Desenvolvimento de um sistema de levitação acústica controlado por microcontrolador

Abstract

This work presents the development and validation of a didactic acoustic levitation prototype based on ultrasonic waves, aiming to provide an accessible and practical demonstration of standing wave concepts and acoustic resonance. The system was built using an Arduino Uno microcontroller, an L298N power driver, a 40 kHz ultrasonic transducer array, a 3D-printed structure, and a human-machine interface composed of a 16×2 LCD display and control buttons. The prototype allows real-time manipulation of acoustic excitation patterns, displaying on the LCD the active frame, nominal frequency, and relative amplitude index. Its low-cost, modular, and easy-to-replicate design ensures applicability in educational and laboratory environments. Experimental tests confirmed the formation of pressure zones capable of stably levitating microbeads, validating the system as a didactic tool for teaching acoustics, electronics, and applied physics. The prototype demonstrated simplicity, interactivity, and reliability, proving to be a feasible alternative for academic experiments and future improvements such as quantitative amplitude measurements and automated control of excitation patterns.