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ETI CIRCUITS BOOK: No.I
Ideas and data for experimenters

THE ' Ideas for Experimenters' section published each month in Electronics
Today International has for many years been one of the most popular parts of
the magazine. But by the very nature of being amonthly fea:ure, it becomes
impossible (without an elaborate filing system) to remember particular circuits
— or compare them with similar ones.
Our answer to this problem is this Circuits Book. This book was first pub-
lished in 1977 ( and a second volume subsequently in 1978). Both sold out
virtually within days and have now been reprinted by popular demand.
Highlighting the international aspects of ETI, this publication has been
prepared from material originally published in the Australian edition,
assembled in the UK and reprinted in Australia.

CIRCUITS NO 1:— is an ideas directory and is not meant for the beginner.
We regret we cannot answer queries on any of these circuits.
ETI is always prepared to consider original circuits or ideas submitted by
readers for inclusion in its publications. All items used are paid for.
Drawings must be as clear as possible and text p-eferably typed. Circuits
must not be subject to copyright.

Contents:
Special Projects Editor: Jan Vernon
Managing Editor: Collyn Rivers

ETI Circuits Book No. 1was printed in Index 4 Indicators 71

1981 by Offset Alpine Printing,
Alarms 6 Miscellanea 87
Silverwater, NSW and distributed by
Gordon and Gotch. Amplifiers 11 Power supplies 46
(*Recommended and maximum price Automobile 78 Signal generators 24
only)
All material is subject to worldwide Detectors 82 Signal processors 17
copyright protection. Digital 40 Switching 69
Reasonable care is taken in the
Filters 37 Test devices 58
preparation of this publication to ensure
safety and accuracy but ETI cannot be Flashers 75 Timers and delays 66
held responsible for it legally. Hints and tips 94

eti An ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL publication

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 3

ALARMS Ship Siren
Two Tone
33
34
INTRUDER Basic Alarm 6 Toy Siren 34
Photo Intruder Alarm 6 Kojak, Startrek, Z Cars 34/35
Intruder Alarm 7 Sound Effects 36
LEVEL Photo Electric Relay 7 Sound Effects 36
Low Temperature/Lights out 7
Temperature Sensor
Coolant level 8
Water Level 8 FILTERS
MISCELLANEA Electronic Lock 9
Car Battery Watchdog 10 AUDIO-ACTIVE Bandpass 37
Simple Car Alarm 10 Low + High Pass 37
Simple Lock 10 Rejection Notch 37
Bandpass 38
AUDIO SPECIAL Cartridge EQ + Rumble 38

AMPURERS & PREAMPURERS Hum Stopper

Tape Hiss Reduction
38
39
AUDIO- BUFFER 11 Simple Crossover 39
High Input Impedance
DIGITAL Thermometer 40
High Impedance Buffer 11
Low output Impedance 11 Heads or Tails 40
High Input Impedance 12 Binary Calculator 40
AUDIO- EQUALISED Low Frequency Extender 12 Voltmeter 41
Virtual Earth Preamp 12 Seven Segment to Decimal 41
Die 42
IC Tape Head Preamp 13
Random Binary 42
Simple Stereo Tape Player 13
CMOS Die 43
AUDIO POWER 2.5 Watt 13
Multiplexer Hints 43
20 Watt Slave 14
Learning Memory 44
10 Watt 14
15 CMOS Clock 45
AUDIO SPECIAL Loudspeaker Microphone
Voltage Controlled Amp 15
R.F. VIDEO Wide Band Amplifier 16
Video Power Amp 16
Broadband Amp 16 POWER SUPPUES
CURRENT Constant 46
Temperature Stable 46
SIGNAL PROCESSORS Constant 46
Voltage Controlled 46
AUDIO Fuzz Box 17
DUAL Precision Voltage Divider 47
Guitar Fuzz 17
Dual Polarity 47
Fuzz Box 17
Simple Balanced 47
Waa Waa 18
LOW VOLTAGE Voltage Divider 48
Disco Autofade 18
Low Regulated 48
Simple Autofade 19
Short Circuit Protected 48
OPTO-
ISOLATED Information Transfer 19
Simple TTL Supply 49
Optical Pulse Conditioner 19
ZN414 Supply 49
TV Sound Pickoff 20
SPECIAL Stable Reference 49
Cracklefree Potentiometer 20 Transformerless Invertor 50
Voltage to Frequency 20
DC to DC/AC 50
CONVERTORS Sine to Square Wave 21
Voltage Multiplier 50
Precision AC to DC 21
Automobile Convertor 51
Voltage Processor 21
Shaver Adaptor 51
RECTIFIERS Universal Meter 22
DC- DC 51
Double Precision 22
High Voltage From Battery 52
Fast Half Wave 22
Variable + ve or — ve output 52
MISCELLANEA Simple Chopper 23
STABILISED Simple 52
Noise Rejecting SCR Trigger 23
12V from Battery Charger 53
Phase Shifter 23
Bucket Regulator 5.
3
ZENEBS Adjusting Zener VIttage 54

SIGNAL GENERATORS Variable Zener

Zener Boosting of Regulators
54
54
SQUARE WAVE Simple 24 High Power 54
Variable Dutycycle 24 PROTECTION Electronic Fuse 55
Fast Edge 24 Better Fuse 55
FET 25 Regulator & Fuse 55
Improved Multivibrator 25 Fast Acting 56
Variable Dutycycle 25 SCR Crowbar 56
SINE WAVE Stable R.C. 26 Voltage Polarity 57
Cheap ( CMOS) 26 NI CAD Discharge 57
Simple TTL XTAL 26 Current Limiting 57
Uncritical XTAL 27
PULSE & SAVVTOOTH Pulse 27
Zero Crossing
Simple Pulse
27
28
TEST
Needle Pulse 28
Stable Linear Sawtooth 28 DIODE, TRANSISTOR,
NOISE Zener 29 SCR Diode Checker 58
Noise 29 GO/NO GO Diode Tester 58
Pink 29 Zener Check 58
SPECIAL Simple Relaxation 30 GO/NO GO Transistor Tester 58
Triangle with independent slope 30 Quick JFET Test 58
Exponential 31 Current Gain Tester 59
Widerange Multivibrator 31 Basic Transistor Tester 59
Multiple Waveform 31 Simple Transistor/SCR 59
Linear Sweep 32 SCR Tester 59
Step Frequency 32 CRYSTALS, BATTERIES CrystàICheck , 60
SPECIAL EFFECT Beeper 32 Crystal Checker ' 60
7400 Siren 33 Good/Bad Battery Tester 60
Simple Siren 33 Battery Tester 60

4 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 OP-AMPS Op-Amp Tester 61 Peak Program 83
Op-Amp Checker 61 Positive Peak 83
LOGIC Cheap Logic Probe 61 Reaction Comparator 83
Audible TTL Probe 62
Audible Slow Pulses 62
Logic Probe
-Logic Analyser
62
63 RADIO FREQUENCY
Iand 0 Display Probe 63 Crystal Marker 84
MISCELLANEA Simple High Impedance 100Khz Marker 84
Voltmeter 63 RF Voltmeter 84
Audio/ RF Tracer 64
RF Detector 85
Thermocouple Thermometer 64 LED RF Indicator 85
Metering Stabilised supplies 65 RF Amplifier Protection 85
Simple Frequency Meter 65 FET-Radio 86
Op- Amp Radio 86

TIMERS & DEWS

Low Standby Drain 66
MISCELLANEA
741 Timer 66 Phase Locked Loop 87
Self Triggeripg Timer 67 Touch Doorbell 87
Pulse Timer 67 Phase Lock Control 87
Pulse Delay 67 Audio Mixer 88
Voltage Controlled Monostable 68 Virtual Earth Mixer 88
Sequential Relays 68 Plop Eliminator 88
Door Chime Delay 68 Louspeaker Protection 89
Digital Capacitance Probe 89
Digital Tape Recorder Adaptor 89
SWITCHING Breakdown Diode Substitution 90
Dual Function Charger 90
Touch Triggered Bistable 69 Dual Mode Amp 91
Touch Sensitive Switch 69 Capacitor Substitution 91
Electronic Switch 69 Electronic Capacitor 91
Sound Operated 2 Way 70 Speeding Up Darlingtons 91
SPST Switch Flip Flop 70 Shutter Saver 92
Two Signals on one Wire 70 Thyristor Sensitivity 92
Sound Operated Flash 92
Strength Tester 93
INDICATORS Logic Noise Immunity

LEVEL Line-o- Light 7.

3 Step Level 71
Light Level 72
Bargraph Display 72 Identifying 74 Se-ies
WARNING Fuse Failure 73 Supply Pins 94
Blown Fuse 73 Soldering IC's 94
Back Up Lamp 73 Tinning With Solder Wick 94
DC Lamp Failure 73 PCB Stencils 94
SPECIAL FM Tuner Station 74 Front Panel Finish 94
Current Flow 74 DIL Drilling 94
Disco Cue 74 Flourescent Starting 94
Avoiding Insulated Heat Sinks 94
TTL Mains Interface 95
FLASHERS Boost Your Mains
High Resistance on Low Meters
95
95
Dancing Lights 75 High Voltage Electrolytics 95
Low Frequency Strobe 75 Transistor Identification 95
Flasher 75 Template & Heat Sink for
Ultra Simple 75 Power Transistors 95
Transistor Socket 95
Solder Flow Problems 95
POWER CONTROL Odd Resistor Values 96
Resistors in parallel 96
LDR Mains Control 76 CMOS OIL Handling 96
Floodlamp Control 76 Identifying Surplus ICS 96
Zero Crossing Sync 76 Extending Battery Life 97
Train Controller 76 Battery Snaps 97
Low Differential Thermostat 77 Power Supply or Battery 97
Simple Temperature Control 77 Batter); Checking 97
Full Wave SCR Control 77 Muck Remover 97
Transformers in reverse 97
Loudspeaker Checking 97
AUTOMOBILE Improving UJT Linearity 97
Signal Tracer 97
Brake Lamp Failure 78 Crystal Earpieces 97
Courtesy Light Delay 78 Cheap Varicaps 97
Simple Hazard Light 78 Zener Lifts Capacitor Rating 97
Light Extender & Reminder 79
Four Way Flasher 79
Headlamp Dipper 80 DATA
Wiper Delay 80 741 Op- Amp Data 98
Suppressed Zero Voltmeter 81
BC 107-109 Data 99
Rev Counter/Tachometer 81
BC 177-179 Data 100
Auxiliary Battery 8'
CMOS & TTL Data 101
2N3055 Data 102
MJ2955 Data 103
DETECTORS & COMPARATORS Bipolar. Data Tables
Bipolar FETs Rectifiers
104
105
Peak Detect & Hold 82 Diodes Pinouts Zener Misc 106
Window Detector 82 For Your Notes 107

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 5

 ALARMS
INTRUDER

N.0
BASIC ALARM RESET SWITCH

The basic alarm circuit uses the min-

3V 5012 >. N.O .
imum of components, has a very low RELAY I. --.. Ile,
100k12 .. \
standing current ( less than 5012A) and N.C. N.C. \

thus may be operated from small dry

batteries. The circuit has a lock-out MP.
DETECTOR LOOP
system which prevents the alarm being
stopped, except by disconnecting the
t3C108
battery. Any break in the detector N.O.

loop allows the current through the

BFY51
1001d2 resistor to switch on the BELL
transistors, pulling in the lock-out
relay and sounding the alarm.

PHOTO INTRUDER ALARM triggers the bistable latch so that the drives the amplified tone into the
Designed so that when an object ob- voltage at B rises from OV to + 5V. speaker. To reset, the object in front
scures the light following on a photo- Point B is the second input of asimple of the cell is removed and the reset
cell an alarm'is triggered. diode " AND" gate. An astable multi- switch pressed.
The circuit is reset on depression of vibrator ( composed of the other two To gain the maximum sensitivity
the reset switch. IC's ( SN7400) has NAND gates of the IC) generates a VR1 is turned to its maximum. The
been used foi the astable multivibrat- square wave which is fed to the first reset switch is then pressed if the
ion and bistable latch instead of using input of the " AND" gate. This wave- alarm is sounding. The tone should
transistors, making the finished circuit form is generated continually but does disappear. Now VR1 is slowly decreas-
smaller and neater to build. not appear at the output of the gate as ed until the alarm operates. VR1 is
The circuit operates as follows. long as the second input is held at OV. then increased .very slightly until the
When the light on the photo cell fract- When the second input rises to + 5V alarm stops by pressing S2. The circuit
ionally decreases, the voltage on the the square wave appears across the is now at its maximum sensitivity for
collector of TR1 falls ( point A). This emitter- base function of TR2 which the given light level.

ON sOFF + 9,/
ool...
PHOTO INVERTOR ASTARLE MULTIVIRRATOR

4k7 I i 4k 7
.

10

BA100

*Al "AND"
GATE
1200

VR1 4k7

100 47 BC108
SN77-
160N— —
BC108
==,
INPUT

TR 1
OV I RA100
TN?
9V

L.
L -

RESET
SWITCH

OV

FLIP FLOP OR RISTABLE LATCH

AMPLIFIER
PHOTO CELL c/RP12 OR RRY58

6 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 INTRUDER ALARM Here two gates of a 7400 are used to
provide photoelectric control in con-
\,AM---0 9V. junction with an ORP 12 photocell.
120
When light fa Is on PC1 the potential
is applied to the trigger circuit consist ,
ing of 1/2 the 7400. The feedback pro-
vided ensures a positive output change
at pin 6. The output, whilst PC1 is
2
under illumiration, is equal to the
supply voitace. R1 enables a small
/400
9V battery to be used. If PC1 is
2 2k
• • .02,11) shaded the cutput at pin 6 is OV.
This may now be used to trigger
a relay for an intruder alarm. If this
is the case it is wise to use a small
mains supplv and to incorporate
0 0y
a diode acrœs the relay coil, to pre-
vent high back EMF from destroying
O OUTPUT the IC.

LEVEL

PHOTO ELECTRIC RELAY

There are many applications where

photoelectric detection is used to
switch acircuit on or off.
This simple circuit is a bistable
multivibrator. The base resistor of 01
is a photoresistor type ORP12. When
not illuminated resistance is high, 01
conducts and 02 is off.
As the illumination on the OPR 12 is
increased the resistance drops till 01
cuts off and 02 turns hard on
energising the relay coil.
The system is reset by the
pushbutton. The diode across the relay
coil can be any low power silicon type.
It is for protecting 02 from any spikes
generated across the coil when 01, 02. BFY51 or Similar
de- energised.

inverting terminal ( 3) is deter -riined by the temperature

LOW-TEMPERATURE ALARM OR LIGHTS- OUT of the thermistoe Th1. As the temperature of the therm-
ALARM istor falls, its resistance rises, because it is a negative
temperature coefficient type, and the voltage at pin 3
rises. If this voltage rises above that of pin 2, the voltage
at the output pin 6 of the op amp goes positive. The
temperature at which the output goes positive can be
selected within limits by VR1
When the voltage at pin 6 goes positive, the com-
plementary pair of transistors Q1 and 02 operate as an
R2
220i oscillator, the positive feedback being provided by Cl.
The LED flashes at a rate determined partly by it's own
resistance but also dependent largely on the value of CI.
The resistor R6 should be adjusted to maintain acurrent
Si- via ignition through the LED at avalue less than it's rated maximum.
switch
Switch Si is the ignition switch on the car. Tran-
sistor QI is the npn type ZT K300 in the prototype and
The figure shows a general purpose 741 op amp acting 02 a pnp ZTX500, but ether complementary pairs of
as a sensitive level amplifier of the voltage across ; he medium-current audio frequency transistors can be used.
points X and Y of the bridge circuit. Resistors R1iond The thermistor used is a glass bead type having a nom-
R2 set the inverting terminal ( 2) of the op amp at about inal resistance of 1MS2 at 25 0C. The type indicated is
6V with respect to ground. The voltage at the ribri- from RS Components Limited.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 7

ALARMS
LEVEL

TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Simple, inexpensive circuit has a
resolution of 0.15°C.
THERE are many occasions when it- is
necessary to detect a difference in
temperature between one point and
another and to take some action
should the temperature differential
rise beyond some pre-set level. An
application that immediately springs
to mind is the control of cooling fans
in equipment cabinets in response to
the difference between the internal
l•MS•

temperature of the cabinet and d, ode

IN400'
ambient.
Jim Barnes of Motorola's application
laboratories at Phoenix, Arizona, has
designed a simple, inexpensive circuit
for just this purpose. This has a
resolution of about 0.15°C and a
differential range of 5.5°C. two diodes. The potentiometer temperature differential of 0.15°C will
In the circuit, temperature provides a variable offset current therefore cause the output of the
measurement is performed by general giving a temperature offset range of amplifier to swing almost the whole
purpose silicon diodes ( IN4001). about ± 5.5°C. power supply voltage of 26 V.
These exhibit a temperature The bridge output of 2 mV/°C The output current capability of the
coefficient of about 2 mV/°C over a temperature differential must be MC1741 ( 5 to 10 mA) is insufficient
very wide temperature range. When amplified before it can perform a to drive most power relays, so abuffer
two of the diodes are connected in the power switching function. A standard transistor ( MPS- A20) is included in the
bridge configuration shown in Figure low-cost MC1741G operational circuit for this purpose. A zener diode
1, a voltage appears between terminals amplifier was chosen for this purpose provides the necessary level shifting
A and B which is proportional to the (see Figure 2) and used open- loop to between the output of the op- amp and
temperature difference between the provide a gain of some 100 000. A the input of the buffer.

COOLANT LEVEL WARNING DEVICE

A simple circuit is shown for indicating a drop in

radiator coolant level. A variety of transistors and
relays can be used and the probe can be made quite
easily. The coolant and anti- freeze resistance to earth is
about 100S2 and with the level below the probe, infinity.
On the mechanical side the hole in the top tank of
the radiator was cut with a pair of sharp pointed
dividers.

WATER LEVEL ALARM RI 100k

9V

The disadvantage with battery operated alarm circuits

is the quiescent current that they draw. The circuit
shown above draws so little current that the shelf- life
of the battery is the limiting factor - the only current
drawn is the leakage of the transistors.
The circuit is shown in the form of a water level
alarm but by using different forms of probe can act as a
rain alarm or shorting alarm; anything from zero to
about 1MS2 between the probes will trigger it.
C11 acts as a switch which applies current to the
unijunction relaxation oscillator Q2". Alarm signal
frequency is controlled by values and ratios of C1/R2.
Pulses switch Q3 on and off, applying a signal to the Almost any NPN silicon transistors can be used for
speaker. Q1 and 03 and almost any unijunction for 02.

8 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 MISCELLANEA
ELECTRONIC LOCK
+5V
•REPRESENTS REED SWITCHES THAT HAVE
TO BE TURNED ON I.E MAGNETISED

2.2kSZ

cc
TO GATE INPUT

%rl ,,,,T•A 4, ),y-1,[

il
REED
ic•
e e cr
MAGNE Ts 470S2

YYYY
OV OV
REED SWITCHES ARE SHOWN IN ONE ROW IN DIAGRAM OF KEY NEEDED TO OPEN THIS LOCK
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM BUT SHOULD BE WIRED AS
SHOWN ABOVE TO AVOID CROSS TRIGGERING fig. 3 fig. 4
BY CLOSE REED MAGNETS

R9

SWITCH ON REED SWITCH

RLI COATACTS

LS
GP SILICON SOLENOID
COMBINATION DIODE e.g. 111
ALL 2 21
4 1!
/ COIL
REQUIRED TO 1N914
1N4148 UNCONNECT
OPEN THIS LOCK RI
OFF
R2 1004 Li
ON —
R3 TR1 - BFY5 UNCONNECTED
OFF
R4 N J'
OFF
R5 G1
ON 11
4 !!
/
O 1pF
R6
OFF
R7 10,F
ON - l[
ON 1pF RESET
Si

COMBINATION REED
SWITCHES 0 1
2 21
4 !!
/ 2.2 1
41!
/
”F

OV

o
ALL 470!!
NOTE GI = 5617430 8 INPUT NAND GATE IC G2.G3.GO.G5 - SN7400 QUAD eNPUT NAND GATE IC,

This device enables a solenoid to be G3's input which along with G4 forms Reed switches that have to be
switched on by means of an electronic a multivibrator. When TR 1 ' soutput is •turned on are wired like this fig. 3.
key. If the correct key is used the low the multivibrator is dis - enabled. If the reed switch is not closed the
circuit will latch, but if an incorrect However if an. incorrect key is used 470S2 will pull gate input to low and
key is inserted a warning tone rings TR1's output will be high and the the lock will not open.
until the correct key is used. The cir- multivibrator will oscillate. G5 acts as Reed switches that have to be
çuit has automatic switching to turn abuffer to drive aloudspeaker. 'eft open are wired like this fig 4.
it on, but this can be replaced by a R9 with RL1 forms the automatic If the reed switch is closed it will put
conventional ON- OFF switch if switch on circuit. When R9 is closed gate input to low and the lock will not
desired. RL1 is energised pulling in it contacts open.
The main element of the circuit is to permanently connect the supply. If preferred the reed switches could
G1 the eight- input NAND gate. If If R9 is opened after this the circuit be replaced by simple ON/OFF
all inputs of the NAND gate are high continues ta operate. This means if an switches then the circuit would act as
(achieved by closing the right com- incorrect key is used and R9 is closed a combination lock, like a tumbler
bination of reed switches) the output the alarm tone will continue to ring lock.
will be low. The low output is fed to even if the key is removed. The construction of the circuit is
G2 forcing its output high which Nine reed switches are used in the in no way critical. Veroboard provides
turns on TR1 energising the solenoid circuit. One to switch on the circuit a relatively cheap mounting. The
coil. At the same time a low is fed, and the otner eight to provide the connections of Vcc and gnd to the two
back from TR1's collector to G2's correct input combination. The lock ICs should not be forgotton!
other input latching it. Thus once the opens only if all eight inputs to the
solenoid is energised the key may be NAND gate are high. To do this the
removed. Cl ( 0.1uF) ensures that TR1 circuit is wired so that some reed
is always ' off' op switch- on of the switches must be on and some must
circuit. be off. The eight reed switches give 28
TR1's colleçtor is also connected to =256 possible combinations.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 9

 ALARMS
MISCELLANEA
CAR BATTERY WATCHDOG
30:/

In winter, motorist are apt to emerge

from work to face the inconvenience
and perhaps expense of a totally flat
battery due to having left their head-
lights switched on when parking.
This circuit provides an audible
warning if the ignition is switched off PNP SILICON
GENERAL PURPOSE
with the lights left on, in the form of
a few seonds of output of varying
pitch. No switches are required and
IGNITION
standby current is very small.
The audio oscillator is normally
biased off, but when the ignition I • 12V1

switch is opened it is temporarily

LIGHTS
biased on the charging action of Non polanuNI 01
SILICON
R1, R2, Cl.
D1 in conjunction with R3,
prevents damage to Ti due to spikes
on the ignition line, etc. The fuses are
an optional precaution against short
circuits across ignition or lighting box. Basic requirements are that it this in the circuit shown, assisted by
supplies. should not be self-sustaining when the D2.
The oscillator circuit will no doubt ignition switching transient in the base For negative earth operation Ti
depend, as will the transducer, on the circuit has died away. The ratio R3/ would of course be NPN and DI and
contents of the experimenter's junk R4 was of course chosen to achieve 02 would be reversed.

SIMPLE CAR ALARM

At the instant the door switch is
operated the + Ve 741 input is at 2/3
the rail voltage. The — Ve 741 input is
fully negative. The — Ve input is thus
—Ve with respect to the positive input
and an output near the rail voltage
results turning on VT1 and operating
BF Y50 ALA.
OR SIMILAR
RLA1 sounds the horn and so must
have heavy duty contacts. RLA2
shunts the door switch and. also
removes the short from Cl. Cl now
charges Via R1 until the voltage at IC1
—Ve is approaching that of the + Ve
input. The output of IC1 now falls
until — Ve saturation occurs and VT1
is turned off releasing RLA. This takes
NOTE
RLA - 12V ABOUT 20OR 1,F TO
approximately Cl x R1 seconds. The
RLAI
741 • VE SATURATION INSUFFICIENT TO TURN OFF VT1
IS OMITTED SOME TYPES OF RELAY MA•Y NOT RELEASE
IF 201 HORN components shown gave a 30 second
BUT
ALL RELAY CONTACTS SHOWN RELEASED delay in the prototype.

SIMPLE ELECTRONIC LOCK

voltmeter across it, making the oper-

01 ating range of the circuit more appar-
ent.
PARTS LIST
01 BC108
L2 C1 /C2 250pF trimmers
C3 1000pF ceramic
KEY L1/12 80 turns 34swg on 3/8" dia-
LOCK
meter ferrite ( 11 is tapped at
40 turns)
Operation is very simple, when the key the lock. After each operation of the R1 27k
is brought near the lock, providing lock, it should be reset by ashort press RLA Reed relay resistance around
Li —Cl have the same resonant fre- on the reset button. 5k
SW1 Push-to- make switch
quency as L2—C2, the reed relay will Setting up is best done with a P.S. Foand that ETI's TIC-TAC radio could
open as the key absorbs energy from resistor in place of the relay with a be used as key!

10 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

AMPLIFIERS & PREAMPLIFIERS
AUDIO: BUFFER

HIGH INPUT IMPEDANCE AMPLIFIER

The LM301 may also be used to construct asimple high
input- impedance ac amplifier as shown in Fig. 3. In this
circuit even though the bias res stor is only 200 k, as
required for good dc stability, the bootstrapping by C3
OuTPU ,
provides an input impedance of 12 M at 100 Hz increasing
,o 100 megohm at 1kHz.
NP(

A HIGH IMPEDANCE BUFFER

AMPLIFIER

This circuit has a voltage gain of just

less than unity, but its power gain is
very large indeed. It makes an ideal
preamplifier for a high impedance
source signal. The input impedance is
about 800k with the FET specified,
but if a FET without a built in gate
protection diode is used, the • input
impedance will be largely controlled
by the gate resistor. The circuit has a
small signal output impedance of about
10 ohms and is capable of delivering
about 7mA p-p into a capacitively-
coupled 25 ohm load. The low-
frequency breakpoint is about 240Hz,
the upper breakpoint is in excess of simple. The circuit employs a FET of the FET is too low to be useful on
1MHz, front end to obtain the high input its own, and sc it is boosted by the
The principle of operation is impedance, but the transconductance output transistoi, the BC182L.

VERY LOW OUTPUT- IMPEDANCE

Output impedances as low as 0.05 ohm can be obtained by

using this configuration..
Transistor 01 is an ordinary emitter follower, assisted by
02. Main load current is supplied oy the collector of 02.
Transistor (11 senses the difference between input and
output voltage and regulates 02 accordingly. Cl prevents
oscillation.

OUTPUT

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 11

AMPLIFIERS 8( PREAMPLIFIERS
AUDIO: BUFFER
HIGH INPUT
IMPEDANCE AMPLIFIER RI
The circuit shown, using one op- amp and two resistors
has a high input impedance ( 500 nanoamps input current)
and again which may be programmed by RI and R2.
G = R1 + R2
R2
Thus for G = 1 RI = 0, R2 is not used
for G = 100 R1 = 100k R2 = 1k.
The frequency response decreases with increasing gain, eg,
for G = 1the amplifier is flat to 800 kHz, for G = 100 the
response drops to 6 kHz.

AUDIO: EQUALISED
LOW FREQUENCY EXTENDER

In circuits which have a variable freq-

uency input, e.g. optical tachometers, I1 1.5pF
vibration measuring equipment etc.,
the low frequency response can leave a
lot to be desired. The circuit shown
brought the lower 3dB point of amea-
suring instrument down to 0.5Hz 2
7
when placed in circuit between the
transducer and the instrument.
Being of small size, the circuit may 741 6
be fixed inside the case of the instru-
ment it is to serve.
The gain of the circuit may be 3 4
altered by means of the feedback cap-
acitor to give a level response compat- OUTPUT
ible with the instrument to which it is
INPUT 10k
connected, i.e. a higher value will
give alower gain and vice-versa.
The 741 IC will operate at voltages
between 1 -5 and ±-15V.

+3 - 15V
VIRTUAL EARTH PREAMP

This circuit caters properly for both 0/P

o
magnetic and ceramic pickup cart- Cl R1
ridges and features an auxillary input
with aflat response.
R2 3 - 15V R7
A 741 op amp is used in the invert-
100k 6k8
ing mode as a virtual earth amplifier. 2 0-11.--/VW.—
In order to maintain a reasonable C2 C3 C4
closed loop gain the feedback is
tapped from the junction of R7 and
IIR3 s
R4
R8. 3 0
Advantage is taken of the low
impedance summing point to direct- Si R5 3k3
C3= 1nF R8
ly connect the various inputs reducing C4 = 4n7 —0 o ^^^,/‘—•
the complexity of the switching R3 = 68k
R4 = 820k
arrangements. Of particular interest is R6 150k
Si Response 33e,
the equalisation for ceramic cart-
1 5mVin 500mVout ( R.I.A.A) I C6
ridges employed. It is based on the 2 220mV out for 100mV/100k
charge amplifier principle. R6 in para- 3 Nominal Unity gain
llel with C5 introduces a — 3dB cut 33n
at 40Hz and Cl performs the same C5
cut at 40Hz and C1performs the same C6 provides a further attenuation cut rumble filter with a —6dB point
function at the magnetic P.U. input. at this frequency providing, a steep at 40Hz.

12 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 +9V
IC TAPE- HEAD PRE-AMP
7
This circuit is suitable for a tape
speed of 3.75 inches/sec. and provides 0.047pF
LM308H o
a rising gain at low frequencies ( about 2 8
40 dB below 100 Hz) aminimum gain OUTPUT
10k
of about 15 dB around 2-3 kHz and a
6 dB boost ( to about 21 dB) above 10
kHz for reasonable compensation. A 0.33pF
low noise op- amp is used.
TAPE
HEAD

100pF

100k

SIMPLE STEREO TAPE PLAYER

INPUT

The circuit shown employs the

National Semiconductor LM382 low
noise dual preamplifier and the LM377
dual 2W power amplifier as acomplete
stereo tape player circuit providing
the normal NAB equalization char-
acteristic. The number of components
employed is much smaller than in
conventional circuits. The power
supply voltage should be in the range
INPUT
10V to 26V, but no special precaut-
ions are required to remove hum from
the supply line, since the LM382
provides 120dB hum rejection and
the LM377 80dB rejection.

AUDIO: POWER

AUDIO AMPLIFIER

A high input impedance of 1.1 megohm is made possible

in this amplifier by keeping the collector current of 01 low,
and by using a high level of ac and dc feedback. The input
sensitivity is adjusted by altering the value of R3.
The quiescent current of the output stage is 2.5 mA and is
stabilised by resistors R5 and R8. With a 17.5 volt supply
the amplifier will deliver 2.5 watts across 8 ohms with a
distortion of less than 1% at 1kHz.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 13

AMPLIFIERS & PREAMPLIFIERS
AUDIO: POWER
20W SLAVE AMP

This amplifier is very simple to build

and most of the parts will probably
be available from the constructor's
'junk' box. The circuit consists of a
Darlington pre-diver, Q1 and 02, a
VBE multiplier 03 and a quasi-
complementary output stage 04-7.
Overall shunt feedback is applied
from the collector of 07 to 01's base
via R3 which, in conjunction with
R2, also provides DC feedback and
input bias. The voltage gain, and hence
the sensitivity of the amplifier, is set at
33 and 370mV by the ratio of R3 to
R1.
Quiescent current through 05 and
07 should be set at 30mA by PR1.
The collector load of the Darling-
ton, R4 and R5, is bootstrapped by
C2 to provide a current drive for the
output stage.
Although simple the amplifier is
capable of good quality reproduction
and will operate quite happily into a
4,8 or 16R load.

