This is a special circuit that makes LEDs blink in pretty patterns.
It uses a tiny timer chip to control the blinking on and off.
You can use these blinking LEDs for decorations, art or to get peoples attention.
By changing how fast and in what order the LEDs blink you can create different designs and effects.
This makes things look nicer.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Category | Component | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistors | 10k | 1 | 1/4 watt |
| 1M | 1 | 1/4 watt | |
| 470Ω | 1 | 1/4 watt | |
| 100Ω | 1 | 1/4 watt | |
| Capacitors | Ceramic 10nF | 1 | |
| Electrolytic 1µF 25V | 1 | ||
| Electrolytic 220µF 16V | 1 | ||
| Semiconductors | IC 555 | 1 | |
| LEDs | Red 5mm 20mA | 3 | |
| Green 5mm 20mA | 3 | ||
| Yellow 5mm 20mA | 3 |
This circuit is designed to create ornamental displays by flashing three sets of LEDs at different rates.
It is based on a simple astable multivibrator using the popular IC 555 timer IC.
The output frequency is determined by resistors R1 and R2 along with capacitor C1.
Initially, the circuit causes red LEDs to light up when the output is high.
As capacitor C3 charges, yellow LEDs then light up with the delay depending on C3s value.
When the astable output goes low, green LEDs light up drawing current from the capacitor.
This rapid cycling allows for different flashing levels.
To reduce the intensity of the green LEDs simply reduce their number to one.
Formula:
The following formula can be used to determine the flashing frequency for the IC 555 in its astable mode:
Frequency (f): f = 1.44 / (R1 + 2R2) × C
where,
- R1 is where pin 7 discharge and Vcc are linked via a resistor.
- R2 is the resistor that connects pins 6 threshold and 7 discharge
- C is the effective capacitance created by C1.
Note:
Using the IC 555 chip, this basic design will produce an elegant LED flashing sequence that is both easy and effective.
Modify the elements to suit your own design specifications and tastes.
How to Build:
To build a Simple Ornamental Flashing LEDs Circuit you need to follow the below mentioned connections steps:
- Insert the NE555 timer IC into the PCB.
- Connect pin 8 of the IC 555 to the positive supply of the PCB.
- Connect pin 1 of the IC 555 ground to the negative supply of the PCB.
- Connect pin 4 of the IC 555 to pin 8 to positive supply.
- Connect pin 7 of the IC 555 to pin 6 and pin 2.
- Connect pin 2 to pin 6 using a R1 10k resistor and R2 1M resistor.
- Connect pin 3 to the LEDs array of 6.
- Connect pin 2 to pin 6 through a 10k resistor R1 and R2 1M and a C1 capacitors 1µF to the negative supply of the PCB.
- Connect C3 between the junction of R3 and R4 and ground.
- Connect a 10nF ceramic capacitor C2 to pin 5 and ground.
- Connect 3 LEDs yellow through resistor R4 and ground.
Note:
- Finally, power the circuit using a 5 to 12V DC power supply.
- The circuit should start flashing the LEDs in the described sequence.
- Adjust the resistor and capacitor values as needed to achieve the desired flashing rates.
Conclusion:
An ornamental flashing LEDs circuit is a simple yet effective way to create visually appealing light patterns using LEDs.
By utilizing a timer IC and controlling the timing and sequence of the flashing a wide range of decorative effects can be achieved making it a versatile choice for adding aesthetic appeal to various projects and displays.