IC 555 Timer Based Mini Flasher Circuit

A mini flasher circuit that uses the IC 555 timer represents a simple electronic assembly designed to cause an LED to emit light in a blinking pattern at a specified frequency.

This type of circuit finds frequent application in various indicator systems, signaling apparatus and projects undertaken by hobbyists.

The construction of this circuit utilizes the IC 555 timer integrated circuit configured in astable mode, which generates a continuous series of pulse outputs.

The frequency of the flashing can be modified by incorporating a potentiometer into the design.

To energize the circuit one can utilize either a 6V battery or a 6V direct current power supply.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

This circuit uses a special chip called the IC 555 timer.

It is set up to make a steady stream of pulses.

The speed of the pulses depends on the values of the resistors R1, R2, VR1 and the capacitor C2.

When the circuit is turned on the capacitor C2 charges and discharges creating the pulses.

Another capacitor C1 helps to keep the control voltage at pin 5 steady so the pulses are smooth.

The resistor R3 makes sure the LED does not get too much power and burn out.

The output from pin 3 switches between high and low turning the LED ON and OFF

Formulas with Calculations:

The formulas with calculations for IC 555 Timer Based Mini Flasher Circuit is mentioned below:

Formula for Frequency:

f = 1.44 / ((R1 + 2VR1) × C2)

Formula for ON Time (T_high):

T_high = 0.693 × (R1 + VR1) × C2

Formula for OFF Time (T_low):

T_low = 0.693 × VR1 × C2

where,

• R1 is 1k
• VR1 is 100K
• C2 is 10µF

• R1 = 1kΩ = 1000Ω
• VR1 = 100kΩ
• C2 = 10µF = 10 × 10⁻⁶ F

Calculations for Frequency (f):

f = 1.44 / ((1000 + 2 × 100000) × 10 × 10⁻⁶)

f = 1.44 / ((1000 + 200000) × 10⁻⁵)

f = 1.44 / (201000 × 10⁻⁵)

f = 1.44 / 2.01

f = 0.716 Hz

Calculations for ON Time (T_high):

T_high = 0.693 × (1000 + 100000) × 10 × 10⁻⁶

T_high = 0.693 × 101000 × 10⁻⁵

T_high = 0.693 × 1.01

T_high = 0.7 sec

Calculations for OFF Time (T_low):

T_low = 0.693 × 100000 × 10 × 10⁻⁶

T_low = 0.693 × 100000 × 10⁻⁵

T_low = 0.693 × 1

T_low = 0.693 sec

Calculations for Total Time Period (T):

T = T_high + T_low

T = 0.7 + 0.693

T = 1.393 sec

Verify Frequency Calculation:

f = 1 / T

f = 1 / 1.393

f = 0.717 Hz

With pot VR1 is 100kΩ the LED will blink at approximately 0.717 times per second meaning it will take about 1.39 seconds for a full ON/OFF cycle.

By adjusting VR1 the blinking speed can be increased or decreased.

How to Build:

To build a IC 555 Timer Based Mini Flasher Circuit follow the below mentioned circuit connections steps:

• Gather all the components mentioned in the above circuit diagram
• Connect pin 1 of IC1 555 to GND of the circuit
• Connect pin 2 of IC1 to pin 6 of IC1.
• Connect pin 3 of IC1 to anode of LED1 and cathode of LED1 connect to one end of resistor R3 and other end of R3 connect to GND.
• Connect pin 4 and pin 8 of IC1 to positive supply of the circuit
• Connect pin 5 of IC1 to GND through capacitor C1.
• Connect pot VR1 and resistor R1 between pin 7 and pin 6 of IC1.
• Connect positive of capacitor C1 to pin 6 of IC1 and negative of C2 connect to GND.
• Connect resistor R2 between pin 7 of IC1 and positive supply.
• Connect positive of +6V battery to positive terminal of the circuit and the negative of 6V battery connect to GND.

Conclusion:

This IC 555 Timer Based Mini Flasher Circuit is a simple and useful design for making LEDs blink.

It uses an IC 555 timer set to astable mode which allows you to change how fast the LED flashes.

By adjusting the resistor and capacitor values you can create different flashing speeds.

This circuit is perfect for beginners in electronics and works great for small projects and indicators.