555 Timer Oscillator

A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) using the timer 555 is shown in figure.

555-timer-voltage-controlled-oscillator

The circuit is sometimes called a voltage-to-frequency converter because the output frequency can be changed by changing the input voltage.

As discussed in previous blog posts, pin 5 terminal is voltage control terminal and its function is  to control the threshold and trigger levels. Normally, the control voltage is ++2/3V_CC because of the internal voltage divider. However, an external voltage can be applied to this terminal directly or through a pot, as illustrated in figure, and by adjusting the pot, control voltage can be varied. Voltage across the timing capacitor is depicted in figure, which varies between +V_control and ½ V_control. If control voltage is increased, the capacitor takes a longer to charge and discharge; the frequency, therefore, decreases. Thus the fre­quency can be changed by changing the control volt­age. Incidentally, the control voltage may be made available through a pot, or it may be output of a transistor circuit, op-amp, or some other device.

Mobile incoming call indicator

Description

This circuit can be used to escape from the nuisance of mobile phone rings when you are at home. This circuit will give a visual indication if placed near a mobile phone even if the ringer is deactivated.

When a call is coming to the mobile phone, the transmitter inside it becomes activated. The  frequency of the transmitter is around 900MHz.The  coil L1 picks up these oscillations by induction and feds it to the base of Q1. This makes the transistor Q1 activated.Since the Collector of Q1 is connected to the pin 2 of IC1 (NE555) , the IC1 is triggered to make the LED connected at  its output pin (pin 3) to blink. The blinking of the LED is the indication of incoming call.

Circuit diagram with Parts list

Notes. 

• The coil L1 can be made by making 150 turns of 36 SWG enameled copper wire on a 5mm dia plastic former.Or you can purchase a 10 uH coil from shop if available.
• The circuit can be powered from a 6V battery.
• Assemble the circuit on a good quality PCB.
• C1 & C3 are to be polyester  capacitors.
• The electrolytic capacitor C2 must be rated 10V.