoding is necessary in applications such as data multiplexing, 7
segment display and memory address decoding.
The example decoder circuit would be an AND gate because the output of an AND
gate is "High" (1) only when all its inputs are "High." Such output is called as "active
High output". If instead of AND gate, the NAND gate is connected the output will be
"Low" (0) only when all its inputs are "High". Such output is called as "active low
output". A slightly more complex decoder would be the n-to-2n type binary decoders.
These type of decoders are combinational circuits that convert binary information
from 'n' coded inputs to a maximum of 2n unique outputs. We say a maximum of
2n outputs because in case the 'n' bit coded information has unused bit combinations,
the decoder may have less than 2n outputs. We can have 2-to-4 decoder, 3-to-8
decoder or 4-to-16 decoder. We can form a 3-to-8 decoder from two 2-to-4 decoders

Figure (2.6) HT12D

2.7 Operational Amplifiers:

Operational amplifiers are high-gain amplifiers with a similar general description
typified by the most famous example, the LM741. The LM741 is used for many
amplifier varieties such as Inverting, Non-inverting, differential, voltage follower and
summing amplifier. In addition to amplifiers, op amps are used as switches and even
in some digital applications as comparators or A/D converters. Op amps make use of
what is called open loop gain. This open loop gain is used to for the purposes of
negative feedback. Negative feedback is when the output signal is feed back to the
input terminals and the gain of the op amp can be controlled. This is done because the
properties of the op amp become more predictable. Negative feedback also creates a
more customizable frequency response for the desired amplifier. In turn there is also
an increase in the input impedance of the amplifier is negative feedback is used. There
is also what is called positive feedback, and the main use for this is to create an
oscillator.
The way this idea works is that instead of canceling the input to reduce gain, the
output is combined in phase with the input to create oscillations. There are many

different types of oscillators that can be created with op amps, one of which is the
Colpitts Oscillator. In many cases, the op amp is thought of as an Ideal Op Amp. The
Ideal Op Amp has a few basic rules that apply. These rules are as follows:
1. Infinite voltage gain.
2. Infinite input impedance.
3. Zero output impedance.
4. Infinite bandwidth.
Unfortunately there is no such device, and there are limits to the parameters of a real
op amp. There are two rules of which an op amp will follow, too. These are that the
output of the op amp will do whatever is necessary to make the input differential
between the two input terminals exactly zero, and that the input terminals draw no
current. Again, since there is no such device, the real op amp does not fit these rules.
There is a limit to the gain on a real op amp (~106) and the input terminals do draw
current (~.08 A). The input current is so small, that it is thought to be zero.
2.8 Non-Inverting Amplifiers
The first op amp circuit that will be analyzed is that non-inverting amplifier. The noninverting amplifier is called this because the input signal is connected to the noninverting terminal. Also the output is in phase with the input. A special case of the
non-inverting amplifier is that of the Voltage Follower. The voltage follower has the
output signal connected to the inverting input terminal of the op amp as shown in
Figure 2.7. The analysis of this device shows that Vout = Vin. The common use for a
voltage follower is to create a buffer in a digital circuit. The follower isolates the
output signal from the signal source with the very large input impedance. This is
where the term buffer came from. Notice that in the picture of the Voltage Follower
the pin numbers of the device are listed. This is important for when the device is
connected on a breadboard that the device pin sare connected to the correct locations.
The pin assignments for any device can be found on the data sheets that are available
online or in paper form. This information will be provided one way or another.

Figure (2.7) Voltage Follower

The voltage follower does not hold much interest right now, so the next amplifier that
will be looked at is a non-inverting amplifier with a gain. This amplifier is shown in
Figure 2.8 By doing the analysis of this device using KCL and KVL, the transfer
function, or gains, can be found.

