Simple Seven Segment Counter Circuit

Think a machine that keeps track of things by clicking a button each time something happens.

This is what an electronic counter does.

It uses a special display like a tiny calculator screen to show the number of clicks.

These counters have been around for a long time!

What is a Seven Segment Counter Circuit:

A Seven Segment Counter Circuit is an electronic circuit designed to count and display numerical values using a seven segment display.

The seven segment display is a visual representation of numbers using seven individual segments, arranged in the shape of the digit ‘8.’

These segments are labeled a to g and by selectively illuminating these segments, different numeric digits 0 to 9 can be displayed.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

The arrangement of LEDs in the display forms the shape of the decimal digit 8.

When a signal is received at the input pin the corresponding LED illuminates, displaying decimal digits ranging from 0 to 9.

Seven segment displays find application in diverse circuits for visual representation and are also integrated into LCDs.

They come in two variants: cathode type and anode type and can be directly employed with low voltage devices.

This post elucidates the construction of a simple circuit for a seven segment display counter, incorporating a 555 IC, a decade counter IC 4026 and a seven segment LED of the common cathode type.

The 555 IC is set up as a monostable multivibrator generating a pulse with each press of the count key.

This pulse serves as an input to the IC 4026, which counts each pulse and controls the seven segment LED accordingly.

The switch button is linked to the trigger pin of the IC 555 providing a negative input upon pressing.

The timing resistor R2 and timing capacitor C1 determine the pulse frequency generated by the timer IC.

A balanced bias is applied to the pulse through resistor R3 and capacitor C2.

The monostable pulse functions as an input to the decade counter IC 4026 incrementing the counter value with each pulse and activating the seven segment LED.

The count value can be reset using the reset button or the count cycle can be repeated from 0 to 9 for each input received.

Formulas:

Using the above mentioned circuit diagrams components, you may create a seven segment counter circuit mainly by utilizing the 4026 Decade Counter IC to drive the seven segment display and the 555 IC to provide clock pulses.

Below are the formulas for setting up the circuit:

An Astable Multivibrator Using a 555 IC:

The 4026 counter will receive its clock pulse from the 555 integrated circuit.

When the 555 is in astable mode, the resistors and capacitors attached to it control the oscillation frequency.

Frequency Formula:

f = 1.44 (RA + 2RB) * C

where,

• The resistors that are linked to the IC 555 are RA and RB.
• Capacitor C is the part that connects pin 1 to ground to pin 6 threshold.

To establish a certain frequency, choose suitable values for RA, RB and C.

How to Build:

To build a simple seven segment display counter circuit follow the below steps:

555 Configuration:

• Connect pin 8 of the 555 IC to positive supply.
• Connect pins 2 and 6 together and attach them to ground.
• Connect pin 5 to ground.
• Connect pin 4 to pin 8 through resistor R1.
• Connect pin 2 to ground through capacitor C1.

Decade Counter IC 4026:

• Connect pins 13 and 14 of IC 4026 to positive supply.
• Connect pin 15 to ground.
• Connect pin 1 to positive supply.
• Connect pin 5 to pin 3 of the 555 timer IC.
• Connect pins 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, and 12 to the corresponding segments of the seven segment LED display.
• Connect pin 6 to ground through a resistor R2.
• Connect pin 7 to positive supply.
• Connect pins 8 and 9 to ground.
• Connect pin 16 to positive supply.

Switch and Timing:

• Connect the push button switch between pin 2 of the 555 IC and ground.
• Connect resistor R3 between pin 6 of the 555 IC and capacitor C2.
• Connect the junction of R3 and C2 to ground.

Power Supply:

• Connect the positive supply and ground of the circuit to the power supply.

Reset Button:

• Connect the reset button between the pin 6 of IC 4026 and ground.

Testing:

• Apply power to the circuit.
• Press the push button switch to start counting on the seven segment display.
• Use the reset button to reset the count.

Note:

• Remember to handle components carefully and double check connections to avoid any potential issues.
• If you are new to electronics it is advisable to seek assistance from someone with experience.

Conclusion:

The Seven Segment Counter Circuit is often used in various applications including digital counters, timers, and other devices where numerical display and counting are essential.

It serves as a fundamental building block in digital electronics and is commonly used in educational projects to demonstrate basic digital circuit principles.

References

Frequency counter

Using a Frequency Counter