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Home » Controlling a DC Motors Direction Circuit with IC 555 Timer

Controlling a DC Motors Direction Circuit with IC 555 Timer

Last updated on 13 August 2025 by Admin-Lavi Leave a Comment

Controlling a DC Motors Direction Circuit with IC 555 Timer is easy to try.

Circuit is good for automation, robotics, devices needing forward and backward move.

Circuit has 555 timer, transistor, DPDT relay to change direction.

Simple design is easy to build and works in both directions.

555 timer make astable output to control relay for motor.

Runs on 12V DC and is easy to use in many systems.

Circuit Working:

Controlling a DC Motors Direction Circuit Diagram with IC 555 Timer

Parts List:

ComponentSpecificationQuantity
Resistors1k 1/4 watt1
10k 1/4 watt3
Potentiometer 100k2
CapacitorsCeramic 0.01µF1
Electrolytic 100µF 25V1
SemiconductorsIC Timer 5551
Transistor BC5471
Diode 1N40073
12V DPDT Relay1
12V DC Motor1

Circuit uses 555 timer as astable multivibrator to control motor direction.

555 make pulse output to drive relay.

Pin 2 (trigger) connect to R3, VR2 and C1 as voltage divider.

When power is ON then pin 3 output is high for time set by resistor and capacitor.

Q1 transistor act as switch for relay coil which is based on 555 signal.

Relay change motor polarity with one way no power and other way is powered.

D1 & D2 protect 555 from reverse voltage.

D3 freewheeling diode protect relay and transistor from spikes.

Motor spin direction depend on relay switching.

Formulas:

Formulas for DC motor direction control with 555 timer:

Astable frequency:

f = 1.44 / ((R3 + 2VR2) × C1)

where,

  • R3 is 10kΩ
  • VR2 is 100kΩ
  • C1 is 100µF

How to Build:

For Controlling a DC Motors Direction Circuit with IC 555 Timer follow the below mentioned steps:

  • Gather all parts mentioned in the circuit diagram.
  • Connect pin 1 of IC1 to GND.
  • Connect pin 2 of IC1 to pin 6 of IC1.
  • Connect pin 3 of IC1 to the base of transistor Q1 through resistor R4.
  • Connect pin 4 and pin 8 of IC1 to +12V DC power supply.
  • Connect pin 5 of IC1 to GND through capacitor C2.
  • Connect pin 7 of IC1 between resistor R1 and resistor R2.
  • Connect one end of pot VR1 to resistor R2 and the other end to the cathode of diode D2 and connect the anode of D2 to pin 2 of IC1.
  • Connect the anode of diode D1 to pin 7 of IC1 and connect the cathode of D1 to one end of resistor R3 and connect the other end of R3 to one end of pot VR2 and connect the other end of VR2 to the anode of diode D2.
  • Connect the positive terminal of capacitor C1 to pin 2 of IC1 and the negative terminal to GND.
  • Connect the collector of transistor Q1 to the positive supply through diode D3 and connect the emitter of Q1 to GND.
  • Connect the other coil pin of the 12V relay to the cathode of diode D3.
  • Connect the common poles of the DPDT relay to the motor terminals.
  • Connect one NC contact of the DPDT relay to the positive supply and the other NC contact to the negative supply.
  • Connect one NO contact of the DPDT relay to the positive supply and the other NO contact to the negative supply.

Conclusion:

This Controlling a DC Motors Direction Circuit with IC 555 Timer and relay setup changes motor direction easily and effectively.

The circuit is Ideal for automation, conveyors and robots.

Relay provides electrical isolation for safety and reliability.

References:

555 Timer for Motor Direction Control

Filed Under: Motor Controllers, Timer Circuits

About Admin-Lavi

Lavi is a B.Tech electronics engineer with a passion for designing new electronic circuits. Do you have questions regarding the circuit diagrams presented on this blog? Feel free to comment and solve your queries with quick replies

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