AUDIO AMPLIFIER

In this circuit a 741 is used to drive a

complementary output stage from a
split supply of 9-0-9V.
The input signal is coupled to the
non- inverting input of IC1 via Cl. 9 12V

The amplified output signal from

the IC used to drive 01, which is
10pF
connected in the emitter follower
INPUT
mode.
02, in 01's emitter circuit, pro-
vides sufficient bias for 03 and 04 741 BFY50

to eliminate crossover distortion and ® Y

prevents thermal runaway in these

transistors. A0
CI 3 161

R4 sets Q1's current at 44mA.

The low value resistors, R5 and ®02 R5 +
R6 in the emitter circuit of 03 and PR 1 AC176
10k
04 should be wire-wound types with a
FS1 lA SLOW BLOW
minimum rating of 1W.
Overall feedback is provided by
R3 and R2, C2 is incorporated to
R6*
roll off the response at R.F. R2
lk
03 and 04 should be a matched
pair and require a heatsink of at least
12 sq.in. of 18swg aluminium sheet OV (34
A0162
.
11r OV

from which they should be insulated

R4 •R5-6.=0 4711/1W
with mica washers and nylon bushes 22012
in the usual manner.
-9- 12V
Before use the circuit must be
correctly set up. This is accomplished
by adjusting PR1 so that the voltage
at the junction of R5 and R6 is OV.
This must be done before connect-
ing the speaker.

14
ETI CIRCUITS No.1
ECONOMY AMPLIFIER
number of advantages.
The circuit shown uses only three
O transistors, does not require an output
+4 5V
transformer, and gives an output of
SPEAKER 7512 between 100 — 200 mW for a battery
supply of only 4.5V.
RV1 provides volume control and
couples into the amplifier through Cl.
The following three stages are directly
coupled.
01 base bias is established by
R5 resistors R2 and R5. R1 — 01 act as a
470k bias potential divider for 02 base and
similarly R3 — 02 bias base of 03.
R2 and R5 also form part of an
overall negative feedback loop
o improving frequency response and
C3
0.1µF reducing distortion.
R2
470k A compromise between gain and
quality results in achoice of values for
R6 and C3. C3 is a decoupling
When power output, harmonic amplifier, such as in the case of small capacitor and R6 is adjusted by trial
distortion, frequency response are not personal portable radios, operation of and error. ( Minimum value should be
the absolute parameters for an an amplifier in class 'A' does have a 22 k.)

AUDIO: SPECIAL

+ 3V to 12V
LOUDSPEAKER MICROPHONE
4.7K 1
/2W
A small loudspeaker may be used as a very effective
microphone for intercoms etc. if it is coupled via the
circuit shown above. F-0 OUTPUT
Output is sufficient to drive practically any transistor
1Op F25V
or valve audio amplifier.

BC 108 or similar

OV

VOLTAGE CONTROLLED
AMPLIFIER
2k2

When the voltage at the gate of a

n-channel MOSFET is varied from OV
— supply volts its resistance varies
from about 11(1. 2 to several tens of
megohms. This fact is utilised in the
OP
following VCA. The inverter is biased
2 2..F
into linear operation by the 10m12
resistor. When feedback is applied the
RF
gain is set by f.j . By allowing a CONTROL VOL TAGE

MOSFET to be RIN and RF fixed,

with the values shown as the control
voltage varies from VDD — Vss the
gain of the amplifier varies from cut-
off to just over unity.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 15

AMPLIFIERS & PREAMPLIFIERS
R.F. 1k VIDEO
WIDEBAND AMPLIFIERS fRIOUC »CV ( MN.)

• '00 1•00

IT IS not commonly known that some digital ICs can be ..... in g.rell.0
......
• 3411 00(Rt•
RIC 1013
used in the linear mode to obtain performance equal, or • «Romtm• R.C111110

superior, to some more conventional components. • , npuls In parallel

A typical example is the use of a MECL logic gate as a •

Only ono Inin1
wideband amplifier. Such an amplifier based on the A. Fee» 1

Motorola MC 1023 of the MECL 2family provides again of

5.2 over afrequency range from zero to 125 MHz (at the 3
dB points). A still wider bandwidth of zero to 350 MHz
may be obtained by using the MC 1660 from the MECL 3
family.
The method used to bias MECL gates for linear operation
is shown in the inset of Fig. 1. The NOR output is
connected back to the input. This can be done over one, or
over several, gates. The external 'self-biasing' network feeds
back only the dc component of the output signal.
Therefore the dc input current is furnished by the output
of the same gate. Assuming that the voltage drop across the
biasing resistors is small, the input and output voltages are
identical. This is only possible in the centre of the gates'
IRIOUIRCV MM.)
transition region. The main advantage of this very simple
biasing method is that the circuit automatically
compensates for all offset and bias voltage variations. In
addition, the method is very economical, especially when a
cascade arrangement of gates is needed.
The respohse depends on how many inputs are connected
in parallel, there is a disadvantage however in connecting
several inputs together to increase gains. The offset voltage
so.
between input and output increases with the number of Plum 3

inputs that are paralleled. It therefore depends on the

individual application, if aslightly higher offset voltage can Fig. 2 shows the phase shift curves for the two gates and
be tolerated then ahigher gain can be achieved. Fig. 3. is aplot of distortion against input voltage.

BROAD BAND AMPLIFIER

VIDEO POWER AMPLIFIER

Co 262218
OR
1k 263845
100RF

Q1

output
input

The amplifier shown has a frequency response of from

5Hz to 30MHz and is capable of giving a 10 volt output
into a 100 ohm load. The circuit provides 26 dB gain and
has excellent stability and linearity.

Input impedance is around 10 megohms in parallel with

1.0pf. Output impedance is reasonably high and depends
mainly on 02; output capacitance will be around 2to 3pf
with careful construction.
FET, Ci1, should be an n-channel type with low gate
source capacitance and àhigh cutoff frequency.
The Transistor, 02, should have ahigh gain-bandwidth
This circuit has atypical gain of 10dB and bandwidth of product and low collector-emitter capacitance. Careful
90 MHz. selection can extend the bandwidth beyond 100 MHz.

16 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

SIGNAL PROCESSORS
AUDIO
FUZZ BOX FOR ELECTRIC GUITARS
This circuit has been well tried by
many musicians and has proved very
successful.
C/1 and 02 form a voltage amp-
lifier which has sufficient gain to be
'overdriven' by a relatively low input,
such as an electric guitar. The result
is that the output from 02 is a
'Squared-Off' version of the input,
giving the required fuzz sound.
RV1 adjusts the amount of neg-
ative feedback inserted into the circuit
by C2, and thus the amount of squar-
ing of the signal. The purpose of R3
and R4 is to lower the output voltage
to a suitable level, which is then
adjusted as required with the volume
control VR2.

2k2 2k2 +9V

GUITAR FUZZ o

The 741 normally has a gain of

20,000, but the circuit is so OUTPUT
designed that the IC's gain is
2,700,000 which then distorts
the output. This distortion gives the
fuzz effect. The two diodes clip the
INPUT
output to drop the level, also lowered
by the potential divider. This circuit
also sustains the notes, due to clipp-
ing, giving atotally new sound.

FUZZ BOX

A quick look at a commercial one

will show that fuzz-boxes are grossly
overpriced for what they are. This
general principle is that the input is
split, and one part of it is distorted,
then the two signals are mixed,
variably, providing variable " fuzz".
But why not cut costs again by simply
varying the distortion of a one-
transistor stage.
None of the components are part-
icularly critical in value or quality, as
distortion is the sole object!!
4.7pF
The transistor could be BC107-8-9,
2N2926, etc. A PP3 battery completes
the "fuzz- box" which fits easily into
a small plastic box with two jack
sockets for the input and output and
an on-off switch. The unit could be 0/P VOL.
FUZZ 1040 LIN
made easier to operate by reducing 50k51 LOG.

the value of the "fuzz" control and

adding two series resistors.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 17

SIGNAL PROCESSORS
AUDIO

SIMPLE WAA-WAA CIRCUIT

R4
C7
10k OUTPUT
470AF
LOW IMPS DANCE e

RI
100k

values can be changed quite freely till

the specific desired effect is achieved.
fly? When adjusting the unit initially,
100k
RV1 is turned to its minimum value.
RV2 is now adjusted to and fro till a
point iç found at which an audible
whistle ppears indicating oscillation.
RV1 is then adjusted till the
oscillation just disappears. RV2 is
This circuit can be incorporated in certain frequencies are amplified more turned over its whole range and if at
guitar amplifiers or electronic organs. than others. any point oscillation occurs again,
A phase shift RC oscillator makes up The transistor used is not critical RV1 is again advanced till it ceases.
the basic circuit. C4, C5, C6 and R6, however it should have again of more It should be possible to set RV2 to
R7, RV2 make up the components of than 150. An NPN type such as the any value over its range of adjustment
the bridge that determine the BC108 or BC109 is suitable. without any oscillation being
operating frequency. Negative TN values of C4, C5, C6 are chosen apparent: this should also be achieved
feedback is obtained by feeding part so as to emphasise waa-waa effect on with the minimum possible value of
of the signal back to the base via C2. the higher audio frequencies. This RV1. The unit is now ready for
The waa-waa effect is achieved as gives the sound its brilliance. These operation.

DISCO AUTOFADE

epENERAL INPUT ( 200mV/

R4 Re
VR2 5.6k 10k IS.. Text)
ICI 10k
MIC INPUT ( 5m1/1 741 LOG

VR1 This is an autofade circuit for use in

Rl
10k
LOG
discotheques and the like. This auto-
0001!
OR 50kII OUTPUT fade unit has advantages over VCG
TO SUIT MIC R3 ICs which introduce distortion and
39k
noise ( the 741s may be substituted by
low noise op-amps) by using a FET to
o
switch the signal gain characteristic.
R7
2RF
The principle may be easily adapted
1011
IC3
R10
1M
into existing mixers.
ZENER
rm.
C1 74
91V DI The microphone is amplified by
254F
25V
VR4 IC1 and fed to the input mixer ( IC2
SENSITIVITY CONTROL
R11
the gain of which is set by R) and to
lk LIN
5.6k the comparator IC3. If the input is
large enough ( larger than the voltage
C3
VRs SOP on the wiper of VR4) the output
Rg DELAY CO 25V
swings positive and charges C3 ( in
10k 470k
about 4mS). When the voltage across
-15V C3 is sufficient the FET is turned
•15V
fully on and the fade depth control is
grounded hence attenuating the signal.
The FET turn off time is determined
by All, VRs and C3 and may hence
be varied between 25mS and 2.55.

18 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 SIMPLE DISCO AUTO FADE
the end. If this unit is used, however,
+9V
the operator need only speak into the
microphone, the deck being faded
out automatically.
The lamp and LDR need to be
taped together, preferably with black
tape, to exclude light. VR1 is used to
O set the brightness of the lamp. With
no signal on the input, VR1 is set for
0.1pF ACROSS
ACROSS
MUSIC no attenuation of the music signal.
MIC.
INPUT
INPUT When speaking at normal volume
through the mic. the music should
VR1 101d2
LIN fade down until it can be heard quietly
in the background. Some microphones
O o
OV may not produce enough signal to do
this. If this happens, asimple pre-amp
When a DJ has to make an announce• procedure is to fade out the deck, fade can be added to the input stage, as
ment over a record, the normal in the microphone, and vice versa at was done in the prototype.

OPTO-
ISOLATED

INFORMATION TRANSFER

*5
.5

opto- coupler. The LED will flash at

rvV
the operating frequency of the
oscillator which is in turn dependent
OUTPUT
OC LEVEL on the input signal level and the values
ADJUST
of R, and C.
The output signal from the
opto- coupler drives an amplifier which
provides an output of sufficient
amptitude ( 50 to 200 mV) to drive the
SOMETIMES it is necessary to transfer signals can be transmitted without receiving NE 567 phase- locked- loop.
an analogue signal from one system to interference, even if there is a large The receiver operates as an fm
another without making any electrical potential difference between the detector which demodulates the
connections. sending and receiving circuits. output ot the opto- coupler to provide
This can be done with two The circuit is shown above right. the original input signal. The inherent
phase- locked- loops in an fm system Transmitter is an NE 567 non- linearity of the transfer function
using light as the transmission phase- locked- loop IC operating as a in the two phase- locked- loops cancel
medium. Because of the high degree of voltage controlled oscillator which one another out to give an extremely
electrical isolation obtained, low level drives the LED section of an linear information transfer.

OPTICAL PULSE CONDITIONER

This circuit generates afast rise time pulse each time the
illumination of the BPX65 photo transistor by the LED is
broken by asmall object or rotating disc segment etc.
ISV
The operational amplifier. Siemens type TAA861,
amplifies the signal from the photo- transistor and generates
the fast rise time pulse the duration of which is determined
by the value of C2: 5 microseconds when C2'= 47 pF, 1
OUTmUT microsecond for C2 equal to 16 .1DF and t1.4 microsecond
when C2 equals 5pF. The amplitude of the output pulse is
200 millivolt.
The circuit is thus ideal for generating pulses for an
electronic counter. The maximum separation between the
LED and the photo-transistor is around 20 mm.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 19

SIGNAL PROCESSORS
OPTO-
ISOLATED
LOW COST TELEVISION SOUND
PICKOFF
.9 . 18V
The idea behind this circuit is the fact
that in many modern TV set the sound
IF and detector stages are up to Hi - Fi
standard but the output stage and
loudspeaker are not, so it makes sense
to extract the signal before the output
stage can distort it.
This circuit uses a cheap opto -
isolator to couple the sound from the
IN
output of the sound detector of a
television to aHi - Fi system. The signal
from the detector is buffered and
amplified by TR1 and fed to the LED
in the opto - isolator. This modulates
the light emitted and this is detcted output. 3V at the base of TR1).
hy the phototransistor .in the opto - The power for the input side is If the TV uses a transistor IF strip,
isolator. taken from the television, a supply the power can normally be taken from
There is no electrical connection of about 6mA at any voltage between it, otherwise a dropping resistor and
between the two halves of the circuit 9 and 18V will do, and to 36V if a zener can be used to take the power
and the isolator can withstand a BC107C is used for TR1. ( R1 should from the HT supply. The entire unit
voltage of 2.5kV between its input and be chosen to give a voltage of about can be built for around £ 2.

CRACKLE- FREE
POTENTIOMETER OPTO -
ISOLATOR
The resistance of a light dependent
resistor ( LDR) varies as the light
falling upon it varies — hence its name!
When wired into a divider network it
forms an excellent crackle- free
potentiometer.
It also provides excellent electrical
isolation of the manual control —
often a valuable feature where high
voltage circuits must be isolated from
low voltage circuits.

LIGHT- COUPLED VOLTAGE-TO- FREQUENCY CONVERTER

+vcc The output takes the form of a

signal, the frequency of which is
proportional to the applied voltage.
The functioning of the circuit is
more or less self-evident. An
operational amplifier drives a I.e.d. to
provide a light output proportional to
the applied input. The operational
amplifier's scaling resistors are chosen
to suit the application. At the
receiving end the impedance of the
photo- transistor alters the time
- VEE constant in a conventional UJT
relaxation oscillator circuit in
sympathy with the level of incoming
light beam to alter the output
frequency.

20 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

CONVERTORS

SINE/SQUARE WAVE CONVERTER Many audio generators only give a

sinusoidal output. However a
square- wave oJtput is often useful too.
This circuit will square any sinusoidal
OUTPUT input over the range of 20 Hz to 30
kHz with an output of about one volt,
input signal should be about 400 mV.
The wavefo-m obtained is of much
better purity than obtained by adiode
squaring circuit. The circuit is in fact
suitable for use where square waves
INPUT
with afast rise-time are required.
( V Transistors are germanium NPN
types such as AC 127.
The power supply is 1.5 V and
consumption is in the region of one to
2 mA.

PRECISION AC TO DC CONVERTER
R5 20k ( I%)

10+
C2 1O,
Amplifier Al with diodes DI and D2 forms a precision
R2 20k II%) R3 I0k II%) R7 22 2k II%) E. OUT half-wave rectifier and the amplifier A2 sums the half- wave
rectified signal and the input sip& to provide afull-wave
output. For negative input signals, the output of Al is zero
and no current flows through R3. Neglecting the effect of
C2,
R7
the output of A2 is — — E in.
R6
For positive input signals A2 5.1M5 the currents through
C3 30pF R3 and R6 Em n Emn
E out = R7 ( R3 R6

The circuit shown provides better than 1% conversion R7

If R3 is 1
/2 R6, the output isR6
— Ein
accuracy of ac signals up to 100 kHz. The output is
calibrated to read the rms value of the sine- wave input with Hence the output is always the absolute value of the
less than 1% ripple at 20 Hz. input.

VOLTAGE PROCESSOR

This circuit takes an input voltage x, and outputs avolt-

age y in accordance with the general linear equation
y=mc+c. The offset is variable between + 10V and — 10V,
by setting VR 1; and gain m can be set anywhere between
+1 and — 1 ( including zero) using VR2. There is no
interaction between these two controls.
The circuit is very useful for processing electronic
music synthesiser control voltages, and for coupling
tuner to IF strips that have AGC systems operating in
different senses. The input voltage should be derived
from alow impedance ( less than 11d1) source.
M. - I

Ira

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 21

SIGNAL PROCESSORS
RECTIFIERS
M • 921
UNIVERSAL METER RECTIFIER
'M1 os the ex.stono meter
DI
movement, of resonance HM
This circuit can be built for about £ 1 tRl•RM
but could save pounds in multimeter R2 2 4 HM

repair costs. 01-4 ..ny sm•Il hone' Mode

The meter movement is removed

from the meter circuit, it's place
being filled by the input ( terminals
A and B) of the circuit shown. Pin 2 of
the 741 remains at the same potential
as pin 3, so the input signal " sees" R1
as it's load. However, the current
which flows through R1 does not flow 14141111

into pin 2, but through D1— D4, the 9V

original meter movement M1 and RMS 10k

correction resistors R2, to pin 6. SE T ZERO

T
Hence the circuit is current controlled,
and so unaffected by the non- linearity
of the rectifier, Dl— D4.
R2 should only be in the circuit if
it is desired to measure RMS AC the DC ranges of the instrument, tolerance types for accuracy; the
values, all measurements are made on R1 and R2 should be close circuit is accurate up to 100kHz.

A DOUBLE PRECISION- RECTIFIER CIRCUIT

jr The insertion of a resistance of value R/2 in series with

the non- inverting input gives partial cancellation of drift
due to input offset-current changes. A suitable general-
purpose value for R is 10K; note that the input- impedance
is always R due to virtual-earth action.
A waveform appears at terminal C (at low impedance)
that is the inverted input waveform with the addition of
two diode- voltage-drops, in such a way that the central
This circuit separates the positive and negative halves of an part of the waveform is " stretched". If the input is an
input waveform, and presents them ( both phase- inverted) audio source resulting distortion provides an interesting
at separate output terminals. When the input swings posit- electronic music effect.
ive, terminal A swings negative by an equal amount, The circuit is particularily useful because positive and
terminal B remaining at zero voltage due to the reverse- negative of awaveform can be operated on separately, and
biasing of DB and the virtual-earth action of the op-amp. then combined in a simple virtual-earth mixer. For ex-
For negative inputs, terminal B swings positive by an equal ample, using two single-polarity log converters on the two
amount, terminal A remaining at zero due to the reverse- outputs would provide bipolar logarithmic conversion upon
biasing of DA. recombination.

FAST HALF-WAVE RECTIFIER

A precision half wave rectifier using an operational
amplifier may be constructed as shown. This will have a
rectification accuracy of 1% from dc to 100 kHz.
The input signal is applied through R1 to the summing
node of an inverting operational amplifier. When the signal
is negative, D1 is forward biased and develops an output
signal across R2. As with any inverting amplifier the gain is
R2/R1. When the signal goes positive, D1 ; snon-conducting
and there is no output. The path through D2 reduces the
negative output swing to —0.7V, and prevents the amplifier
from saturating.

22 Eli CIRCUITS No.1

MISCELLANEA
SIMPLE CHOPPER
'VVV‘

R1

741 ay

/WV
dam«11. domme.

/VW o ,
®01

o o

used as . a chcpper for the input of a

The circuit shown is a simple ampli- comes ( 1+RR43 )/(ri
Ll3 - RR 2
1) ' DC amplifier.
fier, the gain of which can be switched One obvious application of the The value of R5 is largely arbitrary,
between two precisely controlled circuit is if the resistors are adjusted depending or the magnitude of thè
values by the application of a signal such that the two gains are equal in chopper signal, V. Its sole purpos
voltage: V. If . V is such that 01 is magnitude, but opposite in sign, is to prevent excess current being
saturated, then the voltage gain of the (e.g. R1 - 20k, R2 - 10k, R3 - 50k, drawn by the base of 01. Suitable
circuit is simply If the transistor R4 = 10k gives voltage gains of + 2 components for the op amp and trans-
is cut off, then the voltage gain be- and — 2) Then the circuit could be istor are the 741 and BC182L.

NOISE REJECTING SCR TRIGGER SINGLE TRANSISTOR PHASE SHIFTER

Dl 1N914

INPUT

C1
1pF

+ o
11
IN OUT

2 bk 1pF
RI

C.
When switching induct've loads, unreliable triggering is
sometimes encountered due to feedback of switching
transients.
The circuit shown overcomes this problem by using an The circuit shown provides a simple means of obtaining
integrator together with a voltage comparator to eliminate phase shifts between zero and 1700. The transistor operates
transients. Data pulses should be of 8 volt amplitude and merely as aphase splitter, the odtput at point A being 180°
0.5 millisecond duration. Discrimination against noise out of phase with the input. Point B is in phase with the
pulses will depend on their energy content. For example a input phase. Adjusting R1 provides the sum of various
70 volt 10 microsecond wide pulse will not cause triggering, proportions of these and hence a continuously variable
but a 100 microsecond pulse must not exceed 20 volts phase shift is provided.
amplitude. The circuit shown operates well in the range 600Hz to
4kHz.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 23

SIGNAL GENERATORS
SQUAREWAVE
SIMPLE SQUARE—WAVE GENERATOR VARIABLE DUTY
SQUAREWAVE GENERATOR

A.C. Input Square wave output

A zener diode clips one half-cycle of the input sine- wave

in this simple square-wave generator. The zener voltage must
be a small fraction of the input voltage for acceptable
results.

A.C. Input Square wave output

A variable duty cycle squarewave can be obtained from
this unijpnction circuit. The light loading imposed on the
emitter timing circuit preserves frequency stability.
Faster rise and fall times can be attained by including
bypass capacitor C. The value of this capacitor should be
chosen to suit the pulse shape required.
If a larger output is required, opposed zener diodes may be
used to clip both halves of the input sine-wave.

FAST- EDGE SQUARE-WAVE +9V

GENERATOR

The circuit shown above generates a

clean square-wave with very fast rise
and fall edges; such asignal is essential
for some applications such as the test-
ing of amplifier transient responses,
and the reliable driving of TTL.
The multivibrator circuit shown is
unusual in that it produces a wave-
form with fast risetime as well as fast
fall time. The standard astable multi-
vibrator has aslow risetime as capaci-
tor C is charged . relatively slowly
through the collector load of 122; in
the modified circuit C is charged very
quickly through 03. Diode D ensures
that 03 is only turned on when 02 is
off. The final stage ( 04) increases rise output is used for driving TTL the put at about 1kHz when open and
and fall speed still further; at the out- collector load must be returned to a about 10kHz when closed; these two
put the rise time is 100 nanosec. and voltage no greater than + 5V. frequencies being standard for check-
the fall time 300 nanosec. When the The two-pole switch gives an out- ing the stability of audio amplifiers.

24 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

FET SQUARE WAVE GENERATOR Field effect transistors lend
themselves readily for use in astable
.9V multivibrator circuits.
360mA
The output square wave yields an
amplitude close to the power supply
voltage, and battery drain is low.
01 In this circuit the battery supply is 9
V. Drain is a minimal 360 µA. The
waveform shows very good symmetry
and this is achieved by matching the
FETs by means of the circuit ( b);
transistors are matched up for equal
drain currents.
Frequency of operation is set by R3
and Cl. The values in the circuit give a
frequency in the region of 15 kHz.

FET SOUARE WAVE GENERATOR

IMPROVED MULTI VIBRATOR

+24V
Conventional astable multivibrators
suffer from the disadvantage that they
do not produce a good square- wave
output; the leading edge of the wave- 10k
form has a very slow rise since the
collector resistor R1 is tied to aslowly
charging capacitor C when the transis-
tor T turns off.
This circuit prevents this effect and
thus generates a clean square-wave
with 400nS rise- times and 100nS full-
times. This is because diode D turns
off when the output begins to rise in
voltage, and afast rise is then possible.
C is charged by a separate resistor
OV
R2, and apart from this multivibrator
action is normal. The components
shown give an operating frequency of
about 700Hz.

VARIABLE DUTY CYCLE OSCILLATOR

.5 to • 15V
across this capacitor rises to two-thirds of the power supply
voltage, the state of the 555 is switched so that the capaci-
tor C discharges through D1, R2 and the other parts of
Iki LOAD VR1 into pin 7 of the 555 device. The diodes therefore
VR1
enable the charging and discharging paths to be separated;
1001dt the effective value of the charging and discharging resistors
OUTPUT can therefore be set independently of one another.
When the slider of VR1 is near to R2, the discharging
time is very short and the output spends only a small frac-
tion of its time in the low voltage state. In this case short
negative pulses will be obtained at the output. Similarly,
short positive pulses are obtained when the slider of VR1 is
near to Rl.
One great advantage of this type of circuit is that the
frequency is almost independent of the setting of VR1 over
most of its travel. If VR1 is in the centre of its track, the
The circuit shown enables 'a rectangular wave output to be duty cycle will be approximately 1:1. The frequency is
obtained with a duty cycle which can be varied over awide almost independent of the output current up to the
range by the setting of the potentiometer VR1. recommended maximum of 200mA.
The well known 555 integrated circuit is used as amono- The value of C is chosen according to the frequency
stable device. The capacitor C charges from the positive required. The latter can be as great as 100kHz or iery low
line through R1, part of VR1 and D2. When the voltage indeed - one cycle in afew minutes.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 25

SIGNAL GENERATORS
SINE WAVE
STABLE RC OSCILLATOR
The frequency of oscillation of this circuit is determined
by a twin T network and is stable to within 0.05% for ±
10% supply variation.
A temperature stability of 0.2% from — 20 0 C to 80 0C will
be obtained if polycarbonate capacitors are used
throughout.
With the values show the circuit oscillates ai 60 Hz. It Will
operate at very low frequencies for which the values
required are given by the formula:—

F =
0.159
R3C1
where F = frequency in hertz and R3 is in ohms Cl in
farads Cl = C2 = 1
/ C4 and R3 = R4 = 2R5.
2

CHEAPO OSCILLATOR

The two inverters give a gain of 100;

the MOSFET reducing this to a
necessary level to just sustain oscillat-
ion.
Supply voltage can be between 5V
and 15V. ( 10V is recommended). Do
not try to obtain more than 1mA from
the circuit. At 5V supply a buffer is
required.
The supply should be ripple free, as
any ripple will be passed to the
output.

A SIMPLE TTL CRYSTAL 62

OSCILLATOR 56OR

This is possibly the simplest and Rl 1/6 2 63 3 1/6

7404 7404
cheapest crystal oscillator it is possible 1-11Me—e—'
220R 220R
OU*UT

to make, comprising one third of a

7404, four resistors and a crystal.

II
It was originally designed for abattery
operated timer.
The two inverters are biased into CRYSTAL
Ito tool
their linear regions by R1 to R4, and
the crystal provides the feedback. at fundamental frequency, whereas operate at the fundamental and not
Oscillation can only occur at the many crystals ( particularly higher the marked value.
crystals fundamental frequency. frequency ones) are stamped with the Trimming capacitors for fine adjust-
Note that the oscillation occurs overtone frequencies. These will ment can be added if required.

26 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 9.V.
UNCRITICAL CRYSTALS

33k

Surplus crystals are very useful in avariety of applications.

But it is sometimes difficult to obtain reliable oscillation in
many standard circuits.
This circuit overcomes this problem. It will provide
reliable oscillation and provides an output close to one volt VR1
peak- to- peak. Power consumption is around lmA frpm a
nine volt supply. 10k

PULSE ià SAWTOOTH

PULSE GENERATOR

This simple pulse generator produces 100 nanosecond

negative pulses of 8 volts amplitude.
At switch on, Q1 and 02 are off, and Cl charges though
R2, RV1 and R4. When the potential across Cl becomes
0.7 volts above point P, the transistors saturate, discharging
Cl through R4. A negative pulse is thus generated across
R4.
When the capacitor is fully discharged the transistors turn
off and the cycle repeats. Pulse spacing may be adiusted
between 1S and 15 milliseconds by RV1 and the pulse
duration may bE altered by using adifferent value for Cl.

ZERO—CROSSING PULSE GENERATOR The circuit was originally used to provide anarrow zero-
crossing pulse for switching triacs in amains souhd to
S4. ITV'
light converter. A narrow zero-crossing pulse is required
to reduce RFI ( caused by switching large current) by
switching when there is no ‘ oltage across the load. As
a bonus the life of the bulb is substantially improved.
The circuit operation is as follows: TR1 and TR2
form aNOR gate, the output of which is high only when
both inputs to transistor bases are low ( i.e. at the zero-
crossing points of the mains cycle). TR3 as an output
buffer. R1-4 and D1-2 are included to provide voltage
and current protection for : he bases of TR1 and TR2.
Note for large values of t-ansformer voltage ' V' the
pulse width tends to zero.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 27

SIGNAL GENERATORS
PULSE & SAWTOOTH

0.001pf
SIMPLE PULSE GENERATOR high impedance
sinewave output
input
This circuit is useful in adjusting noise blankers for
producing time marker pulses for aCRO or chart recorder.
The high impedance output is adjustable by the 2 0.1pf pulse
Megohm potentiometer. Peak inverse rating of the diode
should be high enough for input voltage used.

NEEDLE PULSE GENERATOR

0.10V ( Vcc,
Inis circuit generates very short
positive pulses at long time intervals —
2k2
useful for strobing sample-and-hold RI

circuits etc. MPS

A06
In the discharge part of the cycle,
10k
capacitor C discharges slowly through 555
R.
R2, as reset pin falls below 1/3 Vcc,
11111 3 6

the bistable ( internal) switches, and

the short between pin 7 and earth is
removed. The transistor is then turned
hard on by current flowing through
T ,4 7,, F
1OV TANTALUM

R1, and C charges very rapidly — when o OV

the voltage across it exceeds 2/3 Vcc

the 555 switches again, and the is very short, about 1204, while the 2M2, a 120µS pulse is produced about
discharge cycle begins again. discharge time depends entirely on the every 10 seconds; a mark/space ratio
The " charge" portion of the cycle value of R2. For example, with R2= of 100,000 to one!

