STM32-Based Smart Earthquake Monitoring and Warning System

Earthquakes are unpredictable natural disasters that can cause catastrophic damage to life and infrastructure. Early detection and timely alerts play a crucial role in minimizing risks and improving preparedness. With advancements in microcontrollers and sensor technologies, building a cost-effective and reliable earthquake monitor and alerting system has become feasible. This project demonstrates the design and development of an Earthquake Monitor and Alerting System using an STM32 microcontroller. The system employs vibration sensors to detect seismic activity, processes the data, and triggers alarms for timely warnings.

Project Description

The Earthquake Monitor and Alerting System is designed to continuously sense ground vibrations using a sensitive accelerometer. The STM32 microcontroller processes sensor signals, compares them against predefined thresholds, and classifies whether the vibration indicates a normal disturbance or a potential earthquake. Upon detection of abnormal seismic activity, the system activates visual and audible alarms and can also send alerts to a connected IoT platform for remote monitoring.

The system is scalable and can be deployed in urban or rural areas, connected with wireless modules for real-time data transmission. It can also be integrated into a larger disaster management framework.

Objectives

Detect seismic activity using accelerometer data.
Process sensor signals with STM32 microcontroller for accurate classification.
Generate alarms (buzzer, LED indicators) upon threshold crossing.
Enable IoT connectivity (optional) to transmit alerts to a central server.
Low-power, reliable, and cost-effective design suitable for large-scale deployment.

Components Used

STM32 Microcontroller Board (STM32F103C8T6 “Blue Pill”) – Core processing unit.
Accelerometer (ADXL335 or MPU6050) – To sense ground vibrations.
Buzzer – For audible alert.
LED Indicators (Red/Green/Yellow) – Visual alerts for normal, warning, and danger levels.
LCD Display (16×2 or OLED I2C) – To display system status and vibration readings.
Power Supply (5V regulated) – For powering the system.
Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266/ESP32, optional) – For IoT connectivity and remote monitoring.
Resistors, Capacitors, Connecting Wires – For circuit integration.
Breadboard/PCB – For prototyping and final circuit design.
Battery/Adapter – Portable power option.

Block Diagram

Circuit Diagram Description

Accelerometer is connected to the STM32 via analog/digital pins (depending on model).
Buzzer is connected to a GPIO pin with current-limiting resistor.
LEDs are connected to GPIO pins with resistors for indication.
LCD Display is connected via I2C or parallel interface.
Wi-Fi module (optional) communicates via UART.
Power supply ensures regulated 5V/3.3V to STM32 and peripherals.

Working Principle

The accelerometer continuously measures ground vibrations in three axes (X, Y, Z).
Data is fed into STM32, which processes signals and computes the vibration magnitude.
Thresholds are defined (e.g., low vibrations = safe, medium vibrations = warning, high vibrations = danger).
If danger-level vibration is detected:
- Buzzer activates immediately.
- Red LED blinks continuously.
- Alert message displayed on LCD.
- IoT module (if connected) transmits data to a remote server.

Algorithm

Initialize STM32 peripherals (ADC, GPIO, I2C, UART).
Continuously read accelerometer data.
Calculate vibration magnitude using formula: $M a g ni t u d e = \sqrt (X^{2} + Y^{2} + Z^{2})$
Compare magnitude against thresholds:
- If < Safe threshold → Green LED ON.
- If between Warning and Danger → Yellow LED + buzzer short beep.
- If > Danger threshold → Red LED + continuous buzzer + alert message.
Update LCD/OLED with current status.
If IoT enabled, transmit vibration data and alert signal.

Example Code (STM32, Arduino IDE with STM32 Core)

#include <Wire.h>

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

int xPin = A0;

int yPin = A1;

int zPin = A2;

int buzzer = PB0;

int ledGreen = PB1;

int ledYellow = PB2;

int ledRed = PB3;

float safeThresh = 0.5;

float warnThresh = 1.5;

float dangerThresh = 3.0;

void setup() {

pinMode(buzzer, OUTPUT);

pinMode(ledGreen, OUTPUT);

pinMode(ledYellow, OUTPUT);

pinMode(ledRed, OUTPUT);

lcd.init();

lcd.backlight();

lcd.setCursor(0,0);

lcd.print(“Earthquake Mon”);

delay(2000);

}

void loop() {

float x = analogRead(xPin) * (3.3 / 4096.0);

float y = analogRead(yPin) * (3.3 / 4096.0);

float z = analogRead(zPin) * (3.3 / 4096.0);

float magnitude = sqrt((x * x) + (y * y) + (z * z));

lcd.clear();

lcd.setCursor(0,0);

lcd.print(“Mag: “);

lcd.print(magnitude);

if (magnitude < safeThresh) {

digitalWrite(ledGreen, HIGH);

digitalWrite(ledYellow, LOW);

digitalWrite(ledRed, LOW);

digitalWrite(buzzer, LOW);

lcd.setCursor(0,1);

lcd.print(“Status: Safe”);

} else if (magnitude < dangerThresh) {

digitalWrite(ledGreen, LOW);

digitalWrite(ledYellow, HIGH);

digitalWrite(ledRed, LOW);

tone(buzzer, 1000, 200);

lcd.setCursor(0,1);

lcd.print(“Status: Warning”);

} else {

digitalWrite(ledGreen, LOW);

digitalWrite(ledYellow, LOW);

digitalWrite(ledRed, HIGH);

digitalWrite(buzzer, HIGH);

lcd.setCursor(0,1);

lcd.print(“Status: Danger”);

}

delay(500);

}

Applications

Residential and commercial safety systems.
Integration with smart cities for automated disaster management.
Industrial monitoring in factories and critical infrastructure.
Remote alerting via IoT to central authorities.

Future Enhancements

Integration with GSM/GPRS for SMS alerts.
AI-based pattern recognition to improve accuracy.
Solar-powered, self-sustaining design.
Cloud dashboard for real-time monitoring.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates how STM32 microcontrollers can be leveraged to build an efficient and reliable Earthquake Monitor and Alerting System. By combining accelerometer sensing, threshold-based classification, and IoT connectivity, the system offers a practical solution for early detection and alerting. Such systems, when deployed widely, can help mitigate the devastating impacts of earthquakes and play a vital role in disaster preparedness and management.