D 71883

87,88
July August 1982
|

130 p.
up-to-date electronics for lab and leisure

summer
circuits ’62
more than iOO
ractical projects
 slektor july /august 1982 - 7-03

1 switch
light sensitive 54 a 'MID-FI' receiver
2 DC motor speed control 55 low cost temperature indicator
3 polystyrene cutter 56 duty cycle meter
I
4 summer circuits power supply 57 AC motor control
5 simple AGC 58 pulse generator
I

6 high voltage converter 59 oscilloscope aid

7 slave flash trigger - G. Kleinnibbelink 60 mini EPROMmer
8 temperature to frequency converter 61 5 V super power supply
9 frequency generator 62 short wave converter
10 signal strength meter 63 a simple window comparator
1 1 inverter oscillator 64 symmetrical opamp supply - J. Wallaert ....
12 serialkeyboard interface 65 monoflop with a CMOS gate
13 R F amplifier for the 1 0 metre amateur band 66 electronic thermometer
1 4 active attenuator 67 fluid level detector

15 executive decision maker 68 voltage controlled waveform generator

16 automatic outdoor light - J. Bodewes 69 economical battery tester
17 slave flash - G. Konig 70 telephone bell
CMOS switch Schmitt-trigger
;

1 8 555 pulse generator 71

19 pushbutton interface - J. Ritchie 72 universal VCF
20 true RMS converter 73 keyless lock

21 miniature amplifier 74 digital logarithmic sweep generator - J. Meijer

22 OTA Schmitt-trigger 75 car lock defroster

v/23 TRS 80 cassette interface rediscovered .... 76 LED tuning indicator

77 calling Junior vectors - R. Matyssek
24 mixing console
25 low voltage stabiliser 78 RTTY converter
79 single cycle mode for the Junior Computer -
26 overvoltage protection for meters
stable amplitude low frequency oscillator E. Kytzia
27 . .

waveform generator - 80 super low noise pre-amp

28 positive triangular
81 crystal oscillator
« R. Storn
29 smoke detector 82 infra-red remote control receiver
30 reciprocal amplifier 83 voltage controlled TTL oscillator - N. Rohde .

31 blinky - J. Meijer 84 RS 232 interface

32 double alarm - M. Prins 85 magic running lights

33 automatic delay switch - M. Prins 86 stable start/stop oscillator

34 dynamic RAM for SC/MP - D. Paulsen 87 sound effects generator
35 economical crystal time base 88 VCOTA . .

36 FET field strength meter 89 biomedical interface

37 automatic switch for output amplifiers - 90 dissipation limiter - H. Burke
W. Wehl 91 stereo power amplifier
38 mini high performance voltage regulator 92 power failure protection
93 12 dB VCF
40 converter for varicaps 94 voltage controlled filter
41 low octave switch 95 simple frequency converter- R. van den Brink
42 program EPROM 96 high performance video mixer
43 infra-redremote control transmitter . . .
97 rear light monitor
44 high-speed NiCad charger 98 connection tester - P. Verhoosel
45 logic probe 99 AC/DC converter
46 high quality tape playback pre-amp . . .
100 high speed printer routine - F. de Bruijn
47 square triangle VCO 101 phase sequence indicator - F. op 't Eynde . . .

48 graphic oscillator 102 the Elekterminal with a printer - E. Francois .

49 analogue monoflop
50 the simplest PDM amplifier We inform readers that the technical
regret to
51 class AB amplifier queries telephone service will not be operating
52 omnivore LED during the months of July and August.
L 53 EX(N)OR opamp - A. Rochat
 .

elsktor july/august 1982 - 7-13

... no matter what it says on the cover.

Each year, we produce ten issues of Elektor: January to June, and September to
December. For July and August, we print something completely different: the
Summer Circuits issue!

not really a magazine, because there are too many circuits and too many pages.
It's

But it's not really a book, either, mainly because the size is wrong (although lots of

people use it as a kind of quick reference book for new circuit ideas). So what? As
one philosophically-minded genius proclaimed, after several hours of deep and
profound thought: "It is what it is".

Even if we don't know what it is, at least we know what to put into it: 'more than
1 00 circuits'. Each year, we try to do better than the year before. Last year we
all circuits have been built and tested' — the
stated, truthfully, that 'nearly
exception being a few simple application notes and some straightforward ideas from
external authors. This year, we built and tested the lot!

Although ... no, that's not quite true. Another of our traditions is to include one

'joke circuit'. Last year (for the few readers who didn't spot it!) we published a
solar-powered torch. This year ... no, work it out yourself. We can give one clue:
we think the circuit should work, but we can't see how to actually test it in the
situation for which it is intended.

