LED Dimmer controller design - Electronics engineering pulse width modulation

[@EngineeringMindset]

⚠️ This video took a long time to make if you would like to buy Paul a coffee to say thanks, link below: ☕ PayPal: www.paypal.me/TheEngineerinMindset Channel membership: kzbin.info/door/k0fGHsCEzGig-rSzkfCjMwjoin Patreon: www.patreon.com/theengineeringmindset

[@JjMn1000]

I love them!

[@heyderaliyev8976]

Hey Paul, I noticed that recently you started making this kind of circuit design videos which rightly attracted young generation of electronics engineers, today another student of mine (I am a physics teacher at school) dropped this link to me. Keep it up. great idea (y)

[@EngineeringMindset]

Very glad to hear, plenty more coming too

[@abdulalessi2962]

@@EngineeringMindset well i am waiting, it’s very useful and well explained! Specially for me as a beginner in electrical engineering.

[@arsenicjones9125]

We should stop to thank Ham Radio operators. W/o them diy electronics would have died in the 90’s. While the world moved to disposable electronics they kept and practiced the runic arts until our generation was ready to fix all our own stuff and stop tossing it.

[@Wallrod]

@@EngineeringMindset I'm an adult but actually interested in electronics now, it's REALLY good to have so many no-nonsense, concise learning videos about this. None of that 'hey guuuuuuuys today we're...' fluff and filler, thanks for doing these.

[@cucginel1941]

Man, this video is pure quality, thanks for explaining in such detail how this circuit works

[@EngineeringMindset]

You are most welcome

[@ayushb3289]

​@@EngineeringMindsetthank you sir please add an tutorial am very thankful to you, can you add an how to calculate these required electronics please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please 🥺 please please please please 🥺 please please please please please 🥺 please please please please please 🥺 please please please please please 🥺

[@garyb931]

Where were you when I was studying electronics in the 80's. This makes so much sense and great explanations.

[@remali26]

I can't believe these lessons are for free. Thanks for sharing!

[@SuperBrainAK]

This is a really good explanation of the infamous 555 timer. Thank you very much!

[@tintinfan007]

Best engineering channel ever... Much better than some fake electrical guys channels

[@keyogen]

Man this video did a way better job at explaining the 555 circuit then videos that are dedicated to the 555.

[@FreeOfFantasy]

I wouldn't compare LEDs at 50 Hz square wave with incandescent lights at 50 Hz sine wave. The fillament stays warm enough to be bright for a bit, it has an integrated smoothing through thermal mass. 50 Hz flicker is very much noticeable.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

It needs a small rotary inductor in series. A cheap DC motor should work well. 😉

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Didn't he say that this circuit ran at 1.4 kHz as built?

[@altosack]

@@PatrickKQ4HBD - Yes, but he mentioned you could increase the capacitor and reduce the frequency.

[@lordjaashin]

@@altosack so? what is the issue here? his point is still valid.

[@The.Talent]

Followed the link to Altium and found that, as a student, I am eligible for a free 6 month licence. This is fantastic!

[@EngineeringMindset]

Fantastic!

[@The.Talent]

@@EngineeringMindset now trying to figure out how to get the Library Loader working. It keeps going into debug mode before I can put my username and password in and it’s crashing the app. I’ll have to reach out to the devs.

[@jeetudas1351]

Please accept my sincere thanks, you have explained the Circuit in such a manner that it becomes easy to understand. Keep up your good work

[@FrankyZD]

This is the best of all explanation of how to use and what is why for 555 controller and how to use it with dimmer and mosfet transistor. Thank You very much, because I like deep explanation that can tell you what would you do more or follow Your steps so You can get everything done as it should to be. I use to do this/repairs and collecting schematic element and solder but I stop, life took me in the other side of some branches of work, and now I see how I was stupid for not following my dream and keep doing this 12 to 13 years ago. Tnx that You doing this. 👍💯

[@TMRu22311]

Just got the PCB's I ordered for this project, can't wait to build it. Thank you Paul for taking the time to make this video and for sharing, I love it!!! Thank you Sir :D

[@BOTS9391]

I love all of your PCB videos! I have tried to find educational videos for making PCBs and you nailed it! Thank you!

