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We can use the pulse created from an Astable circuit to give an input to other circuits such as the Decade Counter shown in Fig 1.
The 4017 IC gives a continuous stream of pulses counting through its ten (decade) outputs at the same frequency as the input pulse, therefore it is critical to ensure that the input pulse is set to the frequency required. The Datasheet is shown here if you wish to explore further.
You can alter the frequency of an Astable circuit by altering resistor values or altering the value of the capacitor. The Astable circuit shown (Fig 3) uses a variable resistor which can be used to alter the frequency of the pulse.
The 4017 IC gives a continuous stream of pulses counting through its ten (decade) outputs at the same frequency as the input pulse, therefore it is critical to ensure that the input pulse is set to the frequency required. The Datasheet is shown here if you wish to explore further.
You can alter the frequency of an Astable circuit by altering resistor values or altering the value of the capacitor. The Astable circuit shown (Fig 3) uses a variable resistor which can be used to alter the frequency of the pulse.
Fig 1
It is important to study the pin configuration of the IC (Fig 2) as the outputs from the 4017 are not in the same order as the pin configuration which can be confusing if you don’t follow the diagram carefully.
Building this circuit successfully requires a degree of patience as the breadboard configuration of this (Fig 3) is quite complex.
Fig 3 also contains the Astable 555 breadboard which provides the clocking pulse for the Decade Counter.
There are many ways to set this circuit up which can be researched freely. I have chosen to set it as an up down clocking pulse as it creates an interesting lighting effect but it can be used to count from 0 to 9 using up to 10 LEDs if required.
Could you use any other circuits to provide the pulse?
Could you use an Arduino to build a hybrid circuit?
Building this circuit successfully requires a degree of patience as the breadboard configuration of this (Fig 3) is quite complex.
Fig 3 also contains the Astable 555 breadboard which provides the clocking pulse for the Decade Counter.
There are many ways to set this circuit up which can be researched freely. I have chosen to set it as an up down clocking pulse as it creates an interesting lighting effect but it can be used to count from 0 to 9 using up to 10 LEDs if required.
Could you use any other circuits to provide the pulse?
Could you use an Arduino to build a hybrid circuit?
In addition to a Prototype board (Breadboard), wire for connections and a power source, you will need the following components to build this circuit:
9 x 100Ω Fixed Resistor1 x 220Ω Fixed Resistor1 x 4017 IC6 x LED
(These components are in addition to the Astable Circuit - details which can be found here https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/diamond-electronics/3-building-and-testing-circuits/astable )
9 x 100Ω Fixed Resistor1 x 220Ω Fixed Resistor1 x 4017 IC6 x LED
(These components are in addition to the Astable Circuit - details which can be found here https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/diamond-electronics/3-building-and-testing-circuits/astable )
Fig 2
Fig 3
Decade counterFig 4
I have used this type of circuit to build many projects. Have a look at the simulated circuit in Fig 8 and see if you can work out how it has been used.
Fig 5 - PCB Layout
Fig 6. Completed PCB - An Astable has been used as a trigger pulse connected to the 4017IC see Diamond+ Electronics - Astable (google.com) for deatils on the Astable Circuit.
20231128_095517_001.mp4Fig 7. Video clip of working Decade counter PCB. By turning the Preset Potentiometer connected to the Astable (Schmitt Trigger) you can alter the frequency of the circuit.
The circuit shown in Fig 8 has an obvious problem - Test it using the TinkerCAD link above and see if you can work out what it is and how you could make this circuit more usable.
For those of you that have looked at using an Arduino, Have a look at the following link and see if you can add a switch and alter the timing to make the circuit a more useful product:
https://www.tinkercad.com/things/5BcEJKUJiv7-arduino-dice-simple/editel
We could use this circuit in many types of board game scenarios, why not have a go at designing one and using this type of circuit to build an electronic dice.
You could also look at how to develop a Printed Circuit Board for this circuit (see - https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/diamond-electronics/1-basic-knowledge/printed-circuit-boards ).
For those of you that have looked at using an Arduino, Have a look at the following link and see if you can add a switch and alter the timing to make the circuit a more useful product:
https://www.tinkercad.com/things/5BcEJKUJiv7-arduino-dice-simple/editel
We could use this circuit in many types of board game scenarios, why not have a go at designing one and using this type of circuit to build an electronic dice.
You could also look at how to develop a Printed Circuit Board for this circuit (see - https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/diamond-electronics/1-basic-knowledge/printed-circuit-boards ).
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