ELECTRONICS CIRCUIT DESIGN

LAB REPORT

ALTERNATE LED FLASHER CIRCUIT

Submitted in partially fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Bachelor of Technology
in

Electronics and Communication Engineering

by

Ravi Kant Kannaujiya(1709731082)

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

(B. Tech ECE – Accredited by NBA),
Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida.
(Affiliated to Dr. A. P. J Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow)

January 2021

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 ABSTRACT
A system and method for producing a flash of a desired intensity and duration utilizing
devices of a lower intensity, such as light emitting diodes (LED's). The on period of the
LED is lengthened so that product of the LED's intensity and the on period is
approximately equal to product of the desired intensity and duration of the flash. A
parameter for determining intensity, such as operating current or voltage, can be
measured and the on period can be adjusted accordingly. The device can be turned on
responsive to an external trigger signal, and timer can be utilized to turn the device on
if external trigger signal is not received within predetermined time [1].

An electrical flasher circuit has improved operating characteristics, in particular by

providing continuous illumination for a long period of time from a fully charged
solar battery. The circuit employs a solar battery recharging circuit component that
achieves full charge in a short period of time. The flasher circuit may be used in
roadside warning device having a sign member with a warning image. Placed
around the warning image are a plurality of light emitters for providing a visual
warning during evening and night hours. The light emitters are powered by a solar
energy source connected to a flasher circuit including an oscillator for causing the
light emitters to be energized in a particular sequence. When the device is exposed
to sunlight, the battery is disconnected to avoid unnecessary draining of battery [2].

In addition, the frequency is varied at selected value ranging from Hz to MHz, just
to show that 555-timer IC can provide various frequency levels. The frequency can
be determined by choosing the right value of the resistor and capacitor in the
circuitry system [3].

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure no. Title Page No.

1 Block Diagram of LED Flasher Circuit 7

2 Alternate LED Flasher Circuit using 555 Timer 8

3 IC Diagram 9

4 Internal Structure of 8 pin NE 555 Timer 10

5 Various Types of Resistors 12

6 Electrolytic Capacitor 13

7 Various Types of Capacitors 13

8 LED Symbol 14

9 LED 14

10 Multisim Window 16

11 Output of Alternate LED Flasher Circuit. 17

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 LIST OF TABLE

S. no. Titl Page No.

e

1 Pin Description 11

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

S. No. Word Full Form

1. IC Integrated Circuits
2. LED Light Emitting Diode
3. CMOS Complimentary Metal
Oxide Semiconductor
4. PWM Pulse Width Modulation
5. ADC Analog to Digital Converter

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 ALTERNATE LED FLASHER CIRCUIT
1. INTRODUCTION

We are using 555 timer IC which is highly stable device for generating oscillation or
accurate time delays used in pulse width/modulation, sequential timing, time delay
generation, linear ramp generator, precision timing and pulse generation due to its
features such as normally open and normally off output, temperature stability and
adjustable duty cycle in both astable and monostable mode.

This 555 timer IC can be configure to three operating modes namely; monostable(produces a
single one shot pulse upon receiving the signal), astable(produces a continuous square wave
or rectangular pulses as oscillator), bistable(produces a state of set and reset as with flip flop
or schmitt trigger).When operating in bistable mode, it may be utilized in bounce free latched
switches pulse type waveform processing and rail road track designing.

When operating in astable mode it may be utilized in security alarm, tone generation, logic
clock, pulse generation, lamp flasher and light emitting diode. When it operates at
monostable mode, it maybe utilized in pulse width modulation, capacitance measurement,
frequency divider, tone switches, bounce free switches, missing pulse detection and timers.

The alternating flashes produced from the LEDs D1 and D2 can be of different colors if
needed. The value of capacitance C1 can be changed which will change the frequency of
oscillation. The flasher circuit using LED’s can be seen widely used in motorcycles and
cars for their tail, brake ,turn light application. These LED’s can also come in different
monochromatic colors such as white, red and amber. One of the most important use of
the flasher circuit is providing a visual indication of a hazardous situation from its
warning lights.

Basic key parameters of LED flasher circuit are

1. Flash frequency: – It is the frequency at which the LED will flash on and off. The
desired frequency is chosen by selection of an electrolytic capacitor. Since this type
of capacitor has a tolerance that can vary from – 20% to +100%, accuracy of the flash
rate is often determined by trial and error.

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2. Estimated battery life: – These are guidelines provided by the manufacturer to give an
indication of expected battery life. 15 months continuous operation with a C cell
alkaline battery is a typical example.

Fig.1 Block Diagram of LED Flasher Circuit

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2. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Fig. 2: Alternate LED Flasher Circuit Using 555 IC

3. COMPONENTS SPECIFICATIONS

The Alternate LED Flasher Circuit is designed using Multi Sim Simulation Software and
it consists of the following components.

