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You are here: Home / Timer and Delay Relay / Single Mosfet Timer Circuit

Single Mosfet Timer Circuit

Last Updated on December 13, 2019 by Swagatam 39 Comments

The following article discusses the use of a mosfet as a switch for toggling high current loads efficiently. The circuit can be also transformed into a delay OFF circuit with simple modifications. The design was requested by Mr.Roderel Masibay.

Comparing Mosfet with BJT

A field effect transistor or mosfet can be compared with a bjt or the ordinary transistors, except one significant difference.

A mosfet is a voltage dependent device unlike BJTs which are current dependent devices, meaning a mosfet would switch ON fully in response to a voltage above 5V at virtually zero current across its gate and source, whereas an ordinary transistor would ask for relatively higher current for switching ON.

Moreover this current requirement grows higher proportionately as the connected load current increases across its collector. Mosfets on the other hand would switch any specified load irrespective of gate current level which may be maintained at the lowest possible levels.

Why Mosfet is Better BJT

Another good thing about mosfet switching is they conduct fully offering very low resistance across the current path to the load.

Additionally a mosfet wouldn't require a resistor for gate triggering and may be switched directly with the available supply voltage provided it's not far too beyond the 12V mark

All these properties associated with mosfets makes it a clear winner when compared to BJTs, especially when it's used like a switch for operating powerful loads such as high current incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, motors, solenoids etc.

As requested here we'll see how a mosfet may be used as a switch for toggling a car wiper system. A car wiper motor consumes considerable amount of current and is usually switched through a buffer stage such as  relays, SSRs etc. However relays can be prone to wear and tear while SSRs can be too costly.

Using Mosfet as a Switch

A simpler option can be in the form of a mosfet switch, Let's learn the circuit details of the same.

As shown in the given circuit  diagram the mosfet forms the main controlling device with practically no complications around it.

A switch at its gate which can be used for switching ON the mosfet and a resistor for keeping the mosfet gate to a negative logic when the switch is in the OFF position.

Pressing the switch provides the mosfet with the required gate voltage relative to its source which is at zero potential.

The trigger instantly switches ON the mosfet so that the load connected at its drain arm becomes fully ON and operative.

With a wiper device attached to this point would make it wipe for so long the switched remains depressed.

A wiper system sometimes requires a delay feature for enabling a few minutes of wiping action before stopping.

With a small modification, the above circuit can be simply turned into a delay OFF circuit.

Using Mosfet as a Delay Timer

As shown in the diagram below, a capacitor is added just after the switch and across the 1M resistor.

When the switch is momentarily turned ON, the load switches ON and also the capacitor charges up and stores the charge in it.

Video Demonstration

When the switch is toggled OFF, the load continues to receive the power since the stored voltage in the capacitor sustains the gate voltage and keeps it switched ON.

However the capacitor gradually discharges via the 1M resistor and when the voltage drop below 3V, the mosfet is no longer able to hold, and the complete system switches OFF.

The delay period depends on the value of the capacitor and the resistor values, increasing any one of them or both increases the delay period proportionately.

Calculating the Delay

To calculate the delay produced by the RC constant we can use the following formula:

V = V0 x e(-t/RC)

  • V  is threshold Voltage at which the mosfet is supposed to just switch OFF or just begin turning ON.
  • V0  is the supply voltage or the Vcc
  • R is the discharge resistance (Ω) which is connected parallel to the capacitor.
  • C (Capacitor Value (F) in the exemple 100uF)
  • t (time of discharging that we want to calculate (s) )

we want to know the delay (t) =  e(-t/RC) = V/V0

 -t/RC = Ln(V/V0)

t = -Ln(V/V0) x R x C

Example Solution

If we select the threshold capacitance turn ON/OFF value of the mosfet as 2.1V, and supply voltage as 12V, resistance as 100K, and capacitor as 100uF the delay after which the mosfet will turn OFF could be approximately calculated by solving the equation as given below:

t = -Ln (2.1/12) x 100000 x 0.0001

t = 17.42 s

Thus from the results we find that the delay will be around 17 seconds

Making a Long Duration Timer

A relatively long duration timer may be designed using the above explained mosfet concept for switching heavier loads.

The following diagram depicts the procedures of implementing it.

The inclusion of a extra PNP transistor and a few other passive components enables the circuit to produce higher duration of delay period. The timings may be suitably adjusted by varying the capacitor and resistor connected across the base of the transistor.




Previous: Convert a Square Wave Inverter into a Sine Wave Inverter
Next: H-Bridge Inverter Circuit Using 4 N-channel Mosfets

About Swagatam

I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and tutorials.
If you have any circuit related query, you may interact through comments, I'll be most happy to help!