[@KB-ld7jw]

Great way to start the morning.

[@EngineeringMindset]

Morning!

[@default19in]

One of the most depp explaination of 555 ic tx so much for efforts.

[@theelectronguy873]

Love it, my knowledge gain again from this channel

[@EngineeringMindset]

Glad to hear it!

[@t1d100]

Thank you for teaching us! I have a suggestion/request... Please add a close-up shot of your breadboard layouts. Or, better yet, provide your breadboard layout in a Fritz photo and/or file. Fritz is freeware.

[@carlgradolph9676]

New subscriber here. Thanks for making a fantastic video covering design and practice. Inexpensive LED drivers are readily available from our Asian friends, but I enjoy knowing how equipment works, as this eases the task of troubleshooting should something fail. And I probably have all the parts I'll need to make a few of these (save for the PCB's) already on hand!

[@uatlab9008]

Wow, I really enjoyed this great lecture. If you get a chance, could you explain the principles of AM radio? ❤

[@blendpinexus1416]

i am really starting to appreciate the 555 timer. it is such a simple device that allows an easy to create timer.

[@putra8283]

Sir i dont really know 555 timer really do in that video,, so what does it do in the video??

[@nafyadgetachew7322]

​@@putra8283 it is a kind of almost a bistable Multivibrator that generates functions.

[@caffeinatedinsanity2324]

Bigclive showed an interesting design for an rgd led dimmer. Instead of using the 555 as a pwm driver, it was used there as a triangle wave generator and the mofsets were actually driver by a comparator. Potentiometer wiper to the + pin and the triangle ramp waveform to the - pin. This is the circuit in a nutshell

[@lordjaashin]

can you share the link to the video?

[@EngineeringMindset]

Seen our new Potentiometer Explained video? ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpOQfo2DpLqnmbM

[@LN14YT]

Hy sir my name is Nirban and I am from India and I am also electronics engineer. My question is 1- how many times using the circuit with out heating issue. 2- how much ampere using in output in this circuit 3- when battery is low led brightness automatically dimming or led off I am your big fan ❤❤❤

[@williamfrance-]

It’s confusing that the mosfet heatsink and IC socket aren’t listed in the parts list.

[@toekie3352]

great explanation specially going into the frequenty, most forget about that. Going to hook this up on my arduino stead of the potmeter!

[@p.k.953]

I had so much trouble understanding how to make pwm from 555 timer although the video didn't help me fully understand it but it was well explained 👍🔥 only problem is that I don't understand what's an op amp, comparator, inverter, flip flop 🤔✌️

[@raphanunu6912]

First, learn electronics ! or google for words like "opamp". Do you really need to know how it works ? You don't really know how baking powder works to make bread.

[@bonbernabe4103]

Thanks for this video Paul a big help for big project but not that expensive🙂🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@dipankarmridha9879]

As long as u are my master. I don't need any engineering degree to make my project done. Thanks Paul.

[@bagassetiawan1478]

Finally I can understand how 555 timer internal works.

[@mohammadrezafarshad3994]

Hi there. Thank you for this video. I build the circuite but LEDs does not turn off completely. I tried different hacks and finaly i solved the issue by adding a 47nf cap between the gate and the GND.

[@rondlh20]

Nice and simple, using a small micro controller would open a world of features to this project...

[@Darkmaster5629]

This would also make it more expensive and overcomplicated

[@raphanunu6912]

@@Darkmaster5629 Not really, the most expensive component is the MosFet.

[@چگونهبسازیم]

Hi buddy, thank you for the great videos you are making, please make a tutorial on making (magnetic stiffeners) and (electronic magnetic stiffeners), these stiffeners are used in dishwashers and all kinds of piping system paths, And it makes the deposits in the water disappear, (please make an instructional video about making electronic boards for magnetic stiffeners) Thank you for saving me from addiction with the videos you made and for making me able to I exist, I use. thank you

[@DANTESPROGRAMS]

I love the video. Good job for very good content. Do you mind adding a BOM and CPL file for the circuit. I would like to order my PCB accembled. Thanks!

