Using NE555 PWM lamp dimmer Circuit Diagram

A simple and efficient PWM lamp dimmer using timer IC NE555 is discussed in this article. Yesterdays linear regulator based dimmers can only attain a maximum efficiency  of 50% and are far inferior when compared to the PWM based dimmers which can hit well over 90% efficiency. Since less amount of power is wasted as heat, the switching elements of PWM dimmers require a smaller heat sink and this saves a lot of size and weight. In simple words, the most outstanding features of the PWM based lamp dimmers are high efficiency and low physical size. The circuit diagram of a 12V PWM lamp dimmer is shown below.

PWM lamp dimmer using NE555 Circuit Diagram

As you can see, NE555 timer IC which is wired as an astable multivibrator operating at 2.8KHz forms the heart of this circuit. Resistors R1,R2, POT R3 and capacitor C1 are the timing components. Duty cycle of the IC’s output can be adjusted using the POT R3. higher the duty cycle means higher the lamp brightness and lower the duty cycle means lower the lamp brightness. Diode D1 by-passes the lower half of the POT R3 during the charging cycle of the astable multivibrator. This is done in order to keep the output frequency constant irrespective of the duty cycle. Transistors Q1 and Q2 forms a darlington driver stage for the 12V lamp. Resistor R4 limits the base current of transistor Q1.

Understanding the variable duty cycle astable multivibrator.

As I have said earlier, the variable duty cycle astable multi vibrator based on NE555 forms the foundation of this circuit and a good knowledge on it is essential for designing projects like this. For the ease of explanation the timing side of the astable multivibrator is redrawn in the figure below.

Fig 2: Astable multivibrator with variable 

Upper and lower halves of the POT R3 are denoted as Rx and Ry respectively. Consider the output of the astable multivibrator to be high at the starting instant. Now the capacitor C1 charges through the path R1, Rx, and R2. The lower half of POT R3 ie; Ry is out of the scene because the diode D1 by-passes it. When the voltage across the capacitor reaches 2/3 Vcc, the internal upper comparator flips its output which makes the internal flip flop to toggle its output. As a result the output of the astable multivibrator goes low. In simple words, the output of the astable multivibrator remains high until the charge across C1 becomes equal to 2/3 Vcc and here it is according to the equation Ton =0.67(R1+Rx+R2)C1.

Since the internal flip flop is set now, the capacitor starts discharging through the path R2,Ry into the discharge pin. When the voltage across the capacitor C1 becomes 1/3 Vcc, the lower comparator flips its output and this in turn makes the internal flip flop to toggle its output again. This makes the output of the astable multivibrator high. To be simple, the output of the astable multivibrator remains low until the voltage across the capacitor C1 becomes 1/3 Vcc and it is according to the equation Toff = 0.67(R2+Ry)C1. Have a look at the internal block diagram of NE555 timer shown below for better understanding.

Fig3: NE555 internal block diagram

How does the frequency remain constant irrespective of the position of POT3 knob?.

What ever may be the position of  POT3 knob, the total resistance across it remains the same (50K here). If anything decreases in the upper side (Rx) the same amount will be increased in the lower (Ry) and the same thing gets applied to the higher(Ton) and lower(Toff) time periods. The derivation shown below will help you to grasp the matter easily. 

With reference to Fig 2, we have:

Ton = 0.67(R1+Rx+R2)C1

Toff= 0.67(R2+Ry)C1

Total time period of the output waveform “T” is according to the equation :

T = Ton + Toff

There fore, T = 0.67(R1+Rx+R2+R2+Ry)C1

                        T= 0.67(R1+2R2+Rx+Ry)C1

We know that Rx+Ry = R3

There fore T = 0.67(R1+2R2+R3)C1

Therefore frequency F = 1/(0.67(R1+2R2+R3)C1) 

From the above equation its is clear that the frequency depends only on the value of the components C1, R1, R2  and the over all value of R3 and it has nothing to do with the position of R3 knob.

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Simple12 V AC Dimmer Circuit Diagram

The circuit described here is derived from a conventional design for a simple lamp dimmer, as you can see if you imagine a diac connected between points A and B. The difference between this circuit and a normal diac circuit is that a diac circuit won’t work at 12 V. This is the fault of the diac. Most diacs have a trigger voltage in the range of 30 to 40V, so they can’t work at 12 V, which means the dimmer also can’t work.

