2 LED Flasher Light Using IC 555

 Assembling a 2 LED Flasher Light Using IC 555

The IC 555 is a versatile and widely used timer IC that can be configured in various modes to create different types of circuits. One popular application is creating an LED flasher circuit, where LEDs blink at regular intervals. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of assembling a 2 LED flasher light using the IC 555.

Know your circuit

Components Required

To build this circuit, you'll need the following components:

• IC 555 Timer

• Two LEDs (any color)

• Resistors: 1KΩ -- 3 nos.

• Resistor 270KΩ -- 1 no.

• Capacitors: 4.7µF - 1 no.

• Breadboard

• Connecting wires

• 6V Battery

The circuit is very simple and straightforward. 

you can understand the pin connections from the IC 555 datasheet available online.

Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Place the IC 555 on the Breadboard: Insert the IC 555 timer into the breadboard, ensuringthat the notch on the IC is facing upwards.

2. Connect Power Supply: Connect pin 8 of the IC 555 to the positive rail of the breadboard and pin 1 to the negative rail.

3. Set Up the Timing Components:

• Connect a 1KΩ resistor between pin 7 and the positive rail.

• Connect a 270KΩ resistor between pin 7 and pin 2

• Connect a 4.7µF capacitor between pin 2 and the negative rail.

• Connect a jumper wire between pin 6 and pin 2.

4. Configure the Control Pin: Connect pin 4 and 8 to the positive rail using a jumper wire.

5. Add the LEDs:

• Connect the anode (longer leg) of the first LED to pin 3 of the IC 555.

• Connect a 1kΩ resistor between the cathode (shorter leg) of the first LED and the negative rail.

• • Connect the cathode (shorter leg) of the second LED to pin 3 of the IC 555 and the positive leg to the positive rail through 1k ohm resistor.

• Repeat the same for the second LED, connecting it in parallel with the first LED.

6. Complete the Circuit:

• Connect a 10kpF capacitor between pin 2 and the negative rail.

Know the design of the circuit

The IC 555 is configured in astable mode, which means it generates a continuous output in the form of a square wave. The timing components (resistors and capacitors) determine the frequency of the output pulses. When the output at pin 3 goes high, the first LED lights up, and when it goes low, the second LED lights up. This creates an alternating flashing effect.

Adjusting the Flashing Rate

The flashing rate of the LEDs can be adjusted by changing the values of the resistors and capacitors. For example, increasing the value of the capacitor will slow down the flashing rate, while decreasing it will speed it up. Similarly, changing the resistor values will also affect the timing.

Applications

This 2 LED flasher circuit can be used in various applications, such as:

• Decorative lighting

• Signal indicators

• Educational projects

Know more about LED from the site here.

Conclusion

Assembling a 2 LED flasher light using the IC 555 is a simple yet fascinating project that demonstrates the versatility of the IC 555 timer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create your own LED flasher circuit and experiment with different component values to achieve the desired flashing rate.