Seven Segment Counter Circuit is one simple circuit.; which count numbers and show on seven segment display.
Also, when we press button, number goes up by one and the circuit is very easy to make and good for learning how counting works in electronics.
What is a Seven Segment Counter Circuit:
Seven segment counter circuit is small electric setup which counts numbers and show on seven segment display.
Also, this display has 7 parts that look like the number “8” and each part is called a, b, c, d, e, f and g.
Furthermore, by turning on some parts it will show number from 0 to 9 and and these numbers show one by one when circuit works.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Components | Values | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Resistors | 10k 1/4 watt | 3 |
| 63k 1/4 watt | 1 | |
| Capacitors | 1µF 25V, 22µF 25V | 1 each |
| Semiconductors | IC 555 | 1 |
| IC 4026 | 1 | |
| Push Button Switch | 2 | |
| Seven segment common cathode display | 1 |
Here, seven segment display have LED parts in shape like number “8”; when signal come to input pin, an LED light up and show number from 0 to 9.
These displays also work in LCDs and many circuits to show numbers or data, as they use low voltage and come in two types: cathode and anode.
Moreover, this article show how to make simple seven segment counter using 555 IC, 4026 IC and common cathode LED display.
Hence, when we press count button 555 IC make one pulse and it work like monostable multivibrator; and IC 4026 take this pulse and counts it and show number on display.
Here, switch button is connect to 555s trigger pin and when we press it, it give negative signal to start pulse;
But how fast pulse come is control by resistor R2 and capacitor C1.
Pulse also goes through resistor R3 and capacitor C2 for stable signal and this pulse goes to 4026 IC which turn ON LED parts and show number.
Also, each time we press, the number goes up and if we count from 0 to 9 and then start again we can press reset button to go back to 0.
Formulas:
We can make seven segment counter circuit using parts in diagram above.
But the main parts are 555 IC for clock pulse and 4026 IC for counting and showing number on display, also below is how to design this circuit.
555 IC as Astable Multivibrator:
This IC gives clock signal to 4026 counter and how fast it send pulse is control by two resistors and one capacitor connect to it in astable mode.
Frequency Formula:
f = 1.44 / ((RA + 2RB) × C)
where:
- RA and RB connect to the 555 IC.
- C connects between pin 1 ground and pin 6 threshold.
Hence, we can use this formula to get correct values for RA, RB and C to make pulse timing right.
How to Build:
To build a Seven Segment Counter Circuit follow the below mentioned steps:
555 Configuration:
- First, start with IC 555 and connect pin 1 to ground.
- Also, connect pin 2 between resistor R1 and count push button.
- Then connect pin 3 of 555 to junction of pin 1 of IC2, one end of resistor R3, and one end of positive of capacitor C2.
- Connect pin 4 and pin 87 of 555 to +9V DC.
- After that, join pin 6 and 7 of 555 through one end of resistor R1 and one end of capacitor C1 positive.
4026 Decade Counter:
- Next, start with IC 4026 and connect pin 1 to pin 3 of IC1 555.
- Then connect pin 2 and pin 8 of IC 4026 to ground.
- After that, connect pin 3 and pin 16 to positive power of +9V DC.
- Join pin 6 and pin 7 of 4026 IC to seven segment of common cathode display of g and f.
- Then connect pin 9, 10,11,12,13 to seven segment of common cathode display to a, b, c, d ,e letters as shown in diagram above
- Connect ground pin of seven segment of common cathode display to main ground of the circuit.
- After that, connect pin 15 of IC 4026 to one end of reset push button and one end of resistor R4
Power:
- Give power to the circuit with positive and ground connected to power source.
- Turn on power and press push button to make display count and also press reset button to go back to 0.
Important Note:
- Also, be careful when touching parts and check all wires and pins two times.
- Remember, if anyone is new to electronics ask someone with good knowledge to help.
Conclusion:
To conclude, this Seven Segment Counter Circuit is very useful in digital devices like timers, counters and number displays; also it is one important part in digital electronics.