12 V AC Dimmer Circuit diagram :

12-V AC Dimmer Circuit Diagram

The portion of the circuit between points A and B acts like a diac with a trigger voltage of approximately 5.5 V. The network formed by R1, P1 and C1 generates a phase shift relative to the supply voltage. The ‘diac equivalent’ circuit outputs a phase-shifted trigger pulse to the triac on each positive and negative half-cycle of the sinusoidal AC voltage.

This works as follows. First consider the positive half of the sine wave. C1 charges when the voltage starts to rise, with a time constant determined by C1, R1 and P1. T1 does not start conducting right away. It waits until the voltage across D2 reaches 4.7 V and the Zener diode starts to conduct. Then current starts to flow, driving T1 and T3 into conduction. This produces a pulse at point B. The same principle applies to the negative half of the sine wave, in this case with D1, T2 and T4 as the key players.

The trigger angle can be adjusted with P1 over a range of approximately 15 degrees to 90 degrees. C2 provides a certain amount of noise decoupling. Depending on the load, the triac may need a heat sink. You can use practically any desired transistors; the types indicated here are only examples. If the circuit does not dim far enough, you can change the value of P1 to 25 kΩ. This allows the trigger angle to be increased to 135 degrees.

Note: this circuit works fine with normal transformers, but not with ‘electronic ’ transformers.

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230 v Christmas Flash Light Circuit Diagram

This is Christmas season so you all may get ready to do lots of variations for your house for your gardens.In Christmas Christmas tree gets an important place so I decided to give very important circuit to decorate your Christmas tree here these bulbs are blinking.Moving 1M preset the speed of the bulb can be changed.about 20 bulbs (25w) Can be connected for this circuit.

 230 v Christmas Flash Light Circuit Diagram

Note

# All the resistors must be 1/4w.
# When you work with 230 be careful always try to get the assistance of an elder.


Sourced By: Streampowers

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Outdoor Lighting Controller Circuit Diagram

When you step out of your brightly-lit house  into the darkness, it takes a while for your  vision to adjust. A solution to this problem  is this outdoor light with automatic switch-off. As a bonus, it will also make it a little bit  easier to find the keyhole when returning  late at night. Often no mains neutral connection is avail-able at the point where the switch-off timer  is to be installed, which makes many circuit  arrangements impractical. However, the circuit here is designed to work in this situation. The design eschews bulky components such as transformers and the whole unit can  be built into a flush-mounted fitting. The circuit also features low quiescent current consumption.

Outdoor Lighting Controller Circuit Diagram :


The circuit is star ted by closing switch (or  pushbutton) S1. The lamp then immediately receives power via the bridge rectifier. The drop across diodes D5 to D10 is 4.2 V, which provides the power supply for the delay circuit itself, built around the CD4060 binary  counter.

When the switch is opened the lighting sup-ply current continues to flow through Tri1. The NPN optocoupler in the triac drive circuit detects when the triac is active, with antiparallel LED D1 keeping the drive sym-metrical. The NPN phototransistor inside the  coupler creates a reset pulse via T1, driving  pin 12 of the counter. This means that the  full time period will run even if the circuit is retriggered. The CD4060 counts at the AC grid frequency.  Pin 3 goes high after 213clocks, which corresponds to about 2.5 minutes. If this is not long  enough, a further CD4060 counter can be cascaded. T2 then turns on and shorts the internal LED of opto-triac IC2; this causes Tri1 to  be deprived of its trigger current and the light  goes out. The circuit remains without power until next triggered.

The circuit is only suitable for use with resistive loads. With the components shown (in particular in the bridge rectifier and D5 to  D10) the maximum total power of the connected bulb(s) is 200 watts. As is well known, the filament of the bulb is most likely to fail at the moment power is applied. There is little risk to Tri1 at this point as it is bridged by  the switch. The most likely consequence of overload is that one of diodes D1 to D6 will  fail. In the prototype no fuse was used, as it would not in any case have been easy to change. However, that is not necessarily recommended practice!

Circuits at AC line potential should only be constructed by suitably experienced persons and all relevant safety precautions and  applicable regulations must be observed during construction and installation.

