Design And Construction Of A 555 Timer PWM Audio Amplifier

Electrical Electronics Engineering | Industrial Physics | Physics

The design and construction of a 555 Timer PWM Audio Amplifier involves the meticulous integration of electronic components to achieve optimal performance. At its core, this project revolves around leveraging the 555 timer IC, a versatile integrated circuit widely utilized in electronic applications. By incorporating pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques, this amplifier modulates the width of the pulse signal to regulate the audio output effectively. The 555 timer, acting as a key component, governs the timing intervals crucial for PWM. Careful selection and integration of resistors, capacitors, and transistors enhance the circuit’s stability and amplify audio signals with precision. Through this intricate assembly, the 555 Timer PWM Audio Amplifier exemplifies a sophisticated blend of electronic components, showcasing its proficiency in audio signal modulation and amplification for diverse applications.

Conventional methods of audio amplification use high power circuits to drive a loudspeaker for areas like an auditorium or any other hall. However for applications involving use of small loudspeakers for low range requirements, we can meet the requirements by constructing a low power amplifier with a low output current such as 200 mA.

In this work, we are discussing the principle, design and operation of a low power audio amplifier using 555 Timer. The 555 Timer generates a carrier signal which is modulated by the amplified audio signal to produce a modulated signal. This signal is used to drive a small loudspeaker.

Here, the 555 IC works in astable mode. The switching frequency can be varied from 65 kHz to 188 kHz. Selection of PWM frequency depends on the amplitude of the input signal as well as the load impedance. By adjusting VR1, you can ensure comfortable listening with low audio distortion.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
AIM OF THE PROJECT
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT
ADVANTAGES OF THE PROJECT
PROBLEM OF THE PROJECT
APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT
RESEARCH QUESTION
PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
REVIEW OF THE RELATED STUDY
OVERVIEW OF 555 TIMER IC

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY

3.1 BASIC OF THE SYSTEM

3.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE SYSTEM

3.3 SYSTEM OPERATION

3.4 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

3.5 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

3.6 DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS USED

3.7 POWER SUPPLY UNIT

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 TESTING AND RESULTS

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE AND TESTING
INSTALLATION OF THE COMPLET DESIGN
ASSEMBLING OF SECTIONS
TESTING OF SYSTEM OPERATION
COST ANALYSIS

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATION
REFERENCES

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The “555” integrated circuit is a general-purpose timer useful for a variety of functions. In this 555 audio PWM project, we explore its use as an astable multivibrator. The ubiquitous 555 timer IC handles audio signals in its own pulse-width modulation (PWM) way. Here, the 555 IC works in astable mode. The switching frequency can be varied from 65 kHz to 188 kHz. Selection of PWM frequency depends on the amplitude of the input signal as well as the load impedance. By adjusting VR1, you can ensure comfortable listening with low audio distortion.

Working explanation

In pulse-width modulation, the carrier frequency’s pulse width varies as a function of the amplitude of the input audio signal. Feedback capacitor C2 ensures faithful reproduction of the audio signal. An output L-C filter is the common approach for a reasonable rejection of the carrier frequencies. For simplicity, it is omitted here. Moreover, the speakers cannot respond to the high-frequency signal. They respond to the average DC level modulated with the audio signal that we feed in from the input. Of course, the audio quality is not as good as that of a professional system, but it would be definitely an amazing experience to listen audio through a 555 chip with room-filling volume.

555 Audio PWM circuit

Impedance matching at both the input and output is important. So an input-impedance matching transformer (X1) is used to match the headphone output of a standard CD player to the input of the 555 amp. 8-ohm, 1W speakers were used as the load. If designed properly, PWM amplifiers could give a performance similar to conventional amplifiers. Even higher efficiency and effortless bass are possible.

EFY note. While testing this circuit at EFY lab, we had used Supertronix KEC make matching transformer X1, and the input to the circuit was the audio output taken from the computer’s headphone out terminal.

