Five simple yet effective electronic toggle flip flop switch circuits can be built around the IC 4017, IC 4093, and IC 4013. We will see how these can be implemented for switching a relay alternately ON OFF, which in turn will switch an electronic load such as fan, lights, or any similar appliance using a single push-button pressing.
What's a Flip Flop Circuit
A flip flop relay circuit works on a bistable circuit concept in which it has two stable stages either ON or OFF. When used in practical applications circuits it allows a connected load to alternately toggle from an ON state to OFF state and vice versa in response to an external ON/OFF switching trigger.
In our following examples we will learn how to make a 4017 IC and 4093 IC based flip flop relay circuits. These are designed to respond to alternate triggers through push-button, and correspondingly operate a relay and a load alternately from an ON state to OFF state and vice versa.
By adding just a handful of other passive components the circuit can be made to toggle accurately through subsequent input triggers either manually or electronically.
They may be operated through external triggers either manually or an electronic stage.
1) Simple Electronic Toggle Switch Flip Flop Circuit Using IC 4017
The first idea talks about an useful electronic flip flop toggle switch circuit built around the IC 4017. The component count here is minimum, and the result obtained is always up to the mark.
Referring to the figure we see that the IC is wired into its standard configuration, i.e. a logic high at its output shifts from one pin to the other in the influence of the applied clock at its pin # 14.
The alternate toggling at its clock input is recognized as clock pulses and is converted into the required toggling at its output pins. The whole operation may me understood with the following points:
Parts List
- R4 = 10K,
- R5 = 100K,
- R6, R7 = 4K7,
- C6, C7 = 10µF/25V,
- C8 = 1000µF/25V,
- C10 = 0.1, DISC,
- ALL DIODES ARE 1N4007,
- IC = 4017,
- T1 = BC 547, T2 = BC 557,
- IC2 = 7812
- TRANSFORMER = 0-12V, 500ma, INPUT AS PER AREA SPECIFICATIONS.
How it Works
We know that in response to every logic high pulse at pin #14, the output pins of the IC 4017 are switched high sequentially from # 3 to # 11 in the order: 3, 4, 2, 7, 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11.
However, this proceeding may be stopped at any instant and repeated by just connecting any of the above pins to the reset pin # 15.
For example (in the present case), pin # 4 of the IC is connected to pin #15, therefore, sequence will be restricted and will bounce back to its initial position (pin # 3) each time the sequence (logic High) reaches pin # 4 and the cycle repeats.
It simply means that now the sequence toggles from pin # 3 to pin # 2 in a back and forth manner constituting a typical toggling action. The operation of this electronic toggle switch circuit may be further understood as follows:
Every time a positive trigger is applied to the base of T1, it conducts and pulls down pin # 14 of the IC to ground. This brings the IC to a standby position.
The moment the trigger is removed, T1 stops conducting, pin # 14 now instantly receives a positive pulse from R1. The IC acknowledges this as a clock signal and quickly toggles its output from its initial pin #3 to pin #2.
The next pulse produces the same result so that now the output shifts from pin #2 to pin #4, but since pin #4 is connected to reset pin #15, as explained, the situation bounces back to pin #3 (initial point).
Thus the procedure is repeated every time T1 receives a trigger either manually or through an external circuit.
Video Clip:
Upgrading the circuit to control more than one load
Now let's see how the above IC 4017 concept can be upgraded to operate 10 possible electrical loads through a single push button.
The idea was requested by Mr. Dheeraj.
Circuit Objectives and Requirements
I am Dhiraj Pathak from Assam, India.
As per the below diagram, following following operations should take place -
- The AC switch S1 when switched ON for the first time, AC load 1 should switch On and stay in ON state till S1 is witched OFF. AC load 2 should stay off during this operation
- The second time when S1 is again switched ON, AC Load 2 should switch ON and stay ON till S1 is switched OFF. AC load 1 should stay off during this operation
- The third time when S1 is again switched ON, both the AC loads should switch ON and stay ON till S1 is switched OFF.4. The fourth time when the S1 is switched ON , the operation cycle should repeat as mentioned in step 1, 2 and 3.