Tradition and progress. This issue is 'traditional' — we've been doing it for years —
and the quality and diversity of the circuits is even better than last year (we think),
so that's 'progress'. Next year, maybe, we'll try to make the text better: cram even
more valid information into the number of lines available. Maybe even improve the
grammar? You never know: ten years from now this issue may be required reading
for 'Arts' students.

So, what's new? An 'editorial introduction', in the best tradition (and that
eliminates a large number of editorial introductions . . should contain something
. )

more than light reading. Let me think ... we must have something . . .

Electronics in the future? Difficult ... we try to convert our futuristic ideas into
something practical, and simply publish it as a circuit. Next month's ideas, maybe?
No let's surprise our readers with that dark-room computer, way-out hifi system and
16-bit-microcomputer Talking about computers, there's one point: 'hardware',
. . .

'software' and even 'firmware' are known — but have you ever heard of 'paperware'?
No?! Well then, that's new! Take a look on page 90.
What else? Oh yes! almost forgot. Our front panels! We've had a 'front panel
I

service' for quite some time, but it never really satisfied us. Either a panel is
expensive, or else you can see that it is not so expensive. Now - at last! — we think
we've solved it. Professional front panels at a price that came as a pleasant surprise
to us. As a first shot, we've got a panel for the Elektor 'Artist'. If that one works out
as we expect, our 'printed circuit board service' may well become a relatively
traditional side-line. The new 'front panel service' could well lick it hollow, as
regards 'uniqueness' (or should that be 'uniquity' or 'unicitude'? As stated earlier,
grammar is scheduled ten years from now.).

Now — forgive me! —

intend to stop. There's a hot soldering iron beside me, and
I

I want to use it. That no-l-won't-tell-you-which circuit intrigues me . .

Your editor.
7-14 - elektor july/a 1982

There is a wide range of applications input exceeds that of the non-inverting exchanged with the P1/R4 combi-
for light sensitive switches: staircase input. Resistor R5 creates an nation to provide the circuit with
light timers, outdoor illumination, 'hysteresis' of about 1 V to prevent T1 'inverse law'. The lamp Lai will be
automatic door openers by means of and the thyristor from switching 'on' extinguished at the onset of darkness.
a light beam, alarm systems and so on. and 'off' (flickering) in marginal light Some practical considerations:
Many of our readers will be familiar conditions. The switching point of the For switching higher power lamps
with the single transistor opto-switch comparator is adjustable by means of D1 . D4 must be replaced by
. .

where a LDR is placed between the PI With this potentiometer set to

.
1N5404 types and a heat sink must be
base and either ground or supply minimum resistance, the lamp will used for Thl. With these modifications
depending whether a 'normally on' or switch on at twilight. Readers who the circuit will cater for current levels
'normally off' function is required. require greater flexibility can replace up to 3 amperes.
This simple circuit gave way to more PI by a 1 Mft type. The LDR can be The maximum gate current available
complex arrangements involving the for Thl is 250 /iA, which means that a
use of opamps with the advent of the fairly 'sensitive' thyristor should be
supercheap 741 Another, not so well-
!

known, method of opto-detection uses

a bridge circuit operating on the
principle that current flow across the
bridge will be zero when the four
impedances have been calculated
correctly. The 'bridge is in balance'
when this occurs.
The latter principle is used in the
circuit here. The opto-detector is

situated in a bridge circuit and a

comparator is used as a 'bridge is in
balance' indicator. The comparator
output fires a thyristor via a transistor.
Caution must be used with this circuit,
sinceit is not isolated from the mains

supply.
Power to the circuit is derived via the
D4 and is
bridge rectifier D1 ...
smoothed and stabilised by means of
R1 Cl and D5. The bridge circuit may
,

be difficult to see in the circuit

diagram, but it consists of R2 R4, . . .

PI and the light dependent resistor

(LDR). IC1 is connected as compara-
tor and output voltage level will
its
become approximately 1 .8 V when the
potential at the inverting (negative)
 .

elektor july/a 1982 - 7-15

Any LDR should be suitable.

Resistors: Capacitor: There is no apology for repeating the

R1 = 100 k/1 W Cl = IOOp/16 V cautions regarding the lack of isolation

R2,R3 = ICO k from the mains supply. With this in
mind it is essential that the completed
Semiconductors: circuit is housed securely in some form
D1 . . . D4- 1N4004 (1N5404I of plastic box. A hole can be made in
05 = zener diode 10 V/400 mW the top of the box for the LDR to
R8= 33 k T1 = BC547B 'see' through. Make sure that both the
R9 = LDR 03. 05 or 07 IC1 = 741
input and output cables are fitted
100 k preset potentiometer Thl “ TIC 106D
securely. These precautions will ensure
that prying fingers will not come to
grief.

