This circuit is simple as it relies on a fundamental idea and has a small number of components.
The alerting mechanism, which beeps to inform you to a low battery is referred to as the ‘buzzer’ in the name.
Overall, by clearly audibly alerting you when the battery needs to be changed, this circuit helps you prevent scenarios in which your gadget unexpectedly runs out of power.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Component Type | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Resistors (All resistors are 1/4 watt) | 100k | 2 |
| 1Meg | 3 | |
| Capacitors | Ceramic 22nF | 1 |
| Semiconductors | IC 4060 | 1 |
| Transistors BC547 | 2 | |
| Zener diode 9.1V | 1 | |
| Other Components | Buzzer | 1 |
| Power Source | 12V Battery | 1 |
Circuit working of a Normal Voltage:
The circuit functions as a low voltage detector and sounds a beep-beep-beep when the batteries go below about 10V.
The first transistor is biased ON by the zener diode, which conducts while the battery voltage stays over 10V.
The collector emitter voltage Vce, as a result of the first transistors saturation is lowered to almost 0.3V.
As a result of the low base voltage the second transistor stays off.
A 1M resistor is used to pull the reset pin of the 4060 IC HIGH when the second transistor is turned off.
The internal oscillator of the IC 4060 is turned off by this HIGH condition on the reset pin, which stops clock pulse production.
Pins 9, 10 and 11 of the IC 4060 chip are particularly coupled to internal circuits known as inverters.
These pins allow external components i.e capacitors and resistors to be connected allowing the inverters to be set up to oscillate at a specific frequency.
A clock pulse, which is an electrical signal that repeats is produced by this oscillation.
Pin 12 serves as the oscillators ON/OFF switch.
Pin 12 receives a high voltage which stops the oscillation and stops the clock pulses from traveling to the other parts of the semiconductor divider stages.
Circuit working of a Low Voltage:
The zener diode stops conducting when the battery voltage drops below 10V.
By doing this the first transistor is turned off and the second transistor is made to turn on.
The 4060s reset pin is pulled LOW towards ground by the secondary transistor.
The 4060s internal oscillator starts to run when the reset pin is LOW producing clock pulses.
The 4060 is equipped with a divider circuit made up of many flip flops that receive these clock pulses as input.
A split clock signal with a frequency of around 1 Hz appropriate for operating a piezo buzzer, is produced via Pin 7 of the 4060.
The split clock signal which switches between HIGH and LOW at 1 Hz, gives the piezo buzzer its distinctive ‘beep-beep-beep’ sound.
Formulas:
The IC 4060 may be used to create a basic low battery indicator circuit.
The buzzers frequency of oscillation will control when it sounds, signaling a low battery status.
Here is how to set up the circuit with the frequency formula:
Calculating Frequency:
The IC 4060 splits its output frequency with its internal stages using an internal oscillator.
When taking into account the timing resistor R and timing capacitor C, the following formula may be used to determine the frequency of the IC 4060 oscillator:
f = 1 / 2.3 × R × C
where,
- In Hz, f represents the oscillation frequency.
- The resistance in ohms attached to the timing pin (usually pin 10) is represented by R.
- The capacitance in farads attached to the timing pin is represented by C.
Using the IC 4060, an oscillator must be configured with the right timing components in order to create a buzzer equipped low battery indicator circuit.
By choosing the right values for the resistor and capacitor, you can change the buzzers frequency.
To properly tune the circuit for low battery circumstances detection, be sure to test it using real components.
How to Build:
To build a Simple Low Battery Indicator with Buzzer Circuit follow the below mentioned connections process:
- Assemble the necessary components as shown in diagram.
- Connect pin 7 of IC 4060 to one leg of buzzer and other leg to ground.
- Connect pin 8 of IC 4060 to ground.
- Connect pin 9 of IC 4060 capacitor C1.
- Connect pin 10 of IC 4060 to resistor R5.
- Connect pin 11 of IC 4060 to pin 9 and 10 respectively.
- Connect pin 12 of IC 4060 between collector of transistor T2 and resistor R4.
- Connect pin 16 of IC 4060 to positive supply of 12V battery.
- Connect in series from positive supply to ground resistor R1, 9.1V zener diode, and resistor R2.
- Connect collator of transistor T1 to positive supply through resistor R3.
- Connect base of transistor T1 between 9.1V zener diode and resistor R2.
- Connect emitter of transistor T1 to ground.
- Connect collector of transistor T2 to positive supply through resistor R4.
- Connect base of transistor T2 between resistor R3 and collector of transistor T1.
- Connect emitter of transistor T2 to ground.
- Connect positive supply to 12V battery and ground to negative supply of 12V battery.
Additional Notes:
- When the circuit is not in use its quiescent current consumption is just about 30 microamperes.
- During the beeping operation, there is a minor increase in current consumption less than 1 mA.
- For a quieter output the piezo buzzer can be replaced with a piezo diaphragm.
- When using a piezo diaphragm, it might be necessary to adjust the oscillators parts for a higher clock frequency in order to provide a split output that works well for the buzzer.
Safety Measures:
- This circuit is low risk when used at the appropriate voltage levels.
- Use safe soldering procedures if you are making the circuit yourself.
- This entails keeping a safe distance from hot components and utilizing enough ventilation.
- Consistently adhere to battery safety regulations.
- Make sure you use the right kind of battery for the circuit and dispose of them properly.
- It is advisable to refrain from altering the circuit unless you possess a profound comprehension of electronics.
Conclusion:
Finally, Simple Low Battery Indicator with Buzzer Circuit, provides a practical means of receiving a warning when your battery is about to run low.
This circuit can offer helpful warnings to prolong the life of your battery powered gadgets if you use it within its intended voltage limitations and adhere to a safe building procedure.