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LED or Lamp Pulsar Circuit

Description

This circuit operates a LED in pulsing mode, i.e. the LED goes from off state, lights up gradually, then dims gradually, etc. This operation mode is obtained by a triangular wave generator formed by two op-amps contained in a very cheap 8 pin DIL case IC. Q1 ensures current buffering, in order to obtain a better load drive. R4 & C1 are the timing components: using the values shown in the parts list, the total period is about 4 seconds.

Circuit diagram:

LED or Lamp Pulsar Circuit-Circuit diagram

Parts:

  • R1 = 4.7K
  • R2 = 4.7K
  • R3 = 22K
  • R4 = 2.2M
  • R5 = 10K
  • R6 = 47R
  • C1 = 1µF-63V
  • Q1 = BC337
  • D1 = Red Led
  • IC1 = LM358

Notes:

  • The most satisfying results are obtained adopting for R4 a value ranging from 220K to 4M7.
  • Adopting for R4 a value below 220K, the pulsing effect will be indistinguishable from a normal blinking effect.
  • The LED can be any type and color.
  • You can use a filament lamp bulb instead of the LED, provided it is rated in the range 3.2 to 6V, 200mA max.
  • Using a bulb as a load, R6 must be omitted.
  • Voltage supply range can be 4 to 6V: 4.5V is the best compromise.
  • Do not supply the circuit with voltages exceeding 6V: it will work less good and Q1 could be damaged when a bulb will be used as the load.
  • At 6V supply, increase R6 value to 100 Ohm.
circuit from http://www.extremecircuits.net/2009/08/led-or-lamp-pulsar-circuit.html