Author : Harald Schad - Copyright : Elektor

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Automobile White crystal rectifier lightweight Circuit Diagram

Without any dedicated buck converter/white crystal rectifier driver IC, you'll safely drive several customary Hi-efficient white crystal rectifier modules victimization the battery power out there in cars. Here may be a safe and easy white crystal rectifier driver designed for 12V cars.

Auto White LED Circuit Schematic

In the Automobile White crystal rectifier wiring, fastened transformer IC1 (7805) provides a gentle voltage of 5V across C2. Resistors R1 limits the present flow through the white crystal rectifier D1 (3v6/350mA) with the assistance of semiconductor T1 (and T2), i.e. parts R1, T1 (and T2) offer a relentless current to D1. Use a decent sink for T1. This crystal rectifier unit offers a relentless lightweight output for input voltages starting from eight to eighteen volts!

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Police Lights associate crystal rectifier Project

This circuit uses a 555 timer that is setup to each runn in associate Astable operative mode. This generates a nonstop output via Pin three within the type of a sq. wave. once the timer's output changes to a high state this triggers the a cycle the 4017 4017 decade counter telling it to output consecutive sequent output high. The outputs of the 4017 ar connected to the LEDs turning them on and off.

Schematic

Parts List

1x - NE555 Bipolar Timer
1x - 4017 Decoded Decade
6x - 1N4148 Diode
1x - 1K Resistor (1/4W)
1x - 22K Resistor (1/4W)
2x - 4.7K Resistor (1/4W)
6x - 470 Resistor (1/4W)
1x - 2.2µF Electrolytic Capacitor (16V)
2x - BC547 NPN Transistor
2x - LED (Blue)
2x - LED (Red)
1x - 9V Voltage Battery

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Outdoor LED Solar Lights Circuit Schematic

This Outdoor LED Solar Garden Lights project is a hobby circuit of an automatic garden light using a LDR and 6V/5W solar panel. During day time, the internal rechargeable 6 Volt SLA battery receives charging current from the connected solar panel through polarity protection diode D9 and current limiting resistor R10. If ambient light is normal, transistor T1 is reverse biased by IC1 (LM555). Here IC1 is wired as a medium current inverting line driver, switched by an encapsulated light detector (10mm LDR). Multi-turn trimpot P1 sets the detection sensitivity. When ambient light dims, transistor T1 turns on to drive the white LED string (D1-D8). Now this lamp load at the output of T1 energizes. Resistors R1-R8 limits the operating current of the LEDs. When the ambient light level restores, circuit returns to its idle state and light(s) switched off by the circuit.

Outdoor LED Solar Lights Circuit Schematic


 

Outdoor Garden Solar Lights Circuit Diagram

Assemble the Outdoor Solar Lights circuit on a general purpose PCB and enclose the whole assembly in a transparent plastic box. Drill suitable holes on the top of the enclosure to mount the mini solar panel (SP1) and the light sensor (LDR), and in front for fitting power switch (S1) and the sensitivity controller (P1). Fix the battery inside the cabinet using a double-sided glue tape/pad. Finally, the LDR should not be mounted to receive direct sunlight. It must be mounted at the top of the enclosure, pointing to the sky say southwards. This circuit is very simple. So interested and experienced hobbyists can alter/modify the whole circuit as per their own ideas without any difficulty (Just try a 6V relay with T1 to drive more number of LED strings).

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Lighting Up Model Aircraft Circuit Diagram

This circuit provides aircraft modellers with extremely realistic beacon and marker lights at minimum  outlay. The project ’s Strobe out-put (A) provides four brief pulses repeated periodically for the wing  (white strobe) lights. In addition the Beacon output (B) gives a double pulse to drive a red LED for indicating the aircraft’s active operational status. On the proto-type this is usually a red rotating  beacon known as an Anti-Collision Light (ACL). The circuit is equally useful for road vehicle modellers, who can use it to flash headlights and blue emergency lights. 

Lighting Up Model Aircraft Circuit diagram :

Lighting Up Model Aircraft Circuit Diagram

All signals are generated by a 4060 14-stage binary counter and some minimal output selection logic. Cycle time is determined by the way the internal oscillator is con-figured (resistor and capacitor on pins 9/10) and can be varied within quite broad limits. High-efficiency LEDs are your first choice for the indicators connected to the Bea-con and Strobe outputs (remember to fit series resistors appropriate to the operating voltage Ub and the current specified for the LED used). 

