Floating 9V Supply For DVM Modules

Most commercial DVM modules with an LCD readout are 9-V powered and based on an ICL7106 or similar A-D converter chip. These modules are typically used in laboratory power supplies and other test and measurement equipment where a drop-in solution needs to be found to realize a voltmeter readout. Particularly in power supply units, the LCD module will need to ‘float’ relative to the PSU supply rails, and this inevitably requires a separate 9-volt power supply. In some cases, batteries may be used but these have distinct advantages. The alternative, a 9-V converter effectively powered by the PSU and yet floating, is shown here.


It is built from the ubiquitous TLC555, LMC555 or 7555) timer IC acting in astable multivibrator configuration producing a 70-kHz square wave fed into a simple rectifier. In essence, capacitors C5 and C6 afford the above mentioned electrical isolation between the PSU supply rails and the LCD module. The old, bipolar NE555 IC should not be used here because it presents a too heavy loads on the converter’s own supply voltage. Depending on the exact type and brand of the CMOS 555 you’re using, resistor R6 may need to be redimensioned a bit to ensure a supply voltage of about 10 volts at pins 8 and 4 of the chip. At an output voltage of 9.5 V, the maximum output current of the converter s about 1 mA.

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Automatic Switch For Voltage Converters

New applications for DC voltage converters, such as the ‘workhorse’ LT1070, arise every day. These converters can be adapted to nearly every imaginable ratio of input and output voltages. However, all of these circuits and devices have the same shortcoming, which is that they lack an on/off switch. Especially when they are used as a source of 6-V / 12-V power for a car radio, this is highly impractical. The circuit described here adds automatic load detection to the converter. For use in a car, the additional circuitry must be small and fit into a compact enclosure together with the converter.

Since the battery voltage and ambient temperature vary over wide ranges, a simple form of load detection must be used. Besides this, the voltage drop across the load sensing circuitry must naturally be as small as possible. This can be achieved by using ‘ultra-modern’ SiGe technology. The 6 V from the battery and the 12 V from the converter are combined in the MB R2545 dual diode. Consequently, a voltage of at least 6 V is always applied to the radio (for memory retention). If the radio is switched on, it draws a current from the 6-V battery, which may be around 100 mA.

This current produces a voltage across R1. If this voltage is 75 mV or greater, the AC128 germanium transistor starts conducting and charges electrolytic capacitor C1, which is connected to the gate of the BUZ10. The MOSFET energises RE1 and thus connects the supply voltage to the converter. As a result, 12-V power is connected to the radio. The resulting increased current causes the voltage drop across R1 to increase, which is undesirable, so a 10-A Schottky diode is connected in parallel. The total voltage drop is thus approximately 0.6 V. The RC network connected to the BUZ10 ensures that the transistor always remains switched on for at least several seconds, to prevent the circuit from ‘chattering’ with varying current consumption.


If the load is switched off, the AC128 cuts off, the electrolytic capacitor discharges and the relay again disconnects the voltage converter. The residual current consumption is so small that the circuit can also be connected ahead of the ignition switch. The Schottky diodes need only be rated for the necessary voltages and currents, and above all, they should have the lowest possible saturation voltage. The exact type is not critical. Two separate diodes can also be used. A small heat sink for the MBR diode won’t hurt, but this is normally not essential. Practically any type of PNP germanium transistor that is still available or on hand can be used (AC125, AC126 and AC128 work perfectly).

It may be necessary to modify the value of R1. In combination with the germanium transistor, R1 determines which level of current will be ignored (for memory retention) and which level of current will cause the converter to be switched on. With the component values shown in Figure 1, this level is between 10 mA and 25 mA. It is recommended to measure the quiescent current (at 6 V) and switch-on current of the load and then simulate the switching process using dummy load resistors. When selecting the 6-V relay, ensure that its contacts have an adequate current rating. The actual value can be significantly greater than the nominal output current. With a load of 5 A at 12 V and a converter efficiency of 70 percent, the current through the relay contacts rises to 14.3 A.

