Simple DC-DC Converter using 555 Timer IC (7.5-35V)

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

Resistor
180 Ω

Resistor
6.8 K Ω

Resistor
56 Ω

Capacitor
47 µF, 63V (Electrolytic Capacitor)

Capacitor
100 µF, 63V (Electrolytic Capacitor)

Capacitor
1000 µF, 25V (Electrolytic Capacitor)

Capacitor
10 nF (Ceramic Disc)

NE555
555 Timer IC

BC547
PNP Transistor

BC557
NPN Transistor

1N4004
Rectifier Diode

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