Low Power Audio Amplifier using 555 Timer

Table of Contents

- Low Power Audio Amplifier Circuit Principle:
555 Timer as an Amplifier Circuit Diagram:
- Circuit Design of Low Power Audio Amplifier:
- Low Power Audio Amplifier using 555 Timer Circuit Simulation:
- How 555 Timer as an Amplifier Circuit Works?
- 555 Timer as an Amplifier Circuit Applications:
- Limitations of Audio Amplifier Circuit:

Low Power Audio Amplifier Circuit Principle:

Here this circuit is based on the principle of audio amplification using operational amplifier and pulse width modulation using 555 Timer. The audio signal is amplified using low noise high input operational amplifier TL071 and is fed to the control pin of the 555 Timer. 555 Timer is used as an astable multivibrator producing an oscillating signal. This signal is modulated by the audio signal such that the width of the output pulse varies with respect to the voltage at the control pin (the audio signal), causing pulse width modulation.

555 Timer as an Amplifier Circuit Diagram:

Circuit Diagram of a Low Power Audio Amplifier using 555 Timer – Electronics Hub

Circuit Design of Low Power Audio Amplifier:

Here the circuit designing is a simple process involving just two steps – designing the preamplifier section and designing the astable multivibrator section.

Here we are using a low noise JFET input operational amplifier TL071 with low input bias current and high slew rate of about 13V/µs. A voltage divider network is designed using two resistors each of 47K, so that a voltage of 6V is applied to the non inverting terminal of the OPAMP. Assuming our required gain to be around 22(V/V) or 27.2dB and the value of one of the feedback resistors to be around 1K, we calculate the value of another resistor to be around 22K. Since output impedance is low for this amplifier, we use a resistor of about 1K at the output to connect it to the control pin of the 555 Timer.

Next step in the design process involves designing the 555 timer astable circuit. In normal circuit connection for 555 Timer as astable multivibrator, we use two resistors for both charging and discharging of the capacitor. However to provide faster discharge rate, we use here a diode 1N4007 instead of the resistor. Here our required output frequency is around 145 KHz and assuming the value of capacitor to be around 10nF, we can calculate the value of threshold resistor to be around 1K (Forward resistance of 1N4007 is around 1Ohms).

Related Post – 100w Subwoofer Amplifier Circuit

Low Power Audio Amplifier using 555 Timer Circuit Simulation:

Once the circuit is designed, the next step involves circuit simulation. Here we follow a series of steps to simulate the circuit using Multisim software.

The microphone simulation model is selected from the LabView instruments under Simulate menu.
Required parameters are set accordingly (The time of recording and sampling rate).
The designed circuit is build using the software and the microphone is connected as input to the circuit.
A loudspeaker model is selected from the LabView instruments under Simulate menu and connected as output to the circuit
The interactive simulation setting is accomplished by setting the end time equal to or more than the time of recording.
As long as the circuit simulation takes place, the ‘Play’ button of the loudspeaker is grayed out and once the simulation ends, the button is enabled.

How 555 Timer as an Amplifier Circuit Works?

The circuit operation is divided into two segments – the pre amplifying (electric signal amplification) operation and the pulse width modulation operation. The amplifying operation is performed by the low noise operational amplifier TL071. The input audio signal is sensed using the microphone and converted to a low voltage electric signal. This low voltage AC signal is fed to the non inverting terminal of the OPAMP through an electrolyte capacitor of 1uF, which blocks the DC current of the audio signal. This signal is amplified using the operational amplifier with a gain depending upon the values of feedback resistors. Here the OPAMP works in linear mode so as to make the voltage at non inverting terminal equal to the output voltage using the feedback network. This amplified signal is then fed to the control pin of the 555 Timer through the capacitor (to remove the DC component) and the resistor. Here the 555 Timer works in the astable mode with the frequency of output signal determined by the combination of resistors R1 and C1. However since here we are applying the control voltage, the width of the output pulse varies depending upon the control voltage. The carrier output signal produced by the 555 Timer is modulated by the audio voltage and the resultant modulated signal is used to the drive the loudspeaker. Here the loudspeaker does not responds to the high frequency signal, but rather to the DC value of the modulated signal and thus the audio signal appears amplified.

555 Timer as an Amplifier Circuit Applications:

This application can be used to develop low power music systems used in vehicles.
It can be used in classrooms with limited areas.

Limitations of Audio Amplifier Circuit:

This circuit is suitable only for low power loudspeakers.
555 Timer doesn’t produce 50% duty cycle signal.