[@nafyadgetachew7322]

Hey sir, you explained the function of pin 3 very well (you chiseled it in my mind), but I don't see any reason why increasing/decreasing the frequency controls the dimness of the light.

[@hannaabuhanna1288]

thank you very much, keep up the good work, the efficiency of your work is 100%. :)

[@miloradpudja1501]

Hi Paul, I love and enjoy your tutorials. Do you have or can you create PCB for LED sequencer? I would like to build sequential turn signal for my car. it would be nice to run 14 or 28 Chanels. Thank you in advance.

[@bluedog427]

Great Project, I did have one question? On review of the video at time stamp 10:11 I see that the Wiper output is connected to the "CW to Diode" trace. and was wondering if this is incorrect? getting ready to do a breadboard example, and will try. Thanks

[@DasEtwasification]

Small correction to anything from 3:20: The MOSFET actually doesn't change its resistance meaningfully after you applied more than its gate Threshold Voltage (in this case around 3V). That also means that the MOSFET isn't doing the "averaging" over the PWM Signal by putting out an "average" resistance. It actually switches with the same frequency the PWM Signal does and so do the LEDs. The perceived change in brightness is done by the human eye :)

[@DasEtwasification]

​@@kennmossman8701 Sorry hard disagree. Look at the RDsOn vs VGs Graph in basically any MOSFET datasheet (provided a link below). Thats a very "elbow shape". Meaning that after the treshhold value (5V in this case) for VGS is reached the RDsOn reaches a steady state very quickly. If it would not do so and have a more linear characteristic the Mosfet would burn up due to I2R losses. There is a dependency but as you can see in the graph its very flat. And certainly its not used to adjust RDsOn (or by that the current), at least in no application I have seen so far. PWM is the way to go here, esp for LEDs.

[@EngineeringMindset]

See my new MOSFET explained video here➡️: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6i1e6awmsRso5Y

[@Noahboca]

What is the purpose of connecting the two diodes in parallel on the charge discharge part?

[@arrythebeast3027]

next time can you make a video focusing more on programming part????

[@controlfreakscrtrs]

Oh man, I don't think I've ever been so confused watching one of your videos. I got some work to do lol

[@E_Proxy]

Man... I was on the internet cause my stupid brain decided i had to make a modern antiques Phone into a lamp. But NOT a simple lamp (obviously, cause why easy stuff even if Im stupid? Right?), no. An rgb lamp with a potentiometer to dim the light (or any dimmer for what it's worth) AND, nice to have, being still able to use the number buttons to set preselected light colors (preselected i don't have any idea how. I guess an Arduino must be involved in this mess but i cannot use one). AND the on/off switch must by used through the switchhook. GOOD GOD I AM SO OVERWHELMINGLY DUMB FOR THIS IDEA. I was saying, i came here expecting something easy for me but this made me feel a total idiot 2 mins in. I mean, nothing wrong on your side it's all my fault. I guess it is extremely useful for people who can appreciate it. Much envy from italy, Great job!

[@EngineeringMindset]

Seen our new Potentiometer Explained video? ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpOQfo2DpLqnmbM

[@mfawzi89]

This kind of videos is amazing, something I can do at home 👍🏻

[@ishandiptagarai852]

Hey..this circuit is really useful..can you please provide the circuit diagram for this..the PCB file is not useful for me..

[@EI.01]

I have learned a lot from your channel and it has upgraded my knowledge

[@JunPVlog]

Thank you for sharing sir new supporters here

[@junreymondala3715]

Thanks you so much sir for this vedio toturial it is very helpful for me as a bigginner, keep it up sir👏👏👏

[@mapmap7573]

very good explanation from iraq

[@arsenicjones9125]

You should be fine to use the smallest track size JLCPCB accepts and have no issues up to 500mA of draw. Idk why everyone’s always trying to make their tracks wide af for a tiny current.