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  1. Search Related Posts for Commenting

  2. Derek Williams says

    Hi
    I`m looking to make a one “switch on” power supply operate two items with a variable time between the first item starting (on the main switch) and the second item starting from the timer switching it on.
    The concept is to get mini smoke generators starting to warm up when the power is switched on. Then after the delay time for the smoke to be generated a motor starts up via the delay circuit (no second manual switch). This is to operate a 1:24 scale dragster model with smoking rear wheels. Just thought it would look cool if I could make it work on one switch.

    Regards
    Derek

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi, does the smoke generator needs to shut off after the preset delay?

      Reply
      • Derek Williams says

        Hi
        No, I just need the delay on the motor start up and then have the smoke generators and motor run together.
        Some more info that may be helpful:
        I have a 12vdc supply to run the smoke generators and a butt convertor dropping that down to 6vdc for the motor supply, if it helps.

        Regards
        Derek

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          Then you can try the circuit explained under the following post:

          https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simple-delay-timer-circuits-explained/

          Please see the design under the title: “Delay ON Timer Circuit Working Details”

          Reply
          • Derek Williams says

            I extend my greatest thanks for your rapid response and your assistance 🙂
            I have looked at the circuit suggested in the link, but from that I have a question. (Sorry)

            In that circuit could R2 be replaced with a variable resistor to adjust the timing of C2`s charging and if so what range would be good or is it a suck it and see type of thing.

            Again many thanks.
            Regards
            Derek

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              Happy to help!
              Yes you will have confirm the right value with some trial and error, which won’t be too difficult according to me.

  3. Farrani says

    Good day brother.
    1. From 1st figure and 2nd figure what the different reach time if same RC?
    2. Iam trouble with the calculation, can you tell me what R1+R2&C to get 3 hour time if using 2nd figure.
    3. Your BJT&MOSFET have different current output, what max current output from 2nd figure.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Farani, the 2nd figure will give les time delay compared to the last circuit.

      But both the output will give same current because MOSFT gate is not current controlled, it is voltage controlled. Of course after some discharging of the capacitor the current may get affected.

      You can test with a sample RC network, lest’s say 100K and 100uF..then you can figure other values proportionately through cross multiplication since the response is to a great extent linear.

      Reply
  4. Indra says

    Thanks for reply mr.
    I try your circuit for charging phone, i like your circuit because just few components. amazingly your circuit is auto V&A same as input source. I experiment it for my mom old phone (5v +-1500mA). I try to my smartphone too (5-9v 4000mA). I experiment with 680K-3Mohm (with selector in series or pararel), 1000-4400uf (pararel).. I consist to use small caps (maks 2200uf) :). If there is no other way maybe later ill try with 4060. But i hope there is a solution for it.
    Thanks for your help & time Mr Swag..

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Np Problem Indra! Glad you could make the circuit successfully for your application…let me know if you have any further doubts!

      Reply
  5. Indra says

    Dear swagatam..awesome mosfet timer circuit..is it same Vout with Vin?.. I need circuit same Vout with Vin. Ive try with 555 but its drop 1.4v..is theres a circuit drop Vout from Vin maybe about mV?
    Thanks..

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Thanks dear Indra, yes in the above MOSFET based design if the load current is within acceptable range, the drop will be negligibly small.

      Reply
    • Indra says

      Hi Mr swagatam..
      Ive practice your second figure circuit (im not practice with 4060 circuit yet). i replaced transistor with z44 try with A091T npn smd too, 2Mohm and 2200uF. I reach 3-4 hour maybe more (1Mohm+4400uf about 90minutes). Ive problem that my batterys depleated or freewhell after 1-2 hour charging. please give me suggestion so my batterys keep full (should i attached any other component to it?) Pardon me for ignorance.

      Reply
      • Swagatam says

        Thanks Indira, the battery could be deleting because of the load, not because of the MOSFET or the resistor. Can you specify what load are yo using and what is current of the battery and the load?

        Reply
  6. vahid says

    Hello sir.Thank you for your research.Could you please let me know if mosfet as delay timer circuit can supply with transformerless 220 v 60Hz to 12 v?
    Please explain if your answer is Yes or Not.
    Best regards.
    vahid.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Thanks Vahid, yes you can operate the MOSFET timer through a 12V transformer, just make sure to use a full bridge rectification and a good filter capacitor for the DC.

      Reply
  7. Dave says

    Pardon my ignorance, I know nothing about circuitry! I want to use a watch battery to power a mini vibration motor when a button is pressed and for the motor to stop after a certain number of seconds if the button remains pressed. Can your mosfet timer circuit be used for this purpose?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      You can use the first diagram. Replace the switch with a 100uF capacitor or any value which suits the delay requirement. Now when you switch ON power through a pressed push button the mosfet will conduct for sometime and then switch OFF.
      Make sure to add a 10K resistor across the circuit +/- supply lines so that the capacitor is able to discharge when switch is released.

