Introduction:
Light-emitting diodes are a special kind of diodes that on applying power emits light when the current is allowed to pass through. LED is generally the most popular component that can be used for a wide variety of different applications. It can be applicable in almost any type of electronic circuit for different purposes. The LED flasher circuit is one of those circuits which makes use of LED by flashing it on or off.
A simple LED flasher circuit is built using a few components like a 555 timer IC to develop precise time delays or oscillations between the flashing of LED on and off, LEDs, and a few passive components. This simple circuit can be used for different purposes which are described below along with the explanation of the circuit.
Hardware Components
The following components are required to make LED Flasher Circuit
| S.no | Component | Value | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | IC | NE555 timer | 1 |
| 2. | LED | – | 2 |
| 3. | Resistor | 330Ω, 1KΩ, 100KΩ | 2, 1, 1 |
| 4. | Capacitor | 1μF/16V | 1 |
| 5. | Battery | 9V | 1 |
NE555 IC Pinout
For a detailed description of pinout, dimension features, and specifications download the datasheet of 555 Timer
LED Flasher Circuit
Working Explanation:
The 555 timer IC is used in either monostable or astable mode. It takes an input supply from 4.5V to 16V and delivers an output current of up to 200mA which is TTL compatible. The two LEDs are connected to the output pin of IC in the reverse polarity which means the positive pulse will derive one LED and the negative pulse will derive the other.
The trigger and threshold pins are coupled together and connected between timing resistor R4 and a timing capacitor. The discharge pin is connected in between the two-timing resistors R3 and R4.
As the 9V battery is connected to the circuit, the LEDs will glow as the positive and the negative pulses are provided to the LEDs, and the duration of ON and OFF pulses are decided by the values of timing resistors and capacitor.
Mathematically,
Applications:
LED flasher can be used in the following applications:
- A led flasher can be used to flash the group of LEDs sequentially or in a pattern.
- It can be applied in indicator circuits like in water level indications or volume level indicators.
- It is also used in the controllers.
- Furthermore, it is used in different DIY home-based projects.