[@taurruth]

Will this design work for 5V supplied 114 LED display? As all the cathodes in the display will be connected together can it be connected there to regulate their brightness?

[@EngineeringMindset]

Seen the new LED explained video? so much detail covered! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWmwY61ona6Vl8k

[@sgomezroman]

Excelente aporte. Toda una clase de electrónica para hacer un regulador LED. Gracias 👍

[@agussetyotama]

For LED, that like constant current or constant voltage driver ?

[@mhnoni]

Why flicker instead of lowering the current to get a stable smooth dimmable light?

[@trending_status5582]

Can we use a variable resistor to control current

[@EngineeringMindset]

Check out NEW resistor video, everything covered! ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eorGfXl-nLt2pJI

[@SpaceMarshalGyorni]

Just built this, and it works fine. One funny thing that happens though is that the LEDs flicker brightly if/when I turn the poti too fast. Could this be due to my using a "normal" 555 timer rather than the CN version? I don't really understand what the difference between the two is.

[@raphanunu6912]

No, this is due to the pot quality.

[@ariplevritis5135]

Thanks so much the circuit design series is amazing.

[@EngineeringMindset]

Glad you like it!

[@jlucasound]

@10:42 OMG!! Your LED strip turned into an electric motor for a few seconds! It's OK. It had a diode on it. ;-)

[@JstLearn]

LOL... Good Catch...

[@arunbaalaji5589]

Very good videos want more of this kind

[@tstthomason]

Thanks for the video! I am brand new to electronics, and I think I am going to try to put one together in order to make an LED leak light for repairing woodwind instruments. Perhaps a dumb question, but could I use a 1N4148 diode instead of a 1N4148B diode? I’m struggling to find the latter for sale on Amazon but it’s easy to find the former and I don’t know what the difference between them is. Thanks!

[@EpicLetsPlayer100]

I love your videos

[@EngineeringMindset]

Glad to hear, Tank

[@SothearithPrime]

Hello Mr.Paul, is it necessary to use LM555 or can I use Ne555?

[@XtianApi]

I am looking to expand my knowledge. My degree is not in electrical engineering and I am well beyond typical student age, other than a lifelong student. Any suggestions for material or a focus to start with? I am looking for more complex led, battery and power management type things. Thanks!

[@kurtmueller2089]

Fantastic video on a fantastic channel! Thank you!

[@kevinjames3714]

This is a dumb question, probably, but if LEDs run straight off 12v DC, why can’t we dim them with just a variable resistor in series with them to reduce voltage and current through the LEDs? Thanks for great stuff

[@EngineeringMindset]

You can, but it wastes a lot of energy. It might even catch fire if you exceed the heat dissipation of the component. Covered in detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpOQfo2DpLqnmbMsi=q38jLohnI1pH5OZl&t=907

[@mohamaddhaybi1617]

As usual, a very well expalined and informative video. Thank you! Just a small note, at 12:10 the shown frequency in the video is written 1.42 Hz whereas it should be written 1.42 KHz as you have said. Thanks again!

[@phil6031]

I think that's a comma ( , ) for a thousands separator, not a decimal point ( . )

[@5minprod]

With the draw of the electric motor, I understand the need for this, but with the low draw of the LEDs why couldn't the potentiometer just be used in series, avoiding use of the MOSFET and 555?

[@EngineeringMindset]

Because the potentiometer wastes all the energy as heat, PWM doesn't

[@5minprod]

@@EngineeringMindset thanks! That makes this much easier to grasp

[@orangeshaw2370]

Because most circuits are NOT driven by batteries, the LED frequency will still most probably have the 50Hz ripple smoothed down to DC by bridge rectifier & cap. With PWM you can select a much higher frequency ✔

[@orangeshaw2370]

Yes it is a 100Hz ripple (as a result of 50Hz alternating current) but on LEDiode's some people are lazy/frugal & omit the bridge rectifier and only use one half of the wave (PROBABLY).