My intention is to use this design in my single living room of my rented apartment. The room has concealed wiring and the fan is located at the center of the roof.
The light will be connected parallel to the fan as a center light for the room. There is no extra power outlet at the center of the roof. Only outlet available is for the fan.
I do not wish to run separate wires from switchboard to the center light. Hence, I though of designing a logical circuit which can detect the state (On/OFF) of the power source and switch loads accordingly.
For using the center light, I do not wish to keep the fan ON all the time and vice versa.
Every time the circuit is powered ON, the last know state should trigger the next operation of the circuit.
The Design
A simple electronic switch circuit customized to perform the above mentioned functions is shown below, without an MCU. A bell push-button type switch is used for executing the sequential switching for the connected light and fan.
The design is self explanatory, if you have any doubts regarding the circuit description, please feel free to get it clarified through your comments.
Electronic Switch without Push Button
As per the request and the feedback received from Mr. Dheeraj, the above design can be modified to work without a push button.... that is, using the existing ON/OFF switch at the mains input side for generating the specified toggling sequences.
The updated design can be witnessed in the below given figure:
Another interesting ON OFF relay witch with a single button can be configured using a single IC 4093. Let's learn the procedures with the following explanation.
2) Accurate CMOS Flip Flop Circuit Using IC 4093
IC4093 Pinout Details
Parts List
- R3 = 10K,
- R4, R5 = 2M2,
- R6, R7 = 39K,
- C4, C5 = 0.22, DISC,
- C6 = 100µF/25V,
- D4, D5 = 1N4148,
- T1 = BC 547,
- IC = 4093,
The second concept is about a rather accurate circuit can be made using three gates of IC 4093. Looking at the figure we see that the inputs of N1 and N2 are joined together to form logic inverters, just like NOT gates.
It means that, any logic level applied to their inputs will be inverted at their outputs. Also, these two gates are connected in series to form a latch configuration with the help of a feedback loop via R5.
N1 and N2 will instantly latch the moment it senses a positive trigger at its input. Another gate N3 has been introduced basically to break this latch alternately after every subsequent input pulse.
The functioning of the circuit may be further understood with following explanation:
How it Works
On receiving a pulse at the trigger input, N1 quickly responds, its output changes state forcing N2 to also change state.
This causes the output of N2 to go high providing a feedback (via R5) to N1’s input and both the gates latch in that position. At this position the output of N2 is locked at logic high, the preceding control circuit activates the relay and the connected load.
The high output also slowly charges C4, so that now one input of gate N3 becomes high. At this juncture, the other input of N3 is held at logic low by R7.
Now a pulse at the trigger point will make this input also go high momentarily, forcing its output to go low. This will pull the input of N1 to ground via D4, instantly breaking the latch.
This will make the output of N2 to go low, deactivating the transistor and the relay. The circuit is now back to its original state and ready for the next input trigger to repeat the entire procedure.
3) Flip Flop Circuit using IC 4013
The quick availability of the many CMOS ICs today has made designing of much complicated circuits a child's play, and no doubt the new enthusiasts are enjoying making circuits with these magnificent ICs.
One such device is the IC 4013, which is basically a dual D-type flip flop IC, and may be used discretely for implementing the proposed actions.
In short the IC carries two in built modules which may be easily configured as flip flops just by adding a few external passive components.
IC 4013 Pinout Function
The IC may be understood with the following points.
Each individual flip flop module consists of the following pin outs:
- Q and Qdash = Complementary outputs
- CLK = Clock input.
- Data = Irrelevant pin out, must be either connected to the positive supply line or the negative supply line.
- SET and RESET = Complementary pin outs used for setting or resetting the output conditions.
The outputs Q and Qdash switch their logic states alternately in response to the set/reset or the clock pin out inputs.
When a clock frequency is applied at the CLK input, the output Q and Qdash change states alternately as long as the clocks keep repeating.
Similarly the Q and Qdash status can be changed by manually pulsing the set or the reset pins with a positive voltage source.
Normally the set and the reset pin should be connected to the ground when not utilized.
The following circuit diagram shows a simple IC 4013 set up which may be used as a flip flop circuit and applied for the intended needs.