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Playback Amplifier For Cassette Deck

For some time now, there have been a number of tape cassette decks available at low prices from mail order businesses and electronics retailers. Such decks do not contain any electronics, of course. It is not easy to build a recording amplifier and the fairly complex magnetic biasing circuits, but a playback amplifier is not too difficult as the present one shows. The stereo circuits in the diagram, in conjunction with a suitable deck, form a good-quality cassette player. The distortion and frequency range (up to 23 kHz) are up to good standards. Moreover, the circuit can be built on a small board for incorporation with the deck in a suitable enclosure. Both terminals of coupling capacitor C1 are at ground potential when the amplifier is switched on.

Because of the symmetrical ±12 V supply lines, the capacitor will not be charged. If a single supply is used, the initial surge when the capacitor is being charged causes a loud click in the loudspeaker and, worse, magnetizes the tape. The playback head provides an audio signal at a level of 200–500 mV. The two amplifiers raise this to line level, not linearly, but in accordance with the RIAA equalization characteristic for tape recorders. Broadly speaking, this characteristic divides the frequency range into three bands:

• Up to 50 Hz, corresponding to a time constant of 3.18 ms, the signal is highly and linearly amplified.
• Between 50 Hz and 1.326 kHz, corresponding to a time constant of 120 µs, for normal tape, or 2.274 kHz, corresponding to a time constant of 70 µs, for chromium dioxide tape, the signal is amplified at a steadily decreasing rate.
• Above 1.326 kHz or 2.274 kHz, as the case may be, the signal is slightly and linearly amplified. This characteristic is determined entirely by A1 (A1’). To make the amplifier suitable for use with chromium dioxide tape, add a double-pole switch (for stereo) to connect a 2.2 kΩ resistor in parallel with R3 (R3’). The output of A1 (A1’) is applied to a passive high-pass rumble filter, C3-R5 (C3’-R5’) with a very low cut-off frequency of 7 Hz. The components of this filter have exactly the same value as the input filter, C1-R1 (C1’-R1’). The second stage, A2 (A2’) amplifies the signal ´100, that is, to line level (1V r.m.s.).

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More And More White LED lights For Indoor Lighting

With the constant progress of LED technology, LED light gradually develop from the flags and show the development stage to lighting applications, and its long life, high efficiency and energy saving features have been recognized, white LED opened a window for "green light" a White LED interior lighting,  the indoor applications
 are being more and more increasingly widely used.
Many advantages of white LED interior lighting with white light LED used in a number of advantages. First, LEDs brightness and light color adjustable interior lighting to meet the requirements of color, lighting scenarios in the development of the market, with traditional light sources can not match advantage. Second, LED easy to dynamically control, in accordance with the needs of the user control the default cluster, and in some occasions require programming skills, can provide a reasonable solution for the intelligent management of indoor lighting and convenient. Third, LED compact, more decorative features, with the buildings by lighting the organic integration of default, to "see the light but not light" results. Fourth, LED, long life, no mercury, in line with the national "energy saving and emission reduction" policy requirements. Fifth, LED beam angle is within the absolute directional radiation for spotlights, downlights and other lamps, will help improve the next shot lumen ratio.
With the LED technology upgrade, show the effectiveness of power, cost reduction, both in the international market or domestic market, LED has begun to enter the business or department according to Ming Shi home lighting market, showing a good momentum of development. Broad application prospects in the indoor lighting LED prices are still very expensive at this stage, but because LED lamps have higher luminous efficiency, power loss can be cutting costs, while a longer life, can reduce replacement and maintenance expense, therefore, consider the development of white LED interior lighting direction, relative to traditional lighting methods, white LED light is the most important return on investment considerations.
After analysis shows that, compared to incandescent lamps, LED lamps of the investment recovery period is 1.7 years to 3.4 years; compared to halogen lamps, LED lamps of the investment recovery period is 1.7 years to 3.5 years. Thus, replacing incandescent and halogen lamps, LED controller, the application of white LED has a very attractive rate of return on investment. Compared to compact fluorescent lamps, the department applications, LED lamp investment recovery period is 4.5 years to 6.2 years; compared to straight tube fluorescent lamps and metal halide lamps, LED lamps do not have good performance of the investment payback period.
Although white LED lighting in the room to expand the application areas share constantly, but there are faced with many challenges. LED lights only need to keep dependents chip or package the relevant parts of the performance, but more of a focus on LED lighting, the composition of electronic technology, thermal management and optical technology.