[@EngineeringMindset]

Seen our new Potentiometer Explained video? ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpOQfo2DpLqnmbM

[@joedelsolite1932]

Is it possible to use PAM technique?

[@kavin4451]

Bro. Arduino Patti video podu ka bro

[@UnknownPerson-xn5gp]

Hi, please make a video for cross over filter

[@roiskam2222]

LOVE THIS CHANNEL

[@salmanahmed3231]

Excellent explanation. I have some doubts. If we connect directly to the LED, it turns on (forget about regulating the brightness). You mentioned using a MOSFET, but I don't understand why it needs to be turned on and off 100 times when we are using a DC source. Please clear my doubts 🙏

[@EngineeringMindset]

See my new MOSFET explained video here➡️: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6i1e6awmsRso5Y

[@djwonnie]

HI JUst to confirm, R1 is a 1K resistor?

[@TechnoLogicalLOGIC19ccc]

I am curious why don't we use a simple variable resistor to dim or brighten the LED, instead of using this complex circuit??🤔

[@JohnDoe-dx6ix]

Yes, I was wondering the same thing. But again, I am just a weekend electrical warrior.

[@EngineeringMindset]

Check out NEW resistor video, everything covered! ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eorGfXl-nLt2pJI

[@derrickadusei7987]

Pls can you make a video on ac lamp dimmers with triacs

[@BrescoLtd]

Paul I am looking for a circuit to control 2 12VDC led strings. They need to oppose each other as one dims the other brightens

[@EngineeringMindset]

Seen the new LED explained video? so much detail covered! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWmwY61ona6Vl8k

[@jakehealthx]

So cool!!! Thank you

[@andystewart9405]

What would the limit on amps be on this board?

[@JoeMama-sm4zg]

Can I switch the motor with a heating element to control temperature?

[@FrankyZD]

sorry if I have some bad sentences in english, I will get back on track again. So tnx again.

[@dhanushb2430]

Why one side of diode is shoted instead you can give directly to pin 7 (discharge pin)?

[@jpscafe7648]

Show de show de bola! Quem sabe .... Sabe!!! Poisé.

[@KantiOke]

hi.. up to how many Amper/current this pcb can handle?

[@mohammadmasudalamsrabon4594]

Is there any vedios on Mosfet ? On this channel ?

[@EngineeringMindset]

See my new MOSFET explained video here➡️: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6i1e6awmsRso5Y

[@aberateklehaimanot9804]

Thanks a lot,very detailed and informative video.Keep it up the good work.

[@EngineeringMindset]

Glad you liked it

[@starlight8889]

Put a capacitor parallel to load, from pin 3 to ground if your lights don't dim completely.

[@Mr_MountJi]

Why can't we use plastic instead of laminated sheets for generator stator cores in order to reduce drag?

[@EngineeringMindset]

You can, but it will be less efficient

[@Mr_MountJi]

But why and how, please make the video for this...

[@greggthompson780]

Your videos are fantastic. Even a layman like myself can understand. I have what I hope isn’t a dumb question. When the transistor drains the capacitor it looks like it does so by just connecting the drain on the potentiometer to the ground. The diode ensures current only flows one way. That makes sense. But isn’t the positive terminal of the battery still connected to the same circuit too at 12v less the voltage reduction of the potentiometer resistance and that resistor before the diode? I don’t see anything that would somehow tell the potentiometer to switch from the input to the drain circuit, but maybe I’m not understanding how the drain works.

