In this post we learn how to build a simple yet accurate timer circuit using the IC 4060 and some ordinary passive components.
Main Advantage of using IC 4060 as the Timer IC
I have already discussed this IC comprehensively in one of my previous articles, everything regarding its pin outs have been discussed there in detail. We studied that the IC 4060 is specifically suited for timer applications and also as an oscillator. In this article we’ll study how a simple versatile timer can be built using the IC 4060.
Other than the IC you would require just a couple of resistors, one pot and a capacitor for making this timer.
Referring the figure, the simplicity of the design becomes evident and therefore this circuit is perfectly suited for all electronic newcomers, who can easily build this project and enjoy its useful service.
As explained earlier in one my articles, the IC has an in built oscillator that needs just a few passive external components for making it tick.
Depending upon the values of the external RC components, the oscillation periods can be varied right from a few fractions of a second to many hours.
RC components refer to the values of the external time determining components consisting of a resistor or a pot and a capacitor.
The outputs produce a varied rate of time periods; each output generates time periods that’s exactly double to that of the previous output in a certain order of the IC pin outs.
Since here we want to use this unit as a timer we have selected the pinout which is last in the order as far the length of the time period is concerned, meaning we have selected pin #3 which generates the highest delay period.
The biggest advantage of making a timer using IC 4060 is that the involved timing capacitor can be kept as small as possible by increasing the complementary timing component value, which is the resistor.
This helps to keep the circuit simple, smaller and very sleek, unlike other timer IC like 555 which require high value electrolytic capacitors for generating even ordinary time delays.
How the Circuit is Latched when Time is Elapsed
In the figure you can see a diode being introduced from the output pin #3 to one of the oscillator pin #11. This diode acts as a latching component, which latches the IC once the set time lapses and the output of the IC goes high.
If this diode is not inserted, the output would go freewheeling from logic high to logic low and keep repeating the time delays.
The circuit may be powered from a small 9 volt battery which will last almost for ever.
A buzzer is fitted at the output for the required indications of the timer output after the time delay has elapsed.
How to Reset the Timer
The IC may be reset simply by pressing the reset button or alternatively the circuit gets automatically reset when switched off and powered again.
How to Calculate Frequency or Time Delay of IC 4060 - The Formula
Or Alternatively the following standard formula for calculating the Rt and Ct values is:
f(osc) = 1 / 2.3 x Rt x Ct
2.3 is a constant as per the ICs internal configuration.
Rt will in Ohms and Rt in Farads
PCB Design
Understanding the Basic ON/OFF sequence of IC 4060 pinouts
The following video shows how a basic timer circuit may be configured using an IC 4060 and a few supporting passive components.
The schematic for the circuit discussed in the video can be visualized in the following diagrams:
The following image shows how to latch IC 4060 output by adding a diode across the selected output pin and pin#11
As we already know that the timing output or delay across all the shown output pins of the IC 4060 depends on the product of the values of R1 and C1, here pin#3 can be seen going after 32 logic pulses from pin#14 of the IC. Meaning when the LED at pin#14 completes 32 pulses, the LED at pin#3 switches ON, and switches OFF after another 32 pulses from pin#14. Identically you may find different equivalent rates at the other output pins of the IC.
This timing proportion is observed when R2 and C1 are selected to be 10K and 0.1uF respectively.