STABLE HIGH- LINEARITY SAW-TOOTH GENERATOR In this circuit two transistors 01 and
02 are connected so that they operate
as aunijunction transistor.
Capacitor Cl is charged by a
constant current source made up of
transistors 03, 04. and 05. This
ensures alinear voltage rise. As soon as
this voltage rises to the value as found
at a point A of the circuit ( less the
base emitter voltage of 02), the
transistors 01 and 02 become
conducting and Cl is discharged very
rapid ly.
The voltage rise across Cl is very
linear and is applied to an emitter
follower stage. This ensures that there
is no shunting effect by the load
circuit which could be detrimental to
the linearity of the output waveform.
The potential divider chain
(R1- R2- R3) contains two transistors
strapped as diodes and ensures good
stability of the oscillator for variations
in both supply voltage and
temperature.
Frequency of operation can be
calculated from the formula:
f = 1/R4. Cl
where C and R are expressed in ohms
and farads and fin Hz.

28 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

NOISE

ZENER DIODE NOISE GENERATOR

Zener diodes generate quite intense It is energked by a dc source. The
COAX
OUTPUT internal noise. This noise level is in the resistance R is adjusted so that
e\AA region of 30 dB above the inherent between 6 and 8 mA flows through
thermal noise and extends out to 150 the circuit.
CI MHz or so. Capacitor C2 should preferably be
lOnF
The circuit shown here may be used ceramic. The signal output should be
for adjustment of VHF converters and fed via acoaxial cable. •
other receiving equipment.

NOISE GENERATOR
In this circuit the Zener diode, as well as providing a
source of noise, stabilizes the amplifier transistor collector
operating point. The gain of the transistor is about 75 and
the noise output of the circuit is about 15 volts. Capacitor
C2 may be added to filter out high frequency noise — in
which case the output drops. For example with C2-- -
0.1µF,
the output falls to 0.5 volt.

PINK NOISE GENERATOR

o
A useful method of frequency response 1.;"kr2 +£1V
testing of audio equipment is to excite
the system with a random noise elect-
rical signal and then analyse the out- 220nF

put into its various frequency

--AA/VN,
1M12 1MSZ 1A1S2
components using narrow band filters.
The ideal noise signal is one having
unit power per unit bandwidth ( this 741 741 741

is termed " white" noise). The system

will be effectively driven by all fre-
10pF 104F
quencies at once. The frequency 18V 18V
t
--, 100pF
spectrum of the output will then be lev
the required frequency response of the
system. 11kS 11kS2 likOl 11kS1 11k01 11kS2
However, the most common form
of frequency analyzer uses filters with o
R- 4 . 5V1 GROUND
a constant percentage bandwidth
(often one-third-octave). Thus an •"."'• 220n F

analysis of true white noise would • o

give a frequency spectrum rising at
OV

3dB per octave, because the power in a

noise signal is directly proportional
to the measuring bandwidth.
Pink noise was developed to give a
flat frequency spectrum into such
filters. The output of a pink noise must be laid out as closely as possible to preven: d.c. fluctuations from sat-
generator falls at 3dB per octave. to the schematic diagram, and care- urating the output. Also there is a
Normally they are made by installing fully sc -eened, because the input roll- off at the high frequency end
a — 3dB per octave filter after a white stage is very sensitive to extraneous caused by the internal compensation
noise source. By a fortunate coincid- signals and could pick up hum or in the operational amplifiers. There
ence, the electrical noise from a 741 oscillate due to capacitive coupling is, nevertheless, useable output up to
operational amplifier, when connected with the output. The prototype is 25kHz.
as shown, does have a pink noise run from a PP9 battery, mounted My applogises are due to the man-
frequency spectrum. inside the case, to further reduce any ufacturers concerned for using their
The circuit is simply three high possibility of hum pick-up. devices in this unorthodox fashion.
gain operational amplifier stages cas- The output does have a slight It may be useful to point out that the
caded. The first stage generates inter- roll- off from a pink noise character- cheaper 3rands of 741 ' op- amp are
nal electrical noise which is amplified istic, starting at about 100Hz. This likely to have higher noise levels and
to approximately one volt r.m.s, by is caused by the a.c. coupling between thus be more useful for this particular
the two following stages. The circuit stages in the circuit which is necessary purpose.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 29

SIGNAL GENERATORS
SPECIAL
+ye ( 10-15V) Buzzer + ve
SIMPLE OSCILLATOR

1k
80 ohm
EARPIECE
The negative resistance region of a
reverse- biased silicon transistor can be
used in a relaxation oscillator circuit.
Its advantage is that a surplus transis-
16p F
tor is used instead of a UJT ( which is 16L
/F
NPN SILICON
more expensive) and it does provide a
minimum of components. The fre- OV
OV
quency is governed by the time
constant RC, the power supply voltage
and the size of the negative-resistance I
C

region. The latter also governs the

signal amplitude, so various transistors
NEGATIVE RESISTANCE
(from asurplus batch) should be tried REGION
for best results. The output is a
sawtooth waveform with a mean dc
TRANSISTOR
level around 8V. Replacing the REVERSE- BIAS
resistor with an 80 ohm earpiece GRAPH
makes an effective buzzer. Vec

TRIANGLE GENERATOR WITH

INDEPENDENT SLOPE SETTING

This free- running oscillator circuit

generates a triangle waveform, the
rising and falling slopes of which may
be set by completely independent
controls. Simultaneously the 555
output ( pin 3) provides a rectangular
waveform at low impedance that is
synchronised with the triangle wave-
form.
Assuming the 555 output is low,
the output of constant-current source
Q1 is shorted to earth via diode D3,
va?
and diode D5 is reverse biased. During
SE T
this time current source 02 linearly FAWN SLOPE

discharges the timing capacitor C

through D6, D4 being reverse biased.
Eventually the voltage on C falls to
1/3V cc ( set by the internal potential
divider that biases the two comparat- capacitor, and Q1 is allowd to linearly repeats.
ors in the 555) and the 555 output charge it up; when the capacitor The biasing networks R1D1 and
goes high. Now the output of 02 is voltage reaches 2/3V cc the 555 out- R2D2 compensate for the changes
shorted away from the timing put goes low again, and the cycle in Vcc .

30 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 1,7:k
'12V o

EXPONENTIAL WAVEFORM
GENERATOR
01
8C212
OV 0
This circuit produces a waveform that
decays exponentially from a set
voltage to near- zero, and then rapidly 1k2

resets to re-start the cycle.

93 OUTPUT
470E

KNK.N
IC2
Initially Cl is charged to +12V, and DI
15914
01, 02 are both off. The timing
capacitor there discharges slowly IC

through R1, the exponentially decay-

ing voltage appearing at low CI BC184
2 2u
R5 19 94
impedance at the output of unity-gain 334 12k
P2 RI 51,6

buffer IC2. R2 prevents the leakage

current from 01 affecting the dis-
12e o
charge as D1 is reverse- biased. When 10914

the voltage on Cl reaches a value just II C2 0 224;

above zero that is set by R3, R4, the ICI An open,011PC101 0/P eornpamler, eq LM339 ICO 741 ou ' lender

open-collector 0/P of IC1 goes low,

turning on 01 and rapidly recharging seconds by the positive feedback loop ing off 01, and allowing the slow
Cl. IC1 of course reverts to its original through R5, C2 and 02, to ensure Cl discharge of Cl to begin again.
state almost at once, but the recharge charges fully. After this time C2 is also With the component values shown,
mode is prolonged for several milli- fully charged, and 02 turns off, turn- each cycle lasts about ten seconds.

WIDE RANGE MULTIVIBRATOR CONSTANT RIAS CURRENT

12.4mA - 4 IenA.1

In the circuit shown the multi-vibrator section is driven by

a constant current generator. This causes the square wave
across C to be flat and the triangular wave across resistor R TRIANGULAR
WAVE OUT
to be linear. When the constant current is varied, the
repetition rate of the multi is varied by 70% with the
current control, and from 5Hz with C equal to 100 SOUARE
TRIM.
microfarad, to over 2.5mHz with C equal to 330pF. RESISTOR WAVE OUT
CURRENT
Voltage to frequency conversion may be performed by CONTROL

injecting an analogue voltage into the base of the first

current regulator transistor.

VARIABLE FREQUENCY MULTIPLE O

WAVEFORM GENERATOR
14.
Signetics 566 IC chip lends itself RANGE: 1.1 per. 30 sec. to 1per. sec.
2. 2Hz to 10Hz
ideally as a test generator by utilising
3. 10Hz to 50Hz
its internal voltage controlled 4. 100Hz to 1000Hz 9-12 V •
oscillator ( VCO). 5. 250Hz to 9kHz

The circuit will deliver separate ere.

outputs giving triangular and square 13k

waves and both positive and negative

8 1pF 1.5 VPP
going spikes.
The square wave amplitude is 5 V 100 pr SIGNETICS
4
II
mA
566 on.n 5VPP
pk-pk, all other waveforms are 1.5 V .

14,"
pk-pk.
Frequency is determined by the -
1N914
1.5 VPP

value of the capacitor connected to 0.1 M F11-1 1k

pin 7.
It is preferable to use tantalum 1.5VPP
capacitors rather than electrolytics. 0.01pF 1N914
or—
The outputs are designed to operate
into high impedance loads. A 100k 1

transistor buffer stage is needed to

match to low input impedance devices.

31
ETI CIRCUITS No.1
SIGNAL GENERATORS
SPECIAL

LINEAR SWEEP GENERATOR

This circuit provides alinear time- base with asweep time

adjustable from afew milliseconds to over one minute.
Sweep The constant-current effect of emitter follower 01 causes
output Cl to be charged at aconstant rate.
The increasing voltage across Cl will be essentially

cl
linear ( displacement error is less than 1%). The sweep is
terminated when the increasing capacitor voltage reaches
the peak valley point of unijunction 02, when capacitor Cl

-1
will discharge through the current limiting resistor Rl.
- 250 mylar
or tantalum
Ov

STEP FREQUENCY
OSCILLATOR

This circuit will produce a charges up again it will draw current

continuous sequence of increasing through R5 and R3- R4. This will
frequencies ( in steps) until the highest shorten the 02 time constant, and in
is reached. The system then resets progressive cycles, as Cl charges up
itself and starts again. slowly, the 02 time constant will keep
01 Two unijunction relaxation shortening till 131 fires, at which stage
oscillators are cross-coupled together. Cl will discharge and the whole cycle
On switching on capacitors Cl and C2 begins again.
start to charge up through R3 and R5. Various sound effects can be
The time constant C2- R5 is shorter; obtained by varying R3, R4, Cl and
02 fires first and discharges C2. As C2 C2.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

This circuit consists of an assymetric

TRANSISTORISED BEEPER multivibrator activated by a
pushbutton. The loudspeaker is a
transistor radio type with a voice coil
impedance of about 25 to 40 ohms.
Earpieces up to 500 ohms can be used
for lower power output. R1 varies
frequency over the audio range.
Transistor 01 can be any LF small
signal type ( NPN), either germanium
or silicon. ( AC127, BC107, BC108
etc). 02 is a small signal germanium
type of up to lA collector current.
(AC128, AC132, AC188 etc). The
battery size should be determined by
the drain current of 02.

32 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

7400 SIREN
The circuit uses the NAND gates as 1 14

Hex invertors. Two of these are used Vcc• D 045V

for the oscillator, and two as the

control. If the two tone speed needs 3 1N914

to be altered, the 220µF capacitors 4k7

can be changed ( larger for slower
220mF OUTPUT
operation). 4k7
When the control oscillator output 220//P
G
2,P 145
is at logic " 0" it effectively shorts out
the 1k5 resistor, giving a low note.
When the control oscillator output
=1 14F
goes to logic " 1" the diode blocks the
output. So the " 1" condition gives 4k7
N 351: UP ( 1501
high note, ( as if the control oscillator TOP
7 1/15W
was disconnected).
If the frequency of the oscillator 447

is to be changed, the capacitors can be

varied and the value of R1 can be in-
OV O'
creased. To change frequency range
between the two notes alter the 1k5 oscillator frequency altogether). DTL- 7400s but they give a higher pitched
resistor. ( Note, this changes the 946s could be used instead of the note.

SIMPLE SIREN voltage across Cl, determined by the

time constant Cl and R2, to the
audio frequency across C2, determined
by the time constant of C2 and R4.
The effect is that the audio frequency
generated by Q2 rises in pitch as the
slow rising voltage across Cl is applied,
via R3 to the time constant C2/R4.
This type of sound carries much
11143
MS43
SC1OS
further than acontinuous note from a
OR SIM OR SIM single oscillator Extra amplification
can be achieved, by adding two tran-
141014 Z r
L LOIJOSPEAKIII
sistors in asuper-alpha arrangement as
.1 shown dotted. R5 should be replaced
by a100 ohm Y4W resistor.
Connected to apressure mat (horn
across C2), this unit would make an
The circuit consists of two unijunction frequency and Q2 for audio freq- excellent baby snatch alarm for
relaxation oscillators, 01 for low uency. R3 couples the slow rising prams.

ELECTRONIC SHIP SIREN

This circuit will give a sound like a

ship's siren. It can be used with the
low power output source for model
ships if fed into a more powerful
amplifier/speaker, as an alarm tone.
The circuit consists of a
+6 to 12V
multivibrator ( 01 & 02), and a low
power output stage 03. The speaker
should have an impedance in the
SPEAKER
region of 40 to 80 ohms. 40 .101!

Cl and C2 determine the pitch of the

siren and the values specified will
provide a tone of about 300 Hz.
Quiescent current is negligible.
Should a more powerful output be
desired then the output at the
collector of 02 can be fed into an
amplifier input via a 1µF electrolytic,
in series with a 12 k resistor.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 33

SIGNAL GENERATORS
SPECIAL EFFECTS
TWO TONE OSCILLATOR This simple circuit uses only 1SN7404
IC and can either generate an altering
two tone signal or apulsed single tone,
C5 10m
either of the two tones can be varied
and the circuit will drive aloudspeaker
or acrystal earpiece.
22mF C2 lm In the circuit gates ' A' and ' B'
generate an AF signal, the frequency
of which depends on the resistance of
the two inputs to earth ( Pins 1and 3).
RI 1k5
Gates ' F' and ' E' switch at a lower
R2 2k5
frequency ( typically .. 5Hz) and their
o/p is fed to gate ' D'. Whenever pin 8
is at logic ' 0', D1 is forward biased and
D1
12 13
the effective resistance to earth from
pin 1 is R2 plus the resistance of D1
and the invertor ' D'. Whenever pin 8
R3 2k5 1004 i C4 64m goes to logic ' 1', D1 is reverse biased
and the effective resistance to earth
from pin 1changes to that of R2 + R3
R5 1k5
therefore the AF output frequency
SVV1 changes, when the circuit is switching
a high and low tone alternately, R2
R4 2k2
sets the frequency of the high tone
7 OV and R3 that of the low tone, when the
o circuit isgiving a single frequency
ALL GATES SN7404 SW1 OPEN = ONE TONE SW1 CLOSEO TWO TONE
DI = ANY GENERAL PURPOSE DIODE eq. 1N4001 (i.e. SW1 open) then the o/p fre-
quency is set by R2.

TOY SIREN This circuit can be built small enough

to be fitted inside atoy.
With a little manual skill on the part
of the operator it can be made to On pushing the button SW1 the
sound like the 'sirens on such vehicles capacitor Cl charges up and the
as fire- trucks, ambulances etc. potential at the junction of R2 and C2
The transducer used is an earpiece rises thus causing an upswing in the
which will give ascaled down sound in frequency of oscillation; if one now
the proximity of the toy, without releases the pushbutton the charge on
being annoyingly loud. C2 will drop slowly with a
The circuit consists of a relaxation proportional reduction in the
oscillator utilising one unijunction frequency of oscillation.
transistor. ( 2N2646, MU10, TIS43) Manual operation of the button at
R2 and C2 determine the frequency of intervals of approximately 2 sec will
the tone. give asiren sound.

SIREN CIRCUITS FOR CHILDRENS, follower TR 1 at pin 5 cf IC2. The 555 can be used, provided a resistor is put
TOYS timer has the facility for its timing in series with it to keep the total
period to be controlled externally impedance above 45 ohms ( for a 9V
This circuit was originally designed by means of acontrol voltage applied supply).
to produce the sound of a police to pin 5. IC2 is set for a nominal As originally designed the circuit
siren for my son's pedal car. It uses frequency of oscillators of about gives an American- type police siren.
two 555 timers connected as oscill- 1kHz, but this is pulled above and It can easily be changed to give other
ators ( see Fig. a). The first oscillator below the set frequency by the expo- types of siren: If R3, C3, TR1, R4 are
IC1 is set for a period of 6 secs, 3 on nential waveform on pin 5. The output omitted, and IC1 pin 3 is linked to IC2
and 3 off. Diode D1 is included to wave form starts at a low frequency, pin 5 by R7 as shown in Fig. lb, the
give equal mark- space ratio. This rises over 3 secs to a high frequency, "De-Dah" sound used by the British
oscillator determines the rise and fall falls over 3 secs to a low frequency police is given.
time of the siren. and so on. If the values of R1, R2 are changed
The square wave output on pin 3 The loudspeaker used was a75 ohm and D2 is added as shown in Fig. lc
is turned into an exponential rise and ex mobile radio handset speaker. we get the Star Trek " Red Alert". The
fall by R3 and C3. This is reproduced This gave more than adequate volume values of R1 and R2 give a highly un-
at a low impedance by the emitter off a 9V battery. Any loudspeaker symetrical output from IC1. C3 now

34 Eli CIRCUITS No.1

 o
Pd

R1

D1

• 1
TR1 R6
A---• 2 7 2 7
IC1 6 IC2
—• 3 —• 3
4 5 4 5

R3 C4

* C5

«WM,
R4
C3 LS
TC 1 TC2

•
^
/VV\
Fig.1 a KOJAK SIREN
j
.
Component Values
R1 220k R4 1k0 IC1,1C2 555 ( or one 556) DI Any G.P. Silicon diode
R2 220k R5 4k7 TFt1 Any G.P. NPN Silicon leg BC107) R7 5k6 R2c 220k
R3 220k R6 4k7 C1 0.014 F C2 250p F C3 250p F Ric 1k
C4 0.1p F C5 250mF 25V D2 Any G.P. Silicon diode

continued from previous page

gets a rapid charge via D2 during the

short positive output from IC1, but
•1 8 OUTPUT
discharges through R3 during the long
1{11111flf
•2 .2 7.
.3 IC2 6.
low output time. The wave form at
3 ICI 6

.4 5.--
IC2 pin 5 thus approximates to a saw
4 5
tooth, and the resulting output starts
at a low frequency rises up to a high
Fig.lb Modification to give Z -CARS SIREN frequency oter a period of 3secs then
falls abruptly to the low frequency
again, and so on.
The circuits were originally built
Fig.lc STAR-TREK SIREN with 555 timers because Ihad a box
full of them. A more elegant circuit
can be made, however, by using the
556 dual timer. IC1 and IC2 can thus
be obtained in one chip. The circuit
works equal ,y well with the 556, but
the device has a slightly lower current
rating than the 555. The loudspeaker
impedance should be kept above 60
ohms by a series resistor as described
above.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 35

 SIGNAL GENERATORS
SPECIAL EFFECTS
SOUND EFFECT GENERATOR

FIG 2

I/P 10m

1K

f
- 1 /"-\.
FIG. 3
2 M< OUTPUT

OV

FIG 1 AFTER MODULATION

The waveshape generator shown in running oscillator with variable attack an add-on circuit which should be used
this circuit will interest those readers and decay. A variable amplitude ( high if a low impedance output is required.
experimenting with sound effects. impedance) output is available via the Some of the output waveforms that
Basically the circuit is a slow 2 meg potentiometer. Figure 2 shows can be produced are shown in Fig 3.

SOUND EFFECTS GENERATOR

I
Cl and C2 begin to charge via resistors
R2 and R3, respectively. Owing to the
smaller time constant of the R3/C2
combination, UJT 02 discharges be-
R1
fore 01, the pulse being fed to the
R8
47012 1MSZ LS speaker via C3 and the Darlington-pair
9V I
80S2
amplifier consisting of 03 and 04.
Meanwhile Cl is much more slowly
01 03
charging so that the next time that
2N2646 2N2926 C2 begins to charge there is small
C3 voltage already on its upper plate and
0.47pP
a shorter time elapses before 02 fires
once again. Thus 02 fires faster and
RS
12012
CI
1to
100pF
• C2
0.001 to
0.01pF
T R7
120S1
00
2N37
faster until the voltage on Cl is
sufficient to fire Ql. The cycle then
repeats. The sound heard consists of a
tone of rising pitch which abruptly
stops as 01 fires and then repeats.
For starters, make Cl 10µF and C2
Interesting sound effects are produced means of the resistor R6. The circuit 0.1µF. Note that R2 and R3 may be
by the circuit shown in the figure. allows considerable scope for experi- varied and these could be pots. R8
The sounds generated by the speaker menting with the values of the timing may require some adjustment to suit
LS arise from the coupling of two capacitors Cl and C2. the gain of the Darlington Pair amp-
unijunction transistor oscillators by As soon as switch Si is closed, both lifier, 03 and 04.

36 ETI CIFICUITS No.1

FILTERS
AUDIO : ACTIVE
ACTIVE BAND PASS FILTER

This active filter has a gain of urity ( 0 dB) and is useful

over the range 0.01 Hz to 3 kHz. The centre frequency of
the passband is set by potentiometer RV1 and the
INPUT bandwidth is determined by the values of R1, Cl and C2.
OUTPUT The values shown in the circuit Drovide a bandwidth of
about 15 Hz. With RV1 set to -nid-position the centre
SOY frequency is approximately 220 Hz

ACTIVE RC filters using operational amplifiers are

ACTIVE FILTERS
increasingly being used to supplant LC filters because of the
small size and ever- decreasing cpst of integrated circuit
, ' Os operational amplifiers. Here are two useful general purpose
circuits which may be readily incorporated into other
circuitry where needed.
Figure 1shows one of the simplest forms of filter, the low
pass. The circuit has the same characteristic as two isolated
OUTPUT
RC filter sections with the additional advantage of a
,PuT
buffered low impedance output.
The attenuation is 12 dB per octave at twice the cut off
frequency with an ultimate of 40 dB per decade.
•Velues ere for I00M2 cutoff
Use norfefoeed oof yoarbonolt s
There are two basic designs for this filter, the Butterworth
Fig .l
fo, good leenpee•ture It•b1MY
(maximum flatness), and Linear Phase ( minimum settling
time for pulse input). The equations for thé Butterworth
design are:—
Cr
940y ,

R1 + R2

Cl \F 2
-— Ri R2 wC

•s.
OUTPUT and C2
,h1PuT
(R1 + R2) coC

For the Linear Phase design simply substitute \iifor

• Velues•re lo. I01‘142 cutoff in the above equations.
Use slIveted ns,ce Capet.tois
Fig.2 good teropernIur• slabol,te To make a high pass filter we merely substitute resistors
for capacitors and capacitors for resistors, as shown in Fig.
2, and apply the same formulae.

REJECTION FILTER

.5 To . 18v
This narrowband filter using the 741 operational amplifier
can provide up to 60 dB of rejection. Setting resistors equal
to 100 k and capacitors equal to 320 pF the circuit will
ICI
ST 52 741
reject 50Hz.
Frequencies within the range 1 Hz to 10 kHz may be
rejected by selecting components in accordance with the
-5 TO - uy formu la'—
F = 1
INPUT
OUTPUT 2nRC

C3
C2 To obtain rejections better than 50 dB resistors should be
matched to 0.1% and capaciton to 1%.
o

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 37

 FILTERS
AUDIO : ACTIVE
ACTIVE BANDPASS FILTER

A simple bandpass filter may be constructed using an

op- amp and a few discrete components. The circuit shown
Cl
0.01pF has a constant gain and bandwidth, and the centre
frequency may be adjusted from 1.6 kHz to 2.4 kHz by
changing Rc from 1100 ohms to 400 ohms. Gain is 26dB at
C?
O centre frequency and bandwidth is 775 Hz at 10dB down.

E out
E Br

64 15V
CARTRIDGE ED An RUMBLE FILTER
02 143
In this circuit a 741 op amp is used 33k 390k

to provide standard RIAA equal-

isation for a magnetic pickup cart-
ridge. The input signal is coupled via
Cl into the non- inverting input of
the IC. R1 damps the inherently high
impedance at this point and provides
the correct load for the cartridge. Cl

Feedback from the output, pin 6, is

taken through the equalisation net-
work R2, C3, R3 and C4 to the
inverting input. 40H, 20H,
The ratio of R2 to R4 sets the Cl 82n 150n

midband gain at 65, 35dB. Cl and C2 C1 6 8,.iF 15,,F

together form a steep cut rumble

filter whose cut off point can be set
at 20 or 40Hz by selecting the appro-
priate component values in the table.
C2 also reduces the dc gain of the magnetic cartridge may be only about
circuit to unity so that the output 5mV normally a musical peak may
offset voltage will be ± 5mV with well force the cartridge output to This circuit, operating from a-
±15V
reference to OV. 100mV. Clearly unless a large signal supply, has an overload factor of
One of the major disadvantages of swing is possible the sound emmanat- +35dB refered to a nominal input of
discrete equalisers is overload distort- ing from the speaker is not going to be 5mV, equivalent. to a maximum input
ion. Although the output of a Hi -
Fi. of 325mV!

HUM STOPPER Hum can be removed trom an audio VR1 is adjusted with VR2 low
signal to great effect by mixing an (not off) until the hum is at a mini-
antiphase hum of equal level. mum, SW1 may have to be changed
In the circuit below all the trans- over, then the level VR2, is altered
istors can be cheap or surplus npn until the hum is removed.
r
(low or high gain) types.
INPUT 47k
›- OUTPUT

4 o
w cc

4-
=M +9-15VDC
cc
5 IVE FROM MAINS
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF SYSTEM

'É;

EARTH

38
Eli CIRCUITS No.1
 that the overall frequency response, distortion with an input voltage ot
TAPE HISS REDUCTION CIRCUIT from record through playback, is flat up to 1.5V r.m.3.
over the range 20Hz-20kHz. Thus the If monitoring during record is not
The circuit in Fig. 1. is used to either output signal after playback is required, the same circuit may be used
boost or cut frequencies. When making identical with the input signal before for record ar d playback, with X
a recording, point X is wired to point recording, but the hiss is cut by 10dB. switched between P and R as
R so that treble signals are boosted by RV1 sets the gain of the circuit to necessary. If mpnitoring during record
10dB, and then during playback, point be unity at ! ow frequencies (< 500Hz); is required, two circuits are needed,
X is wired to point P ≤ o that the signal RV2 is adjusted so that the collector one with X wi-ed to R and the other
from the tape, including the hiss, voltage of 03 is half the positive with X wired tc P.
has the treble cut by an equivalent rail voltage. When this is set, the For stereo, two circuits are
amount. The circuit values are such circuit will function without apparent requi red.

o
9V
8rnA

47k

3901,
680k RV1 390
°
INPUT 68,,F 50K
01 PRESE T
5V
8C109
33k 15001F
•
e\S
02 68, F OUTPUT
20 8C109

0 047pF
03
11k BC 109

108k 0 022p F

OR
47k

5 6k 5k
PRESET

47pF 3 3k

680E2

0 1,F

OV
o

SIMPLE CROSSOVER 7 he construction of an inexpensive crossover for improv-

ing the performance of acheap loudspeaker reed not be

complicated. The crossover enables a tweeter to be
In used; in the prototype an 8.S2 miniature speaker from a
pocket- type transistor radio was used, these make good
tweeters.
The crossover can be built using the 3S2 secondary of
a sound output transformer from ascrap T.V. set, the
primary is left unconnected. The capacitor is a 2µF
63V polyester ( non-electrolytic type).

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 39

DIGITAL
DIGITAL THERMOMETER trequency of the multivibrator goes up
and vice versa. Trimmer pot VR1 is
used to adjust linearity.
The two transistor multivibrator
sk automatically resets the 7490 decade
Vol
counters and triggers the monostable
8C209 „ , 7490
1I 9 14 I
74121. When the 74121 operates, it
closes the CMOS ' NAND' gate and
allows the output of the temperature
dependent multivibrator to pass to the
rt
. 5
7447 4417

RtA0Ourk 9441:901.111 counters. The length of time that the

lOpp
74121 is on, is determined by the
BC 209
[0
1 11 2 • 1k5 value of C2 and the setting of trimmer
6.. 4 74121 1.510

79 14
1 • 150 VR3.
1 • 20
Ic 220 CALIBRATION
ONO PRESETS
2 c5k Fill aglass with ice cubes and top it up
V413 1 • 501.
500 CAPACITORS with cold water. Fill another glass with
1 022
'VE
5V
1 • 10uF water that is as close to 900F as
1 • 20PE
115 51k 75k 1k5 1 • 300uF possible. ( Use an accurate thermo-
TRANSISTORS
100 2 • HC209 PNP
2 • 251711505
meter). Place the thermistor in the ice
AL- NANO GATE 557400
water, adjust VR3 until display reads
32. Place the thermistor in the 900F
251711
water, adjust VR2 until display reads
900F. Repeat adjustment until
accurate. Adjust VR1 for linearity.
DESCRIPTION of the thermistor, which is determined The digital thermometer is accurate
The frequency of the CMOS Multi- by the ambient temperature. Thus, if to within 10 F between 32 0 F and
vibrator depends on the resistance the temperature increases, the 900F.

HEADS OR TAILS CIRCUIT

The two gates ( A) and ( B) of the

SN7400 IC are connected as a astable
multivibrator, whilst ( C) and ( D) are
connected as abistable.
Output from the multivibrator is
taken via a ' spin' switch (SW- 1) to
pin 9. If the input to this pin 9 is high, COMMON ANODE
SEVEN SEGMENT
and since pin 10 is already connected READOUT

to a logic- 1 through the iks2 resistor,

IC = SN7400

the output at pin 8 will be at logic-0.

This causes segment " C" of the
readout to light forming the letter " h"
for heads. Since the output of pin 8
is at logic-0 and connected to pin 12,
the output of pin 11 will be at logic- 1
which will light segment " d" to cause
it to indicate the letter " E" for tails.

BINARY CALCULATOR
This simple circuit allows infinite
addition in binary ( base 2). The circuit
can be split into many identical stages,
each consisting of a flip flop and lamp
FF I
driver. An input of ' state 1' initiates
12 p.
the first flip flop. Hence the 1's lamp
is on. A second pulse alters the first
F.F to switch off the lamp andsend a TO A00 41'
pulse to the second flip flop which OIRECTLV
OV
illuminates the ( 2's) lamp. The third
ALL TRANSISTORS BC 108 ALL IC's 557472
pulse causes F.F1 to light its lamp
without altering the second. This the stages. count is 511. To enter large numbers
means that the l's and 2's lamps are There is no limit to the total count a press button shorts the input of the
on ( 1+2+=3) a total count of three. of the circuit, Each additional stage intermediate stage to OV via a. 1k
This on/off process continues for all doubles the count. i.e: 9 stages, total resistor.

