An LED Array PWM Dimmer with the 555

Link to page: http://pcbheaven.com/circuitpages/LED_PWM_Dimmer
Connecting the 555 as a PWM generator, i drive with it an LED array. This circuit performs an LED PWM dimmer with minimum components and high power efficiency, especially in low LED brightness. It can be powered in a wide voltage range from 4 up to 15 volts. Along with its compact size, it is ideal for camping or night fishing, and generally whenever mobility and long-time use is required.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• electronic
• circuit
• pcb
• schematic
• diy
• project
• DC
• LED
• array
• 555
• timer
• dimmer
• led
• dimming
• dim
• light
• control
• controller
• car
• dome
• security
• electronics
• howto

[LIiutaio]

This circuit don't have a 0% to 100% range!

The LED don't off!

[pcbheaven]

@LIiutaio i bet your transistor is dead, R1 is very small OR internal transistor of 555 pin 7 is toasted... Or you got the circuit wrong. The circuit has 0-99.9% range

[isaacinnis]

Just built this for use with a 300 led light strip. (Thank you by the way.) The max output is drastically reduced by this circuit. When the pot is at least resistance, is the duty cycle near 100% ? If not, what can be changed in the circuit to get as close to 100% as possible. I am considering a SPDT switch with a DIMMER ON - OFF - DIMMER BYPASSED setup. Is this my best option?

[pcbheaven]

@isaacinnis it is 100%, but i suppose that the driver you use for the LEDs cannot provide enought current.

[bermudarailway]

Do you think it would be possible to dim a 230 volt par 38 led lamp ?

[pcbheaven]

@bermudarailway nope

[askk1996]

Do you know any software for designing circuits like Edison?

[mamatalu]

PCB Heaven, can I use this exact circuit but with a higher capacity transistor (like 10 A , 75W heat dissipation capacity), to power nichrome wire, and in process control the heater?

[RavenRof]

God damn it, i love your accent. Just came here to remember how to build a PWM circuit using 555 timers. I want to control a powerfull RGB LED ;) Think ill need 1 PWM per color.

[sangms1959]

Can drive 6 leds in series at 1 A?

[RavenRof]

awesome stuff, thank you very much!