3.1 555 Timer IC

The 555 timer IC is an integrated circuit (chip) used in variety of timer, pulse generation
and oscilloscope applications. The 555 timer can be used to provide time delays, as an
oscillator and as a flip-flop element. Derivatives provide up to four timing circuits in one
package. [4]

Introduced in 1971 by American company Signetics, the 555 is still in widespread use
due to low price, ease of use, and stability. It is now made by many companies in the
original bipolar and in low power CMOS types.

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The IC 555 has three operating modes:

1. Bistable mode or Schmitt trigger – the 555 can operate as a flip-flop, if the DIS
pin is not connected and no capacitors is used. Uses include bounce-free latched
switches.

2. Monostable mode – in this mode, the 555 functions as a one-shot pulse generator.
Applications include timers, missing pulse detection, bounce free switches,
frequency divider, capacitance measurement, pulse-width modulation (PWM) and
so on.
3. Astable(free running) mode – the 555 can operate as an electronic oscillator. Uses
include LED and lamp flashers, pulse generators, logic clocks, tone generation,
security alarms, pulse positions modulation and so on. The 555 timer can be used
as a simple ADC, converting an analog value to a pulse length e.g., selecting a
thermistor as timing resistor allows the use of the 555 in a temperature sensor and
the period of the output pulse is determined by the temperature. [5]

Fig.3: IC Diagram

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Pin Diagram of 555 timer

Fig. 4: Internal Structure of 8 pin NE 555 Timer.[4]

Pin 5 is also sometimes called the CONTROL VOLTAGE pin. By applying a voltage to
the CONTROL VOLTAGE input one can alter the timing characteristics of the device

3.1.1 FEATURES

• Direct replacement for SE555/NE555

• Timing from microseconds through hour
• Operates in both astable and monostable modes
• Adjustable duty cycle Output can source or sink 200 Ma
• Output and supply TTL compatible
• Temperature stability better than 0.005% per °C
• Normally on and normally off output

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 PIN NAME PURPOSE
1 GND Ground reference voltage, low level
2 TRIG The OUT pin goes high and a timing interval starts
when this point falls below ½ of CTRL voltage

3 OUT This output is driven to approximately 1.7 below Vcc

or GND

4 RESET Not begin again until RESET rises above

approximately 0.7 volts.

5 CTRL Provides “control” access to the internal voltage

divider

6 THR The timing interval ends when the voltage at THR is

greater than at CTRL

7 DIS Open collector output which may discharge a

capacitor between intervals.

8 VCC Positive supply voltage

Table 1 Pin Description

3.2 RESISTORS

A resistor is an electrical element that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in
the circuit. It is a passive element means it cannot generate signal. All other factors being
equal, in a direct-current (DC) circuit, the electric current through a resistor is inversely
proportional to its resistance, and directly proportional to the voltage across it. According
to the Ohm’s Law:

I is proportional to V (Temperature is constant) I = V/R (1/R is proportional constant)

R=V/I

Resistor does not depend on voltage or current but it depends on the ratio of V to I. If the
resistor does not depend on current then it is linear otherwise it is non-linear.

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Resistor depends upon the type of material and dimensions but resistivity only depends
upon type of material. Unit of Resistance is ohm. Reciprocal of resistance is conductance

G = 1/R = I/V (Mho or Siemen) Reciprocal of Resistivity is called Conductivity

Resistors can be made-up in a variety of ways. Most common type of resistor is

graphite mixed with clay and then hard-bitten. Resistor depends on temperature.

R2 = R1(1+a1(t2 – t1))

Where a1 is temperature coefficient

Another type of resistor is made from Nichrome. The component is made up of wound
wire resistor. The resistor can handle higher amount of currents having the same
composition and physical size of the normal resistor.

Fig.5: Various types of resistors

3.3 CAPACITORS

A capacitor is two parallel plate passive electronic component that stores the energy in
the form of an electrostatic field. In its simplest form, a capacitor consists of two
conducting plates separated by an insulating material called the dielectric. The charge on
the capacitor is proportional to supply voltage.

q is directly proportional to V q = CV (C is prop. Constant) C=q/V (Farads)

The capacitance of parallel plate is directly proportional to the surface areas.

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C is proportional to A. C is inversely proportional to d .

C = eA/d

e = e0er
-12
e0 = Absolute Permitivity = 8.85 x 10 F/m

If the capacitance doesn’t depend upon on voltage then it is known as Linear capacitor
otherwise non-Linear.

The standard unit of capacitance is the farad. However, this is a large unit; most common
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units are the microfarad, abbreviated μF (1 μF =10 F) and the picofarad, abbreviated
-12
pF (1 pF =10 F).

Fig.6: Electrolytic Capacitor

Fig.7: Various Types of Capacitors

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3.4 LED’s

In the simplest terms, a light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits
light when an electric current is passed through it. Light is produced when the particles
that carry the current (known as electrons and holes) combine together within the
semiconductor material.
Since light is generated within the solid semiconductor material, LEDs are described as solid-
state devices. The term solid-state lighting, which also encompasses organic LEDs (OLEDs),
distinguishes this lighting technology from other sources that use heated filaments
(incandescent and tungsten halogen lamps) or gas discharge (fluorescent lamps).

