Summary of PIC16F84A + DHT11 Proteus simulation
This article details interfacing the DHT11 (RHT01) temperature and humidity sensor with a PIC16F84A microcontroller using Proteus 8.1 or higher for simulation. It explains the sensor's specifications, including its 3.3-5.5V operation range and measurement capabilities. The text outlines the proprietary one-wire communication protocol, emphasizing precise timing for start signals and data reception. Finally, it describes the 40-bit data structure comprising relative humidity and temperature values along with a checksum.Parts used in the PIC16F84A and DHT11 Interfacing Project:
- PIC16F84A microcontroller
- DHT11 (RHT01) sensor
- Proteus software version 8.1 or higher
The DHT11 sensor comes in a single row 4-pin package and operates from 3.3 to 5.5V power supply. It can measure temperature from 0-50 °C with an accuracy of ±2°C and relative humidity ranging from 20-90% with an accuracy of ±5%. The sensor provides fully calibrated digital outputs for the two measurements. It has got its own proprietary 1-wire protocol, and therefore, the communication between the sensor and a microcontroller is not possible through a direct interface with any of its peripherals. The protocol must be implemented in the firmware of the MCU with precise timing required by the sensor.

Data format: 8bit integral RH data + 8bit decimal RH data + 8bit integral T data + 8bit decimal T data + 8bit check sum. If the data transmission is right, the check-sum should be the last 8bit of "8bit integral RH data + 8bit decimal RH data + 8bit integral T data + 8bit decimal T data".
Quick Solutions to Questions related to PIC16F84A and DHT11 Interfacing:
- What Proteus version is required for this simulation?
Proteus version 8.1 or higher is required as it includes the DHT11 library. - Can I use an external library for the DHT11 sensor in Proteus?
No, you do not need to install any external library if using Proteus 8.1 or higher. - What is the operating voltage range of the DHT11 sensor?
The sensor operates from a 3.3 to 5.5V power supply. - How does the MCU initiate data transmission with the DHT11?
The MCU initiates transmission by pulling the data line low for at least 18 ms and then high for 20-40 us. - What happens after the MCU sends the Start signal?
The sensor responds by pulling the line low for 80 us followed by a logic high signal lasting 80 us. - How many bits of data does the sensor send continuously?
The sensor sends 40 bits, which equals 5 bytes of data. - In what order does the sensor transmit the data bits?
The sensor sends the most significant bit first during transmission. - What components make up the complete 40-bit data transmission?
The data consists of 8bit integral RH, 8bit decimal RH, 8bit integral T, 8bit decimal T, and an 8bit check sum.
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