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Multipurpose Circuit For Telephones

This add-on device for telephones can be connected in parallel to the telephone instrument. The circuit provides audio-visual indication of on-hook, off-hook, and ringing modes. It can also be used to connect the telephone to a  CID (caller identification device) through a re-lay and also to indicate tapping or misuse of telephone lines by sounding a buzzer.

In on-hook mode, 48V DC supply is maintained across the telephone lines. In this case, the bi-colour LED glows in green, indicating the idle state of the telephone. The value of resistor  R1 can be changed some-what to adjust the  LED glow, with-out loading the telephone lines (by trial and error).  In on-hook mode of the hand-set, potentiometer VR1 is so adjusted that base of  T1 (BC547) is forward biased, which, in turn, cuts off transistor T2 (BC108). While adjusting  potmeter  VR1, en-sure that the  LED glows only in green and not in red.

Multipurpose Circuit For Telephones Circuit Diagram

When the handset is lifted, the volt-age drops to around 12V  DC. When this happens, the voltage across transistor T1’s base-emitter junction falls below its conduction level to cut it off. As a result transistor pair T2-T3 starts oscillating and the piezo-buzzer starts beeping (with switch S1 in on position). At the same time, the bi-colour LED glows in red. In ringing mode, the bi-colour LED flashes in green in synchronization with the telephone ring. A  CID can be connected using a relay.

The relay  driver  transistor can be connected via point  A as shown in the circuit. To use the circuit for warning against misuse,  switch  S1 can be left in on position to activate the piezo buzzer when anyone tries to tap the telephone line. (When the telephone  line is tapped, it’s  like the off-hook mode of the telephone hand-set.)  Two 1.5V pencil cells can provide Vcc1 power supply, while a separate power supply for Vcc2 is recommended to avoid draining the battery. However, a single 6-volt supply source can be used in con-junction with a 3.3V zener diode to cater to both Vcc2 and Vcc1 supplies.

Source:http://www.ecircuitslab.com/2011/10/multipurpose-circuit-for-telephones.html

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Solar Inverter Charger Circuit for Science Project

The following article explains a simple solar inverter circuit consisting of its own battery charger and an automatic changeover relay system for switching the battery to the inverter in the absence of solar energy. The circuit was requested by Ms. Swati Ojha.

The design:

The circuit mainly consists of two stages viz: the inverter, and the automatic relay changeover.

During day time for so long the sun light remains reasonably strong, the panel voltage is used for charging the battery and also for powering the inverter via the relay changeover contacts.

The automatic changeover circuit preset is set such that the associated relay trips OFF when the panel voltage falls below 13 volts.

The above action disconnects the solar panel from the inverter and connects the charged battery with the inverter so that the output loads continue to run using the battery power.

Circuit Description:

Resistors R1, R2, R3, R4 along with T1, T2 and the transformer forms the inverter section. 12 volts applied across the center tap and the ground starts the inverter immediately, however here we do not connect the battery directly at these points, rather through a relay changeover stage.

The transistor T3 with the associated components and the relay forms the relay change over stage  The LDR is  kept outside the house or at a position where it can sense the day light.

 The P1 preset is adjusted such that T3 just stops conducting and cuts off the relay in case the ambient light falls below a certain level, or simply when the voltage goes below 13 volts. This obviously happens when the sun light becomes too weak and is no longer able to sustain the specified voltage levels.

However as long as sun light remains bright, the relay stays triggered, connecting the solar panel voltage directly to the inverter (transformer center tap) via the N/O contacts. Thus the inverter becomes usable through the solar panel during day time.