The sample circuit is for operating voltages between 5 and 12 V. Cur- rent flow through the two BS170 FET devices must not exceed 500 mA.

Author : Werner Ludwig

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Flashing-LED Battery-status Indicator Circuit Diagram

Signals when an on-circuit battery is exhausted 5V to 12V operating voltage A Battery-status Indicator circuit can be useful, mainly to monitor portable Test-gear instruments and similar devices. LED D1 flashes to attire the user's attention, signaling that the circuit is running, so it will not be left on by mistake. The circuit generates about two LED flashes per second, but the mean current drawing will be about 200µA. Transistors Q1 and Q2 are wired as an uncommon complementary astable multivibrator: both are off 99% of the time, saturating only when the LED illuminates, thus contributing to keep very low current consumption. 

Flashing-LED Battery-status Indicator Circuit diagram :

Flashing-LED Battery-status Indicator Circuit Diagram

The circuit will work with battery supply voltages in the 5 - 12V range and the LED flashing can be stopped at the desired battery voltage (comprised in the 4.8 - 9V value) by adjusting Trimmer R4. This range can be modified by changing R3 and/or R4 value slightly.

When the battery voltage approaches the exhausting value, the LED flashing frequency will fall suddenly to alert the user. Obviously, when the battery voltage has fallen below this value, the LED will remain permanently off. To keep stable the exhausting voltage value, diode D1 was added to compensate Q1 Base-Emitter junction changes in temperature. The use of a Schottky-barrier device (e.g. BAT46, 1N5819 and the like) for D1 is mandatory: the circuit will not work if a common silicon diode like the 1N4148 is used in its place.

Parts :

R1,R7__________220R  1/4W Resistors
R2_____________120K  1/4W Resistor
R3_______________5K6 1/4W Resistor
R4_______________5K  1/2W Trimmer Cermet or Carbon
R5______________33K  1/4W Resistor
R6_____________680K  1/4W Resistor
R8_____________100K  1/4W Resistor
R9_____________180R  1/4W Resistor
C1,C2____________4µ7  25V Electrolytic Capacitors
D1____________BAT46  100V 150mA Schottky-barrier Diode
D2______________LED  Red 5mm.
Q1____________BC547   45V 100mA NPN Transistor
Q2____________BC557   45V 100mA PNP Transistor
B1_______________5V to 12V Battery supply
Notes :

• Mean current drawing of the circuit can be reduced further on by raising R1, R7 and R9 values.

Source : Red Circuits

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Old Mobile Phone Battery for LED lighting

Normally mobile batteries have a lifespan of 2-5 years under normal usage. But then we have to replace them. Nowadays there are cheap replacement batteries which cost no more than 1$. But these low cost batteries run only 6-12 months. What to do with the used batteries, which can’t be reused in mobiles? Well, easy solution is to use the batteries in a circuit that requires less current. We can use them for LED lighting.

Do you have old unusable Mobile battery?

Normally mobile batteries have a lifespan of 2-5 years under normal usage. But then we have to replace them. Nowadays there are cheap replacement batteries which cost no more than 1$. But these low cost batteries run only 6-12 months. What to do with the used batteries, which can’t be reused in mobiles?

Well, easy solution is to use the batteries in a circuit that requires less current. We can use them for LED lighting. Thus your automatic lighting emergency light is ready which runs by your waste Mobile Battery. 

 

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Build a Fused Tube light by 4 Diode Circuit Diagram

Build a Fused Tube light by 4 Diode Circuit Diagram. This circuit is reused, You may notice that a used fluorescent tube-light get black colored on the both end of it. This circuit is to light-up those fused tube-light. Have you think about re using a fused tube light? (Which is usually thrown out). Well here I’m showing a simple circuit using 4 diode for re-using a fused tube light. 

The circuit diagram shown above is quite simplified from basic tube light wiring diagram by adding a bridge rectifier. Bridge rectifier provides high voltage DC to the both end of tube. All we have focused in this project is to lighting-up the weak tube using high voltage DC. Note: A fully damaged or broken tube-light could not be light-up anyway. Use those tube-light for this project that is still trying to light-up but not fully lightened on the basic connection of tube-light. 

Fused Tube light by 4 Diode Circuit Diagram 

 

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