Accumulated light level switch circuit using photodiode and 555 timer

Photodiode lets a steady amount of current flow through it based on a steady light falling on it. That can be used to charge the timing capacitor of a 555 timer.

Accumulated light trigger circuit using 555 timer and photodiode learning electronics lesson 0063
Accumulated light trigger circuit using 555 timer and photodiode learning electronics lesson 0063

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  • More light will allow more current to flow through the photodiode, so the capacitor will charge to 2/3 supply voltage more quickly.
  • Less light will mean that less current flows through the photodiode. It will take longer for the capacitor to charge to 2/3 supply voltage.
  • Pressing the switch instantly discharges the capacitor. Pin 2 will set the output high when it senses that the capacitor is less than 1/3 supply voltage. The output stays high until pin 6 senses the capacitor has been charged to 2/3 or more supply voltage.
  • Once pin 6 senses that the capacitor has charged to 2/3 supply voltage or more, it sets the output low. The output stays low until pin 2 senses that the capacitor has discharged to 1/3 supply voltage or less.
  • Since the resistor protected LED load has it’s Anode towards the positive supply of 5V, and the cathode side connected to the 555 output (pin 3), the LED lights up when the 555 output goes low. The LED is off when the output is high.

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