In this article for Simple Decimal Counter Circuit instead of count in binary (0 to 1) the decimal counter count in base is 10 (0 to 9).
Also, one simple and main way to make it is use Decade Counter IC which is good for beginners.
Furthermore, the IC like 4017 is easy to find and can already count 0 to 9, it is easy to use and need less extra parts, also the IC does the main counting.
We may still need resistors and LEDs to show numbers and for most actual use this method work better.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Components | Values | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Resistors | 220Ω 1/4 watt | 1 |
| 1k 1/4 watt | 1 | |
| Capacitor | Ceramic 100nF | 1 |
| Semiconductors | IC 4017 | 1 |
| Push button | 1 | |
| LEDs Red 5mm 20mA | 8 |
To begin with, this article uses IC 4017 to explain how decade counter circuit work.
Decimal Counting Circuit:
Moreover, this circuit count things like button press which is not just 0 and 1 like computer and it count from 0 to 9 like in base 10.
How to Build:
The IC 4017 is easy to use and beginner-friendly because it counts in decimals, requires fewer external components and performs the counting function internally.
How It Works:
The clock signal acts like a button press; it starts the count and each subsequent press increments the count displayed by the LEDs.
Pin Information:
Each pin have job:
- Pin 12 carry out and connect many counters together.
- Pin 13 clock enable pin controls when to count.
- Pins 3, 2, 4, etc. show count in binary.
- Clock input is where count signal comes in.
- Binary output need decoder to power LED display.
Reset:
We can reset the count to zero at any time.
Main Idea:
Decade counter count in base-10 and also we can build with logic gates but easier way is to use IC like 4017.
Formulas:
LED Formula for Decimal Counter with IC 4017.
LED Current Limit:
Resistor with LED control how much current goes through LED.
Use ohms law: R = V / I
where:
- V is the supply voltage for LED forward voltage
- I is the current for LED which is usually 20mA
Example Formula:
If supply is 5V then LED drop is 2V and desired current is 20mA:
R = (Vsupply − VLED) / ILED
= (5V − 2V) / 0.02A = 150 ohms
Explanation:
- Vsupply is the voltage from battery or power source
- VLED is the voltage drop of LED which depends on LED color/type
- Red LED is around 1.8 to 2.2V
- ILED wanted current which is mostly 20mA for standard LED
Note:
Choose resistor carefully and if current is too high then LED can burn; so use of right resistor keeps LED safe and works long time.
How to Build:
To build a Simple Decimal Counter Circuit follow the below mentioned steps for connections:
- First, pin 1 of IC 4017 connects to anode of LED 2
- Next, pin 2 connects to anode of LED 6
- Then pin 3 connects to anode of LED 7
- After that, pin 4 connects to anode of LED 5
- Now pin 5 connects to anode of LED 1
- Also, pin 6 connects to anode of LED 0
- Next, pin 7 connects to anode of LED and pin 10 connects to anode of LED 3
- Then pins 8, 13, 15 connects to ground
- Cathode of LEDs 0 to 7 connects to ground through resistor R2
- After that, pin 14 connects to one side of push button through resistor R and other side of push button connects to +5V supply
- Finally, capacitor C1 connect across push button terminals
Safety Tips:
- Start with simple circuit and make it harder slowly as we learn.
- Before powering ON, verify that we have connected all wires and components correctly.
- Label wires and parts which makes fixing easy.
- Keep fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
- Ask expert if we are not sure about safety or circuit.
Conclusion:
To conclude, this Simple Decimal Counter Circuit counts from 0 to 9 (base-10), also we can build with logic gates or use IC 4017 which is the easier way.
Always follow safety rules when working with electronics.