40 Er CIRCUITS No.1
SIMPLE DIGITAL VOLTMETER

This meter, is a closed-loop

system that uses a clocked binary
counter feeding a digital-to-analogue
converter to produce astaircase ramp.
The output of the converter is
compared to the unknown input
signal, and the clock pulses are
terminated when the input signal level
and the staircase function level are
equal. The number of clock pulses
occurring during the comparison
process are therefore proportional to
the voltage of the unknown input
signal.
Clock pulses are generated by two
cross-coupled TTL NAND gates at a
frequency of 330 kHz so that 256
pulses can be counted in less than a
millisecond. Such a high-speed clock
has two main advantages: counting can
be done without causing display
flicker and the need to have latches to
store the previous total count while
the system is sampling is obviated. The
clock pulses are applied to two sets of
counters — a binary counter chain in
the feedback loop that controls the
input buffer amplifier which, in seconds, and BCD-to-seven-segment
converter, and abinary-coded-decimal
addition to giving the meter a high decoders convert the outputs of the
counter chain that provides an easy
input impedance, supplies an output BCD counters to the proper format for
interface with the seven-segment the seven-segment light-emitting-diode
current of up to 2 mA for comparison
digital readouts. displays.
with the output of the converter.
The D/A ( MC1408) converter
generates an output sink current that A second amplifier acts as ahigh-gain For the components used here, the
is proportional to the value of the comparator to stop the clock when the meter can measure up to 2.55 V ( to
applied digital word. The maximum current ramp from the converter within ± millivolts) in 10 mV steps.
full-scale value of this current, which is exceeds the current from the input Different full-scale values can be
typically 2 mA, is set by a reference buffer amplifier. A unijunction- obtained by using suitable input
voltage and a reference resistor. The transistor oscillator is used to reset both voltage dividen or by providing the
convertor's output current is sets of counters so that the unknown appropriate fixed-gain, rather than the
compared with the current from an voltage is resampled about every 0.5 unity-gain, inpLt buffer shown.

DECIMAL OUTPUT CORRESPONDING

SEVEN SEGMENT TO DECIMAL CONVERTER TO BINARY INPUT
SEVEN
SEGMENT
BINARY ON- LOGIC 1'
CODE OFF- LOGIC ' 0'
O - 9Th

ACTUAL
BCD TO NUMBER
DECIMAL DISPLAYED
DECODER 5

6
OTHER CONV
BLANK BINARY 15
7 MINUS BINARY 13
BINARY 19
a BINARY 11

(which are rare anyway). The BCD to

decimal decoder should be the ' fully
decoded' type with blanking for BCD
inputs over 9 since ablank is encoded.
Note that the output from the gates is transposed. It will convert 6's and 9's as binary 15, hence a74141 instead of
not straight' BCD so the outputs from with or without the top and .bottom 7441. Some other conversions which
the BCD to decimal decoder are bars respectively but not ' hooked' 7's result from this circuit are shown.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 41

DIGITAL
DIGITAL DIE

SN7400
14 6 7 10 IC2

COUNTER
5147490

470.S! 4701". 11
12
12

10

9 ICI

PIN 7 TO GROUND
PIN 14 TO POSITIVE SUPPLY

16 IC3
DRIVER
SN7447

D1
d e f

R1OR11$ R12 R131 R14

D2 R8— R14
R8 —100SZ
D3 %VI
NO o NC
TO STOP OSCILLATION 51
14

D1 ,D3=1N914 R7 DISPLAY •
27k MAN - 1
3

_L
4.5V- 5V 1.1

0 010F Cl

OV 4

This device is based on amultivibrator astop switch which causes the LED to of IC3 is connected to the negative
(ICI) which has a frequency of about indicate the random digit. supply. A 4.5v or 5v supply may be
lkHz. Oscillation continues as long as A diode AND gate, made up of DI used; capacitor CI reduces the noise
the input to pin 12 is high; as soon as D2, D3 and R7 is used to reset the on VCC line when TTL outputs switch
the input is taken low or connected to cdunter ( IC2) to zero so that only logic states.
earth it stops the cycle. This is used as 0-6 are counted. To stop the 0, pin 5

RANDOM BINARY NUMBER GENERATOR

OV
The circuit shown is arandom indicat-
4 GENERAL
PURPOSE LEC
or providing an output from one of 16
cg TIL209 states.
4k7
It consists of a BCD counter driven
by a multivibrator. As the multi-
vibrator's frequency is relatively high,
one can say that the output from the
counter, IC2, is random.
IC2 has a fan- out capability of 10
normal TTL loads and so can operate
the LED displays directly. The four
100 ohm resistors are used to limit
the current through the LEDs and so
prevent them and IC2 from being
damaged.
The unit is operated by depressing
Si, which will cause the LEDs to flash,
and when Si is subsequently released
the last number held in the counter
will be displayed in BCD ( Binary
Coded Decimal) form.

42 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 voo

CMOS ELECTRONIC DIE

CONTACT

This circuit gives a readout of a D4 V

random number on a 7-segment LED 4•4

01 03
1N41114 06704
display. As shown, it will generate 10 4 TA 1
A

number from 1 to 6 as does an 62 14 2

ordinary cubic die. However the 4029 75* 4 12

can be made to reset on another BCD

13

001029 C04056 TN
Ini
number ( one greater than the higest 7
number required) by changing teh
arrangement of the diode AND gate. 9 4 3 12 13
6 TI

by changing the logic level on the L111. IC2

preset pin ( 01:4, 02:12, 03:13 and

13

04:3), the counter will reset to the

pre-programmed number. If these ,TOUCH

features are not to be used ( i.e. count

is 0-9) pin 1 on IC2 should be taken
INVEN TIPS
14[040691 1 1
V,, PIN
to Vss. Vu, PIN 14

Alphabetical symbols ( L,H,P and

A) will be produced on the display if
pin 9 of IC2 is taken to VDD causing
the counter to produce the binary removed the number is stored in the anode device.
numbers from 10-15 as well. latch and the counter restarted. The touch switch may be replaced
A finger on the touch plate causes If a common anode display by a single pole push to make if
pins 5 and 1on ICs 2 and 3 to go high, (DL707) is used instead of the DL704, required, otherwise it is a small
stopping the counter and enabling taking pin 6 of IC3 to VDD will invert véroboard cutoff with alternate strips
the latch in IC3. When the finger is all its outputs, suitable for a common wired together.

SELECTOR MULTIPLEXER HINTS

This is a method of implementing

arbitrary logic functions with an ab-
solute minimum of wiring up and
maximum reliability.
The circuits are based on logic data
selector/multiplexers, either TTL or
CMOS (TTL shown). The first diagram
shows the arrangement for producing a
function of four variables. The four
input variables are decoded by a
74150 16- line to 1- line data selector
and used to govern which of sixteen
data inputs is used to control the out-
put state of the selector. The output is A BCD
the complement of the selected input. INPUTS

This in effect forms a low cost, hard-

A B C
wired PROM ( Programmable Read- NPUTS
Only-Memory) which is programmed
by wired links or switches as shown,
(or by inputs from other logic gates). example Implement a function to pro- mounting Jual-in-line switch which
To programme the inputs, for a duce an output only if the binary takes up little room. A typical app-
number ABCD is exactly divisible by lication of this might be for adjusting
given set of variables, the input, num-
three.) If it is preferr'ed, each input clock rate timers. A similar arrange-
ber corresponding to the binary
may be tied to a high level via its own ment is shown for a function of three
number formed by variables ABCD . ,
(1-2-4-8) is connected high for a low resistor which may then be left variables using the SN74151 IC. In
in circuit even if required to short the this case the output is available in both
output or low for a high output.
In practice only connections to low input down to earth. true ( Y) and complement ( W) forms.
An ideal form of switch for (In the example shown the majority
need be made if it is more convenient,
programming infrequently changed function is produced. Output is high if
although it is good practice to tie the
high inputs to Vcc ( or VOD) via a 1k functions which must nevertheless be two or more inputs are high, otherwise
resistor. ( The links as shown in the easily changed is the modern PCB low.)

43
ETI CIRCUITS No.1
 DIGITAL
A MEMORY THAT LEARNS

Doto ,,,
put

??????????
Cloc k
8202
10 - bit bugler
Resol

woLoAo,
-La
Do Yo

8220; 8220 822 82 8220 8220 8220 8220 8220 8220

D,

W, I, A,

ASSOC ale
Open collector

8162 8162 Write

One- snot r
0 7 7 0
T O
01-
COenOore input '48875 8881

,-
One- %Oat
Section
'1,881s
select input
AleellOry vcc
O Pull output

O 00 0000
Eno Address
8275
Quad latch 0(6 Ps

:8241

v
cc
_

There is currently a great deal of the memory automatically decides at the buffer, one of the 8220's Y
interest in Content Addressable what address new acceptable data is to outputs will go ' high' and the write
Memories ( CAMs) and they are finding be stored and ensures that new command will be inhibited. If no
use in more and more applications. information is not written into accurate match is found, the data in
However, it is probably true to say locations which are already occupied. the buffer is written into the address
that the novel characteristics of the
Each 8220 is a CAM capable of specified by the ' tag' CAM.
CAM have not yet been fully realised.
The CAM is simply a memory with storing four words of two- bits and the Exclusive- OR gates connected to the Y
memory as a whole can store eight outputs of the tag CAM specify the
the ability to make a comparison
between data already stored and data 10- bit words. Although the storage next available address and ensure that
capacity of the memory is 80- bits ( 8 x memory locations are filled
which is presented to the input. When
10), eleven CAMs are employed which successively. The address at the
several CAMs are connected in an
together have acapacity of 88- bits ( 11 outputs of the exclusive- OR gates is
array it is possible to apply feedback
x 2 x 4). The eleventh CAM has been latched into the quadlatch before the
in such away as to make aword which
called the tag CAM because it keeps 'write' command is available to the
has just been read from the memory
track of the locations within the CAM array. Thus the Y lines of
the next address. Circuits such as these
memory which are occupied, and unavailable memory locations are
can be made to generate or recognise
allocates a new address for acceptable forced to logic ' 0'.
sequences of digital words.
In the recognition mode, for information.
instance, a CAM array with associated The memory is sub- divided into the
external logic could recognise a two sections of equal capacity and
dangerous sequence of events in a either of the two sections can be
process control system . and could be selected using the " section select
made to take the appropriate action or input". Input data is presented to the
altert staff to the impending danger. 10- bit buffer and the " compare input"
Here is a memory constructed from is activated. This clocks the data into
Signetics 8220 CAMs, which has the the buffer and initiates a comparison
ability to reject or accept new data process in which each word already
depending on what is already in the stored within the memory is compared
memory. Once the memory has with the data in the buffer. If a
learned a data word, it will not accept location within the memory is found
another identical word. In addition, to carry data identical to that within

44
ETI CIRCUITS No.1
CMOS CLOCK

A new, and unique, addition has equipment from 50 or 60 Hz line

been made to Motorola's rapidly supplies.
expanding family of CMOS logic Available in a plastic package ( suffix
circuits. It is the MC14566 time base M or a ceramic package ( suffix L), the
generator which consists of two pulse 02A
MC14566 has Zener diode protection
shapers, adivide- by- ten ripple counter, 02 A fitted to all inputs and is available for
adivide- by- 5 ( or 6) ripple counter and 01 A operation over the extended industrial
a monostable multivibrator on asingle temperature range (- 40 to 85 0 C) or
00 A
chip. A single MC14566 can be the full military temperature range
Reset
connected to divide by 50 or 60 (÷ 5 (-55 to 125 0 C). As with all members
and 10 or 6 and ÷ 10) to produce CA
of the Motorola CMOS family the
MC14566
one output pulse per second when fed power supply voltage can be from 3to
with a 50 or 60 Hz input. In addition, V00 = + 3V -0 + 16V Quad two-lonput 18 V, the noise immunity is typically
NAND gate
a binary coded decimal output Vss = OV 45% of VDD and an input capacity of
indicating tenths- of- seconds is Connect pin 11 to VsS to diyIde
by oit And to VD D to d.y.de by tire
5 pF is standard for all inputs.
available. All unused reset pint must be Quiescent power dissipation at 5 V
connected to VSS
A second MC14566 can be supply voltage is 25 nW, rising to
connected in cascade with the first about 1.5 mW at a clock frequency of
(arranged to divide- by- ten and then by 1 MHz when working into a 15 pF
six) to provide one output pulse per load.- Normally, when used as a timer,
minute and a BCD output of up to 59 construct electronic digital clocks — as power consumption would be less than
seconds. A third cascaded MC14566 shown in the circuit diagram — their this since the clock frequency would
will then provide a minute's BCD main application will be to provide be either 50 or 60 Hz. Maximum
output and one pulse per hour. timing signals in industrial process operating frequency is typically 4.2
Although the devices can be used to control, data- logging and computing MHz at Vop = 15 V.

Filter avoids false

counting on r-
line transients.
+5
00
<10610 A
QI
SOMA 0-1/1"e= c
02

>1,sciopy MC14566
Uhl L _/

1pulse/be<
00 ••• 00-
01 A

02 02

Seconds
MC14566

-s
1pule•/mIn 00 —
al — A

02 — e

mC14566 L

I p,,I./Sr

+10
00 00
QI 01 A
o„,
02 02 —
03

MC14566 _ _ _

1 ) )."`- '
A MC14011
a

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 45

 POWER SUPPLIES
CURRENT

SIMPLE CONSTANT CURRENT

A series transistor is used as a
CIRCUIT variable resistor for this constant
2N301
current supply.
The output current is held within
10% over arange of loads from ashort
circuit to 500 ohms. The required
current is set by the potentiometer.
The transistors specified wi.il handle
voltages up to 32 V.

TEMPERATURE-STABLE This current source is very tempera-

CURRENT SOURCE ture- stable; the output current varies
by less then 1% over the temperature
range — 55 0 C to + 100 0 C. This is
possible because the transistor is
biased by an LED, whose forward
voltage arop has a temperature co-
9101.1 efficient of — 2mVPDC, the same as the
base- emitter voltage of a silicon
transistor. Hence near- perfect temper-
ature compensation is possible, agreat
BCY 71
improvement over conventional
methods of biasing with zener diodes.
The circuit values shown give an
10k 1rn A
output current of about 1mA, though
wide variation is possible by altering
the value of emittér resistance. They
are good for supply voltages in the
range 25V to 5V.

CONSTANT CURRENT SOURCE

r-vvv•
Bd 78

This unique two terminal circuit can be used to define a

constant current in the same manner as aZener diode may
1-0
be used to define aconstant voltage.
The values tif R1 and R2 shown are for acurrent of lmA.
Maximum applied voltage with transistors shown should be L LL
limited to 50 volts. Minimum should be at least 8volts. BC108

VOLTAGE CONTROLLED > V

CURRENT SOURCE 2V2

The voltage follower ICI, buffered by

TR1 provides acurrent at the collector
proportional to the input voltage due R3
to RI. This current is applied to R2
which means that the voltage across it R2 R4
R2 10k
will be Vin —
R1. 741
1N4002
IC2 forces the voltage across R3
to equal that across R2. The zener pre- IC 2 BC 184
TR 2
vents IC2's inputs from operating at 741
the supply rail.
BC 109
IC
In this circuit the input voltage is TR 2

generated relative to the OV rail. For

1
maximum output voltage capability IN4002
lout
the voltage across R2 and R3 at the
maximum proposed output current
should be kept small. However offsets RI
in the IC's have more effect on the
linearity as the max resistance of VR2
becomes smaller — these should be R2VIII
lout ,3
nulled out. RI

46 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

DUAL
+30V

PRECISION VOLTAGE
DIVIDER
TRI
BC441
This circuit has the advantage over the R 10k
simple ' two resistor' voltage divider in
that the voltage ratio V:V' does not ICI
depend on the current taken from it. OV
The ratio of resistances R:R' sets the 741 o
voltage ratio. The OP AMP detects
any change in this ratio via Rf and
provides correction. The actual volt- TR2
BC461
ages used will be limited by the upper
L
and lower operating voltages of the OP RI 10k
AMP. The circuit shown was designed RF 10k

to provide 15V for operational ampli- eV\

fiers from asingle supply. —15V

OV
o

DUAL POLARITY SUPPLY POWERS OP- AMPS

Ever been bothered by the lack of a

duQl supply for your op-amp circuits? RI R2
This simple circuit gives positive and 10S2 watt 47012 5 watt

negative supply from a single

transformer winding and one full-wave
bridge.
Two Zener diodes in series provide
the voltage division and their
centerpoint is earthed. ( N.B. the
smoothing electrolytic must not be
earthed via its case). ZD 1 and 102 = 15V ZENER DIODES — EIZX70 C15

SIMPLE BALANCED REGULATOR +15V

+18V to + 30V
+Vin 100mA
When experimenting with operational
amplifiers and other circuits, one often
I 10µF
requires balanced positive and negative
power supplies of about ± 15V. One 4195
can, of course, employ two separate —18V to — 30V
stabiliser circuits employing an inte- Vin GROUND —Vo
grated circuit voltage regulator. —15V
A simpler solution is shown in 10µF I 100mA
which the new Raytheon 4195 ± 15V
dual-tracking voltage regulator is em-
ployed. Only two capacitors are
required in addition to the regulator
device, so it is convenient to employ erature of the chip exceeds + 175 0 C, input voltage varies between the limits
one of these regulators on each printed so there is no danger of thermal shown, the typical output voltage is
circuit board. damage. The short circuit is typically 2mV. The temperature coefficient of
The circuit can supply up to 100mA 220mA. the output voltage is about 0.005% per
from each output and is fully protected As the load current varies from 1to 0 C. The ripple rejection is about
against short circuits. In addition, the 100mA, the outbut voltages stay con- 75dB and the output noise voltage
device switches itself off if the temp- stant to 5mV in a typical case. If the 60µV r.m.s.

47
ETI CIRCUITS No.1
POWER SUPPLIES
LOW VOLTAGE

REGULATED VOLTAGE DIVIDER by fitting a capacitor ( Cl) as shown.

IC's requiring 3.6 or 6 volts can be The capacitance is effectively
run from a battery or fixed- regulated multiplied by the gain of the
supply of ahigher voltage by using the transistor. A ripple of 200 mV ( peak BATTERY
OUTPUT

circuit shown. to peak) at the input can be reduced OR

R2
REGULATED
The transistor should be mounted on to 2 mV in this fashion. INPUT
220f!
2W
a heatsink as considerable power will Maximum output current depends on
be dissipated by its collector. the supply rating and transistor type
Additional filtering can be obtained (with heatsink) used.

LOW REGULATED DC VOLTAGES

For some purposes it is necessary to use regulated dc

voltages lower than can be obtained from commercially
available zener diodes.
This can be achieved by using two zener diodes of
different voltages and utilising the potential difference
between them.
In the example shown, 6.8 volt and 8.2 volt zeners provide
the required 1.4 volt difference.
One such application is the supply voltage for gallium
arsenide emitters which, typically, require 1.4 volts ± 0.05
volt.
In general, temperature compensation is excellent as both
zeners tend to drift in the same direction — either positively
or negatively, depending upon voltage. It is inadvisable to
use zeners which bracket 5.6 volts, as below this voltage
zeners have a negative temperature coefficient and above
5.6 volts they have a positive temperature coefficient.

LOW VOLTAGE STABILIZERS HAVE SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION

01 01,
AD161 +V OUT AD162

02 02
8C108 BC258
V IN
VIN
-
+13.5 V
ZO1
VOLTAGE RI
FUSE 400 mW FUSE
500 mA 6V 6V2 500 mA
680f!
7.5V 7V5 390e
9V 9V1 220f!

These short-circuit protected The power transistors in each case can not rise above the 500 mV necessary
stabilisers give 6, 7.5 and 9 V from an be mounted on the heatsink without a to turn 02 on and the circuit behaves
automobile battery supply of' 13.5 V mica insulating spacer thus allowing as if there was only 01 present.
nominal, however, they will function for greater cooling efficiency. If excessive current is drawn, 02
just as well if connected to asmoothed Both circuits are protected against tùrns on and cuts off 01 protecting
dc output from atransformer/rectifier overload or short-circuits. the regulating transistor.
circuit. The current cannot exceed avalue of The accompanying table gives the
Two types are shown for both 330 mA. Under normal operating values of R1 for different zener
positive and negative earth systems. conditions the voltage across R2 doe voltages.

48 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 When it is necessary to power a few
SIMPLE SUPPLY FOR TTL
TTL packages, a simple zener diode —
V• fUN91: ,
emitter follower stabliser is often used.
If a zener of the appropriate value
is not available, then the circuit shown
may be used instead. Q1 is a standard
VBE-multiplier; the current through
6kFl Q1 increases until its VBE - drop is
established across R3. Hence about
8 times VBE is established across 0,
1314 and this voltage is used as a reference
for emitter follower 02.
The unregulated input voltage may
be between 20 and 8V; many diff-
erent types of transistor will work
satisfactorily.

ZN 414 POWER SUPPLY V,

The Ferranti ZN 414 radio sumption, so that the idea is suitable for mains or
IC requires 1.1-1.8V at up battery- powered radics. The resistor value should be
to 1mA. A light- emitting Vs — 1.5
1.5V In.")
diode can serve adual pur- 3
pose as alow- voltage zener kS2 approximately where Vs is the supply voltage.
diode and an " on" indicat- 205
or, as shown. A suitable
type is the Texas TIL 209
which gives a reasonable
light output at 2-3mA con- OV

SPECIAL

STABLE REFERENCE-VOLTAGE SUPPLY

4;,
›.40V
UNREuuLATED

voltage-drop across R1. Z2 is a SV

zener since diodes of about this volt-
age have the lowest voltage/
temperatu -ecoefficient.

The stable voltage across Z2 is then

reduced to the desired value by the
potential Jivider R2, R3. This net-
work has a fairly high output imped-
ance and o C2, although fairly small,
has a large smoothing effect. C2 must
be tantakm as a conventional elect-
rolytic rway inject more noise than it
removes, in this application. The
voltage across C2 is then buffered by
IC2 and — R1; R4 forms a simple but
foolproof protection against short-
This circuit was evolved to provide a derived from conventional full-wave circuits. The prototype was designed
highly stable and ripple- free voltage rectification and smoothing of the ac for amaximum rated output of 30mA.
to act as the reference for the stabil- from a 25Vrms transformer winding, The reference voltage provided by
ised power- supplies of an electronic and pre- regulated by Z1; Cl provides the circult as shown above is 5.5V.
music synthesiser; the stability of its some further smoothing. IC1 and Different values may be obtained by
vcltage-controlled oscillators depended IC2 are powered from the 27V rail altering te value of R2; if a voltage
directly on the constancy of supply- thus generated. IC1 drives a constant above 6.2 is required then R5 must
rail voltages. current of 5mA through Z2 by acting be connected to a potential divider
The 40V unregulated supply is as a differential amplifier sensing the across the output.

Eli CIRCUITS No.1 49

 POWER SUPPLIES
SPECIAL

TRANSFORMERLESS INVERTER The square wave source can be a

simple IC multivibrator which is used
+DC SUPPLY to drive phase splitter 01 through
coupling diode D1. Base bias is
established through R1 and the
collector and emitter load resistors are
R2 and R3 respectively.
The output power transistors Q2 and
Q3 in conjunction, with diode D2,
serve as a simple high level switch
developing a square wave whose peak
to peak amplitude is near that of the
dc supply voltage.
The output square-wave is coupled
via Cl ( which must be a suitably
OUTPUT
chosen high-value electrolytic) and fed
VOLTAGE into a voltage doubler circuit thus
producing a dc output of reverse
polarity.
e)
.
Capacitor C2 is the output ripple
filter.
01 — Small signal diode 02, 3, 4 — Rectifier diodes
Resistor values are dependent on the
01 — Small signal N.P.N. 02, 03 — Output transistors original supply voltage — the drive
frequency is not critical but signals in
This transformerless inverter chops resulting square wave using a the kilohertz region are preferred ( 2-6
the dc supply voltage then rectifies the conventional voltage doubling circuit. kHz).

DC TO DC/AC INVERTER

Ti
This inverter uses no special OLD FILAMENT
components such as the torodial TRANSFORMER

transformer used in many inverters.

240V ac
Cost is kept low with the use of cheap, (ORIGINAL
PRIMARY)
readily available components.
Essentially, it is a power amplifier TO
RECTIFIER
driven by an astable multivibrator. The
frequency is around 1200 Hz Which
most 50 Hz power transformers handle
well without too much loss. Increasing
the value of capacitors Cl and C2 will
lower the frequency if any trouble is
experienced. However, rectifier
filtering capacitors required are
considerably smaller at the higher be mounted on an adequately sized according to the amount of output
operating frequency. heatsink. power required allowing for
The two 2N3055 transistors should The transformer should be rated conversion efficiency of approx. 60%.

VOLTAGE MULTIPLIER

With this circuit the high voltage

times determined by the number of
stages "cascaded".
It is important to note that the rating
of individual diodes and capacitors
should be twice the transformer
output voltage V,.
Sometimes a very high voltage is secondary of an ordinary power The capacitor value and diode rating
required for applications such as for transformer can have its output are determined by the required output
ionisers or aCRT supply. voltage multiplied any number of current.

50 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

12V-9, 7.5, or 6V CONVERTER (AUTOMOBILE)
2N3055 Many transistorised items such as radio, cassettes and other
electrical items operate on batteries. Usually these are in
R1 the 6-12V range and sockets are provided for external
power supply.
12V NOMINAL
FROM CAR BATTERY
V. OUT This circuit enables these devices to be operated from a
car's electrical supply.
ZD1
The table gives values for resistors and specified diode
o types for different voltage. Should more than one voltage
be required aswitching arrangement could be incorporated.
OUTPUT VOLTAGE 9 7.5 6 For high currents the transistor should be mounted on a
B.1.16.111.6.11).. 18011 270.2 330n
ZENER DIODE Ire) 10V 8V1
heatsink.
6V6

TRAVELLER'S SHAVER
ADAPTOR Many overseas countries have 115
volts mains supplies. This can be a
problem if your electric shaver is
designed for 220/240 volts only.
Cl 16kiF This simple rectifier voltage doubler
350V. Mg
enables motor driven 240 volt shavers
01
110-115V TO 240V to be operated at full speed from a
ac 80 Hz
02
SHAVER 115 volt supply.
As the output voltage is dc the
16µF circuit can only be used to drive small
C2 350V Wks ac/dc motors. It cannot be used, for
01 and D2
BY 127 or similar example, to operate vibrator-type
shavers, or radio sets unless the latter
are ac/dc operated.

o
SIMPLE DC— DC CONVERTER •10V

3.3k
-","•/19#‘

Often in circuit design it is handy to 04

have a low-current negative rail avail- V•

able to bias FETs etc. This circuit 741

generates a supply rail 2 to 5V below

its OV line.
If the lower end of R2 is connected
to OV, then the circuit is seen to be an Ilk 3/k
03
02
op-amp relaxation oscillator driving a
.047
••• C2 IN4140

pair of diodes that charge Cl negative-

ly. R3 provides positive feedback, o
OV
changing the switching point of the
op- amp, according to whether C2 is IN4148 T 23.3
10V
C1
charging or discharging through R4. -32V

When the voltage on C2 reaches the the operating range of the oscillator set to the desired value by altering
switching point, the circuit changes is pulle.d down until it is outside the R2. For 3.3V output the prototype
state and the C2 voltage sets out for operational range of the 741, and the showed about 10mV ripple on full
the other switching point. charging ceases. This provides a form design load of 1mA.
When the lower end of R2 is of switching regulation of the output The output is inherently short-
attached to the negative output, then voltage, roughly halving the output circuit protected by the current-
as the negative charge on Cl increases, impedance. The output voltage can be limiting action of the 741.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 51

POWER SUPPLIES
SPECIAL

r,
i-9 V
HIGH VOLTAGE FROM A BATTERY C3
3.5ye D2
600V 1N4006
Pl Fe_94_•_40pOrVox
10k
s TI p ap
C5 ct
It is a simple matter to obtain up to 400V from the 0'05
F
smallest 9V battery using the circuit shown. The transformer C2
C1 0.05
is widely available — it is a 250V to 9-0-9V ( or similar) 25 PF
C4
type. The 9-0-9V connections are connected to the tran- 01 005e
sistors in a Hartley oscillator configuration. The 250V 1N4006
1600V
connection is taken to a voltage doubler which will give
about 400V, albeit at very high impedance and is not all 01
BC109
that dangerous. The secondary voltage can be varied by
inserting apotentiometer ( 5k) in the supply line. ve

VARIABLE POWER SUPPLY GIVES POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE OUTPUT A variable power supply using
complementary output transistors is
capable of swinging the voltage at the
output from + 12 V through zero to —
12 V.
The two output transistors can be
types BD 135 — BD 136. These are
240V both cut off when the 500 ohm
ac
potentiometer is centred.
Rotating the potentiometer in either
direction will give positive or negative
output voltages up to 12 V and 800
mA. The series resistors ( 1 ohm)
monitor output current and when this
exceeds a level preset by the 100 ohm
trimmers will current limit the output.

STABILISED

STABILISED POWER SUPPLY

The operation of the circuit is quite

simple and straightforward, as
regulated power supplies can be con-
sidered merely as special kinds of
feedback amplifier. Here, the output
signal is sampled by R1 and R2, and
compared with a reference voltage
supplied by D2. The resultant correc- UNREGULATE
tion signal is fed back via the 741 to INPUT

the series pass element 01. Note that

the stability of the circuit is improved
by supplying the reference source
R3- D2 from the stabilised output as
opposed to from the unstabilised input
R2
as is usual. In order that the circuit
27k D1
operates when turned on, a leakage 10V
resistance R4 is put in parallel with the %PI

series pass element. This ensures that o o

the feedback loop starts to operate. 01: Any NPN pow« »ries stabiliser eg: TIP3055, 2N4923, 2144921
02: Any NPN transistor capable of driving the above eg: 9G1821
No regulation is lost as aconsequence
of R4, because it is the overall output by replacing R1- R2 with a potentio- supplied from the unregulated input,
that is sampled by R1- R2, and so the meter, but in its present form, the with consequent slight loss of stability.
effect of the ripple current flowing circuit cannot be made to regulate The amount of power the circuit
through R4 is corrected by the feed- below the zener voltage of D2. If can deliver is limited chiefly by the
back. continuous variation is required, the current rating of QI and the rated
The output may be made variable reference source R3- D2 must be output of the unregulated supply.

