In this tutorial, we will show you how to make an LED Strobe Circuit using 555 Timer IC. Strobe light produces regular flashes of light in order to create a stroboscopic effect. In this circuit, we will be using a 1-watt high-intensity LED for the effect to be clearly visible. To control the flashing frequency of the LED, we will use the potentiometer connected to the circuit.
Hardware Components
The following components are required to make LED Strobe Light Circuit
| S. NO | Component | Value | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Breadboard | – | 1 |
| 2. | Battery | 9v | 1 |
| 3. | Connecting Wires | – | 1 |
| 4. | IC | NE555 Timer | 1 |
| 5. | Variable Resistor | 1M ohm | 1 |
| 6. | Ceramic Capacitors | 0.1uF, 0.01uF | 1, 1 |
| 7. | Resistor | 10k ohm | 1 |
| 8. | LED | – | 1 |
555 IC Pinout
For a detailed description of pinout, dimension features, and specifications download the datasheet of 555 Timer
LED Strobe Light Circuit
Connections
- Connect Pin 4 & 8 to VCC.
- Connect Pin 1 to GND.
- Add C1 & C2 Capacitors as shown in the circuit diagram.
- Add Variable Resistor between Pin 6 & 7.
- Connect 0.1uF Capacitor between Pin 2 & GND.
- Connect 0.01uF Capacitor between Pin 5 & GND
- Add a 10k Resistor between VCC and Pin 7.
- Add High Power LED at Output Pin 3.
Working Explanation
The 555 timer IC will work as an astable multivibrator in this circuit. It will produce continuous square pulses at the output. These waves will turn the LED On & Off and the duration of this depends upon the duty cycle of the square wave. We can change the blinking speed of the LED by turning the knob of the potentiometer. The 1-watt white LED has two terminals: Anode (+) and Cathode (-). If you want to run this circuit continuously then use an LED heat sink with the LED.
Applications
- Strobe lights are often used for aircraft anti-collision lighting, on the aircraft themselves, and also on tall buildings.
- These lights are used in nightclubs and homes for entertainment or to produce special effects.