Both may be utilized if required, however if only one of them is employed, make sure the set/reset/data and clock pins of the other unused section is grounded appropriately.
A practical application flip flop circuit example can be seen below, using the above explained 4013 IC
Mains Failure Backup and Memory for the Flip Flp Circuit
If you are interested to include a mains failure memory and back up facility for the above explained 4013 design, you can upgrade it with a capacitor backup as shown in the following figure:
As can be seen, a high value capacitor and resistor network is added with the supply terminal of the IC, and also a couple of diodes to ensure that the stored energy inside the capacitor is used for supplying only the IC and not to the other external stages.
Whenever mains AC fails, the 2200 uF capacitor steadily and very slowly allows its stored energy to reach the supply pin of the IC keeping the IC's "memory alive" and to make sure that the latch position is remembered by the IC while the mains is unavailable.
As soon as the mains returns, the IC delivers the original latching action on the relay as per the earlier situation, and thus prevents the relays from losing its previous switch ON status during the mains absence.
4) SPDT Electronic 220V Toggle Switch using IC 741
A toggle switch refers to a device which is used for switching an electrical circuit ON and OFF alternately whenever required.
Normally mechanical switches are used for such operations and are extensively employed wherever electrical switching is required. However mechanical switches have one big drawback, they are prone to wear and tear and have the tendency of producing sparking and RF noise.
A simple circuit explained here provides an electronic alternative to the above operations. Using a single op amp and a few other cheap passive parts, a very interesting electronic toggle switch can be built and used for the said purpose.
Though the circuit also employs a mechanical input device but this mechanical switch is a tiny micro switch which just requires alternate pushing for implementing the proposed toggling actions.
A micro switch is a versatile device and very much resistant to mechanical stress and therefore does not affect the efficiency of the circuit.
How the Circuit Functions
The figure shows a straightforward electronic toggle switch circuit design, incorporating a 741 opamp as the main part.
The IC is configured as a high gain amplifier and therefore its output has the tendency of easily getting triggered to either logic 1 or logic 0, alternately.
A tiny portion of the output potential is applied back to the non inverting input of opamp
When the push button is operated, C1 connects with the inverting input of the opamp.
Assuming the output was at logic 0, the opamp immediately changes state.
C1 now begins charging through R1.
However keeping the switch pressed for a longer period of time will only charge C1 fractionally and only when it’s released does C1 begins charging up and continues to charge up to the supply voltage level.
Because the switch is open, now C1 gets disconnected and this helps it to “retain” the output information.
Now if the switch is pressed once again, the high output across the fully charged C1 becomes available at the inverting input of the op amp, the op amp yet again changes state and creates a logic 0 at the output so that C1 starts discharging bringing the position of the circuit to the original condition.
The circuit is restored and is ready for the next repetition of the above cycle.
The output is a standard triac trigger set up used for responding to the outputs of the opamp for the relevant switching actions of the connected load.
Parts List
- R1, R8 = 1M,
- R2, R3, R5, R6 = 10K,
- R4 = 220K,
- R7 = 1K
- C1 = 0.1uF,
- C2,C3 = 474/400V,
- S1 = micro-switch Push Button,
- IC1 = 741
- Triac BT136
5) Transistor Bistable Flip Flop
Under this fifth and last but not the least fliop flop design we learn a couple of transistorized flip flop circuits which can be used for toggling a load ON/OFF through a single push button trigger. These are also called transistor bistable circuits.
The term transistor bistable refers to a state of a circuit where the circuit works with an external trigger to render itself stable (permanently) over two states: ON state and OFF state, hence the name bistable meaning stable on either ON/OFF states.
This ON/OFF stable toggling of the circuit alternately could be normally done through a mechanical push button or through a digital voltage trigger inputs.
Let's understand the proposed bistable transistor circuits with the help of the following two circuit examples:
Circuit Operation
In the first example we can see a simple cross coupled transistor circuit which looks quite similar to a monostable multivibrator configuration except the the base to positive resistors which are missing here intentionally.
Understanding the transistor bistable functioning is rather straightforward.