This circuit is theoretical and may require changes in hardware implementation.

Components Needed:

555 Timer IC: The heart of the circuit, responsible for generating PWM signals.
Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp): For audio signal amplification.
Transistor: To drive the speaker.
Passive Components: Resistors, capacitors, and diodes for circuit biasing, filtering, and protection.
Speaker: For audio output.
Power Supply: To power the circuit.

Circuit Design:

The basic concept of a PWM audio amplifier is to modulate the width of the pulses according to the audio input signal. The 555 timer is configured as an astable multivibrator to generate the PWM signal. Here’s a simplified circuit diagram:

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 +Vcc

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+-----|------+

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| |R1 |

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| +---||--+

| C1

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+--------|--------> PWM Output

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+---|----+

| C2 |

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+--------+---> Audio Input

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R2

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GND

Circuit Explanation:

555 Timer Configuration (PWM Generation):
- The 555 timer is configured in astable mode to produce a square wave output.
- The frequency and duty cycle of the output waveform are determined by the values of R1, R2, and C1.
- The duty cycle represents the ratio of time the output is high (on) to the total time period.
Audio Input:
- The audio input signal is applied to the control voltage (pin 5) of the 555 timer.
- This input signal varies the threshold voltage of the 555 timer, thereby modulating the duty cycle of the output waveform.
PWM Output:
- The PWM signal generated by the 555 timer is fed to the base of a transistor.
- The transistor acts as a switch, amplifying the PWM signal to drive the speaker.
Filtering (Optional):
- A low-pass filter consisting of capacitor C2 and resistor R2 may be added at the output to smooth the PWM signal and remove high-frequency noise.

Component Selection:

555 Timer IC: Any standard 555 timer IC should suffice for this project. Popular variants include NE555 and LM555.
Operational Amplifier: Choose a general-purpose op-amp suitable for audio applications, such as the LM386.
Transistor: Select a transistor capable of handling the power requirements of your speaker. A common choice is the NPN transistor BC547.
Passive Components: Use standard resistor and capacitor values based on the desired frequency and duty cycle of the PWM signal.
Speaker: The speaker should match the power output of your amplifier circuit. Ensure compatibility with the transistor’s output capabilities.
Power Supply: Use a stable DC power supply with appropriate voltage and current ratings for the circuit.

Circuit Construction:

Breadboard Prototype:
- Begin by constructing a prototype of the circuit on a breadboard. This allows for easy testing and modification of components.
- Ensure proper connections and orientation of components as per the circuit diagram.
PCB Design (Optional):
- Once the prototype is working correctly, consider designing a printed circuit board (PCB) for a more permanent and compact setup.
- Use PCB design software to create the layout, and then fabricate the PCB using standard methods or online services.
Component Placement:
- When soldering components onto the PCB, follow the layout design to ensure proper placement and connections.
- Double-check for any solder bridges or cold joints that could cause malfunction.
Enclosure:
- Mount the PCB and other components in an enclosure to protect the circuit and provide a professional appearance.
- Ensure proper ventilation and heat dissipation, especially for power components.

Testing and Troubleshooting:

Initial Testing:
- Power up the circuit and test its functionality.
- Apply an audio input signal and observe the output on an oscilloscope or connect the speaker to listen for audio output.
Adjustment:
- Fine-tune the values of R1, R2, and C1 to achieve the desired frequency response and audio quality.
- Experiment with different component values to optimize performance.
Troubleshooting:
- If the circuit does not function as expected, carefully check for wiring errors, component defects, or incorrect values.
- Use a multimeter to measure voltages and continuity at various points in the circuit to identify potential issues.
Performance Evaluation:
- Evaluate the amplifier’s performance in terms of audio quality, output power, and efficiency.
- Make any necessary adjustments or improvements to achieve the desired results.

Conclusion:

Designing and constructing a PWM audio amplifier using a 555 timer can be a challenging yet rewarding project for electronics enthusiasts. By carefully selecting components, designing the circuit, and testing its performance, you can create a functional audio amplifier capable of delivering high-quality sound output. Experimentation and iteration may be necessary to achieve optimal results, but the learning experience gained from such projects is invaluable.