52 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

12V SUPPLY FROM A BATTERY CHARGER This 12V regulator unit was designed
2A FUSE to enable bench testing of mobile
+V EO--Ct---.'""Cl—•— •
equipment ( radios, tapes, C— D units,
etc,) using a battery charger, thus
1k5 i 470R avoiding the expense of a complete
bench supply and the inconvenience of
2N1711
acar battery.
2N3055
The charger output is smoothed by
the 3000mfd capacitor. The BC107 is
3000p F a comparator, sampling part of the
25V
BATTERY output voltage while the reference
CHARGER 2k2 zener holds the emitter at approx-
imately 5V ( 4.7V or 5.6V zeners could
be used). The 2N1711 supplies the
BC107
2k2 12V necessary current gain to drive the
2N3055 series regulator.
A heatsink of at least 16 sq.ins.
should be provided for the 2N3055
5 IV 2k2
100uF but the 2N1711 will run cool without
aheatsink.
VE 0

'BUCKET' REGULATOR

There are a number of applications 're SUPPLY

where a simple cheap form of reg- TO LOAD
ulated power supply, giving a supply
regulation of the order of 5-10%, is RESERVOIR
Cl
useful. One such application is the
class B audio amplifier. The cost of
the additional components required to
achieve regulation is more than offset
by the saving in cost and size of the
electrolitic capacitors alone.
Fig. 1. shows the circuit of the regul-
ated supply. The only additional cárn-
ponents required to affect regulation
are the SCR, R1, and the zener.
At switch on . the the reservoir charge via the load, whatever power is be obtained by connecting a LED ( in
Cl is discharged and the cathode of being supplied, until the gate is once series with a current limiting resistor
the SCR is at zero volts. The positive more positive, when the SCR will fire R3) across the main current limiting
going output from the bridge rectifier again. One or more half cycles are resistor R2. The LED will flash each
will cause gate current to flow via R1 sufficient to raise the reservoir voltage time the SCR conducts and hence the
triggering the SCR. The reservoir Cl sufficiently to prevent further firing. rate at which the flashes occur will
starts to charge. At the end of the half- Thus the SCR fires as necessary to depend on load current, the flash rate
cycle the SCR will turn off. keep the reservoir " topped up" and it varying from once every few seconds
The following half-cycles will re- is this topping up action which gave when only leakage is being made
peat the process charging Cl until the the regulator its name. The number of good - to continuously under full load
supply voltage approaches the zener times it fires in any particular inter- conditions.
voltage. However the maximum posit- val being dependant on the load As an indication of circuit values
ive potential at the SCR gate is deter- current taken from the supply. the following where used for a 25V,
mined by the zener, so there comes a There are two particularly attract- 1.5A supply: R1- 1.2k, R2=2S- 2, R3=
time when the reservoir will have ive features of this type of supply. 330S-2, C1-5000pF, 25V, Transformer
charged to the point where the SCR First its efficiency is high, there are 30V.
gate cannot be driven positive with none of the power losses associated The SCR and bridge rectifier should
respect to its cathode. At this stage with either series or shunt regulators. be rated at full load current, but for
the SCR will stop firing and no further The second is that it is possible to many music and speech applications
charging current will be delivered to obtain very simply an indication of the transformer can be derated as
the reservoir. The reservoir will dis- the current being delivered, This may much as 50%.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 53

POWER SUPPLIES
ZENERS
.8 9V
DIODE ADJUSTS ZENER VOLTAGE INPUT
OUTPUT

Dr V 07V
A silicon diode when forward biased has a constant
voltage drop of 0.7 volts. A germanium diode has 0.2 volts. 4 7V.i
This characteristic may be used to trim aZener reference INPUI
!

voltage as shown. A silicon diode in series with the Zener ZO, b, OUTPUT
87V
will raise the output voltage by 0.7 voltt, and in series with
the supply it will be reduced by 0.7 volt. Make sure that the
diode used will carry the required current erP

A VARIABLE ZEN, ER DIODE ZENER BOOSTS OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF REGULATOR

V ( OUT)
+V ( In)
15V
CC - 20V
In this circuit the zener diode raises
The circuit shown behaves iike a all voltages - with respect to earth - 10V
Zener diode over a large range of by the zener voltage, i.e. ZENER

voltages. The current passing through Vin ( max) voltage regulator Vin 4V.5W.

the voltage divider R1 — R2 is (max) + zener voltage 6V

substantially larger than the transistor Vin ( working min) voltage
6V
base current and is in the region of 8 regulator Vin ( min) + zener voltage ZENER
6V 10W
mA. The stabilising voltage is VoUt = voltage regulator Vout +
—1_
adjustable over the range 5 — 45 V by zener voltage
changing the value of R2. The total As the voltage regulator dissipates
current drawn by the circuit is variable all excess power while the zener
over the range 15 mA to 50 mA. This merely clamps the output voltage
value is determined by the maximum above its own voltage, a low wattage
dissipation of the Zener diode. In the zener ( 250 mW) should be adequate -
case of a 250 mW device this is of the unless lower voltage taps are used, as
order of 50 mA. in the second example in which the
When stabilising higher voltages or total output is one amp.
operating at higher currents it is For other value zeners, wattages
necessary to fit asmall heatsink to the can be worked out by the formula W
transistor. =zener voltage X current.

HIGH- POWER ZENERED VOLTAGE

FROM LOW POWER SOURCES

A power transistor cart be used to

provide a high power zenered voltage
from a low wattage zener. A 400 mW
zener can be used where a 10 watt

il
zener is requited or a 1W zener can be
used where a 50 to 80 watt zener is Vzi = Vz - Vbe
required, by usi ng appropriate
transistors for U1 and U2 in the cir- 01, 02 - GERMANIUM
OR SILICON
cuits shown.
POWER TRANSISTOR
Where low rating is required 01
would be a ASZ 15 ( germanium) or an Vb e - GERMANIUM = 0.3V
Vb e - SILICON = 0.7V
AY9140 ( silicon). 02 could be a
2N3054 ( silicon). For higher powers
01 could be an ASZ18 ( germanium)
-Z7

or a 2N2955 ( silicon) and 02 a (b) NPN

(a)PNP
2N3055 ( silicon) or an AY8149
(silicon). required. The circuit in ( a) has the be bolted directly on to a chassis
A heatsink on the transistor is advantage that power transistors can which may serve as aheatsink.

54 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 PROTECTION
ELECTRONIC FUSE
Here is a circuit for protecting appears then the voltage drop across
modern transistorised gear which re- R2 will increase and when it reaches
quires a faster action than can be about 0.7V, œ will begin to conduct
provided by an orthodox fuse. and its collector emitter voltage will
Transistor 02 is saturated by base drop to about 0.3 V. This in turn cuts
current supplied by 02, which is itself off Q1 and 02 thus breaking the
turned on by R1. The overall voltage supply current,
drop between input/output is in the The tables gives circuit values for
region of 2V. If a momentary surge in various currents. These are suitable for
current or a short circuit in the load supply voltages up to 45 V.
Imax R1 I R2 01 02
5.0A 10011 0.1212 8FY50 2e111.35b
0.5A 1k 1.012 BC107 BFY50
0.1A 4.7k 1712 8C107 BFY50

•VI"

BETTER ELECTRONIC FUSE

The electronic fuse implies that load

current is disconnected in the event
of an overload. ! n fact it merely limits
the load current to a value given by
—QR2
2 - amps. The following circuit will
actually cause the load current to fall
to zero.
If it increases so that I
L R 2 > 0.7V,

04 will turn on, supplying base current

to 03. 04 thus turns on, supplying
further base current for 04. Regener-
ative action continues until 04 and 03
OV R2
are saturated. 03 will then remove all
base current from 01, thus switching 03 and 04, bringing them out of been removed, or will snap off again if
02 off making the load safe. saturation. On releasing the reset it is still present.
If the reset button is depressed, all button, the circuit will either revert Care should be taken with earthing
current drive will be removed from to normal if the overload cause has to avoid shorting R2.

VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND ELECTRONIC FUSE

This circuit improves on those pre-
viously published in that current
cut-off is achieved, it is self- resetting
once that overload is removed and it
is an efficient voltage regulator. VIn I14V/
Vout ( 5V)
Choose Z to be about 2/3V out and
R1 to supply enough current for R4
stabilization of the Zener voltage. 100R

Choose R2, which determines the

cut-off current, ' max such that
ImaxR2 = ( Vz - 0.5) x (001+02)
and the values of R3, RVi and R4 so
that the base of 04 is at the same volt-
age as the base of 03 and a large R3
220R
current ( 100 times) passes down the
resistor chain compared to the
base current of 04 which is o
(Vz — 0.5)/R2004. Altering RV1
gives fine control over Vout. R5
(200 ohms to 2.2k) allows switch- on
under no load conditions. Component
values are given for a5V supply with a
2A cut-out. For low current applic-
ations, 01 can be a BFY50 with 02
omitted.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 55

POWER SUPPLIES
PROTECTION
FAST ACTING PSU PROTECTION condition across the load. If the load
is a circuit using ICs they can be
permanently damaged under such
+20V +12V conditions.
A fuse prevents excess current from
flowing in a circuit but would gener-
ally be too slow to cope with over-
SCR 1 voltage situations. The circuit shown is
designed to protect the load under
B. 108 OR
SIMILAR overvoltage conditions. Component
values given are for a20V supply with
regulated output at 12V. The zener
diode can be changed according to
whatever voltage is to be the maxi-
mum.
If the voltage at the regulator out-
put rises to 13V or above, the zener
diode breaks down and triggers the
When using a regulated PSU to reduce danger that component failure in the thyristor which shorts out the supply
a supply voltage there is always the PSU might lead to asevere overvoltage line and blows the main fuse.

IMPROVED SCR CROWBAR PROTECTION passed momentarily so that complex

heat sinking is not required.
This arrangement also gives complete
protection against damage due to
mains voltage surges, not only to the
load circuit but to the power supply as
SMOOTHED d.c.
LOW VOLTAGE
well. However, this arrangement
provides only minimal protection
against incorrect connection of a
separate high voltage source.
Some protection is afforded when a
momentary high voltage is applied via
a fairly high source impedance because
Conventional SCR crowbar power failure in the power supply, as it is the series regulator emitter- follower
supply overvoltage protection circuits potentially the most hazardous in would be subjected to reverse voltage
have some drawbacks. terms of damage to the load. when the SCR went into conduction
In the conventional circuit the SCR Internal power supply faults must be and would act as a moderately low
is connected directly across the output considered because they are usually of impedance diode.
of the power supply. For normal a sustained nature. In addition to Virtually no prote'ction is provided
operation the negative gate bias on the component failure, faults can arise against the application of sustained
SCR is such that it remains in the from external causes such as the spurious voltage but even with the
non-conducting condition. ingress of swarf or moisture when the conventional arrangement little
In the event of an overvoltage at the equipment is unattended, so that the protection would be provided against a
load terminal the sense amplifier SCR in a conventional arrangement fault of this kind.
applies a positive voltage to the gate, may have to carry a significant For instance, the load and the
causing the SCR to conduct and overload for afairly long period. sensing amplifier are likely to be
effectively short circuit the output so It must also be remembered that a damaged before the SCR operates, or
protecting components in the load fault in a power supply may prevent if it does operate and the incorrect
circuit. the current- limit circuit functioning, voltage is not removed quickly it
Provided that the series regulator has but the current drawn may not be would probably be destroyed.
a current- limiting circuit and that it sufficient to blow the fuse. In the light of experience the
has not failed, the SCR should By transferring the SCR from the engineers at Weir Electronics claim
maintain its protection until the mains output to the input of the series that the modified configuration
input has been disconnected. In fact regulator, full protection against provides better protection than the
unless the overvoltage is caused by a power supply faults is obtained. In the conventional method. Some degree of
fault in the power supply unit itself, event of an overvoltage the SCR will compromise is inevitable, but the fact
interruption of the mains input is all pass the full short-circuit unregulated that a positive fuse replacement action
that is necessary to reset the system. current, so that the fuse will blow is required to restore the supply every
However, the protection should be every time. time with the second method is in
fully effective even in the event of a In addition the heavy current is only itself asafety factor.

56 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

VOLTAGE/POLARITY Ri < all VD + VBE11
PROTECTION CIRCUIT
IL ( max)
>> IL ( max)
al a2
Many circuit, i.e., car radios, can be
destroyed if improper voltage or R3 VBE2
V„
porárity is applied. A simple yet effect-
ive technique using only two trans-
istors avoids this possibility.
The circuit shown prevents accid-
ental destruction of a load circuit In case the supply voltage exceeds
caused by incorrect supply voltage or V, 02 turns on, diverting the base
polarity. This is accomplished without current 18 to ground thus turning off NO COMPONENTS VALUES ARE SHOW DUE TO THE
shorting the supply as in SCR and 01. In the case of wrong polarity. Q1 NUMEROUS CIRCUIT APPLICATIONS POSSIBLE

zener protectors. Under normal supply does not turn on due to the absence R2 = ( V — VD)I — R3
voltage, Q1 is on and 02 is off pro- of base current IEi which is blocked by
vided that: diodes D

NI- CAD DISCHARGE LIMITER

Nickel- cadmium batteries should never be completely

discharged as this leads to shortened life. The circuit shown
may be used to disconnect the battery from the load when
ever output voltage falls below apreset level.
In operation Cl charges through RI and turns on 02, the
collector current of which flows through R2, turning 01
on. Thus the battery is connected to the load. When the
output voltage falls below apoint set by RV I, 02 turns off,
01 turns off and further discharge of the battery is
prevented.

CURRENT LIMITING CIRCUIT 01

Danger of accidental shock exists

during the use of electrocardiographs
and other electrical apparatus that are
connected directly to the patient. As
part of the Skylab program, a circuit ELECTRICAL
ELECTRODE
was developed to prevent accidental R1 APPARATUS

shock through electrodes to the test A

subjects. 1k-6k

The circuit allows undistorted signal

voltage transfer, as long as the current
remains low. If a high current begins D = DRAIN
S = SUPPLY
to flow from the electrode terminal A
toward apparatus terminal B, it will
produce a potential difference across
D2
resistor R2 ( left side of R2 will be at a
higher potential than the right side).
This potential biases the gate and 02. the terminals of the network, the
electrodes of the field-effect This circuit effectively protects the current is limited to approximately
transistors, 03 and 04, to produce an patient from dangerous shock that 87µA.
extremely high impedance. Similarly, a could be caused by a failure in the This circuit can also be used to
current flow in the opposite direction electrical apparatus. When a 1000 Hz protect sensitive electrical measuring
is cut off by a bias on the gates of 01 signal at 141 Vac ( rms) is applied to instruments.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 57

TEST
DIODE, TRANSISTOR, SCR

DIODE CHECKER

The diode to be checked is connected across the points

shown as A and K ( observing the polarity indicated). If the
diode is functioning correctly, both lamps will light; if the
diode is shorted, lamp L2 will light; if the diode is open
circuit, Lamp L1 will light.

ZENER DIODE CHECK

GO/NO—GO DIODE TESTER

22k

Lamp A
6.3 Vac V1
100k VOLT
pilot lamps METER

Unmarked Zener diodes may be

tested using this simple circuit.
diode under
An external power supply giving a
test
voltage higher than the highest
expected rating of the Zener diodes to
be tested is required.
If lamp A or lamp B is illuminated the diode is serviceable.
Potentiometer RV1 is adjusted until
If both light the diode is short circuit. If neither light, diode
the meter reading stabilizes. This
is open circuit.
reading is the Zener diode's breakdown
voltage.

GO/NO-GO DIODE/TRANSISTOR
CHECKER
'NPN"PNP'
A diode can be checked by
connecting it between C and E. If LED
DIODE EQUIVALENT
1 lights the diode is OK and its anode
OF NPN TRANSISTOR
is cónnected to C. If LED 2 lights its
cathode is connected to C. If both ac
light it is a short circuit suitable only
as alink!
To check transistors with known pin
connections, set VR1 at maximum
resistance and connect the transistor. DIODE EQUIVALENT
Advance VR1 until one LED lights. If OF PNP TRANSISTOR
LED 1 lights it is NPN, PNP if LED 2
lights. If both light you have a
three-legged link. If neither light you
have athree-legged fuse!
To check transistor connections, if
unknown, short two of its leads making note of which lead/leads leads together and do it again. Refer to
together and check as for a diode respond as anodes. Short two other diagrams above.

unimportant) the channel resistance takes for the channel resistance to

QUICK JFET TEST
(about 200n) will be read. If the return to norm?' gives an indication
gate is now touched with a finger of the gate leakage resistance of the
once or twice, the channel resistance FET.
should rise to about 10M2 indicating The relatively low gate leakage
A quick test of an N or P-channel pinch off. If this does not happen the resistance, and the high resistance
JFET is possible using only astandard FET may be assumed not working. between the finger and the mains
mulitmeter ohmmeter. Electrostatic pickup from the " mains" helps to prevent destruction of the
With the ohmmeter connected be- charges the gate capacitance and FET whilst it is being tested in this
tween source and drain ( polarity pinches off the FET. The time it way.

58 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 TEST TRANSISTOR 100!!

CURRENT GAIN 5mA

A reasonable estimate of current gain

SILIZON
can be obtained from the above cir- 820k DIODES
A
cuit. Before the button is pressed, the 100.!
9V DRY
meter should give negligible deflection. BATTERY
Closing the contacts gives approxi-
mately 10µA to the base of the
transistor, so every mA indicated by
the meter has to be multiplied by 100 TRANSISTOR
SOCKET
to obtain the current gain. The resis-
PUSH BUTTON
tors and diodes are to protect the
meter in the event of a short circuit
transistor being tested. should be — & +. The meter also needs The changeover for both meter and
For NPN transistors, A & B should to be reversed with the change of battery could be carried out with a
be + & — whilst for PNP, A & B polarity. two-way, four pole switch.

There are a number of parameters which determine a

BASIC TRANSISTOR TESTER transistor's performance but the main ones for low voltage
use are leakage and gain. The circuit shown above will
indicate both. Two transistor sockets are required, one for
R2 NPN devices, the other for PNP; this simplifies switching.
4.74
With the switch SW1 set on leakage the current passing
through the device is indicated on the meter: modern tran-
RV 1
sistors, even germanium types should show only the tiniest
54 reading if any at all. For gain R1 is applied between base
and collector. RV1 should be adjusted so that short-circuiting
the emitter-collector contacts just registers full scale de-
flection.
Gain can be directly calibrated onto the scale but this is
best done by noting deflectiols given by inserting transistors
of known quality.

SIMPLE TRANSISTOR/SCR SCR TESTER

TESTER
SCR I

R4

),
C BIG ) (C)
MANS '
S O RS,'
RANS I
STORS
OR TH, RI
STORS

With agood SCR, lamp Li ( 6.3 volt 0.25A) will come on,
The 6.3-0-6.3V winding of Ti is bridge rectified by and stay on, only whilst push button BT is depressed. If
01-04, the two ac arms of the bridge being connected Lamp L1 comes on befcre the push button is pressed the
through L1 and L2 ( 75 mA maximum). The rectified thyristor defective — most probably due to an internal
waveform is applied to the collector of the transistor ( or short.
anode of SCR) under test. If both lamps turn on simultaneously then the SCR is
The diodes 05 and 06 provide the correct drive polarity completely short circuited.
for the transistor base or SCR gate.
The same circuit may be used to test power diodes rated
When testing a pnp transistor, for example, the collector at 500 milliamp or more. In this case of course a good
and base are both driven negative when point A of thE diode will light lamp L1 and ashorted one will light both
transformer swings negative. With a good transistor both lamps. If neither lamp lights the diode is open circuit. The
functions will conduct, the transistor will saturate and L1 polarity of a good diode will be indicated by which lamp
will be lit. If the base- collector junction is open circuit L1 turns on.
will be off and if there is a collector- emitter short both Diodes D1- D3 should be capable of carrying 300 mA and
lamps will be on.
transformer Ti should have a25 volt 300 mA secondary.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

59
TEST
CRYSTALS, BATTERIES
CRYSTAL CHECK-UP

If one has access to asignal generator

and oscilloscope, the hook-up shown
will check both the generator and
crystal. As the frequency is increased,
the low impedance series vibration of
the Xtal can be observed by a sharp
increase in Y amplitude. This is
followed by adip as the Xtal goes into
the high impedance parallel mode.
The harmonic activity can be checked
by comparisón with the fundamental.

CRYSTAL CHECKER
For checking fundamental HF
crystals on a ' Go- No- Go' basis, the
above circuit works quite well, An
PUSH BUTTON Jul untuned Colpitts oscillator drives a
0 voltage multiplier rectifier and a
current amplifier. If the crystal
LED 1
•BC107:8,9 oscillates, 02 conducts and the LED
2N3653,4 lights. A3 or 6V, 40mA bulb could
2N5770 be substituted for the LED.
2N706, etc. 100

02*
1000pF 9"
3-9V

_L.
BATTERY

TO =,
TXETSATL — L eo A 0A91
1k AL 1N34
0.0047p F
T5OpF

GOOD/NO GOOD BATTERY TESTER This is a simple tester for use with a
*VP PP3 or similar battery.
It is wired to a PP3 battery clip
remembering that red is connected
RED
to - ve of battery and black to the
+ve. It uses 3 small LEDs of the same
size: one red, one green. Due to the
fact that the green LED needs a far
FROM
dATTERY
greater current, the green will glow
only if the battery is in reasonable
4 7k' condition. The red will glow even if
battery is down. If the red glow is very
faint the battery is no good.

VP

component values shown, a fresh

BATTERY TESTER battery or cell will give anote of about
500Hz, whereas an exhausted cell will
SUSPECT
This device tests, the condition of dry give a note above 1kHz. The device CELL on
---BAT TERN'
cells. The circuit consists of a simple has been tested with battery voltages
oscillator whose output frequency is between 1.5V and 14V, using a
relatively independent of supply volt- 2N2923 as 01, and an 0081D as 02.
age, but varies greatly with changes in The unit is undamaged by reversed
supply impedance. Thus, with the supply potentials.

60 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 OP-AMPS
OP - AMP TESTER

The design illustrated is intended for ZERO

709, 741 and similar amplifiers which

St. 335
can use ±. 15V rails, and ± 15V must be
9-15V
used with the component values
0 515
shown. For checking amplifiers such as
TEST 11 '•._ ° a d.
the CA 3130 as well, the rails would SOCKET
ti 22
have to be dropped to ± 8V and Z1 and
Z2 reduced accordingly. 330e IOV 10v
705
Circuit operation is as follows: with 755
Si in the ' zero' position neither LED
should be on, and one LED on indic-
ates excessive offset, both LEDs on
oscillation.
In the other two positions Si the
LEDs can only light if the output ,) f position of Si. forward voltage drop across Zl.
the amplifier on test exceeds the , D1 is aGe diode ( low voltage drop) Si can be replaced by two toggle or
zener voltage. A good amplifiet should which helps to allow for the unequal push-bulon switches if more
light the LED corresponding to the output drive of 741s by reducing the convenient.

OP AMP CHECKER

This circuit allows a quick and

accurate GO/NO GO test to be made
on 741 op-amps.
A1kHz square wave is generated by
the astable multivibrator Q1 and Q2
and the associated components
R1— R4 and C1-2. This is fed.into pin
pin 3 of astandard 8 pin DI L or T099
IC socket.
Assuming a working IC has been
inserted this signal will enter it's non-
inverting input and appear amplified
at the output, pin 6.
03, an inexpensive germanium
power transistor is connected as a isolates this pin from ground. On pushing the test button agood
class A output stage whose load is a The battery employed should be a
15S"2 speaker. IC will produce a loud note from the
large type and periodic checking of
R5 and R6 form the feedback loop speaker. A faulty one will produce
its voltage must be made since a 741
to the inverting input whilst C3 little or no output and should be
will not work below 6V. discarded.

LOGIC

01
+5V

CHEAP LOGIC PROBE

1N914
A
When point A is at ' 1', LED1 is on PROBE LED 3
TIL209
indicating the ' Hi' state. When point A
is at '0', output of N1 is ' 1', so LED2
is on indicating the ' Lo' state. Diodes 4709
LED I.- LED2
D1 and D2 protect the circuit should OV
TIL2O9 TIL209
it be wrongly connected to the supply, D2
LED3 coming on to indicate wrong
polarity.
= '4 7400
1N914

Eli CIRCUITS No.1

Si
TEST
LOGIC 0 . OSCILLATOR
.

AUDIBLE TTI. PROBE

L
PR OCIE

With many LED TTL logic probes it is

"MIXER "
difficult to watch the LEDs and the GATE
circuit one is testing. The following
LE d L.
circuit is an attempt to produce anew TANTALUM

sort of probe. .5 V

When the probe is in contact I

I/ OSCILLATOR

with a TTL low ( 0) the probe emits

XTAL
a low note. With a TTL high ( I) a 470'.!
MIC

high note is emitted. INS

The whole circuit uses only two

GENERAL
TTL ICs and several auxiliary com- PU PURPOSE

ponents. This low component count NPN E G

IT X300
makes it easy to miniaturise the unit.
ALL GAIES ARE 2 INPUT NANDS
-....7 12J TANTALUM
The power is supplied by the circuit
-
IE /400
•!, V 10 PINS 14
under testing so no battery is required. OV 10 PINS 7

51.1F 47n

MAKING SLOW LOGIC

PULSES AUDIBLE
INPUT

For monitoring slow logic pulses a 100S2

Schrn;*t trigger is connected as an
oscillator. The trimpot controls the
pitch of the output. Very useful as a 15S2
MINIATURE
keying monitor or digital clock alarm.
SPEAKER
When the input goes high, the 7413
will oscillate.
+5V

LOGIC PROBE

Transistors 01 and 02 form a simple

voltage buffer providing the probe
with a reasonable input impedance.
03 and 04 form a level detecting
circuit as the voltage across the base-
emitter junction of the 03 rises above
0.6V the transistor turns on thus
turning on 04 and lighting the red
(high) LED.
05 and 06 perform the same funct-
ion but for the green ( low) LED.
01, 04, 05 are all pnp general
purpose silicon transistors ( BC178 etc).
02, 03, 06 all pnp general purpose
silicon transistors ( BC108 etc). The
threshold Low <0.8V, the threshold — 1 CIRCUIT TO ADJUST
High >2.4V. I THRESHOLDS

PR 08 F

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

62
 LOGIC ANALYSER

This circuit has been found useful for '

SCOPE
TRIGGER
in- situ testing of TTL logic elements
and general circuit development. An
LED is used to indicate the state of
the strobed input a short time ( about
100nS) after the output of the 8 1/1)
NAND gate changes. Switch Si is used
to control whether the strobe occurs
on the leading or trailing edge of the
NAND gate.
The five control inputs and assoc-
iated switches S2 to S6 determine O STROBED
when the strobe occurs relative to INPUT

logic states in the circuit under test.

In use, one or more of the inputs
would be connected to appropriate
points in the circuit, with switches
S2 to S6 as described. For example,
the state of a particular circuit point
can be strobed each time a selected
set of five other circuit points have the
logic level 1,0,1,1,0 by setting the
switches to +, -,+,+, -, respectively.
An output to trigger an oscilloscope
is provided to overcome a common
problem in logic circuit testing of INPUT INPUT
5
finding suitable trigger points in the
circuit. 5 SIMILAR INPUTS

LOGIC PROBE WHICH DISPLAYS I's & O's

270R 1s

I
PROBE
) 270R

PIN 14 . 5V
7400 USED PIN 7 OV

The logic probe automat cally goes to power supply of the circuit under
logic 1 when not in use and uses the test.

MISCELLANEA

SIMPLE HIGH IMPEDANCE VOLTMETER

The circuit shown can be used as a high impedance volt-
meter with ranges having ful scale deflections of 0.1V, 1V,
10V and 100V. The range is selected by the input potential
divider connected to Si.
The meter is set to zero by means of the potentiometer
VR1 when no voltage is applied at the input. D1 and D2
are low leakage silicon protective diodes, whilst the
LH0042H is a relatively low cost FET operational ampli-
fier manufactured by the National Semiconductor
Company.
The circuit consumes only about 20mW of power and
can be supplied from batteries. Further ranges can be
added by including appropriate additional resistors in the
input circuit and additional positions in the switch Si.

Eli CIRCUITS No.1

63
TEST
MISCELLANEA

AUDIO -RF SIGNAL TRACER

+6V
PRE- AMP
25µF
This economical signal tracer is very 4.7k
useful for servicing and alignment
work in receivers and low power 2N3819
0.01m F I TO
AMPAUDIO
transmitters. It is easily constructed on 2N5459
0.01m F
a small piece of matrix board which
can be mounted inside a <=- 1
PROBE
commercially- available probe case or
homemade probe. The slide switch can
be mounted on the probe housing. A
miniature toggle switch could be used AUDIO lopF
as asubstitute.
When switched to RF, the SLIDE
SWITCH
modulation on any signal is detected
by the diode and amplified by the
FET. A twin- core shielded lead can be
used to connect it to an amplifier and
to feed 6volts to it.

THERMOCOUPLE THERMOMETER

The circuit illustrated was devised to

provide a low-cost, sensitive thermo- METAL 2

leg Eureka or
meter for measuring temperature
Iron)
differences. The transducer used is a
thermocouple consisting of two wires
of the same me often copper, joined
at the two points A and B by a wire
of different metal. This thermocouple
pair generates a small voltage differ-
ence across the poi ts A and B when a
temoerature - difference exists between
9V
the junctions aand b . This voltage
varies almost linearly with tempera-
ture for differences up to about 100 0C,
although this assumption should not
be made in calibrating the thermo-
meter for accurate measurement.
A 741 is used ( IC1) for amplifying
the small voltage difference between
the points aand b enabling a rugged
voltmeter to be used to display the
temperature difference. The potentio-
meter is used to set the meter to Connections to ICI are for 8 pn OIL version of 741'
zero; values of 1kS2 makes setting
easy when measuring small tempera-
ture differences. However, it may
gain of the circuit is set high ( at electrical noise on the power supply
prove necessary to adjust the value
of R1 or R2 if zero setting cannot 1,000), electrical noise pick-up and leads; if the thermocouple leads are
be obtained. If fairly large tempera- drift become serious problems and it long, a similar value capacitor across
ture differences are being measured, is advisable to assemble the circu't aand b should be used for the same
VR1 could be increased to 11d2. in a metal, earthed box and to ensure reason.
the unit is kept at constant tempera- Calibration and une of the thermo-
The sensitivity of the circuit is
ture. .eter is carried out by immersing one
controlled by the full scale deflection
junction in a liquid at a reference
of the voltmeter chosen, on the sett-
For best results, the power supplies tempèrature, say melting ice, and
ing of VR2 ( the voltage gain is the
should be stabilised and balanced using the other junction to monitor
ratio VR2/133), and on the choice of
metals in the thermocouple. If the Capacitors Cl and C2 filter out any tne changing temperature.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

64
 METERING A STABILISED POWER R2
SUPPLY

It is not easy for the home constructor

to make shunts of the correct value
READ
for a meter when wishing to alter its
o VOLTS
current range.
One way to monitor the current
supplied by a current limited power o
supply is simply to measure the +V 0/P
voltage drop across the current limit-
ing resistor. This is usually of the order
of . 65V, and if the series meter ( R2)
is calculated to give fsd when . 65V is
applied, will indicate the limiting
current at fsd no matter what the
value of Rl may be. In effect, the
limiting resistor becomes the meter
shunt. R3
For a basic 1mA meter, the series SET 0/P
VOLTAGE
resistor R2 will need to be about
560S2, for a 501.1A meter it will be
about 12)62, for a 5mA meter about
1202 and so on.
Unless individual adjustment of
resistors and calibration of range is
undertaken, this method cannot be
absolutely accurate, , but it will show
whether a circuit is drawing something
like its expected current. The method o
does have the advantage however, of The addition of a single pole C/O current is being drawn, which could
the meter being within the feedback switch as indicated will enable the lead to a difference of . 5V or so
loop, and will therefore not add to the
meter to be used to set up the desired between . ndicated and actual output
power supply output impedance, output voltage also, though it must voltage. R3 should be chosen to give
which can be important in some be remembered that this will include fsd at maximum output voltage and
applications.
the voltage drop across R1. if any the meter scaled accordingly.