As soon as power is switched ON, depending upon the slight imbalance in the component values and the transistor characteristics, one of the transistor will switch ON completely rendering the other to switch OFF completely.
Suppose we consider the right hand side transistor to conduct first, it will get its biasing via the left hand side LED, 1k and the 22uF capacitor.
Once the right hand side transistor has switched completely, the left transistor will switch OFF completely since its base will now be held to ground via the 10k resistor across the right transistor collector/emitter.
The above position will be held solid and permanent as long as power to the circuit is sustained or until the push-to-ON switch is depressed.
When the the shown push button is pushed momentarily, the left 22uF capacitor now will be unable to show any response since its already fully charged, however the right 22uF being in a discharged state will get an opportunity to conduct freely and provide a harder biasing to the left transistor which will instantly switch ON reverting the situation in its favor, wherein the right hand side transistor will be forced to shut off.
The above position will be held intact until the press button is yet again pressed. The toggling can be flipped alternately from left to right transistor and vice versa by actuating the push switch momentarily.
The connected LEDs will light up alternately depending upon which transistor is rendered active due to the bistable actions.
Circuit Diagram
Transistor bistable flip-flop circuit using a relay
In the above example we learned how a couple of transistors can be made to latch in bistable modes by pressing a single push button and used for toggling relevant LEds and the required indications.
In many occasions a relay toggling becomes imperative in order to switch heavier external loads. The same circuit which is explained above can be applied for activating a relay ON/OFF with some ordinary modifications.
Looking at the following transistor bistable configuration we see that the circuit is basically identical to the above except the right hand LED which is now replaced with a relay and the resistor values have been adjusted a bit for facilitating more current that may be required for the relay activation.
The operations of the circuit is also identical.
Pressing the switch will either switch OFF or switch ON the relay depending upon the initial condition of the circuit.
The relay can be flipped alternately from an ON state to OFF state simply by pressing the attached push button as many times as desired for switching the external load connected with the relay contacts accordingly.
Bistable Flip Flop Image
Do you any more ideas regrading flip flop projects, please do share with us, we'll be most glad to post them here for you and for the pleasure of all the dedicated readers.
Flip Flop Circuit using IC 4027
After touching the touch-finger pad. Transistor T1 (a type of pnp) begins to operate. The resultant pulse at the 4027 's input clock has extremely sluggish edges (due to CI and C2).
Accordingly (and extraordinarily) the first J -K flip-flop in 4027 then serves as a Schmitt control gate turning the very sluggish pulse at its input (pin 13) into a smooth electrical signal that can be added to the next flip-flop's clock input (pin 3).
Afterwards the second flip-flop functions as per the textbook, providing a real switching signal which can be used to turn a relay on and off through a transistor stage, T2.
The relay conducts alternately if you tap the contact plate with your finger. The circuit current consumption while the relay is off is less than 1 mA, and when the relay is on, up to 50 mA. Any relay that is more affordable can be used for as long as the coil voltage level is 12 V
However use a relay with correctly rated contacts when operating a mains device.
Sir, In CD4013 Mains Failure Backup and Memory for the Flip Flop Circuit, how long can it hold the memory for a 2200µF capacitor?
Kumaran, you will have to check it practically, can be difficult to say without testing the time practically….
Sir;
I want to control two 24VDC contactors alternatively for reverse and forward control of an ac induction motor, using a proximity switch OR push button as input signal with delay of about 15 seconds between reverse and forward conditions.
If first proximity switch OR push button operates, forward contactor should be in ON condition (reverse contactor is OFF) after a delay of 15 seconds.
If second time proximity switch OR push button operates, reverse contactor should be in ON condition (forward contactor is OFF) after a delay of 15 seconds.
One extra push button to change the operating condition of either contactors (in both reverse/forward)
Sanjiv, you can apply the circuit shown in the following article with the modifications as given in the image below:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/set-reset-circuit-using-ic-555/
Relay1 an relay2 contacts can be used for switching start stop contacts of the pump.
Make sure to connect a freewheeling diode across both the relay coil.
Ok thank you Sir for your kind reply!!
I will try above modified circuit and let you know!!
Till then, thanks again !!
Sanjiv
No problem Sanjiv, let me know if you have any problems.