When Light Emitting Diode (LED) is forward biased, free electrons in the conduction
band recombines with the holes in the valence band and releases energy in the form of
light. The process of emitting light in response to the strong electric field or flow of
electric current is called electroluminescence.

Fig.8: LED Symbol

Fig.9: Led

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The symbol of LED is similar to the normal p-n junction diode except that it contains
arrows pointing away from the diode indicating that light is being emitted by the diode.
The schematic symbol of LED does not represent the color of light. The schematic
symbol is same for all colors of LEDs. Hence, it is not possible to identify the color of
LED by seeing its symbol
3.4.1 Main LED materials
The main semiconductor materials used to manufacture LEDs are:

1. Indium gallium nitride (InGaN): blue, green and ultraviolet high-brightness LEDs
2. Aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP): yellow, orange and red high-
brightness LEDs
3. Aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs): red and infrared LEDs
4. Gallium phosphide (GaP): yellow and green LEDs

3.5 POWER SUPPLY

The power supply is used to provide power to the entire section in the Alternate LED Flasher

Circuit. Power supply of 5V is used in the Multi Sim Software for this construction.

3.6 MULTISIM

NI Multisim (formerly MultiSIM) is an electronic schematic capture and simulation

program which is part of a suite of circuit design programs, along with NI Ultiboard.
Multisim is one of the few circuit design programs to employ the original Berkeley
SPICE based software simulation. Multisim was originally created by a company named
Electronics Workbench, which is now a division of National Instruments. Multisim
includes microcontroller simulation (formerly known as MultiMCU), as well as
integrated import and export features to the printed circuit board layout software in the
suite, NI Ultiboard.

Multisim is widely used in academia and industry for circuits education, electronic
schematic design and SPICE simulation.

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 Fig.10: Multisim Window

4.WORKING PRINCIPLE

1. When the IC receive the voltage from 5 volt battery then 555 timer IC start to
operate in astable mode.
2. The output will be high when the capacitor charges and it would be low when it
discharges.
3. Therefore, the 555 timer IC will generate the pulses and act as an oscillator so if
one of led receive a pulse at a discrete time interval than other led will not receive
timing pulse because IC produces time delay.
4. So one after one both leds will glow.
5. Charging time, tON= tC=0.693(R1+R2)C
6. Discharging time, tOFF =0.693*R2*C
7. Frequency, f=1.44/(R1+2R2)C

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 5. SIMULATION RESULT

Fig.11:Output of Alternate LED Flasher Circuit

LED 2 will glow when the output is high, and LED 1 will glow when the output is low . Both
make a pattern and that's why the Alternative Led Flasher Circuit was named for the circuit.
6. APPLICATIONS

 LED blinking circuit can be used in signaling purpose.

 LED blinking circuit can be used as flashing beacon.
 LED blinking circuit can be used as vehicle indicator when it is broke down.
 In turning indicator circuits of all types of vehicles and cycles.
 Dancing LED circuit can be used for any visual sign indication in any highways.

 In Strobe lights / SoS signalling circuits (To signal that someone is in danger)
 Simple Flashing Brake Light Circuit.
 Simple Flashing Brake Light Circuit.

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 In construction area.
 Default Detector.
 As an input for applications that require timing pulses

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 CONCLUSION
Nowadays, there is a huge use of alternative LED flashers. If it generates
continuous production in the form of a square wave that will turn on and off the
LED. With the help of this flasher, we can also measure the power and varying
capacity using the resistant capacitor. In addition, it also helps to measure the pulse
rate to describe the frequency and the length of the time.

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 REFERNCES

[1] Glassner, A.G., Hansler, R., Carome, E. and Schweder, R., ADB Airfield Solutions
LLC, 2009. LED flasher. U.S. Patent 7,629,601.
[2] Friedman. R., Chacham, C., Richardson Jr, W.F. and Raymond, B.N., Interplex
Solar Inc, 1997. Electronic flasher circuit. U.S. Patent 5,633,565.
[3] Kasri, N.F. and Piah, M.A.M., 2017, October. A compact and reliable pulse
generator using dual 555-timer IC to produce PWM method. In 2017 IEEE
Conference on Energy Conversion (CENCON) (pp.100-104),IEEE.
[4] Goyal, Himani. "Understanding of IC 555 Timer and IC 555 Timer Tester."
International Journal of Inventive Engineering and Sciences 3.2 (2015): 4-6.1
[5] Basit, Abdel W. "Design of a Novel System Based on 555 Timers to Automatically
Sense Temperature, Force, Light, and Relative Humidity." Leonardo Journal of
Sciences 21 (2012): 57-69.

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