SIMPLE ACCURATE FREQUENCY METER

•10k
o

1
10k

470
C1

5.45 3

F800pF

4 7k
fi2
10k
01

7k

o 00v

This circuit provides a meter deflect- second 555, which operates as a perfect temperature compensation; the
ion that is strictly proportional to the monnstable, generating constant 4k7 preset pot gives a fine adjustment
frequency of the input signal over the width puises. These are used to turn for calibration purposes. When the
range 10Hz-300Hz. The first 555 on the constant- current source QI, so IrnA meter shown is used, fsd is given
timer IC is used as a Schmitt trigger, that the aveiage current in the meter by 1001-1z. To extend the range,
to convcrt the I& signal to afast- edge mo‘nment is proportional to the reducing C2 to . 01µF gives a fsd of
square wave. This is differentiated by number of pulses arriving per second. lk Hz.
the network Cl, R1 and R2, and the A green LED is used to bias the
resulting spikes used to trigger the current source as this gives near-

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

65
TIMERS & DELAY
ATIMER WITH LOW STANDBY
CURRENT DRAIN

Most timer circuits draw current in

both ' on' and ' off' states. For many
t0V
applications this is no drawback, but
for some purposes a timer is required
which can remain in 'standby' in-
definitely without drawing any supply
current. The prototype is used
with a toy siren since young
"Tech-Tips" features, since young
TO CIRCUIT
children delight in leaving such devices
running indefinitely and a timed cut-
out work wonders for parents' mental
health! — but more practical uses
would include delayed light switches
for garages, communal areas in flats,
etc, and 'sleep switches' to turn off
radios used to lull one to sleep, where
it could easily be built into the set. TRI TR2 TR3 TR4 TR5

In operation all transistors are off'

until push-switch Si is operated 8C108 BC214 BFY51
momentarily, charging Cl, after which
the darlington pair TR1 and TR2 start
to conduct. A voltage then appears
across R4, and this used to operate the causing a sharp regenerative switching % hour or so should be easily obtain-
switch proper, TR3 and TR4. These action to take place. TR5 is driven able with larger values of capacitor.
two transistors are used in a positive from TR4 collector and handles the Substituting a pot for R1 would
feedback arrangement to give asharp supply current to the circuit being provide some measure of control. Cl
switching action as the voltage across switched. R1 ensures Cl fully dis- should for preference be atantalum or
Cl gradually falls below a threshold charges since as long as any charge low- leakage type. Almost any small
value. Some of the collector voltage remains TR1 and TR2 continue to silicon transistors should work, but
from TR4 is fed back to TR3 base pass asmall current ( lmA). germanium types are not recommend-
through R7 and helps hold it switched The time depends on the value of ed as their leakage currents might
on; as TR3 starts to switch off so TR4 Cl and R1, as shown around 2-3 cause problems.
turns off and this holding current falls, minutes is obtained, but delays up to

741 TIMER

The circuit shows a very simple timer

based on a741 op amp.
R1 and R2 hold the inverting input
at half supply voltage. R4 applies some
feedback to increase the input imped-
ance at pin 3, but its value is such that
negligable damping of pin 2's voltage
occurs. Pin 3, the non inverting input,
is connected to the junction of R3 and
C. After Si is opened and C charges
via R3. When the capacitor has
charged up sufficiently for the potent-
ial at pin 3 to exceed that at pin 2
the output abruptly changes from OV
to positive line potential. If reverse
polarity operation is required simply
transpose R3 and C.
R3 and C can be any values and
time delays from a fraction of a sec- -by judicious selection. The time delay and R in ohms and hence is completly
ond to several hours can be obtained is 0.7CR seconds where C is in Farads independent of supply voltage.

66 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 ASELF-TRIGGERING TIMING CIRCUIT

A 555 timer triggers when the voltage on Pin 2 falls be-

low 1/3V cc. When S1 is closed Pin 2 remains briefly below
1/3V cc due to the finite time C1 takes to charge via R1,
and then climbs to 2/3V cc. Meanwhile the 555 has triggered
This circuit demonstrates a method of triggering a single and the time-period has begun. When S1 is released, after
time-period from a555 timer supply by applying power to the end of the period, C1 discharges through R2 and the
the circuit, thus eliminating the need for two switches or a circuit is ready for re-triggering in less than amillisecond.
two-pole push twitch. The original application required that C2 is essential to prevent supply- line transients resetting
a single 250mSec pulse be produced when a push-button the 555 as soon as it triggers, and D1 provides reverse-
was operated, and the method shown allows the timer cir- polarity protection.
cuitry to be switched on and triggered simultaneously by Timing components ( Ct and associated resistors) are
a single MAKE contact. This also economises on battery shown with values for 250mSec pulses, though a wide
power as there is no stand-by period. range of different values can be used.

PULSE TIMER

Originally developed by the Unitrode Corporation, this

circuit will supply up to four Amps for a period of one
second when triggered by an external positive going pulse.
The timing cycle is initiated by applying apositive going
pulse of a voltage exceeding SCR1's gate voltage. This
causes SCR1 to lock on and apply power to the load. In the
meantime SCR2 is switched off by the commutating action
of Cl and timing capacitor C2 is charged via R2, R3 and R4
and the constant voltage source D3 and R6.
When C2's charge voltage exceeds the rating of Zener
diode D2 by an amount sufficient to exceed the gate
voltage of SCR2, this SCR conducts, discharging both Cl
and C2 and thus switching SCR1 back into its former
non-conducting state.
Zener diode D2 should be rated at 6.8 Volts, and Zener
D3 at 18 Volts.

ECONOMICAL PULSE DELAY

1.24V

The circuit shown is of an economical pulse delay which

utilizes only three transistors instead of the four normally
required for apair of one shots.
Initially Q1 is off, and 02, 03 are on. When an input
pulse arrives it turns Q1 or, and 02 off via Cl. Transistor
R8 02 remains off for atime determined by the time constant
of Cl, R3 and R4, and when it reverts to the 'on' condition
it also turns off M. Transistor 03 which is triggered by the
output of 02 stays off for a time determined by R6, R7
OUTPUT
and C2, and thus produces adelayed pulse whose duration
is approximately 10µsecs, and is adjustable by R6.
01 Delay time is adjustable by R3 and for the values shown,
2N3645
is about 10;isecs.
POSITIVE PULSE 02 03
INPUT 2N3643 2N3643

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

67
TIMERS & DELAYS
VOLTAGE CONTROLLED MONOSTABLE SEQUENTIAL CLOSING OF RELAY SERIES

This circuit was used to switch amotor on for avariable This circuit provides sequential closing of a relay series by
period as part of a position control system. Using the appropriately increasing an applied voltage.
components shown a range of 20mS to 2 seconds may All relays have similar coil resistances but are in series
be obtained, when Vref, is varied between 0 and —5V. with zener diodes of different voltages.
The maximum period is governed by the value of RI As the applied voltage exceeds the zener's breakdown
("0.7R IC1). The minimum by the drain-source resist- voltage, that zener will conduct, thus energizing its
associated relay.
ance of the FET with no gate voltage applied. The FET
The exact voltage at which each relay is energized
acts as avoltage controlled resistor in the charging circuit
is determined solely by the zener diode, and not by
of a74121 monostable. The FET used was an N-channel
individual relay characteristics.
2N3819. If a P-channel device is used, R2 must be By using 5% tolerance zeners from 3.9 volts to 30
taken to + Vref. volts, 22 selective steps can be obtained.

DOORCHIMES DELAY Ever get tired cf people who

repeatedly press your doorbell?
With values shown, this simple circuit
will permit one operation every 10
seconds or so. Capacitor Cl charges
4.7k FRIEDLAND through R1 when the button is
CHIMES
BELL R3
(61” released. Making R1 larger will
«Rim PUSH 470
increase the delay.
01 6V
4: Cl R2 AC128
+/- , 1000mF 720

68 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

- SWITCHING
TOUCH TRIGGERED BISTABLE This circuit was devised as part of a touch controlled
lighting system. It uses a 555 timer operated in the
bistable mode.
Due to the high input impedance presented by the
3MI threshold and trigger terminals the 555 can be set and
reset by the touch of a finger. Touching T2 causes the
output to go high; 02 conducts and Di extinguishes.
Touching Ti causes the output to go low; D1 conducts
and D2 is cut off.
The output from pin 3 can also be used to operate
DI
MAP/
other circuits e.g. a triac controlled lamp. In this case
the LEDs are useful for finding the touch terminals in
the dark.
The capacitor Cl is not absolutely necessary but
helps to prevent the circuit triggering from spurious
pulses.

TOUCH-SENSITIVE SWITCH

The circuit illustrated can be set to

energise the relay when the plate is
lightly touched. Under certain circum-
stances the proximity only of the
body is sufficient to operate the
switch.
•A high impedance input is provided
by 01, a general purpose field effect
transistor such as 2N3819. A general
purpose 741 op-amp is used as a
sensitive voltage level switch and this
in turn operates the current buffer
02, a medium current pnp bipolar
transistor, thereby energising the relay voltage drop across R1 lowers the operation of this device. Component
which can be used to control equip- voltage at pin 3 below that at pin 2. values are not critical and there is
ment, alarms etc. The voltage at pin 6 falls and switches considerable scope for experiment-
In the quiescent state, the voltage on the relay via 02. Resistor R4 may ation.
at pin 3 of the op-amp is set higher need to be selected to ensure that the The sensitivity of the circuit to the
than the voltage at pin 2 by adjust- relay is held off since a small positive proximity of the body depends upon
ment of VR1. This ensures that the voltage at the output remains even the nature and strength of the sur-
voltage at pin 6 is high and 02 and the though the voltage at pin 3 is lower rounding electromagnetic fields pro-
relay are off. Upon lightly touching than that at pin 2 in the quiescent duced by mains wiring and equipment
the touch- plate, a decreasing reverse state. This problem can be overcome in the vicinity, for it is the pick-up of
bias VGs increases the drain current by using dual power supply for the this energy which the body couples to
flowing through 01 and the resultant op-amp in the more usual mode of the circuit.

ELECTRONIC SWITCH
The switch in this circuit uses an N Another feature of the circuit is that INPUT ELECTRONIC SVVITCH

channel FET to present either a high one mechanical switch is sufficient to OUTPUT
22k 22k
or low impedance path to ground for key anumber of FET switches with no
any incoming signal. crosstalk between channels.
The main advantage of such aswitch The operation is that when the
is that the actual switching of an audio switch is in the " off" state the FET is
or RF signal can be done in- situ on the biased hard on. Any incoming signal is
board rather than bringing the signal effectively shorted to ground. In the
along acable to and from amechanical "on" position the FET is biased to the
switch. non-conducting region thus presenting
This eliminates hum pick up and a high impedance to ground. This
other stray problems. allows the incoming signal to appear at is high and the following stage
The mechanical switch simply the output terminals unattenuated. impedance should be in excess of 50 k
switches dc to the FET gate. The output impedance of the circuit if excessive loading is to be avoided.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 69

SWITCHING
SOUND OPERATED TWO-WAY
SWITCH
The circuit operates arelay each time
asound of sufficient intensity is made,
thus one clap of the hands will switch SENSITIVITY

it one way, a second clap will revert CONTROL

the circuit to the original condition.

02 and 03 form a Schmitt trigger.
The JK flip-flop is used as abistable
whose output changes state every
time a pulse is applied to the clock
input ( pin 12). 04 allows the output
to drive arelay.
Under quiescent conditions Q1 is
on, holding the base of 02 low and
keeping the output of the Schmitt Schmitt trigger's output which is fed found that any loudspeaker from
trigger low ( 03 collector). If asharp to the clock of the JK flip-flop causing 3-80S2 worked in the circuit. The G
noise is made (e.g. a clap) it will it's output to change state. This is output of the JK flip-flop could be
generate a pulse in the loudspeaker used to turn a relay on and off. used as well, allowing two relays to
which is fed through Cl and switches Because the circuit is only sensitive be switched on and off complement-
Q1 off. DI prevents any large pulses to sharp noises it is generally unaffect- arily.
damaging 01. As Q1 switches off, its ed by talking or sounds caused by The circuit has limitless applications
output goes high causing the output movement. (The sensitivity control like turning on a radio or controlling
of the schmitt trigger to go high. can be adjusted to prevent such noises motorised toys by clapping. The
When the clap is finished Q1 again triggering the circuit if this does arise). diodes can be any general purpose
conducts, causing the output of the A moving coil loudspeaker is used silicon types ( 1N914 etc) and the
schmitt trigger to go low. Therefore as a microphone as it can respond to relay a 5-6V type with minimum
each clap causes a high pulse at the sounds from any direction. It was resistance of 50 ohms.

SPST SWITCH FLIP FLOP LOGIC OUTPUT

The circuit gives latching on-off action

with a single SPST switch, utilizing
the high input impedance property
(SUPPLY 5-15V1
of CMOS logic.
It can be seen that C will go to the
logic state opposite to that existing
at the input to inverter A. On closing
the contact, the input to inverter A is
taken to the opposite logic state-
momentarily and the latch flips.
The RC time constant of about 100
milliseconds provides sufficient pro-
tection from switch bounce yet gives
quick recovery for the next operation. or external load:-
, through buffer
The output may drive other logic gates circuits.

TWO CONTROL SIGNALS DOWN ONE WIRE

Many houses have a door-bell push lit up by a small

bulb as in Fig. 1. A second bulb was required to light up
the house number - but the two bulbs together used so o

much current that the bell trembler was continually 260v D

buzzing. Running aseparate feed from the transformer
to the front door was inconvenient.
The solution was to use four small cheap diodes as
in Fig. 2.
Almost any wire ended diode will work - ( 0.5A, 50V
if in doubt). This idea has many other extensions -
wherever it is required to send two control signals or
two power supplies down asingle pair of wires.

70 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

- INDICATORS
LEVEL
ECONOMY ' LINE- CI- LIGHT'
DECODER FIG 1.

93 94 Ré
The decoder works in the following 470 I. 27k 141OR

fashion: one NAND gate of IC2 TRI 9C108 etc

(a 7413) is wired as a clock pulse
generator, running at approximately
10kHz. These pulses are used to clock
IC4, a 7490 4.bit BCD counter, which
in turn drives a 7441 BCD-to-one of
ten decoder. The line of ten LEDs is
arranged with the anodes linked 3 4 5

together and coupled 50 + 5V via TR . '. C3

IC3 7442

The ten LED cathodes can be pulled 54 IC2 1413

down to OV by the 7442 outputs.

mi 1209
Thus, if TR1 is turned on, the counter
0,

48

will scan through 0-9 and the LEDs 92 3909

will turn on in sequence. If the clock .•Ae

e
frequency is high enough, all ten LEDs co
CO 7490
will appear to be on all the time. 7413
•ICO
R.

In Fig. 1, the second half of IC2 is

used to detect when the counter
outputs are at 9, and this signal is used
to trigger the 555 timer, IC1, which
is connected as a monostable. The
output of the mono drives the base of ClOCIT
TO TOG
,
Lo
TR1. Thus, every time IC4 reaches 9,
IC1 will fire and switch the LED array
on.
The voltage input to the decoder,
Vin, is fed to the control voltage input
of ! C1, altering the threshold at which
the internal comparators of the 555
TI
will switch. This in turn decides ( in OuTINT

conjunction with the valurs of R3 and

C2) the length ot pulse available at the
mono output. IC1 is, in effect, used as
apulse-width modulator.
(
Fig. 2 shows the relative timing of
the clock, 555 trigger and 555 output
waveforms, together with the 'ON'
times of the individual LEDs.
If the value of Vin'is such that the
555 pulse length is approximately
equal to nine clock pulses, then
TR1 will be on almost continuously
THREE STEP LEVEL INDICATOR
2e
5 (ve
and the LEDs will all appear to be on. o.
OH
As Vin is reduced, TR1 ON time will
become less than nine clock pulses; 2Vcieoe

consequently, the + ve supply to the

LEDs will be removed at the same
point in every count cycle. This will
have the effect of shortening' the row
of illuminated LEDs. Because the
mono pulse length does not decrease This device makes a very compact and
in definate steps of one clock pulse, robust level indicator where a meter
the row of LEDs will decrease in would be impractical due to lack of
length by the highest gradually space, or not justified due to cost.
dimming, then the next highest, etc. — Resistor values will depend on type
arather pleasing effect. of LED used. In the prototype, the
Some experimenting with the value LED's were MV50's and the resistors
of C2 may be required to achieve a were 2k12 %watt. This gave steps of
realistic rane for Vin, and to prevent approx 2V and the current drain with
the mono pulse length being greater all three LED's on was 5mA. The
than ten clock pulses at maximum chain can be extended but current
Vin. drain increases rapidly and the first
The values for Cl, R3 and C2 given LED carries all the current drawn from
are those used in the prototype. the supply.

Eli CIRCUITS No.1 71

INDICATORS
LEVEL

LIGHT LEVEL INDICATOR

C2 0.1m
C3
1000p

R5
R2 1M 100M

PD R3
I RS
PHOTO-
DIODE 100M

C4
1000p

0.1m
03
R6
1k 3704

SUPPLIES FOR AMPS. 741 • 12 TO 15V

09
710 • 12V, - 6V
SIGNAL DIODES 1N41413 OR SIMILAR

When conducting optical experiments, divider chain. Comparator 2 is set at in R9 will be enabled to 03 and L3
or calibrating photocells, it may be nominally 1V and Comparator 1 at will light giving the green indication
necessary to set a known light level 1.1V. "Correct"
each time before the experiment is
Changing the values of R1 and R2
performed. The circuit provides a The amplifier output is fed via R3
alters the basic sensitivity of the sys-
simple means of setting álight level to to the inverting input of comparator 2.
tem, Cl and C2 provide decoupling
aparticular value. When the output is below 1V, the of noise pick up for remote direction
A silicon planar photodiode, strate- output of comparator 2 is positive
or small content of AC lighting and
gically placed in the optical system, which enables the current in R7 to
R3,C3, and C4 minimise instability in
generates a photocurrent proportional turn on Q1 , lighting lamp 1 indicat-
the comparators as they pass through
to the incident illumination which is ing " Too Low". When the output of
their linear region.
fed to the input of an op amp the amplifier is above 1.1V the output
connected as a current amplifier. The of comparator Cl will be positive, Values in the diagram shown give
output is thus the equivalent photo ; enabling current in R8 to turn on 02 an acceptance band of 10%. Reducing
current developed across a 2Mohm and lighting lamp L2 indicating "Too the value of R4 to 50ohms reduces the
resistor. High". If the amplifier output is be- pass band to 5%. For closer bands,
Two comparators are used to tween the two thresholds, both com- higher gain comparators may be used
compare the output voltage with a parator outputs will be low, both (eg. IA734 or LM311), but light levels
fixed reference set by a potential lamps will be off, and the current closer than this are rarely necessary.

BARGRAPH DISPLAY
A bargraph display is auseful medium
for seeing a monitored variable. Where
low resolution ( 5 tr1 10 segments) is
sufficient the display can be built with
LED's and afew transistors.
With the 5 segment system shown, tO IVI

transistors Q1 to Q5 saturate success- INPUT

ively as the input signal increases from

zero. The resulting currents drive
LEDs D1 to 05. As each transistor
turns on, its emitter current flows
through R10. Transistors 06 and 07
as well as CR1 and associated resistors, OUIV 06 264250 IOR EOUIV I 07 263565 IOR EOUIV

comprise a feedback amplifier that

forces the voltage across R10 to equal 1V ( for five LED's). Diode CR1 — R10). Since VE (SAT) of Q3 is
the inputs voltage. This causes the cancels the VBE offset of 06. negligable at 10mA, 6.4V must be
display to ' deflect' linearly. Resistors R1 through R5 control the dropped.
For R10 = 2OR and a current of LED currents. The voltage across R3 i.e. R3 6.4V = 640R. 620R being the
10mA per LED, the resolution is for example is 10V minus 1.5V ( two .010A
200mV and the full scale input equals transistors VBE ,$)minus 0.6V ( 30mA nearest standard value.

72 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 WARNING

FUSE FAILURE INDICATOR

The circuit is built around the neon indicator which is

normally used to show that power is being supplied to
mains- driven equipment. When the fuse is intact, the
neon is lit steadily as normal. However, should the fuse
blow or be removed, the indicator flashes at a sui:able
rate, drawing the attention of the operator.
Effectively, the circuit is a simple modification to a
neon relaxation oscillator. Under normal conditions,
the time-constant of the RC network is such that the
flash- rate of the neon is not detectable by the eye. The
removal of the link between the anodes of D1 and D2,
up to the striking voltage of the neon, diode D2 must
however, increases the time- constant and the neon
have a PIV rating greater than peak mains plus this volt-
flashes can be clearly seen. The specified component
value give afrequency of approximately 2Hz. age. D1 can be rated at peak mains or greater. The
types specified are suitable Easily- obtained devices. Also,
An advantage of the circuit is that it will operate
built-in resistors in certain types of neon indicator supp-
regardless of load impedance. Points to note: component
lied for use at common supply voltages must either be
values are not critical, but because the capacitor charges
removed or ' shorted'. The resistors should be 1
/2W.

Here is a very simple method of

BLOWN FUSE INDICATOR identifying a blown fuse. This is of
100-250V course more advantageous on systems
employing several fuses.
Across the fuse holder is wired a
neon in series with a resistor. When
the short circuit, or whatever, blows
NEON
the fuse, the neon will light indicating
immediately the area of the ault.
OV Neons with built-in resistors need not
of course have an extra 150k as
shown.

A signal lamp used to indicate failure of a vital piece of

BACK-UP FAILURE LAMP
equipment is subject to failure itself.
This circuit provides a back UD lamp which only comes
on if the first lamp fails. As long as Li is intact 01 is
I2V saturated and 02 is OFF. If Li fails 01 turns OFF 02
turns on, and lamp L2 is illuminated thus indicating the
fault and the failure of Li. The values shown are for 12 volt
100 mA lamps.
If other lamps are to be used the supply should be the
same as the lamp nominal voitaae and the following values
should be used:—

LAMP R1 R3
6V 50 mA 22 ohm 820 ohm
6V 450 mA 2.7 ohm 220 ohm
12V 250 mA 3.9 ohm 330 ohm
24V 50 rnA 22 ohm 820 ohm

DC LAMP FAILURE INDICATOR

The very simple circuit here provides
an on- if- good function for a lamp. D1
and D2 should be generously rated as
they are outside the warning loop. On
a car type DO4 is recommended for
mechanical support. If all the lights on
a car are to be monitored the diodes
can be mounted in blocks behind the
lamp housing that the wiring harness
reaches first. A ' line of light' type LED
makes aconvenient display.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

73
INDICATORS
SPECIAL
STATION INDICATOR FOR FM
TUNERS

Modern FM equipment using varicap 181c1

tuners generally have four stations

pre-tuned and selected by push
G
buttons in addition to acontinuously
variable control. Most users of such DISPLAY
tuners would presumably have the CONNECTIONS Iakl!

pre-set pushbuttons set to BBC Radios

1,2,3,4. It is, then, quite a simple
matter to utilise the unused switch F4
positions which, more often than not, 471t!

exist in the pushbuttons to set up a E

47Ut!
display of 1,2,3 pr 4 on a 7 segment
LED using blocking diodes and limit-
ing resistors as shown in the diagram.
Any general purpose diode capable of CATHODE
14
Gc».:

carrying 5mA is suitable. A suitable

display would be the inexpensive
MAN3M which is quite large enough
for such an application. A

Some users may have alocal radio

station pre-tuned, this can be indicated
with the character " L" using the F,E
/R This circuit was designed for use with
the ETI Ni - cad Battery Charger. It
and D segments of the display. Other V H
gives apositive indication by means of
alpha characters that can be formed • an LED that the battery is receiving
with a7 segment display are ACEF current. The current I ( at any applied
H LOPSUYbdgh. voltage from 3-45V) causes a more-
or-less constant p.d. of 1.8-2.2V
across the 3 silicon diodes. This causes
CURRENT- FLOW INDICATOR
+ve Iii DC SUPPLY 0j
--
the LED to light up. The circuit is very
sensitive and the LED starts to emit
at 1.5mA, growing to its maximum
brightness at about 10mA. This bright-
ness is maintained over the full current
range up to 1A (Imax for the diodes
used). No current limiting resistor
was found necessary for the LED.
3 x 1N4001 The indicator is very cheap — about
30p — and reliable. Although 2V is
LED 'lost', in many cases this is not im-
portant. In practice the unit is
connected in series with the load ( Fig.
2). It is important to note that no
indication of the magnitude of the
FIG. 1. current is given; the whole idea of the
FIG. 2.
ye
circuit is to give a purely qualitative
signal.

-v
DRIVER
INPUT FROM CARTRIDGE

TRANSFORMER

A cheap and effective alternative to

cueing disco decks by PFL with head-
phones can be made by using LEDs to
give a visual indication of the audio
signal using this circuit.
R2 is used to ground the non-
inverting input. The 1M pot and
inverting input are used to ensure
negligible output drain on the cart-
ridge.
The ourpur of the 741 drives into LED. alternatively two PP3s. (Should last
the low impedance winding of an As the current drain for the whole for several months).
ordinary subminiature driver trans- circuit is small it can be supplied either The 1M pot is set to give no signal
former. The secondary of this gives from the main dual-voltage supply at the LED when the pick-up is on the
sufficient drive voltage to light the lines of the existing equipment or lead-in track of the record.

74 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

RASHERS
DANCING LIGHTS music is played. When VR1 is at max.- extremes.
This device will produce a shifting imum the lights remain lit most of the The bulbs used can be any number
light display in time to the signal time. At minimum the lights may not at 25V each and the total should not
from a loudspeaker. Setting will vary come on at all. A suitàble position can be more than 100W. A heatsink should
according to the volume at which the be established in between these two be used for the power transistor.
01

'
1 1
Ti

5
IN 4001
Ti - BC107
T2 - 2N3055
1k
01 2A/100 PIV
Ti 240/22.5 2A
•
-- 250V

VR1 10k 100W max

Ti — 2000/25

TO LS T2
4-1
1k 1k
0A85

LOW FREQUENCY STROBE

200V
60W
I it 5K
5W

BULB
LO
The circuit will flash the bulb at a 25k 80S2 NEON
A
LIN
rate between 0 and 10 Hz. Points to
note are:
(i) Because all components are connec- N0
16u
ted directly to the mains, do not touch 375V .01u 2.7k
27k
whilsrthe unit is on. 1N0007
(il) Use atelevision type 25k pot with OR
BY 100
insulated spindle.
(iii) Mount in an insulated box with
ventilation holes. SCR: 3A 400V
(iv) The 5k resistor gets hot, hence the NEON. miniature type, normally used as mains
beacon an series with 100k..
wattage rating.
(v) The 27k may be altered to obtain
full range of control by the pot.
There is a risk of inducing convul-
sive seizures in people suffering from
epilepsy if this unit is operated in avoid areas where strobe lights are is considered the most dangerous and
their presence. Such people should used. A rate of nine flashes per second most people will find this unpleasant.

TRANSISTORISED FLASHER ULTRA-SIMPLE LIGHT FLASHER

QI
2N2904
6V

VARTIIIII
UM.
004.0..11110
LAM M.. 7,10/1

A cheap but effective way of flickering mains lamps

suitable for discos CC..
It comprises afluorescent lamp starter in series with a
mains light bulb. The effect is improved with two or
OV more units operating coloured lights. No problem is
experienced with radio or TV interference and no
supression is needed since the starter has acapacitor in
it.
This simple circuit will flash a 6 volt lamp at a rate Providing the units are not left on for long lengths of
determined by the size of capacitor Cl. It is most time, the starters will last quite awhile.
economical,. on power as it only draws current when the
lamp is ON. When the lamp is OFF both transistors are
biased OFF.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 75

 POWER CONTROL
LOR MAINS CONTROL •12V 0

This circuit is used to turn off and on

a light of up to 100W. When LDR1 is

y
Si LOAD F 0 LIVE
shaded from any incident light it will
-

400V
cause the output of the amplifier to A

fall, thus switching of TR1 and causing THYRISTOR

the thyristor to be turned on. The

light will remain on because of the
introduction of LDR2, which feeds O NEUTRAL
the inverting input of the amplifier.
To turn the light off, LDR2 must
be shielded from the light of the OV o
bulb.
To set the circuit up it is necessary switches it back off, and the normal LDR1 and LDR2 should be placed
to adjust VR1 by trial and error until level of background illumination has in full view of the light they are
LDR1 turns the light on and LDR2 no effect. switching.

FLOODLAMP POWER CONTROL ZERO CROSSING SYNC CIRCUIT

CR3
581/
ZENEFI

•C

When setting up photographic floodlamps it is sometimes Zero crossing control of SCRs or Triacs is preferable to
desirable to operate the lamps at lower power levels until phase control because less RFI is generated. The circuit
actually ready to take the photograph. The circuit shown shown was developed for atemperature control system and
allows the lamps to operate on half cycle power when the effectively maintained temperature at any set point from
switch is open, and full power, when the switch is closed. ambient to 100°C. Resistor R5 may be a potentiometer, a
The diodes D1 and 02 should have a 400 volt PIV thermistor or any type of sensing device. R4 is adjusted so
rating at 5amps. that the breakover point of CR3 is at the peak of the
reference voltage ( zero crossing point of ac wave).

SIMPLE MODEL TRAIN SPEED CONTROL

Two transistors, a diode and a

The output transistor must be
potentiometer can be used in place of mounted on asuitable heatsink.
the large and expensive rheostat
Short circuit protection may be
usually provided in model train
provided by wiring a 12 volt 12 watt
controllers. globe in series with the output. This
Virtually any npn small signal will glow in event of a short circuit
transistor may be used in place of the
and thus effectively current- limit tfte
BC 108 shown, likewise any suitable output, it also acts as a visual
FORV6ARD REVERSE
SW.TCH
TO
TRACKS

npn power transistor can be used in short-circuit alarm.

place of the 2N 3055.

76
ETI CIRCUITS No.1
LOW DIFFERENTIAL TRIAC=RS 261;340
6A OR 2N7754 15A
THERMOSTAT
R1=20k 3W
R2=10012 ',SW 5%
This circuit evolved as a result of the R3=10k PRESET
MULTITURN
need for a more satisfactory method
IC=GEC J5G424
of controlling the temperature in
our paint heaters which operate at
170 0 F. The differential of convent-
ional mechanical thermostats was too
wide, both in actual rating and in %
LOAD TOR IMULLARD,
accuracy, so that severe overheating
occurred when the demand for paint
momentarily lapsed. The result was
poor finish and in a number of cases
the destruction of the thermometer NB R3 RT SHOULD BE 61.5k!.!

(at approx £ 10 atime). R1 - USE 2x10k IN PILL IF 18k

is UNOBTAINABLE
The introduction of the new
thermostat completely eliminated the
problem. The circuit consists of a
GEC J5G424 Zero Voltage Switch
in IC form together with a Mullard in four sizes with atemperature cover- The J5G424 is, by nature of its design
2322 640 90004 which is plastic en- age from — 30 to + 200 0 C. free of RFI. The type of Triac em-
capsulated, giving it both mechanical The RC network, 0.1mF + 100ohms, ployed will depend on the loading.
and electrical protection. It is available prevents self latching of the Triac. We were using 6 and 15 amp loads.

A SIMPLE TEMPERATURE- CONTROL SYSTEM FULL-WAVE SCR CONTROL

In electronics the need often arises to stabilise the tempera-

ture of critical sections of circuitry, such as master oscilla-
tors, log converters, and reference supplies. This circuit
will control the temperature of a small mass of metal, such
as a heat sink onto which critical component; can be
mounted, simply and efficiently.
The difference between a reference voltage sat up on
the temperature setting control VR1, and avoltage derived
via thermistor TH1, is amplified by the op- amp, gain being
set via VR2. This output voltage is applied lo heater This circuit enables asingle SCR to
transistor TR2 via current amplifier TR1. ZD1 is essential provide fullwave control of resistive
for voltage- shifting since without it even the negative loads
saturation voltage of the 741 would leave TR2 turned on. Resistor R3 should be chosen so
The current flowing in TR2 is limited to 1.5Amp by TR3, that when potentiometer R2 is at its
which shunts current from TA 1base if the voltage developed minimum setting, the current in the
across R1 exceeds 0.6V. This arrangement leaves most of load is at the required minimum level.
the supply voltage across TR2 and hence it is the only Diodes should have same current
component dissipating significant heat. and voltage rating as the SCR.
TR2 is bolted to the mass of metal to be temperature-
stabilised, and TH1 mounted as close to its flange as poss-
ible, using silicon grease for good thermal contact. The
less thermal time-lag between them, the higher the gain
that can be used without instability, and hence the lower
the steady- sate error of the system. Instability can be
easily checked for by monitoring the op- amp output; if
this is stable at the non- saturated value, then the system is The prototype held a small ( 30 C/W) heatsink within
probably operating correctly. TH1 must be the type of '2 0 C for temperature settings between 30 0 C and 70 0 C,
thermistor that has a small head of sensitive material at the when shielded from draughts. The unit must be powered
extreme end of the glass encapsulation; other t.ypes have from a 10V PSU having good voltage regulation, to attain
too much thermal inertia. this performance.