Dear Swagatam,
Great site and I really appreciate your kind dedication to help enthusiasts and people in general with their electronic projects.
I am looking for a circuit as simple as possible to perform almost exactly as the one you kindly proposed Mr. Dhiraj Pathak from India in the upgraded version of circuit #1 above. I need exactly the same but without the last action, as follows:
1. The AC switch S1 when switched ON (not pulse, but permanently ON) for the first time, AC load 1 should switch On and stay in ON state till S1 is switched OFF. AC load 2 should stay off during this operation
2. The second time when S1 is again switched ON (not pulse, but permanently ON), AC Load 2 should switch ON and stay ON till S1 is switched OFF. AC load 1 should stay off during this operation
3. The third time when S1 is again switched ON, the operation cycle should repeat as mentioned in steps 1 and 2.
I need this to operate 2 compressors alternatively so that wear is fairly even between these two units. The idea is that everytime the pressure switch of the air line clicks on, the compressor that was at rest the previous ciclye is the one working, etc …
Thanks in advance for your help.
Jorge
What IC would be needed for a simple yet functional circuit capable of performing this function?
Thanks Jorge, If you don’t want the pin#7 action, just replace pin#10 with pin#7…. that’s all.
…also make sure to remove the 1N4007 diodes and the 1K which were earlier attached with pin#7
Swagatam, thanks for your quick reply!
So, if I remove pin #7 connections I basically accomplish the following with this circuit:
1. The AC switch S1 when switched ON (not pulse, but permanently ON) for the first time, AC load 1 should switch On and stay in ON state till S1 is switched OFF. AC load 2 should stay off during this operation
2. The second time when S1 is again switched ON (not pulse, but permanently ON), AC Load 2 should switch ON and stay ON till S1 is switched OFF. AC load 1 should stay off during this operation
3. The third time when S1 is again switched ON, the operation cycle should repeat as mentioned in steps 1 and 2. (so, there is a third state where Load 1 and Load 2 operate simultaneously).
If you can share a way for me to send you the modified circuit diagram as I understood? Or better if can share with me the actual new circuit diagram? 🙂
Hi Jorge, the final design might look like this:
…please make sure to connect a 100uF/25V across pin16 and ground
Thank you!!
Let me test it ASAP and will lee you know how it goes.
No problem!
Hello sir.. sir I did the second circuit the 4013 own… It work but my problem is before It triggers on… I will have to press the push button 4 times… Please sir help me out… And I want to add an ir receiver to any of the sides, so that I can use ir remote to control it..
Hello Emmanuel, this design has been already tested by one of the other members of this blog to perfection, please check everything again, especially the switch…alternatively you can manually touch the switch connections with a screwdriver and see the response…I hope you have built it on veroborad by soldering the components and not on a breadboard
yes it can used with an IR remote control for toggling any load remotely
Thank you sir… I Will check for errors… Please sir can I get a diagram with it sensor attached to it… Because the sensor works on 5v and the 4013 is on 12v
Hi Emmanuel, you can take the help if the following circuit and connect the sensor in similar manner
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-make-simple-infra-red-remote/
Halo again SWAGATAM I worked with 4017 flip-flop the upper one to trigger DC loads and works perfectly. But when it comes to controlling ac device the 4017 works but not accurate like at first trigger it switch on ac load, then 2nd trigger fails to switch off load then 3rd trigger it switch it off ,then u find that again for forth trigger it can fail to switch on then switches on at fifth trigger .as an expert in electronic my master SWAGATAM what is the cause of that when it comes triggering AC load and how can I eliminate that problem so that it works perfectly trigger on trigger off. Thanks
Hello Davis, connect the pin#14 of the IC through a 100 ohm resistor, and connect a 1000uF capacitor across its +/- supply pins. Also connect a 0.1uF/400V across the contacts which is controlling the load.