      Reply
  8. Peter Sullivan says

    I require,
    A battery operated timer to illuminate USB lights in a cycle that automatically turn on at the same time every day 6 hours on 18 hours off.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Swag says

      I think you can try the following concept

      https://homemade-circuits.com/how-to-make-simple-programmable-timer/

      Reply
  9. Cesar Ruiz says

    Hello, I'm trying to make a light turn on for 30 seconds to 1 minute every time a button gets press or a button gets disconnected what ever is easier. Would I be able to use this circuit for that. Thank you in advance.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hello, yes the above circuit will work, you can also try the following concept which is cheaper and more reliable:

      https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/11/long-duration-timer-circuit-using.html

      Reply
  10. Mohd Rahiman Abdul Rahim says

    Agree with you. Before this, I did approach some local universities & organizations (e.g SIRIM) to introduce my "idea", but none of them are interested. The reason they gave: there's already products out there in the market.
    That one I do agree. But, mine is totally different (I would say) – just imagine you can build digital circuit (e.g 4-digit key code, sequencial controller, numerical display) without involve any software/programming. Only hardware involve, which give a tangible programming – easily to explain how the circuit "works".

    Anyway, thank you so much for your valuable feedback.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      The "digital" justification will not hold good especially after the advent of today's easy and highly advanced microcontroller applications such as Arduino which are specialists in digital execution.
      as far as technology is concerned the human psychology has always been to go for the most advanced options and not the low-tech obsolete ones, therefore your gadget will not sustain in this era.

      However microcontrolers are 'helpless' without the hardware stage or the power output stage, so you can think of some alternative board that would allow the students to get a quick access to all sorts of hardware stages for a given Arduino application

      Reply
  11. Mohd Rahiman Abdul Rahim says

    I'm currently working on one project, which I called "Digital Electronic LEGO" (DEL). This DEL consists of 2 sections: Board & Block. The block contains electronic components, and can be divided into 4 main groups: LOGIC gates (e.g AND, OR, NOT, NAND,Flip-Flop, etc.), Connector (e.g Straight, Tee, Cross, etc.), Input (e.g Switch, Pulse Generator, etc.) & Output (LED, Buzzer, 7-segment, etc.). Most blocks are of standard size with square shape (1×1). Others might be multiple of standard size (e.g 1×3, 1×4, etc.). These blocks can be arranged onto the board to build a desire digital electronic circuit, such as Up/down counter, timer, light chasing etc. easily, similar to LEGO concept. The board got 2 functions: to give power supply to the block, to provide a connection between two adjacent blocks. FYI, this DEL is an educational tools designed for young student to explore "possible" logic ideas.

    At present, I don't see any products available in the market which utilize the concept as above. Have you came across of such product? I do understand that this DEL is still "on paper". Do you think it can be materialize??? Please advise.

    Appreciate if you could provide your response by email to my Gmail: rahimanakmar@gmail.com

    Tq.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      The concept looks good and useful for the new hobbyists, however I am not sure whether or not this will attract many customers, because today with the presence of programmable boards like Arduno everybody is busy concentrating on these digital programmable boards which allow you to launch almost any desired application simply by compiling a a few lines of codes.

      Reply
  12. Mohd Rahiman Abdul Rahim says

    If I change the power supply voltage from 12v to 14.5v, will it affect the timer duration?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      yes that might force the capacitor to charge faster reducing the delay period, you may have to increase the resistor value proportionately.

      Reply
  13. Tojo Basheer says

    What is the maximum current in output ( load)

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      = to supply current

      Reply
  14. Artur Z says

    Should I use same 1m resistor ?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      yes will do, the value decides the delay length.

      Reply
  15. Unknown says

    Can i replace irf540n with irlb8721pbf ? And what value of resistor should i use?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      yes you can..

      Reply
  16. Abu-Hafss says

    Hi Swagatam

    Please modify the 1st circuit replacing -12V with 0V.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Hi Abu-Hafss, the (-) sign is relative to the (+) sign, just as we have marked in batteries.

      A (0) sign is also correct, any of the signs may be used for indicating the negative line, but only as long as the supply is not a dual type…

      Reply
    • Abu-Hafss says

      Oh, got it.
      I thought it is designed for dual supply.

      Reply
  17. spamwax says

    Hi,

    Can you please explain why the the 1M ohm resistor is needed? In other mosfet switch sample circuits, people are using 2.2K or 10K or even 100K resistors!

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Here we have tried to apply a mosfet to work as a cheap, simple timer therefore we had to employ a 1M resistor, however in the first circuit you can use any other smaller value resistor

      Reply


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