The solar panel is also simultaneously used for charging the battery via D2 during day time so that it charges up fully by the time it gets dusk.

The solar panel is selected such that it never generates more than 15 volts even at peak sun light levels.

The maximum power from this inverter will not be more than 60 watts.


A MOSFET  based solar inverter can be witnessed HERE

Parts List for the proposed solar inverter with charger circuit intended for science projects.

R1,R2 = 100 OHMS, 5 WATTS

R3, R4 = 15 OHMS, 5 WATTS

T1, T2 = 2N3055, MOUNTED ON SUITABLE HEATSINK

TRANSFORMER = 9-0-9V, 3 TO 10 AMPS

R5 = 10K

R6 = 0.1 OHMS 1 WATT

P1 = 100K PRESET LINEAR

D1, D2 = 6A4

D3 = 1N4148

T3 = BC547

C1 = 100uF/25V

RELAY = 9V, SPDT

LDR = ANY STANDARD TYPE

SOLAR PANEL = 17 VOLTS OPEN CIRCUIT, 5 AMPS SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT.

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Computer Power Supply for Battery Charger

Some workbenches can’t help ending up looking like a rats nest of cables and equipment, so its always an advantage if a piece of mains equipment can be removed from somewhere to free up an extra mains socket. Here we are using the ubiquitous PC as a battery charger. An unused serial interface port can supply enough current to charge (or trickle charge) low-capacity Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries. You could for example, use the batteries in a radio and charge them during use.

The three serial port connections TxD, DTR, and RTS, when not in use, are at –10 V and can supply a current of around 10 to 20mA (they are short-circuit protected). The circuit shown supplies a charging current of approximately 30mA. If it is necessary to alter the polarity of the charging circuit then it is a simple job to reverse the diodes and using software, switch the port signals +10 V. Those interested could also write a software routine to automatically recharge the batteries.

Source : www.extremecircuits.net

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UPS For Cordless Telephones

Cordless telephones are very popular nowadays. But they have a major drawback, i.e. they cannot be operated during power failure. Therefore usually another ordinary telephone is connected in parallel to the cordless telephone. This results in lack of secrecy. UPS is a permanent solution to this problem. Since the UPS is meant only for the cordless telephone, its output power is limited to around 1.5W. This is sufficient to operate most cordless telephones. as these employ only small capacity adapters (usually 9V/12V, 500mA), to enable the operation of the circuit and to charge the battery present in the handset. The UPS presently designed is of online type. Here the inverter is ‘on’ throughout, irrespective of the presence of the AC mains.

When the AC mains is present, the same is converted into DC and fed to the inverter. A part of the mains rectified output is used to charge the battery. When the mains power fails, the DC supply to the inverter is from the battery and from this is obtained AC at the inverter output. This is shown in fig.1. The circuit wired around IC CD4047 is an astable multivibrator operating at a frequency of 50 Hz. The Q and Q outputs of this multivibrator directly drive power MOSFETS IRF540. The configuration used is push-pull type. The inverter output is filtered and the spikes are reduced using MOV (metal oxide varistor). The inverter transformer used is an ordinary 9V-0-9V, 1.5A mains transformer readily available in the market.

Two LEDS (D6 and D7) indicate the presence of mains/battery. The mains supply (when present) is stepped down, rectified and filtered using diodes D1 through D4 and capacitor C1. A part of this supply is also used to charge the battery. In place of a single 12V, 4Ah battery, one may use two 6V, 4Ah batteries (SUNCA or any other suitable brand). The circuit can be easily assembled on a general-purpose PCB and placed inside a metal box. The two transformers may be mounted on the chassis of the box. Also, the two batteries can be mounted in the box using supporting clamps. The front and back panel designs are shown in the Fig. 3. The same circuit can deliver up to 100W, provided the inverter transformer and charging transformer are replaced with higher current rating transformers, so that the system can be used for some other applications as well.

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