Check if these modifications help or not
Wawoo its working fine now. Thanks so much SWAGATAM realy awesome , i love ur site so much . Now sir for there other circuit for obstacle avoiding robot can i use sm0038 infrared receiver in place of tsop1738? Thanks so much
Glad to know it’s working Davis, yes you can use SM0038, it’s specs are similar to TSOP
Yes SWAGATAM i made changes as u said like output for simple clap switch but now i power on circuit the relay activate and switch on the load before even i triger the circuit. Help me about this
connect pin#15 with ground through a 100K resistor, and connect a 0.22uF or any capacitor below 1uF across pin#15 and the positive line.
Helo SWAGATAM thank for ur great work ,i tried the first circuit with ic4017 above and trigered using an electronic circuit and the load switched on but when i trigered again to switch off the load it refused ,then i powered off the circuit then switched on again and trigered the load switched on but fail to go off for second triger,please help me how to solve this problem .thanks so much
Thanks davis, it could be happening due to voltage spikes at pin#14, which might be forcing the output to randomly bounce to some irrelevant output pinout.
you can try configuring the output of the 4017 through diodes, as shown in the first circuit of this article
https://homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/make-simple-electronic-clap-switch.html
dear sir
I am really happy to write you. I have one question about flip -flop Ic 4093.
what is the group number of this ic?
I mean El 4093 or MF 4093 ?
only 4093 can’t find in shop. plz help me. thank you.
Shihab, you just have to say “IC 4093” to the shopkeeper, and you must get it….the initial prefix is not important. If the shopkeeper doesn’t understand then he seriously lacks knowledge, in that case you can yourself check the available options from him and look for the number 4093 on the IC
Sir,
I am a retired person ( 63 running ). I am residing at Howrah, W.B. (Pin code : 711102 ). I have been madly searching for fully solid state automatic voltage stabilizers for my 40' LED TV & LAPTOP ( DELL ). Because of voltage fluctuation, both of my ( previous )Sony make 46" LED, 3D TV as well as the LAPTOP became out of order. The Sony TV could not be repaired by the dealer( Power board not avail able ), but somehow the laptop got repaired. Would you please take the pain to intimate me the address, phone no., approx. cost of 2 nos. fully solid state automatic voltage stabilizers for my 40" LED TV ( Mitashi )& LAPTOP ( DELL ) ? Eagerly waiting for your response. Regards, S. DATTA, e-mail : sdsdatta@gmail.com ( ph. : 0 99030-88252 / 0 89610-44436 )
Hello Mr. Datta,
you can try the following concept for your need
https://homemade-circuits.com/2016/05/h-bridge-mains-voltage-stabilizer.html
but please note that this circuit might require an advanced knowledge of electronics for successfully completing it.
Hi. To build 1st ciruit if i have 12v dc suply i think its not necessary to build ic2 section which is nothing but voltage regulation. Tell me if iam wrong. Thanks in advance
yes it won't be necessary if the supply is fairly constant.
Hi sir,
i am Vishnu
i am newer in electronics. last one month i am regularly reading your blogs related with my project.
i require IR remote controlled circuit diagram for home appliances ( 4 lights and 1 Fan ) having memory back up for storing relay state during power failure. could you help me for developing the same. ?
Hi Vishnu, you can try the following concept as explained in the article:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/05/remote-control-circuit-for-multiple.html
What could be the relay in IC 4093 cct?? means it has the specific value or what? kindly guide me as soon as possible.
the relay could be as required, depending upon the load and the supply voltage for the circuit
Dear Ankit,
I have tested the above circuits thoroughly and they worked perfectly for me, so it would be difficult to understand your circuit problem.
Alternatively you can try the first circuit given in the following link:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/make-simple-electronic-clap-switch.html
Build only the IC1 section, remove T2 and all parts at the left of T2, don't remove R5, change the position of C3 and connect it across pin14 and ground. Now trigering pin14 with positive will produce the required results.
Dear sir,
I made this circuit and its working but problem is every time i connect power supply relay gets on automatically and it doesn't show any activity if i sort triggering wire with positive of my power supply i checked several times connectivity and spare parts too. please help me once again…
Thanks
dear sir i am trying to make the above circuit but i am not able to understand that how i can trigger flip-flop manually to turn relay on/off. please help me out.
Dear Ankit,
Touch the positive supply with the "trigger" point momentarily, everytime you do this the relay will switch ON and OFF alternately.
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