Overview: Simple DC-DC Converter using 555 Timer IC
In this simple Power Electronics Based Project, we will learn how we can build Simple DC-DC Converter using 555 Timer IC. The output voltage from this circuit will range from 7.5V to 35V DC with 60mA Output Current.
The AC-AC Converter is quite simple as in comparison to the DC-DC converter. This is because AC-AC Converter only implies a transformer that converts AC from one voltage level to another voltage level. But the conversion of DC to DC is quite tedious work without a transformer and more power losses. But AC-DC Converter is made using diodes. Here is a simple, low-cost, high precision circuit that converts 5V-18V DC to 7.5V-35V DC without using a transformer. The circuit is easy to construct with few components. The circuit is best alternative for Inverter Circuit.
What is DC-DC Converter?
A DC-to-DC converter is an electronic circuit or electromechanical device that converts a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another. It is a type of electric power converter. Power levels range from very low (small batteries) to very high (high-voltage power transmission).
DC to DC converters are used in portable electronic devices such as cellular phones and laptop computers, which are supplied with power from batteries primarily. Practical electronic converters use switching techniques. Switched-mode DC-to-DC converters convert one DC voltage level to another, which may be higher or lower, by storing the input energy temporarily and then releasing that energy to the output at a different voltage.
Bill of Materials
Following are the components required for making Simple DC-DC Converter Circuit. All the components can be easily purchased from Amazon.
| S.N. | Components | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Resistor | 180 Ω | 1 |
| 2 | Resistor | 6.8 K Ω | 1 |
| 3 | Resistor | 56 Ω | 1 |
| 4 | Capacitor | 47 µF, 63V (Electrolytic Capacitor) | 1 |
| 5 | Capacitor | 100 µF, 63V (Electrolytic Capacitor) | 1 |
| 6 | Capacitor | 1000 µF, 25V (Electrolytic Capacitor) | 1 |
| 7 | Capacitor | 10 nF (Ceramic Disc) | 1 |
| 8 | NE555 | 555 Timer IC | 1 |
| 9 | BC547 | PNP Transistor | 1 |
| 10 | BC557 | NPN Transistor | 1 |
| 11 | 1N4004 | Rectifier Diode | 3 |
Circuit: Simple DC-DC Converter using 555 Timer
The circuit of DC-DC conversion is build with a very popular IC LM555 used as multivibrator mode and some basic components like Transistors, Capacitors & Resistors.
In order to keep the DC-DC Converter Circuit using 555 simple, we haven’t used any preset controls. This means that the level of the output voltage is dependent on the load. Theoretically, the output level is twice the level of the input voltage. But due to some losses because of transistors and the rectifier diodes, such level is not attainable.
The drop at these junctions is constant 0.6 V. But the losses are proportionally larger with an input voltage of 6 V than with one of 18 V. The 555 Timer IC configured in multivibrator mode generates a signal at a frequency of about 10 kHz. Depending on the output level of the IC, either Transistor Q1 or Q2 is switched ON. This results in Capacitor C2 being charged during the one-half period. Then during the other half period, the charge from Capacitor C2 is transferred to capacitor C3. This results in an output voltage slightly lesser than twice the input voltage.
The diodes 1N4004 is used because of the frequency factor. You can use diode 1N4001 as well. The converter draws a current of 5 mA plus twice the output current.
Circuit Simulation
The simulation for Simple DC-DC Converter using 555 Timer IC (7.5-35V) is done using Proteus Software. The output results are indicated in the gif image below.
Check more about 555 Timer Based Projects
4 Comments
This project didn’t work for me is there any failure occurs you before achieving it. If you can help me
In R3 and n555 No.3 the blinking lights didn’t work for so that I think my problem is there
I have need of supply voltage double or as close to double as possible, input between 13.5 and 14.8. So if I can get an output of at least 24+/- a volt are 2 would be fine. My thoughts are if the 555 Frq, were increased to somewhat higher, then instead of using the BC547 and 557, the Q’s are replaced with TIP102 and 107, darlingtons and the diodes are something like an FR302 would this still work? If the input current was allowed to be 5 amps or more, which would need to use a pair of each transistor in parallel or a Q with a higher current rating, I want something like 10 amps output. Obviously the capacitors would have to be larger. Would I still be able to get them to charge up and function adequately? If I can get this to work using a high current transformer I already have on hand from a large battery charger, then use this circuit with another circuit for an adjustable Vreg, than I could construct a power supply to use on my bench. I don’t need anything that puts out 30 volts but something that would put out 24 would be great. About the only other options I see would be an SMPS which would be pretty expensive and complicated to build for what I’m wanting or a differenct transformer which would be expensive also and heavy, but it will be heavy with the transformer I have now to just less costly.
Is there simple dc to dc converter 5v to 35v using 555 timer circuit connection ?
Need
How do iincrease the voltage and current of the 7.5v to 35v converter