Figure (2.8) Difference Amplifier

The last configuration that will be discussed is the difference amplifier. The main
point of this amplifier is that there are two input voltages and the output is a function
of the difference of the two inputs. The configuration shown in Figure 2.9 is that of
the difference amplifier. If the resistor values are chosen such that R1 = R2 = Rf = Rg
the difference amplifier will act as a unity gain amplifier. There can also be a gain to
the amplifier, and in this case R1 = R2 and Rf = Rg with the gain being a function of
these combinations.

Figure ( 2.9)The difference amplifier with generic resistor values

The analysis of the difference amplifier still follows the game general rules. The input
will match at the inverting (-) and the non-inverting (+) terminals and the output will
do what it can to make that happen.

2.9 LDR:
A photoresistor or light-dependent resistor (LDR) or photocell is a light-controlled
variable resistor. The resistance of a photoresistor decreases with increasing incident
light intensity; in other words, it exhibits photoconductivity. A photoresistor can be
applied in light-sensitive detector circuits, and light- and dark-activated switching
circuits.
A photoresistor is made of a high resistance semiconductor. In the dark, a
photoresistor can have a resistance as high as a few megaohms (M), while in the
light, a photoresistor can have a resistance as low as a few hundred ohms. If incident
light on a photoresistor exceeds a certain frequency, photons absorbed by the
semiconductor give bound electrons enough energy to jump into the conduction band.
The resulting free electrons (and their hole partners) conduct electricity, thereby
lowering resistance. The resistance range and sensitivity of a photoresistor can

substantially differ among dissimilar devices. Moreover, unique photoresistors may

react substantially differently to photons within certain wavelength bands.
A photoelectric device can be either intrinsic or extrinsic. An intrinsic semiconductor
has its own charge carriers and is not an efficient semiconductor, for example, silicon.
In intrinsic devices the only available electrons are in the valence band, and hence the
photon must have enough energy to excite the electron across the entire bandgap.
Extrinsic devices have impurities, also called dopants, added whose ground state
energy is closer to the conduction band; since the electrons do not have as far to jump,
lower energy photons (that is, longer wavelengths and lower frequencies) are
sufficient to trigger the device. If a sample of silicon has some of its atoms replaced
by phosphorus atoms (impurities), there will be extra electrons available for
conduction. This is an example of an extrinsic semiconductor.

2.10 ULN:
A ULN2003A is a high-voltage, high-current Darlington transistor array It consists of
seven NPN Darlington pairs that feature high-voltage outputs with common-cathode
fly back diodes for switching inductive loads..

Figure (2.10)UlN 2003

2.11 Relay:
A relay is an electrically operated switch. Many relays use an electromagnet to
operate a switching mechanism mechanically, but other operating principles are also
used. Relays are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by a low-power signal
(with complete electrical isolation between control and controlled circuits), or where
several circuits must be controlled by one signal

Figure (2.11) Relay

Chapter
three

3.1 Block Diagram :

Figure (3.1) Block Diagram

3.2 Methodology:
This project idea comes to avoid delay of response to mail that may be important so to
achieve the project LDR sensor is used as sensing according to their sensitivity to the
light when mail envelop cross the light which will generate signal which will flow in
two direction to mobile and to LED indicator.

Chapter
four

4.1 Circuit diagram

4.2 Circuit diagram description:

This project idea comes to avoid delay of response to mail that may be important. So
to achieve the project , LDR sensor is used as sensing according to their sensitivity to
the light when mail envelop cross the light which will generate signal which will flow
into two path first to generate phone call to home owner and to Operational amplifier
then to Uln this the second line LED indicator.

Chapter
five

5.1 Conclusion:
In conclusion of this project great work have been achieve to avoid delay of response
to mail that may be important to the owner so by this smart mail box a lot of problem
may have been avoided .

5.2 Recommendation:
The project idea comes with phone call only and led indicator so Further we
recommend to be short message (SMS) to house member to avoid that may the phone
is turn off but by SMS the owner still can get it when it turn on his/her cell phone .

References:
-

"GSM Global System for Mobile Communications". 4G Americas. Retrieved 2014-0322.

http://www.circuit.co.uk/