Tiny light bulbs known as LEDs are controlled by a particular circuit in Christmas LED lights.
These circuits are similar to enjoyable do-it-yourself projects that allow individuals to make their Christmas lights sparkle.
To make the lights blink or fade ON and OFF in lovely patterns the circuit makes use of components like resistors and small chips.
One can make a ton of awesome patterns by connecting the LEDs in different ways.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Category | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Resistors | ||
| LED resistors 470Ω 1/4 watt | 11 | |
| 100k 1/4 watt | 1 | |
| 10k 1/4 watt | 1 | |
| Capacitors | ||
| Ceramic 1nF | 1 | |
| Semiconductors | ||
| IC 4060 | 1 | |
| LEDs different color 20mA 5mm | 11 | |
| Battery 9V | 1 |
The LED Christmas light circuit has an easy to follow design.
It uses a digital counter IC1 of type 4060.
This integrated circuit has a built-in oscillator whose frequency is set by the combination of capacitor C1 and resistor R1.
With the provided component values the oscillator frequency is about 5 kHz.
The oscillator signal is divided by a number of factors by the internal digital circuits of the IC.
CT in the IC design symbol stands for division factors which control the output frequencies.
A square wave with a frequency of 5 kHz divided by 23 is for example the signal on pin 7 of the CT3 output.
This equals 5 kHz: 8 = 625 Hz.
The CT4 output divides the oscillator signal by 24 (16) the CT5 output by 25 (32) and so on.
As a result the speeds at which the signals on each output change differs.
Six counter outputs are connected to three groups of eleven LEDs.
The LEDs flash in a somewhat random way as a result of this design.
Formulas and Calculations:
The 14 stage IC 4060 is used as a binary ripple counter and for oscillator.
It is often used in timer and oscillator circuits due to its integrated oscillator and binary counter qualities.
To control the blinking or flashing of Christmas LED lights the IC 4060 is designed as an oscillator to provide clock pulses.
The following are the below mentioned formula used to calculate the oscillator frequency of an IC 4060:
Oscillator frequency (f) formula:
The timing components connected to the IC 4060s pins are the main method of regulating the oscillation frequency (f).
The below mentioned following formula is used to get the oscillator frequency (f) for the IC 4060:
f = 1 / 2 * π * R * C
where,
- The resistance (in ohms) that connects the oscillator pin from ground (often pin 10 indicated as Q4) is called R.
- C is the capacitance between pin 10 and ground measured in farads.
A formula for an example:
For example the oscillator frequency is calculated in the following way, if pin 10 of the IC 4060 is connected to a 100k resistor and a 1nF capacitor:
f = 1 / 2* π *100,000 * 0.000000001
f = 1 / 2 * 3.14159 * 100,000 * 0.000000001
f = 1.595 MHzf
Essential Points to Remember:
Pin Configuration:
As the oscillator pin usually refers to pin 10 for the IC 4060 ensure that the resistor R and capacitor C are connected to it correctly
Frequency range:
Based on the values of R and C the IC 4060 often generates frequencies between the range of a few Hz to several MHz.
LEDs that blink:
In the circuit for the Christmas light the oscillator frequency controls how quickly the LEDs blink.
By adjusting the R and C elements the desired blinking effect can be generated.
One can carefully control the blinking pattern for Christmas LED lights or any other application where timing and blinking patterns are important by applying this formula and knowing how to use the IC 4060 as an oscillator.
To get desired effects or different blinking speeds adjust R and C.
How to Build:
Below are the steps for building Simple Christmas LED Lights Circuit:
Get the circuit board ready:
- On the triangle circuit board solder the IC socket.
- Pay attention to the polarity.
- Connect the capacitor C1 and resistor R1 to the circuit board.
- The battery clip should be connected to the circuit board.
Put the LEDs on circuit board:
- On the circuit board place the eleven LEDs.
- Be careful of the LED leads polarity the cathode lead is the short one.
Connecting:
- Six of the ICs counter outputs should be connected to the LEDs.
- This will create the necessary random flashing pattern by forming three groups.
- Verify that there are no loose wires and that the connections are properly connected.
Last Examination:
- Check the circuit carefully the last time.
- Look for any loose connections or for soldering mistakes.
- Confirm that the LEDs have been placed correctly by checking at their polarity.
Getting Started:
- Connect a 9V battery to the circuit boards battery clip after making sure everything is in working condition.
Note:
- Watch how a festive blinking pattern is created by the LEDs starting to flash in an almost random order.
Conclusion:
These circuits DIY nature enables fans to change the design and try out various patterns and give their Christmas decorations an original look.
For those who enjoy both technology and joyful celebrations building a circuit for Christmas LED lights can be an entertaining and innovative electronics project.