ETI CIRCUITS N o.1 77

AUTOMOBILE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
------
A
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE 0+12V
—
INDICATOR

Here is yet another application for the

NE555 timer. LP 12V LAMP
R2
If both brake lamps are working the 200mA OR LESS
100R
lamp LP lights but if one or both are
open circuit the lamp will flash at 2Hz, R3
1k
alerting the driver.
LEFT RIGHT
When both lamps are good the BRAKE BRAKE
current through R1 turns on TR 1pre- LAMP LAMP
21W 21W
venting C from charging, and keeping
pins 2 and 6 at rail potential. Under
these circumstances pin 3 is low and 4
330k
LP is on, however if one or both lamps NOTE: The circuit needs only 3connections A, B and C to existing wiring.
are faulty TR is not turned on and the R1 is calculated on the basis of two formula:
NE555 time oscillates freely at 2Hz, 21W brake lamps ( 42W total). If a R1=10.5/P where P is the total
flashing LP. different total wattage is used, use the wattage of two lamps.

COURTESY LIGHT DELAY NEGATIVE EARTH PERMANENT POSITIVE

• 012V

There are two problems with courtesy

2N1054
light delay switches, the first is that 420R

having the courtesy light stay on in a COURTESY

LIGHT
dark car perk albeit only for a few NE556

seconds, can attract unwanted attent-

ion when you are leaving the car. The 470I.

other problem is that most delay

switches are set for about 10 seconds, ANY SMALL
SILICON
which is too long when you wish to
drive off straight away and is too short o
PERMANENT
if you wish to go into the glove EARTH
SMALL
compartment or perhaps put on
6"

SILICON

4
gloves.
This circuit defeats both these
problems, the light stays on for a 07/06
. SWITCH

maximum of 1 minute or goes out as

soon as the ignition is turned on. •12V _
FROM IGNITION SWITCH

Though a switch mounted under the SIT TO BREAK SWITCH

seat which is fitted so the switch

breaks when you set on it, the light
•12V PERMANENT SUPPLY
goes out as soon as you leave the car.

SIMPLE HAZARD LIGHT

+12V
When switched on, the lamp will
light, at the same time, this light will NC ÀNO
lower the resistance of the LDR
thus operating the relay, which in turn
disconnects the supply to the lamp.
This causes the LDR resistance
to increase thus de-energising the relay.
Time delay is introduced by the add- AS MANY LAMPS l:)
( i
12V
AS REQUIRED
ition of the capacitor across the coil. Relay
500S2 470µF
Lamp L1 must be positioned close to
the LDR. The only limit to the Min.
number of other lamps is the current
rating of the relay contacts.

78 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

COURTESY LIGHT EXTENDER light. The relay is operated through capable of carrying full- courtesy lamp
AND HEADLAMP REMINDER (+ VE transistor T2 which is biased on by Ti. current.
EARTH) Ti and T2 remain on once the door is The headlight reminder operates
shut until C is recharged, hence giving only when the headlights are left on
approximately 15 seconds delay and the drivers door is operated,
before the courtesy lamp extinguishes. thereby allowirg departure of pass-
With the ignition switched off, an Operation cit- the ignition inhibits the engers without disturbance.
earth from the passenger or drivers delay switch by biasing Ti off. i.e. For — ve earth diode polarities and
door causas C to discharge, the relay courtesy lamp only alight when capacitor C shpuld be reversed and
to operate and the courtesy lamp to door open. D2 and D3 must be transistor types changed.

HEADLIGHTSWITCH HEADLAMP SWITCH

-1, e
II
-ve
BUZZER
10k
01 1 2k
02 COURTESY
LAMP
DRIVERS PASSENGER
DOOR DOOR
SWITCH/
SWITCH D3

RI

Many current model cars now

FOUR-WAY FLASHER ADAPTOR UNIT incorporate a turn indicator switch
position which causes all four

FOORWAY MODIFICATION TO AUTO. FLASHER CIRCUIT indicator lights to flash

L.H. FRONT R.H. FRONT simultaneously. This is a valuable

safety device if stalled on the road —

L especially at night.
Older model cars fitted with normal
winking indicators can be converted to
include this facility with the aid of a
TURNSWITCH
INDICATOR few diodes, a switch and aheavy duty
F
LASHER flasher unit.
Since ii the " four" position the
flasher must switch twice its normal
load it is advisable to substitute the
FUSE normal flasher unit with a heavy duty
S
(SW? one as st,pplied for use with,caravans
and trailers.
o
.12V Diodes Dl- D4 are any rectifier types
capable cf handling about 3 A. Switch
2 is fitted in on the dashboard and L5
is a optional indicator also located to
L2 L4 the dashboard.
The circuit as shown will work with
L
HREAR R
HREAR both 6 and 12 volt negative earth
systems. If the wiring is positive earth,
reverse the direction of the diodes.

ET? CIRCUITS No.1 79

AUTOMOBILE
AN AUTOMATIC HEADLAMP 12V. TO HD DIP WIRING
DIPPER UNIT

The circuit follows an automatic park- 11 AMP

CONTACT
ing light circuit in that when light IS N.0
from an external source falls upon the 10 AMP
CONTACT
tee
light dependent resistance LOA caus- L2 e

ing it to go low, the transistors in the

circuit are not triggered, but when the
external light fades, the resistance of
the LDR goes high, allowing 01 base
WL GREEN
to go positive and conducting so that
01 emitter and 02 base also go 470k
positive. 02 collector current rises,
energising the relay L1, this being TO HO TERM ON SWITCH

J
'normally open' contact arrangement,
the contacts close and energise relay D.P.C.O. SWITCH IN
AUTO POSITION
L12 which livens up the headlamp _
bright filaments. When approaching
rays from street lamps or oncoming
cars, the relay 1.1 drops out and
disconnects L2 which drops out and TO DIPSWITCH FEED
energises the dipped filaments. RV1
controls the sensitivity. /7;7 NEG GROUND

The change over switch when

switched to manual allows the dip headlamp wire is removed from the mounted in abicycle rear light housing
switch to be used in anormal manner. headlamp switch and taken to the (torpedo shape) and mounted at
The unit can be placed under the unit and another is run back to the bumper height on the offside of the
forward edge of the dash. Then the vacated terminal. The LOA should be car.

UNIVERSAL WIPER DELAY IC1 is connected in the astable

mode, driving RLA. C3, 01 and 02
O POSITIVE
prevent spikes from the relay.coil and
Ti
VR1 the wiper motor from triggering IC1.
250k VR2 is adjusted to give the minimum
delay time required. VR1 is the main
15os? delay control and provides a range of
VR2
2%12
from about 1 second to 20 seconds.
C3 RIA 02 SW1 is an override switch to hold ALA
0.1pF 1N4003

R1 WIPER
lkft
n'''TC / IGNITION SWITCH

CS
0 lime
D1
R2 I60V
T3
4.7k2 NE555
.97714) I TO WIPER
'Cl 1N4003
EARTH
CIRCUITRY
i)-17°
0 Fig. 2. Suppression Circuit
For New.. Earth Wheel,/ connect TO to Ti end T7 lo T2
for Pos.. Etalg Whet connect 76 to T2 and Ti to 71

o
SW 1 permanently on ( for normal wiper
OVERRIDE
operation).

j
1 C2

lpF The relay should have aresistance

of at least 150S2 and have heavy duty
contacts. A set of change-over con.
T2
0 • NEGATIVE tacts, as shown in Fig 1, are necessary
Fig. 1. Wiper Display Unit if the circuit is to be used on a car
whose wipers are wired as on the
Having recently experienced some circuit and also by noise spikes which Anglia or Cortina ( inspection of the
difficulty in trying to fit a thyristor spuriously trigger the thyristor. The car's wiring diagram will confirm this).
type wiper delay unit to the car, the following circuit should overcome The suppression circuit shown in
trouble was eventually found to be a these problems in both negative and Fig 2 was found to be nécessary for
result of the design of the car's wiper positive earth vehicles. the protection of IC1.

80 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

SUPPRESSED ZERO VOLTMETER FOR THE CAF

FROM R TO SUIT METER

IGNITION
To make ameter cover the range 10 to
SWITCH
15V or 10 to 20V over its whole
linA scale, ther circuit ( 1) is often used.
METER
The zener must be exactly 10.0V and
may not te available. In this case use
NOMINAL the arrangement shown in 12/.
10V small silicon
1W SMALL SILICON
PNP TRANSISTOR
10.0V
Ill

5k
POT OR PRE SET

AUTOMOBILE REV COUNTER/TACHOMETER

by the R/C ratio on pins 6 ard 7. During this time the

1N4148 on pin 3 is reversed biased, and the 4.7k resistor
and the preset supply a constant current to the meter,
which is calibrated in Rev/Mil. The meter is giv,ng an
analogue representation. When the time duration elapses
pin 3 goes low, shunting all current around the meter.
The ratio of current flow to the time it is shunted gives a
representation of RPM which is integrated, ( or smooth-
ed) by the meters menhanica: movement to give a very
accurate indication, when calibrated, of the RPM.
Accuracy is nominally to 2%. The 9V zener, 15 phm
resistor and 101.2F capacitor e're to stablize the current
The Signetics NE555V Timer/Monostable Multivibrator supplied to the meter.
is probably the most important standard IC to appear Calibration can be made using 50Hz 12V pulses
since the 741 op amp. Its versatility is obvious, but it derived from the domestic mains if it is remembered the
can also perform a variety of tasks, with a 412 to 18V
/ points operate at 2times the engine RPM on a4-cylinder,
supply and its ability to sink 200mA. engine, i.e. 50Hz = 3000 cycles/min equivalent to 1500
The Tachometer is an obvious high volume app- Rev/Min for a 4- cylinder 4-itroke. On an 8-cylinder
fication and many working variations are possible on the engine it would equal 750 RPM. On a 6-cylinder 50Hz
above circuit. equals 1125 Rev/Min.
Pulses from the points are fed to the 1k resistor and The circuit can easily be built using 0.1 pitch vero
5V zener for clamping and then trigger pin 2, which board. The 555 IC gives ten-perature stability and solid
causes the output to go high on pin 3 for aduration set state reliability.

AUXILIARY BATTERY ADAPTOR

AUTOMOBILE TYPE DIODES
SUPPLEMENTARY
When towing a caravan or using the SUPPLY FOR
AUTO
automobil2 battery supply for other CARAVAN ETC
CIRCUITS
heavier duty purposes the drain on the
battery may be excessive. AUXILIARY
MAIN
Here is a method of hooking up an BATTERY
BATTERY
auxiliary battery to the auto's charging AMP MET ER or
WARNINC LIGHT
circuit without upsetting the existing
battery, and limiting discharge to
external circuitry, to the auxiliary unit
VOLTAGE
only. ALTERNATOR REGULATOR
The four isolating diodes are of the
automobile type as used in alternators,
being capable of carrying up to 25 A .AUXILIARY BATTERY ADAPTER FOR
NEG. EARTH AUTO SYSTEM
they should be mounted on heatsinks.

Eli CIRCUITS No.1 81

 DETECTORS & COMPARATORS
PEAK DETECT AND HOLD CIRCUIT

RESET
PEAK DETECT HIGH IMPEDANCE
AND HOLD BUFFER

INPUT TO NEXT STAGE

10.

If the voltage at the input becomes

bigger than the voltage on the cap-
acitor, then the output of the 741
o goes positive, the diode conducts, and
the capacitor is charged up to the
input voltage-forward voltage drop of
diode. When the voltage at the input
/OUTPUT VOLTAGE ( NEGLECTING is less than that on the capacitor, the
/ DC SHIFT INTRODUCED BY 01 AND IC2)
output of the 741 goes negative, and
the diode cuts off. To prevent the
capacitor from discharging through
the input resistance of the next stage,
a high input impedance buffer stage
(IC2) is used. The circuit can be reset
by means of a FET or similar high
impedance device connected across
the capacitor.

INPUT VOLTAGE

•V •V.

WINDOW DECTOR CIRCUIT R1 10k oi

O //ILA
116567
This circuit de-energises a normally VuL

energised relay if an input voltage 64

4k7
3 /
goes above or below two individual:y Von R5
•—k--/1"/1/•—•—•—• 10k R3

set voltages. li
V
V ILL*
01

It consists of one IC and one SEE TEXT r'e 5

1
0 253053

transistor driving the relay. The tran-

I0.,
EV 10k 6
03

w.
sistor is normally turned on by R4, so .1/ VI. I. 7
9
the relay is normally energised. If the Ilon•les 01.07773.15 05 15914
Mode 04 154001
cathode of D1 or D2 is taken negative,
ICI
C11 will turn off and the relay will de- 557 , 747

energise.
The IC is a 72747 ( dual op amp).
The op amps are used without 1/Aorehlocennn for trooner /looms outs.*
suedv rail Voltne at junction DI.0?
feedback, so the full gain ( about Von •V
100dB) is available. The amplifier
output will thus swing from full posi-
tive to full negative for a few mV R5 VI. I VII,
Vn
change at the input. 6v3
The relay is therefore only ener-
gised if Vin is between VuL and RELAY
v
VLL. The two limits can be set any-
where between the supply rails, but rails D5, D6 and R5 should be added reduced by RV3.
obviously Vu L . must be more positive to prevent damage to ICI. The supplies can be any value pro-
than VLL. If VuL and VLL are required to viding the voltage across them is not
If Vin can go outside the supply be outside the supply rails, Vin can be more than 30V.

82 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

PEAK PROGRAM DETECTOR
The circuit shown will allow a multi-
meter to display the positive or neg-
ative peaks of an incoming signal.
A 741 is used in the non- inverting
mode with R1 defining the input 0/P

impedance. D1 or 02 will conduct on

a positive or negative peak charging C2
until the inverting input is at the same
DC level as the incoming peak.
This will maintain the voltage
until a higher peak is detected, when
this will be stored by C2.
In order to prevent loading by the
multimeter another 741, ( IC2) is
employed. This is also connected in insensitive meter. placing the diodes in the feedback
the non- inverting mode as aunity gain As shown the instrument has a loop of ICI, effectively compensating
buffer, output impedance is less than useful response from 10Hz-100kHz for the 0.6V bias that these compo-
in, low enough to feed the most (±1d13). High linearity is ensured by nents require.

POSITIVE PEAK DETECTOR

A positive- peak detector having gain may be constructed
using two LM301As as shown in Fig. 4.
The output is the peak voltage at the input amplified by
the ratio ( R1 + R2)/R2. Typical error is 2 ( R1 + R2)/R2
millivolts.
If unity gain is required R2 is deleted. The combined
resistance of R1 and R2 should be in the range of 10 to 100
k and. the minimum load resistance 2.2 k. Where negative
peak detection is required reverse the polar ty of both
IN914 diodes. • 5 .15

Fig.4

IN914
104
INPUT 3
IN914
CL
M3014
100k 2 MIN LOAD
L
M30 1
A RESISTANCE
0 1pF 2 21,

HT
1

33pF
2
IN914
AIN914 33pF

RI
5

REACTION COMPARATOR

The circuit above can be used as an independent arbiter

of which two people can throw aswitch first. With both
switches off the circuit is completely open and so neither
bulb lights. If SW1 is made - even the tiniest fraction of
asecond before SW2 - 01 will conduct and LP1, acting
as the load, will light up. At the same time the voltage
at the collector of 01 falls meaning that even if SW2 is
made there is insufficient bias current to drive 02 on.
If SW2 is made first the converse is true. The bulb
should be 6V, 40mA or 60mA types. The transistors
can be almost any silicon NPN type ( BC107 etc).

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 83

RADIO FREQUENCY
TTL CRYSTAL MARKER This circuit was designed to make use
of an old 100kHz-1000kHz 10X, 3
pin twin crystal.
COMMON' 101.He
With the switch in the 100kHz
—

PIN LAYOUT
OF CRYSTAL position the OV line is applied to pin 7
of the 7400 ( connecting ie. to supply)
IC PIN
and also to pin 12 which disables gate
IC PIN
A. This allows gates B and C to
operate as an oscillator at the cry-
stal frequency of 100kHz.
With the switch in the 1Mz position
CIPOT TOGGLE
TS
the ' inhibit' line is fed to pin 2. This
disables gate B and allows gates A and
SWITCH WITH
CENTRE OFF POSITION '
— nbeIele "

C to operate as a 1MHz oscillator.

1001‘H.
As DC switching is employed the
—40 •—• 1MH/ switch can be remote from the osc-
illator unit. Gate D is used as abuffer/
shaper stage.
The output of the unit is loosely
/777ov RX RF R II AERIAL
coupled to the aerial input lead pro-
CIRCUIT SOCK E1
viding adequate marker amplitude well
above 30MHz.
1400 IC

100 KHZ MARKER GENERATOR

The above marker generator will
produce strong signals every 100 kHz
from 100 kHz to over 200 MHz. It is
very useful for calibrating receivers
and for use as asignal generator.
Cheap transistors type BC108 give
good results but almost any PNP or
NPN transistor having a
gain- bandwidth product greater than
the desired frequency range will give
good results.
The oscillator should be calibrated communications receiver, or with a suitable small RFC ( i.e. Aegis C13),
by adjusting it to zero-beat with WWV digital- frequency meter. the same for RFC 2 ( i.e. Aegis C13 or
at 10 MHz, or 15 MHz, on a The choke, RFC1, can be any UPC 100 to UPC 560).

SENSITIVE RF VOLTMETER

.2PROBE
MPF 102
0.001mF 2N3819 ON C
)
I
OFF
DISC CERAMIC R1 2N5459
10k
1M 100k
C/Sd
1
N1
le

4.7M ZERO
COAX 0.001 4 F
IN914 1M DISC 2k
CERAMIT TRIM «r
2k 100 A 9V
TR IMPOT
330

T-
This device will measure RF voltages 10k
beyond 200 MHz and up to about 5 V
with the components as indicated. The
diode etc should be mounted in a
remote probe, close to the probe tip.
Sensitivity is excellent and voltages of RF voltage, such as a calibrated RMS full scale. This can be increased
less than 1 V peak can be easily signal generator and setting the to 20 V or more by increasing R1 to
measured. The unit can be calibrated calibrate control. The output indicates 20 M ( two 10 M in series). The 100 MA
by connecting input to a known level in RMS. As it is it reads about 2 V meter could be amultimeter if desired.

84 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

GENERAL PURPOSE RF DETECTOR SHORT LEAD
Dl
When constructing or developing Cl 1N914 DC OUT
communications equipment, such as
transmitters, receivers etc, a very
handy gadget is this general purpose AUDIO
RF detector. It provides dc output to OUT

a meter and audio output ( if

necessary) for checking transmitters or
modulated signals.
It can be used also as afield strength CAN BE,A FEW
INCHES LONG
meter or transmitter monitor.
The values of Cl and RFC vary
depending on the frequency range in choke down to 470 pH ( i.e. Aegis C13, Diode D1 can be almost any
use. Below 1 MHz, Cl can be . 001 pF UPC560 or VPC470). In the VHF germanium diode or a hot-carrier
and RFC at 2.5 mH or 5 mH RFC ( i.e. range Cl can be a2to 10 pF capacitor diode. Mixer diodes such as the IN21
Aegis C2, C4 or C9). In the HF region or 0.8 to 7 pF trimmer. RFC1 can be and IN23 series are also excellent. Use
to 30 MHz, Cl can be 20 pF or a5-40 between 47 pH and 150 pH ( i.e. Aegis a diode with a high reverse-voltage
pF trimmer while RFC1 can be a 2.5 VPC 150, UPC120, VPC100, VPC,82, rating if working with valve
mH choke ( i.e. Aegis C2 or C4) or any VPC68, VPC56 or VPC47). transmitters.

LED RF INDICATOR
An RF output indicator using a LED
is very useful for monitoring the

1
0 COAX OUTPUT output of a transmitter. This circuit
CONNECTOR
will give indication from a 5 W
Cl
1.5pF
transmitter. The capacitor Cl and the
1000
RFC are chosen for the appropriate
frequency. The RFC could be replaced
by a resistor for wideband use. The
sensitivity depends on the value of Cl
and the resistor used if the RFC is
LED
replaced. For high power transmitters,
Cl could be a small ' gimmick"
capacitor.

RF AMPLIFIER PROTECTION
P.A.

01

RF power amplifier output transistors may be destroyed

by high standing wave ratio loads.
This circuit senses the SWR conditions existing at the
transmitter output. If the SWR exceeds a predetermined
level, the PA collector voltage will automatically be
reduced: in the event of. a really high SWR the protection
circuit will blow the supply fuse.
The SCR shown in dotted lines —. should be included if
the circuit is to be used to protect a high power stage.
Otherwise 03 is used to draw an excessive current from the
power supply, this transistor must be rated to dissipate the
maximum power necessary to cause the fuse to blow.
Potentiometer VRImust also be rated accordingly.
The SWR sensing element employs standard SWR bridge
supply techniques and should present no difficulties.
Make sure that you have the right size fuse though'

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

85
RADIO FREQUENCY
FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTOR RADIO RECEIVER

The amplitude modulated carrier wave sets up avarying

voltage across the tuned circuit which causes VGs to vary
and achanging drain current ¡ Ds to flow. A varying voltage
is developed across R1 which is amplified by the npn bipolar
transistor 02. Capacitor C2 decouples the emitter of the
bipolar transistor to ground for AC signals and capacitor
Cl decouples the radio frequency component of the signal
The circuit shown in the figure provides a simple radio from the phones.
receiver which is both sensitive and selective. A low-cost Detection of the amplitude modulated carrier wave is
FET is used • the JUGF ET 2N3819. achieved by operating 02 close to the ' knee' of its transfer
In order to ensure that the impedance of the parallel characteristic. If the receiver tends to be unstable, the
tuned circuit is high at resonance, the inductance of the tendency for it to break into oscillation can be reduced by
coil should be high and the value of the tuning capacitor coupling the aerial to the circuit by means of a 47pF
should be kept low. capacitor. •

OP-AMP RADIO RECEIVER

The figure shows how to wire an op-amp so that it amp-

lifies the voltage generated across atuned circuit in order for
the circuit to operate as a simple radio receiver. The ' 741'
op-amp is suitable.
Note that the signal is applied to the non- inverting
input of the op- amp so that good selectivity is provided
due to the high input impedance of this connection which
provides negilible loading of the tuned circuit.
A 2000 ohm earpiece may be used directly at the output
of the op- amp but, as shown, an 80 ohm speaker can be
driven via acapacitor whose value should be selected for
optimum results.
Should the signal suffer from distortion, this may be due
to high frequency noise generated by the op- amp and can
be cured by connecting a470pF capacitor across the feed-
resistor Rf. The values of the components are not critical.

86 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

• MISCELLANEA
ECONOMICAL PHASE LOCKED Integrated circuits which have been
LOOP specially designed as complete phase
locked loops are available, but many
of them tend to be rather expensive
devices. The circuit shows how the
economical LM3900N integrated cir-
cuit can be used to build a phase
locked loop which has a centre fre-
quency of about 3kHz.
The LM3900N contains four
current differencing amplifiers in a
single 14 pin dual- in- line package.
Only three of these amplifiers are
used in the circuit shown, so the
fourth amplifier is available for other
purposes. The price of the LM3900N
is about 69p, so it is one of the
cheapest linear devices available. The
special circuit symbol shown is used
for the amplifiers in this device, since
they are not a conventional type of
operational amplifier.
If desired, the locking range of this
phase locked loop may be increased
by employing the fourth amplifier in
the LM3900N in the input circuit to
increased the signal amplitude.

TOUCH CONTROLLED DOORBELL PHASE LOCK CONTROL CIRCUIT

The circuit shown was used to phase lock a UJT

oscillator at 10 times the frequency of a 16Hz oscillator
which was varying ± 25%.
In the circuit shown, hum is induced into the touch plate The reference frequency is coupled in at B, and a trigger
when touched with a finger. This hum signal is rectified in
from the phase locked frequency enters at A. The resultant
envelope detector/amplifier Ti and the resultant dc current
multivibrater pulse train at 02 collector is filtered and then
amplified by T2, T3 and T4.
dc shifted by 03 and a Zener Fliode. The resultara dc error
Decoupling is provided by C1, and C2 limits the length of
signal may be used to correct the frequency of a voltage
doorbell signal to three seconds. The recovery time between
tune multivibrator or UJT oscillator. The c nc signal may
signals is five seconds. The lamp Li may be used to verify
be generated by counting down the B signa y the ratiJ of
the signal, to the caller, if required. the two signals.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

87
MISCHIANEA
ONE TRANSISTOR AUDIO MIXER

Three inputs are shown on our

circuit but more can be added if
required.
Each input has its own level control.
Sensitivity is 500 mV output for 25
mV input. This is more than adequate
to drive most amplifiers.

VIRTUAL EARTH MIXER

This mixer was developed for mixing
high quality audio signals prior to
recording on atape recorder.
01 is operated as a high gain
common emmitter amplifier. Noise is
kept low by operating this transistor
at the very low collector current of
30µA.
02 is connected as an emmitter
'follower offering a high input imped-
ance at its base to prevent loading on
01.
Overall feedback, both AC and DC
is taken from the emitter of 02 via
R4 and R5. C3 rolls off the response
above 40kHz to prevent RF pickup.
The signals to be mixed are intro-
duced vic thr. input resistors R1-4.
C2 isolates unwanted DC from Q1's
base whilst coupling the input signal
to it.
Overall voltage gain is equal to
R5
R1 + Rin 20dh if R1-4 are as shown.

R8 and Cl decouple the mixer

from the supply voltage employed.
R2 1012
The value of R8 in kS2 is determined
from the formula (Vs —
Ceer—VVV\r-7÷:
A

tí(
•
1.0 / TO AMP
OUTPUTS R3 10S!
4

.1 , SECONDARY OF
AMP POWER SUPPLY

PLOP ELIMINATOR

Many hi-fi amplifiers cause an

only- too audible ' plop' in the speakers
when switched on. The ' plop' is not
only disconcerting but can also be
damaging to low- power capacity
speakers.
The plop is generally caused by the
momentarily high inrush current to
secondary winding of the amplifier As soon as the power is shut off, the
the series output capacitors.
power supply. small smoothing condenser quickly
The circuit shown here brings the Immediately the amplifier is discharges itself through the relay and
speakers into circuit only after charge switched on. Cl charges through R1. de- energises it.
on the output capacitors has been When the voltage exceeds the Zener The two resistors R2 and R3 provide
established. voltage of the diode in series with the an alternative path for the onrush
The unit is connected by wiring the base, the transistor conducts and current when the amplifier is switchd
rectifier bridge input to the PC closes the relay. on.

88 Eli CIRCUITS No.1

 LOUDSPEAKER PROTECTION
UNIT
R2
The following circuit will protect
loudspeakers against overload if the
correct components are used.
Operation of the circuit is quite
simple, Diode D1 rectifies the signal INPUT SIGNAL
across the speaker, which developes TO SPEAKER PROTECTED
a fluctuating DC voltage across Cl. LOUDSPEAKER

When this voltage exceeds a certain

level, the relay contacts open, which
disconnects the lodspeaker and if
required puts a resistor across the
signal. In the case of valve amplifiers
it is usually necessary to keep a load
on the output when there is an input R1 is adjusted to give adequate limited and of course the impedance
signal present, therefore R2 will have protection at whatever power is being of the speaker. In my case the resistor
to be included in the design. With used. Resistor R1 value should be R1 was made 220R but this may be
most types of transistor amplifiers selected according to the power at too low for very high power applic-
today, the resistor R2 may be omitted. which the speaker will need to be ations.

SIMPLE DIGITAL CAPACITANCE 9V

PROBE FOR COUNTER (5 16V

ci%
2k
This simple adaptor enables a digital
Ï50 í2)
counter to be used to measure
18 k
capacitance.
Various ICs may be used but the 555
270 I?
series is the most practical and readily
UNKNOWN " C
OUT
available. 4 NE555

Probe output is coupled to the digital 47 S

2
-

counter via coax. The counter is

switched to the ' period' ranges with

T
1uF

seconds read as µF, milliseconds as nF

and microseconds as pF.
Accuracy depends on the accuracy of GROUND.
4 0
the calibration capacitors and of the
power supply regulation. A calibration
chart could of course be used if great The prototype unit accurately accurately with a 47 k resistor
accuracy or small capacitance value is measured a 50 000 µF capacitor and a paralleled across it. Lowest measurable
required. 2 µF could still be measured value was about 500 pF.

DIGITAL TAPE RECORDER

ADAPTOR

1.1 INPUT CIRCUIT ( Recordl

INPUT FROM
RECORDER

ZENER
DATA
DIODES
INPUT
4 7V
ourro
TO RECORDER
INPUT

Ito OUTPUT TRIGGER AND BUFFER CIRCUIT

(F.I.vbackl

The two circuits shown allow digital digital pulses which are then recorded. required binary data waveform.
data to be recorded and replayed on On playback the recorded pulses are The potentiometer RV 1 is adjusted
an ordinary domestic recorder. fed into a Schmitt trigger whose so that on playback only the peaks
The input circuitry differentiates the output is then amplified restoring the will actuate the trigger.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

89
MISCELIANEA
SUBSTITUTE FOR BREAKDOWN
DIODE

Experimenters may have tried the

circuit of Fig.l. as a substitute for a
diac. Due to the high Vcbo of modern
silicon planar transistors, the con-
figuration will snap into conduction
only when 20-30V are reached. In
addition, the breakdown voltage is ill-
defined, varying from sample to
sample.
However if the transistors are used
in the inverted mode, as shown in Fig. V. I9V s ABOUT 13 3entu V. I9V s ABOUT 0 3mAI

2, the breakdown voltage now depends 27k 10k 100k

An,.•1 to os• iDetkenchn, on Oak
upon the Vcbo of the transistors 1/1/ lathe, rap, ,eI,.quedl

used, which is confined to a narrow

range for agiven transistor type. -----
Experimental circuits have CIRCUIT
OF
CIRCUIT
OF
o
conducted at voltages from 2 to 6V, FIG 2
47D.F
FIG 2

depending upon transistor type and

quality.
Fig. 3 shows two typical applicat-
ions. Doubtless other uses like time-
base and delay circuits can be con- LED
FIG 3
ceived.
Note that the circuit can be 11,1 TICK TIMER

triggered at either base with an laIDARKROOM TIMER OR PILOT

LAMP E0 BATTERY OPERATED
appropriate current pulse. EOUIPMENT

DUAL FUNCTION CHARGER TABLE I In order of unnchno

L2 30 tyorm of 28 - 30 two
ONLY ADJUST METER IF LI 10 ----- of 30 irdi
FIG 2
IT IS OF THE MOVING LI about 300-500 tom, of
The charger is quite straightforward; IRON TYPE DO NOT ADJUST 38 two to fell bobton
ADJUST IF IT IS A
the 13V AC from the transformer is MOVING COIL TYPE FILAMENTS

rectified by the power diodes ( D1-4) #,FLUORESCENT

and then goes through the 5A fuse and TIME

then goes through a 5A fuse and 4A /1/11/11/111/111111/1

EARTHED STRIP
ammeter to the clips on the battery ( it
may be better to use lead clips if the
TO
clips are to be used for long periods, as BATTERY

steel ones tend to corrode).