[@EngineeringMindset]

Check out NEW resistor video, everything covered! ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eorGfXl-nLt2pJI

[@EngineeringMindset]

Seen our new Potentiometer Explained video? ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpOQfo2DpLqnmbM

[@MechatronicsGuy]

Great video. Some algorithm food. 🍔🍔🍔

[@EngineeringMindset]

Hope you enjoy

[@alejandroperezkeogan8281]

Absolutely Excellent splained !!!! I want it in the Spanish version please, even I know English language, Thanks a lot. 👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@EngineeringMindset]

In about 1 week the Spanish version will go live

[@alejandroperezkeogan8281]

@@EngineeringMindset ok, I'm still waiting this too in Spanish......kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4G3hmmkjriUg9E ...look if you can !!!! 🙏 Thanks

[@EngineeringMindset]

Translation is done, just waiting on dubbing and audio editing then it will go live. Hopefully next week

[@مازنجزائري-ص2ع]

مرحبا شكرا على جهودك أتمنا ان يكون مترجم الى اللغه العربيه وشكرا

[@vongacoc]

Could you please tell me where the number 0.693 come frome? thanks

[@threeMetreJim]

Amazing, really, that a 50 year old IC is still in production. I will probably shed a tear i(f it is ever replaced by a microcontroller. Just be careful with these LED strips, they are pretty innefficient when used in large amounts as a fair bit of heat is produced by the dropper resistors. Also when the manufacturer says 12V, they mean it - running from a 12V vehicle battery (around 13.8V) will seriously shorten their life. I attempted to make a light for a mobile home with these, and the strips got so hot they softened the glue and sagged (too many in a small space, stuck onto a non-metallic surface and running from 13.8V). In the end I had to scrap it and make one using individual high power LED's running from a current limited supply (a bit more complex, but still running every night for 4 years now).

[@EngineeringMindset]

Check out NEW resistor video, everything covered! ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eorGfXl-nLt2pJI

[@EngineeringMindset]

Seen the new LED explained video? so much detail covered! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWmwY61ona6Vl8k

[@xanderguldie]

Led dimmers are so overpriced. This works just as fine. Thanks!

[@lordjaashin]

don't those dimmers work with AC voltage? this design is simple because it uses DC voltage. AC voltage dimmers have added cost of using components that convert AC to DC. which isn't cheap

[@xanderguldie]

@@lordjaashin not for led strips. You already need DC for that. But you're right when it comes to 220v led bulbs that go right in the socked, but even then I've seen some crazy overpriced stuff.

[@lordjaashin]

@@xanderguldie what do you mean by 220v led bulbs? there is no such thing as led that can run on AC voltage. every LED in this world run onpy on DC voltage.

[@xanderguldie]

@@lordjaashin there are led bulbs that you can just plug in an AC socket and the AC gets converted in the bulb. Those are usually smart bulbs that you can control remotely but with some you can't. You need a special dimmer for those

[@lordjaashin]

@@xanderguldie I'm aware about that. every LED bulb has rectifier circuit that converts AC to DC. those smart LED costs so much because they have rectifier+dimmer+LED in such small package. the dimmer circuit shown in the video doesn't have rectifier circuit integrated into it that is why it is cheap to build.

[@NicholasWong-vv1nn]

Can someone write me a justification for the specific resistor and mosfet used in this system? And what are the principles for such a design?

Awesome video.. I am just wondering if this is the most simple version of an LED driver and if industrial drivers use any other design?

[@EngineeringMindset]

For sure there are many ways to achieve the same or very similar results, each version will have pros and cons. Industrial is far more complex and will use smd components, I use through hole components as its easier to see and handle

[@ianhosier4042]

I need cheap schematic and pcb software. Any suggestions?

[@JayJay-ki4mi]

This is the exact board you designed for the motor?

[@EngineeringMindset]

No, very similar design

[@Danielagostinho21]

Why does D2 - the discharging diode - has to be connected to R1 and D1?

[@shauni_jade]

Yeah I was wondering the same, plus it has a path from 12V for current flow, which will increase power consumption

[@TheVonMatrices]

Yeah, I have the same question. None of the diagrams ever show current flowing through it.

[@TheVonMatrices]

​@@shauni_jade Wouldn't that result in the light being lit 100% of the time since the pin is always receiving 12V?

[@Ur_Cristiano_345M]

I love you teacher do you love me 😘

[@ameramar1010]

لااله الاالله محمد رسول الله