Circuit 45 Astable latched

Function

Once triggered, LEDs will continue to flash until power is removed from the circuit or SW1 is opened. The rate at which LEDs flash is controlled by adjustment of VR1.

Circuit diagram

Components

SW1 = Toggle Switch

Switch = (PTM)

R1 = 1k ohm

R2 = 470 ohm

R3 = 470 ohm

R4 = 47k ohm

VR1 = 100k ohm

IC1 555 Timer

C1 = 100mF

Thyristor = (TIC106D)

5mm Standard LEDs

Operation

Heart of the circuit is a 555-timer chip configured in ASTABLE MODE.

This means the output at pin 3 is constantly changing i.e. the output goes high (9V) for a specified time, and then low (0V) for a specified time before again switching high.

The transition from high to low and back to high is called a cycle and the number of cycles which occur in one second is called the frequency, measured in hertz (symbol Hz).

The frequency is controlled by the size of R1, VRI and C1.

Formula to calculate the frequency:-

With VR1 adjusted to its maximum value.

Frequency = 0.07Hz

The time taken to complete one cycle (known as the PERIOD symbol T), can be calculated from the formula.

T = 14.2 sec.

If R1 is made much smaller than VR1, (i.e. R1 is approximately one tenth VR1or less).

Then the time LED is lit will be the same as the time unlit, i.e. lit for 7.1 sec., unlit 7.1 sec.

This time can be made shorter by reducing the value of VR1.

Operation of LEDs

Consider the output pin 3 (555 timer) is low, 0V, top LED in series with R2 is connected from the 9V rail to pin 3, therefore this LED is lit.

Bottom LED in series with R3 is connected to pin 3 (0V) to the bottom rail (0V), therefore this LED is unlit.

Consider now output (pin 3) goes high (9V). With 9V on the top rail and 9V on pin 3, there is no voltage drop across top LED, so it is unlit.

With 9V on pin 3 (ASTABLE) and 0V on the bottom rail bottom LED is therefore lit, thus both LEDs flash on and off alternately at a pre-determined rate.

Calculation of Voltage Dropper Resistors R3, and R2.

It is most important an LED must not have any more than 2V dropped across it. Also the current flowing through it should not exceed 20mA.

The LEDs are connected to the (9V) outputs of the ASTABLE circuit to 0V rail, and also from the 9V supply rail to the 0V output of pin 3 of the astable circuit.

Therefore 7V must be dropped across a resistor called a voltage dropper resistor. As the max current permissible through an LED is 20mA OHMS LAW can be used to calculate value of resistor.

R =7/0.20 ==350 ohms

It is not good practice to have components operating on their top limit, i.e. 20mA. Therefore make resistor larger, say 470 ohms.

This has the dual advantage of protecting the LED, and also drawing less current from the battery, thus prolonging its life at the expense of the LED being a little less bright.

Operation of latching circuit using thyristor

With 0V applied to the gate of the thyristor, it is switched off, no current can flow from the anode to the cathode, so there is no path for the current required to operate the 555 timer to return to ground. Thus 555 circuit cannot operate.

Consider PTM switch is pressed.

9V now applied to the gate of the thyristor. Thyristor will pass current easily. Current can flow through the astable circuit, through thyristor, to the 0V rail, so LEDS will flash. Once switched on, it will continue to pass current even if the positive voltage is removed from the gate i.e. the circuit is latched.

Note

If excess current is allowed to flow into the gate of the thyristor, it can cause damage.

It is for this reason that R4 is inserted to restrict the flow of current (use 47k ohm).

Consider now the overall circuit.

No current can flow through the 555-timer circuit as pin 1 is connected to the anode of the thyristor, and in the present state it is switched off. Thus LEDs are unlit.

If PTM switch is pressed, a positive voltage is applied to the gate of thyristor so it will switch on. There is now a path for the current from pin 1 (555) to flow to ground i.e. via the anode and cathode of the thyristor, thus timer circuit will switch on and LEDs will light.