FIG 1
However, this 13V is also 1/2 wave
rectified by D5-6 which are connected • MICROFARADS

to a 9V relay ( a capacitor may be

connected across the relay to smooth
out the supply). Most of the time the
relay will hold in the contacts and
break the circuit -- normally closed
contacts are used here. But when the
power is disconnected ( during apower
failure) the contacts connect the
supply to the inverter and the indic-
ator lights.
(The meter can be made to measure
the current drawn by the inverter from
the battery by bending the needle voltage divider for the biasing of C2, 3. The frequency of the oscillator
slightly as in Fig. 2). With C3 in circuit the inverter in fact should be kept as high as possible as
The inverter section is a simple becomes more efficient, but has a the fluorescent light gives out 20 per
positive feedback oscillator with fre- lower output. Using a2N3055 enables cent more light if operated at a fre-
quency dependent on the value of Cl the inverter to be modified to give quency above 10kHz. The circuit is
and the inductance of Ti. This is higher output and also guards against designed to operate a 12 inch 8W
wound as in Table 1 onto .? Mullard thermal runaway when used for long tube but can probably be made to
LA5 or LA7 pot core. R1, 2 make a periods. A heatsink is advisable. produce up to 30W.

90 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 DUAL MODE AMP 02 10k

This circuit was designed for use as RI 104

the output of arelatively low accuracy Poet»,

Von
(2%) Digital to Analog Converter Vann • Von tot TR1 off ISIT wool

(DAC). The DAC was required to have

-Vor for TA? o,, 151•4 dosed)

04 447
-15V
a bi iirectional output, i.e. both ICI
positive and negative. It is quite expen-
Loge 1 I5VI ',overt R5 411.
sive to provide this normally, so the
simple invert/non invert amplifier was Loom OIOVI norkonwert

used.
With TR1 turned off the Operat- TRI OR real" OR wench

ional Amplifier ICI acts as a voltage any GP

NPN ', Won
follower because its inverting and non through R1 and R3/4.
(typically 0.2V) will appear at the out-
inverting inputs are at the same With TR 1 turned on, the non-
put subtracted from Vin. This limits
potential. In this sense the amplifier inverting input of the Op Amp is con- the performance of the circuit to relat-
has unity gain and little offset. The nected to OV via R4, and the amplifier
ively low accuracy applications. It is
only errors are caused by the ampli- now behaves as a conventional unity possible to switch in a bias offset, but
fier offset (a few millivolts) which will gain inverting amplifier. The perform- the complexity of this will usually be
appear at the output, and the voltage ance in this mode is not as good. The
matched by having a bi-directional
caused by the input currents flowing saturation voltage at TR2 collector DAC.

CAPACITOR SUBSTITUTION One can use any diodes, bearing in

mind voltages in use, especially
maximum reverse voltage that the
tantalum will stand. Normal circuit
criteria will of course apply to type
OUTPUT and value of capacitors chosen. ( Two
capacitors in series will give a total
capacitance of only half the capacit-
ance of one of the capacitors, pro-
viding there are of the same value).
The actual operation of this circuit
Quite often, especially when Ithink is self evident. A negative going
rolytic) One may not have these voltage would be shorted out across
constructing operational amplifier cir- readily available and as a short term
cuits, capacitors of several µFarad Cl by D1 and applied across C2. A
measure I suggest the use of two positive going voltage would be
values are required and they must be
tantalum capacitors to replace one
of the non polarised type ( non elect- applied across Cl and D2 will short
non- electrolytic, as in circuit diagram. C2.

SPEEDING UP DARLINGT0NS
ry

ELECTRONIC CAPACITOR

The useful properties of Darlington pairs are somewhat

nullified when you need to get any speed out of them.
The main drawback of the conventional Darlington in
this respect is the long turn-off time, which results from
the stored charge at the base of the output transistor.
However, by borrowing a trick from the designers of
TTL this situation may be greatly improved, by the
familiar looking addition cf transistor and resistor R2 to
the conventional circuit.
03, operating in common - base, draws a relatively
steady base current. In consequence, when switching,
The value of capacitance existing between points 1and 2 the base charge of 03 remains reasonably static, with
may be varied over a 1000 to 1range by RV1. only the distribution gradients varying. Since the time
The lower value of capacitance is due to Cl, the transistor needed for this redistribution of charge is very small,
stages effectively multiply this capacitance, thus the total base drive for the outpu: transistor becomes available
capacitance available from the circuit, as given, is 1004 F. within several nanoseconds of positive drive at the input.
It is possible to replace RVIby aNTC or PTC resistor and At turn-off, 03 provides a TTL style path for the
thus the value of capacitance will depend on ambient removal of base excess charges from the output stage
temperature. resulting in faster turn-off time.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

91
MISCELLANEA
SHUTTER SAVER
This three component device will to a few milliamps. The value of R2
TO FLASH GUN keep sparks out of your camera must be sufficiently high to develop
AND POS. SIDE shutter, when using a flash gun, by necessary gate triggering voltage. R1
OF LEAD
letting an SCR carry the firing current. and R2 may need to be varied with
Closing the contacts in the camera SCR selected. The SCR should have a
shutter applies a triggering voltage, rating of 200 volts. If the device is
TO SHUTTER
developed across the divider R1, R2, used with a battery- capacitor flash,
to the gate of the SCR., so firing the which operates at about 22 volts, R1
TO FLASHGUN SCR and hence the shutter. The value and R2 must be adjusted to suit.
AND NEG. SIDE of R1 must be as high as possible, but The components can be assembled in
OF LEAD
low enough to carry the needed gate a plastic pill tube, fitted in the middle
current which may vary from 0.5 mA of aflash lead.

INCREASED SENSITIVITY FOR HEAVY CURRENT THYRISTORS

A typical stud thyristor of 5A rating

will need 10mA or more for triggering
into conduction. This can be reduced
to 1mA or less by using an additional
1A thyristor of TO5 construction.
The value of R1 will depend on
circuit voltage, ranging from 47S2 at
12V to 1k at 240V R2 and R3 are SA
STUD
equal, and normally specified in the
circuit, being typically 1k or more.
The small thyristor should have exact-
ly the same voltage rating as the larger
one.

SOUND OPERATED FLASH

The circuit shown enables near instant-

aneous synchronisation between sound
and flash. The latching facility has
been incorporated so that the flash is
not retriggered.
Resetting is by Si. With S2 closed,
resetting occurs after a time after a
time determined by 1.1xC2xR3. This
approximately equals five seconds as
shown.
D1 indicates triggering and is used
when setting the sensitivity:- set VR1
to zero and increase VR2 until D1 just
fails to light. A sharp snap of the
fingers causes it to light. S2, R3 and fibl
FLAsri3J.

C2 maybe omitted if not required.

The output from IC1 via R4 and COMPONENTS •(see text/
01 activates the read relay, used for its
Resistors
simplicity and speed of action. The R1 330kS2 Capacitors
relay itself is connected across the R2 221(0, Cl lOnF
flash sync leads. R3 1MS-2 • all % W, 10% C2 4.7µF, 10V•
R4 4k7S-T, C3 1001.LF, 10V
The unit maybe battery powered
R5 560S-2 MISC.
e.g. PP3, as it consumes a mere 15mA Potentiometers mic crystal mike insert
or so. VR1 50k1-2 lin Si push to make switch
The circuit has been built as the VR2 250kS2 preset S2 spst switch
result of many modifications to other Semiconductors RLA1 reed relay coil
'Cl NE555 RS1 normally open reed
circuits. Ifind it an interesting toy and Q1 BC108 switch
in its simplicity, shotild cost less than D1 TI L209 LED
£2. D2 1N914

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

92
 STRENGTH TESTER

+ 9 to 12 V
HANDGRIP
PROBES

• 01-04 .. ALL BC108

• 01-D6.. ALL 1N914

voltage output of the emitter of 01.

Bases Q2, Q3 ... are connected to
the emitter follower via progressively
more series diodes ( D1,
D2... D6 ... ). Each lamp in the
collector circuit will require a
OV progressively higher voltage output
o from 01 emitter to ignite. ( i.e. a
stronger grip).
The number of lamps can be
Here is a circuit that will quickly tell The stronger the grip, the better the increased as much as one likes, with
you and your friends whether it is safe electrical contact made and depending each stage input having a larger
to go onto the beach with no chance on the strength of grip one two or number of series diodes. In the further
of someone kicking sand into your more lamps will light up. stages it is not necessary to stack all
face or conversely that a session with The circuit operates on the principle those diodes since a single Zener will
the Charles Atlas academy is advisable! that skin contact resistance can be do just as well. For more than four
The idea is to grip the two handgrips determined to some extent by the stages reduce the value of R2 to 220
which are made out of 25 mm wood amount of pressure applied between ohms.
dowling ( broom handle) covered with the palms and the probes. RV1 adjusts the sensitivity:
aluminium foil. The greater the pressure, the lower Reducing its value lowers the
the resistance and hence the higher the sensitivity.

INCREASING THE NOISE IMMUNITY OF LOGIC CONTROL SYSTEMS

sol•noid
solenoid
Darlington
transistor
250V rm.s.
TRIAC
In many industrial control systems,
the output from logic circuitry is used
50
for simple on/off control of a
solenoid. However, the situation is 10k
often complicated by the presence of
100
high levels of electrical noise.
Although a high input noise immunity
of the logic circuitry can be obtained
with the use of high threshold logic Darlington
ICs, such as Motorola transistor

Semi- conductors' MH IL range, the 10k

power amplifier feeding the output
logic signal to the solenoid must be
specially designed for maximum noise SUS o
immunity in both the on and off
conditions.
An extremely simple and low-cost
l high threshold
solution involving the use of a silicon energisation of the solenoid; logic
unilateral switch ( SUS) has been negative-going noise pulses occurring
proposed by Motorola while the solenoid is on would have to
Semiconductors. reduce the input to the output
The SUS is connected between the amplifier to below 2 V, from between
logic circuitry and the output 12.5 and 15 V, for a spurious
amplifier as shown in Fig. 1 for a dc de-energisation. High- threshold logic, operating from
solenoid, and for an ac solenoid the An additional advantage is that the a 15-V supply, produces a logic ' 0'
connection is shown in Fig. 2. With an regenerative portion of the SUS output cf 0 to 1.5 V and logic ' 1'
SUS with a Vs of 8 V and a VI of switching waveform effectively boosts output of 12.5 to 15 V. Noise
1.3 V, positive-going noise pulses with the drive to the inductive load of the amplitudes which increase the ' 0' level
the solenoid switched off would have solenoid, speeding up the response to to 6.5 V and reduce the ' 1' level to
to exceed 8 V for a spurious. control signals: 8.5 V can be tolerated.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

93
UPS FINISHING FRONT PANELS
IDENTIFYING 74 SERIES SUPPLY FLICKER- FREE FLUORESCENT
PINS The finish on aluminium panels can STARTING
be improved by etching them in a
When unmarked IC's are suspected of Here is an extremely simple, yet
caustic soda solution. To get the best
belonging to the 74 series a simple effect: effective modification which will
method of finding the supply pins is 1) Do all marking out on the back of eliminate the annoying flickering when
possible. If the resistance is checked the panel. a fluorescent lamp is first switched on.
between any two pins using a multi- 2) Drill holes two ways — small pilot The modification consists of
meter set on the 1 ohm range, all pins inserting adiode ( FAA/. about 600 V)
hole from front to back. This
with the exception of the supply pins in series with the starter. This results
minimises the problem of getting rid
will give readings as open circuit or as in a fairly heavy current on initial
of the ' flash' which arises round the
a diode. When the supply pins are holes while drilling. Removing flash switch-on, which heats the filaments
checked a reading is obtained both quickly. When the starter contacts
often leaves scratches, and it is better
ways, the lower reading will be obtain- open again, the lamp fires im-
that these be on the back of the panel
ed when the positive lead from the mediately.
than the front.
multimeter is connected to Vcc. 3) Rub the front of the panel with
medium grade emery cloth to rid it of NOTE: The effectiveness of the
SOLDERING 1C's all unwanted marks and scratches. The modification, depends largely upon
emery should be rubbed only in one the characteristics of the starter; try
As it is no longer an economic pro- direction for the final rubbing. This and find one that is quick- acting.
position to use IC sockets for the leaves the aluminium with a bright My original unit has been working
cheaper IC's on the market, amethod matt finish. From this point on, avoid successfully in my desk lamp for the
of soldering them without damage touching the front of the panel. past three years, and I've had no
can be extremely useful. Cheap com- 4) Attach a length of thin plastic problems with dc magnetisation of the
mercial soldering heatsinks do not string or tubing to the panel by tying ballast, or excessive power con-
appear to be available, but sprung it through one of the panel holes. sumption on switch-on.
letter clips could have been made for 5) Prepare a caustic etching solution.
the job. These are available from Put about 30 grams of caustic soda in
most stationers. a glass or plastic dish. (The plastic
These are almost an exact fit for throw-away food containers are ideal.)
a 14- pin DIL IC. They clamp tightly Carefully pour on about 300 ml of hot
AVOIDING INSULATED HEAT
over the tops of the IC pins, ensuring water. ( 1 oz. of caustic soda in half a
pint of water, if that's any easier for SINKS
that heat is rapidly dissipated and that
the pins are all at the same potential voy.) The strength of the solution is in
(preventing damage to CMOS IC's). no way critical. Now, by means of the
plastic string, lower the panel into the If a fairly heavy current is to be taken
These clips could save a small
from the type of power supply shown
fortune in IC's, they also enable IC's tolution, leaving one end of the string
in (1), then the diodes will be of the
to be unsoldered without damage pro- hanging out of the dish. It will fizz
stud type on insulated heat sinks. By
viding care is taken. fiercely and the solution will get
choosing stud anode diodes, and using
hotter — but all is well.
6) About 3 minutes later remove the arrangement ( 2), the chassis may be
TINNING WITH SOLDER WICK the heat sink without the need for
panel, rinse it under a cold water tap,
insulation.
and wipe it clean. Rinse it again.
Do not discard the lengths of solder
thoroughly, and if it looks O.K. — dull
saturated solder wick. Further use can
matt all over, it's finished. Hang it to
be made of them to plate
dry.
printed-circuit boards by pre- tinning
A panel finished this way has asatin
the joints, prior to inserting chrome look to it, and does not retain
components and soldering. +V
finger marks the way untreated
The simple operation is as follows
aluminium does.
— place the saturated solder wick on
the printed board and apply a heated
soldering iron to melt the solder in the
wick. At the same time, move the wick
and iron along sections or joints
requiring tinner. A neat plated copper
print will result. CHASSIS

STENCIL FOR PCB's

A childs plastic geometry set-square
makes a very useful stencil when using
etch- resist pens. The holes should be
slightly counter-sunk to avoid smudg-
ing. Some suggested configurations OIL DRILLING
are; 8 pin DIL (easily moved for 16
pin), 0.1" edge connector slots, your Drilling holes in a pcb for 14 and 16
'favourite' relay base, preset pot DIL ICs is quite difficult and if the
holes, and if you want to be very holes are slightly off centre it is tricky
professional, pairs of holes the correct to fit the IC. An easy way to get it
distance apart for the different sizes right use a small piece of 0.1 matrix
veroboard as atemplate. (2) CHASSIS
of resistors and capacitors.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

94
 TTL-MAINS INTERFACE HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTROLYTICS

If you have difficulty in getting hold of an electrolytic

with a sufficiently high voltage rating for your purpose,
you can use two or more in series as long as the com-
bined voltage rating exceeds that of the supply.
This will reduce the capacity of course; for instance
if two capacitors with equal values are used, the effect-
ive value will be half.
A high value resistor ( about 1Mohm) should be wired
in parallel with all capacitors used in this way to
stabilise the voltage across each.

Here is a useful circuit for driven mains operated devices

direct from TTL logic circuits. Although it works well, it TRANSISTOR IDENTIFICATION
has the inconvenience that the neutral line is connected to Those who do a lot of lashups on S-Dec etc and use the
circuit ground. same components time after time will find that tran-
For inputs other than TTL levels a 10k series resistor may sistor identifications soon rub off. Why not take afew
need to be connected between 01 base and ground to minutes to colour code your transistors with paint or
reduce leakage. nail varnish. You can work out your own coding but for
Approximately 1mA at 1.4 volts is required to switch C11 instance PNP can be blue, NPN red; high gain types can
on. If driving from alow impedance, some means of current have yellow, r.f. typés green etc. Therefore aPNP, high
limiting will also be required. r.f. transistor would have blue, yellow and green blobs
on them.
Woolworths and model shops sell sets of tiny pots of
paint for models. This will give you about six colours
for only a few pence.
BOOST YOUR MAINS

o o
TEMPLATE AND HEAT SINKS FOR POWER
240V TRANSISTORS
LOW MAINS BOOSTED MAINS
'TOP HAT'

WAIN BOO/ H 1
01) s
12V- 30V SECONDARY I
I^ EXIS
TM11 •

@ 2 AMPS OR MORE
Power transistors similar to 0C35, 28 etc., can be useful
Mains voltage may be boosted by up to 10% by using a even when there is a complete electrical breakdown.
standard filament transformer connected as shown above. They can be modified and utilized as either a power
transistor heat sink, or as a making out and drilling
template. Just remove the ' top hat' part of the trans-
istor by squeezing it in the jaws of avice.
The top hat should fully detach itself from the main
MEASURING HIGH RESISTANCE ON LOW
body and the main body can be modified further by
SENSITIVITY METERS
filing it flat. Then remove the ceramic insulators and
base and emitter leads by pulling with a pair of pliers.
MULTIME TER Little effort is required to do this.
SET ON
OHMS RANGE

TRANSISTOR SOCKET
If you have ever built a transistor tester and use it alot,
for testing large batches of unmarked devices for
instance, you are probably aware of the shortcomings
BLACK RED of normal transistor sockets which, in fairness, are not
LEAD LEAD
designed for continuous use.
A really hardy socket can be made from a B9A or B7G
TEST PROBES valve plug ( not socket). These consist of pins which
01
SILICON NPN are hollowed out and are mounted on an insulated
base. The spacing between the pins is ideal for use with
most types of transistor.
Many inexpensive multimeters are unable to give useful
readings on the ohms range much above 47k. However, by
using almost any silicon NPN transistor ( BC107 for example) SOLDER FLOW PROBLEMS
in the arrangement shown will give considerable deflections If you solder alot of p.c. boards and are cursed with the
for quite high values. The meter's scale will not apply but by solder flowing across adjacent tracks, chances are that
noting the readings from high tolerance, high value resistors you are either using the wrong type of bit on your iron
and some interpolation, fairly accurate measurements can be or the wrong size of solder. There seem to be a lot of
made. Note that on a multimeter the Black ( negative) lead people who are unaware that solder is widely available in
connects to the battery positive on the ohms range. 22s.w.g. as well as 18s.w.g.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1

95
ODD RESISTOR VALUES If you are faced with finding an odd value resistor, e.g.
for multimeter repairs or making shunts for meters, a
simple trick is to take aresistor lower in value than that
V-cut In needed and file it until the required value is reached.
carbon
composition
41 FM The resistor should be connected to an accurate multi-
meter, preferably a digital type, when being filed.
Carbon composition or film-types may be used.
The power rating of resistors may be reduced slightly
Fibs
by the filing. When finished, a coating of modeling
paint or epoxy resin should be given over the area that
"...01111111171:filo
film types
has been filed, to prevent moisture changing the
resistor value.

R1
RESISTORS IN PARALLEL

10 12 15 18 22 27 33 39 47 56 68 82 100
R2
10 5.00 5.45 6.00 6.43 6.88 7.30 7.67 7.96 8.25 8.48 8.72 8.91 9.09
12 5.45 6.00 6.67 7.20 7.76 8.31 8.80 9.18 9.56 9.88 10.20 10.47 10.71
15 6.00 6.67 7.50 8.18 8.92 9.64 10.31 10.83 11.37 11.83 12.29 12.68 13.04
18 6.43 7.20 8.18 9.00 9.90 10.80 11.65 12.32 13.02 13.62 14.23 14.76 15.25
22 6.88 7.76 8.92 9.90 11.00 12.12 13.20 14.07 14.99 15.79 16.62 17.35 18.03
27 7.30 8.31 9.64 10.80 12.12 13.50 14.85 15.95 17.15 18.22 19.33 20.31 21.26
33 7.67 8.80 10.31 11.65 13.20 14.85 16.50 17.88 19.39 20.76 22.22 23.53 24.81
39 7.96 9.18 10.83 12.32 14.07 15.95 17.88 19.50 21.31 22.99 24.79 26.43 28.06
47 8.25 9.56 11.37 13.02 14.99 17.15 19.39 21.31 23.50 25.55 27.79 29.88 31.97
56 8.48 9.88 11.83 13.62 15.79 18.22 20.76 22.99 25.55 28.00 30.71 33.28 35.90
68 8.72 10.20 12.29 14.23 16.62 19.33 22.22 24.79 27.79 30.71 34.00 37.17 40.48
82 891 10.47 12.68 14.76 17.35 20 31 23.53 26.43 29.88 33.28 37.17 41.00 45.05
100 9.09 10.71 13.04 15.25 18.03 21.26 24.81 28.06 31.97 35.90 40.48 45.05 50.00
120 9.23 10.91 13.33 15.65 18.59 22.04 25.88 29.43 33.77 38.18 43.40 48.71 54.55
150 9.38 11.11 13.64 16.07 19.19 22.88 27.05 30.95 35.79 40.78 46.79 53.02 60.00
180 9.47 11.25 13.85 16.36 19.60 23.48 27.89 32.05 37.27 42.71 49.35 56.34 64.29
220 9.57 11.38 14.04 16.64 20.00 24.05 28.70 33.13 38.73 44.64 51.94. 59.74 68.75
270 9.64 11.49 14.21 16.88 20.34 24.55 29.41 34.08 40.03 46.38 54.32 62.90 72.97
330 9.71 11.58 14.35 17.07 20.63 24.96 30.00 34.88 41.14 47.88 56.38 65.68 76.74
390 9.75 11.64 14.44 17.21 20.83 25.25 30.43 35.45 41.95 48.97 57.90 67.75 79.59
470 9.79 11.70 14.54 17.34 21.02 25.53 30.83 36.01 42.73 50.04 59.41 69.82 82.46
560 9.82 11.75 14.61 17.44 21.17 25.76 31.16 36.46 43.36 50.91 60.64 71.53 84.85
680 9.86 11.79 14.68 17.54 21.31 25.97 31.47 36.88 43.96 51.74 51.82 73.18 87.18
820 9.88 11.83 14.73 17.61 21.43 26.14 31.72 37.23 44.45 52.42 62.79 74.55 89.13
1000 9.90 11.86 14.78 17.68 21.53 26.29 31.95 37.54 44.89 63.03 63.67 75.79 90.91

CMOS DIL HANDLING DEVICE 4. During IC insertion or removal

For those of us that get into a cold from a PCB or socket, the IC and
sweat when handling CMOS devices, clip are gripped TOGETHER across
we can all now sign with relief. A their ends, with the thumb and
cheap solution in the form of aspring forefinger ( see sketch). This pro-
clip can be obtained from a well- ceedure should remove any chance
known stationery chain- store. The of the clip accidentally releasing
clips are called " letter clips" and cost the IC.
30p for acard containing 12 clips. 5. If the IC is to be soldered into a
In the light of experience the foll- PCB, the clip should be left in place
owing points are worth noting. during the soldering process, as it
1. Before using the clips any internal will also act as aheat-sink. If several
burrs should be removed, as these impregnated foa m until the clip has IC's are to be soldered into aboard,
will prevent a good contact being been fitted. it is worth while leaving all the clips
made with the IC pins. 3. When fitting the clip, ensure that it attached until the last IC has been
2. NEVER remove the IC from the 'shorts out' ALL the IC pins. soldered in position.

IDENTIFYING SURPLUS IC's

flash. This is generally connected to frame and the other to each pin in
In checking unmarked surplus IC's, the substrate. In TTL and most linear turn.
aclue can be gained as to the identity IC's, this is the most negative pin Another clue to whether the IC is
of the IC if the ground pin can be (ground). In PMOS ( clock and cal- linear or digital is the fact that most
located first. In epoxy encapsulated culator chips) this is Vss, the most digital IC's have diode protection
IC's, the truncated part of the lead positive pin. An ohmmeter can find against reverse bias at inputs. Know-
frame can be seen at both ends, which pin is connected to the sub- ing the ground pin, this can be
perhaps partially covered by moulding strate by touching one probe to the checked rapidly.

96 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

EXTENDING BATTERY LIFE BATTERY SNAPS
Cell batteries are expensive but it is possible to recharge
these to a certain extent. If they are connected to a When a layer type battery ( PP3, PP7, PP9 etc) is
suitable power supply ( positive to positive, negative to exhausted, don't throw it away; the connectors can be
negative) before they are too run down, it is possible to used as battery snaps for other equipment.
extend the life considerably. This can be done several Using a pair of pliers, bend away the metal lip from
times though each recharging will last a shorter time. around the top and the panel holding the connectors
Layer batteries ( PP3, PP7, PP9 etc) cannot be re- will come free. There is usually a wire running to the
charged in this way. underside of the layer stack: this should be cut.

POWER SUPPLY OR BATTERY?

BATTERY CHECKING
If you want to work out if it is worth building a
power supply rather than using abattery aquick rule Never check a battery off-load simply by using a
of thumb is that the juice from a battery comes to voltmeter — the readings can be meaningless. Measur-
between 1,000 and 100,000 times the expense. Tie ing on voltage on- load is o.k. but if this is not practical
cost of atypical power supply which is comparable to ensure that you connect a resistor across the meter
a battery will cost between £ 1 and £ 3 so if you are probes so that a reasonable current is drawn. For a
likely to purchase that value of batteries in the life- 9V battery a 180 ohm resistor will draw about 5mA.
time of the equipment and if portability is no: a
consideration, plump for the power supply.

MUCK REMOVER TRANSFORMERS IN REVERSE

It is frequently overlooked that there is nothing magic
When you have had the best from your toothbrush,
about the primary and secondary windings of a trans-
don't throw it away, add it to your tool box. It's one former: a 250V to 9V will operate equally as well as a
of the best ways of clearing off dust, dirt and swarf.
9V to 250V.

LOUDSPEAKER CHECKING
If you suspect that the coil on a loudspeaker is out of
alignment and rubbing you can check this easily. Hold IMPROVING UJT LINEARITY
the cone of the speaker against your ear and çently
thump the back of the magnet with the flat of your
hand. If the thump is ' clean' the problem lies else-
where. If a rasping or scratching is heard the coil is out
of alignment.
Pressing in the cone with your fingers should be
avoided for unless the pressure is even you can caL se the
problem you are looking for.

SIGNAL TRACER
There are now plenty of pocket transistor radios
around which suffer from some fault on the r.f. or
if, side. These are ideal for conversion to an audio The linearity of a UJT relaxation oscillator may be
signal tracer. improved by returning the timing' resistor R to a high
The earphone socket can be modified as the input voltage supply.
by wiring across the volume control and disconnecting
the original connections to this from the r.f. section.

ZENER DIODE LIFTS CAPACITOR RATING

CRYSTAL EARPIECES
One of the cheapest and most useful items of test equip-
ment is a simple crystal earpiece. These are very
sensitive and have such a high impedance that they will 10000 ut
not load the circuit. Cut off the plug and add acouple
of croc clips.
2; volt . ,t.r1t,

CHEAPIE VARICAPS
o 0 Ov
Varicap diodes are not all that cheap or easy to get
hold of. What is not widely known is that all diodes
exhibit a variable capacity effect when reverse biased. Electrolytics combining large capacity and high working
Generally speaking the higher the current rating, the voltage are bulky, expensive, and frequently difficult to
obtain.
larger the capacity and the change when the voltage
A drastic reduction in the voltage rating required is
is varied across it. Even the 1N4000 series with a lA
achieved by the connection of aseries zener diode. In
capacity can be used when small capacity changes ( a this example a27 volt zener in series with a6 volt
few picofarads) are required. electrolytic filters a30 volt line.

ETI CIRCUITS No.1 97

MISCELLANEOUS DATA
SEMICONDUCTOR OUTLINES

KoCellodia
A•Anode 02 D
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Kil 1G
TO 92 TO 202 TO 220 SCR 70220 TRIAC TO 45 TO 98 ST 4 W -25

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TO I 0 4 1
•

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TO 101(
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TO 104
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C
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TOP 3
TO...
TO 14 TOSS
SO Y 25
TO 311 mom 2013 DI
MENS I
ONS I
N MIL LI
M
NOTE For transistors wan " PN" prefix, use TO 92172) pus connecnons SII OLAR S
PET S
I,
241 D10013 G P 13511110AL PIJAPOS1
72 0101 71 74 PI
N Y 1291 FEY 1151 PIN FI T 123) E EMITT ER
PIS S SO WICE
P110 PIN • SASE A . AN005 SS SMALL SI
GNAL
FIT PET FEY • S G GAT E
C CO LL EC TOR K . CATFOOCH SW SWITCH
D TWAIN
o • D E G NG MIN GERMANIUM N' CM SC HAN NI L OIP OUTPUT
PG WO GE RMANIUM SP RADI O WHOM«,
0 G or 02 o I" CH • CHA NNE L
NS NIN SILI CO N ▪ F HIGH FIWOUINCY
12 e _ 0
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cam coGI ONO CASE PS WO" SILI CO N V It F VER Y W ON FIWOUIERI
CY

QUICK TRANSISTOR "PUNCH- THROUGH"

CHECK TEST

hese diagrams Illustrate a handy method of checlong any

transIstor wIth a multoneter swItched to a low Ohms range

NOTE Battery ( r) posOwe on most multlmeters Is the BLACK

lead — NOT the RED lead

EMITTER I COLLECTOR

ZENER DATA
PNP
VOLTAGE 400mW TYPES' 1 W TYPES'
TRANSISTORS
3.3 N746 LOW RESISTANCE
HIGH RESISTANCE
3.6 N747 READING

171
READING
3.9 N748 COLLECTOR ,
COLLECTOR ,
4.3 N709
4.7 N750 N0732
5.1 N751 N0733
5.6 N752 N4734
-e-
EMITTE"
6.2 N753 N0735 EmITTER BASE
BASE
6,8 N754,IN957 N4736
75 N755.1N958 N4737
8.2 N756.IN959 N4738
91 N757,IN960 N0739
10 N758,IN961 N4740
11 N962 N4741
12 N759,IN963 N4742
13 N964 N4743 NPN
15 N965 N0744
16 N966 N4745 TRANSISTORS
18 N4112 N0706 LOW RESISTANCE
20 N968 N4747 READING
HIGH RESISTANCE
22 N969 N4748 READ NG COLLECTOR , ,1
24 N970 N4749
COLLEC CR
27 N971 N4750 ""
30 N972 N4751
EMITTER
33 N973 N4752
miTTER
BASE

DIsop 4001nW, Op Temp 50 -C, Case DO 7or DO- 35 , BASE---"

Damp 1W, Op Temp sec. Case DO 41 Tho range roll

dIssapate up lo 3watts @ 75 °C voth lOrnm lead length a
a heatsenk

98 ETI CIRCUITS No.1

 \\\\\\
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1