The LM 1014 1C from National R1 R2 and R3 should be selected so

,

Semiconductor can be used to provide AV ret MT

Vref that is equal to the dynamic
a constant speed control for small (VI (mV/°C)
DC motors. A
well known trick is used impedance of the motor. How do you
0.95 -1.0 P
here. This takes into consideration the find this? A good start for the calcu-
1.15 -0.3 2 gnd 3 open
fact that when the motor current rises lation is to simply measure the
1.35 +0.3 2 open, 3 gnd
' (due to an increase in load) the voltage +1.0 resistance of the motor with a multi-
1.55 2/3 gnd
across the motor will follow suit. The meter and start with this value. Choose
reason for this is that if the motor tendency to be unstable and the only R1 to be slightly on the low side from
speed drops slightly the back EMF way to keep it within acceptable limits the formula and check whether or not
decreases which means that the motor is to allow slight speed variations in the motor is still controllable. As long
current (given the same supply the order of a few percent (depending as it doesn't run wild (run up to
voltage) is going to increase. It follows on load conditions). maximum speed and stay there) or
that raising the voltage across the A disadvantage of the circuit is that start hunting, R1 can be increased in

motor will increase the speed. the value of the components required
Theoretically then, it is possible to cannot be given as hard and fast. It is The output voltage, and with it the
hold the motor speed virtually a circuit then that does require some speed, can be adjusted by means of PI
.constant in this way. experimenting with in order to obtain The formula for the output voltage is
'However, in practice this system has a the best results. The values of resistors given in the diagram. Before calcu-
lations are begun, a reference voltage
must be selected via pins 2 and 3. Each
reference voltage has a different
temperature coefficient (see table).
This parameter of the motor will
rarely be known and so the choice will
come down to personal taste.
The value of PI is not really critical.
This potentiometer at minimum value
will certainly give maximum volts
supply but using too small a value will
only render it impossible to slow the
motor very much. The choice of R1
not only determines the dynamic
characteristic of the circuit but also
limits the maximum motor current.
With the value shown in the diagram
(1 S2) the maximum current will be
1 .4 A. The values given were actually

used with a motor that was measured

as follows:
Dynamic resistance: 16.3 fi
Reverse EMF: 3.25 V at 2000 rpm
Torque: 5.9 mA per mnm
National Semiconductor Applications
 .

july/august 1982

polystyrene
cutter
hot wiring for beginners

Have you ever tried to cut polystyrene form a time switch which in turn voltage across C3 will either be logic
panels or blocks with a conventional controls the triac. The switching 1 or 0. With a logic 1 , N3 receives a
saw? Messy is it not? Little bits of the periods are determined by C3. This positive pulse front N2 resulting in a
stuff everywhere and you still have not capacitor charged by way of PI , and
is short negative pulse at its output.
achieved what you set out to do. discharged by way of R5 and D3, to This triggers N4 and in turn T1 , which
The only way to cut polystyrene ef- the output of N3. The charge and switches on the triac. The RC network
ficiently is by the hot wire method. discharge levels of C3 are within the
The wire has to be kept at just the threshold levels of the Schmitt-trigger
right temperature otherwise it will N3. It therefore follows that the
either not cut or it will burn the ma-
terial into horrible little black bits.
A low voltage transformer delivering
a reasonable current of approximately
2 A is sufficient for the circuit. By
controlling the current flow through
the wire the actual temperature can
also be regulated. In order to reduce
the consumption and power
dissipation the current is switched on
and off intermittently by a triac.
R6/C4 ensures that the triac conducts
One side of the 'hot wire’
for one complete mains cycle.
(represented by R L) is connected
directly to the secondary winding of
The negative pulse also causes the
voltage across C3 to drop below the
the transformer. N1 and N2 ensure
level of the trigger threshold of N3.
that the sine wave (A.C. voltage)
Keep in mind that the time frame for
supplied by the transformer is con-
all this tohappen can be varied, by
verted into a square wave. In order
adjusting PI
for this to happen the values of R2
N3 now no longer reacts to the pulses
and R3 are calculated so that N2
from N2,so its output remains at
switches on and off in phase with the
logic 1 C3 can no longer discharge via
A.C. supply. The RC network R4,
.

R5 and D3 and therefore the triac will

C2 differentiates the positive pulse,
switch off. After a defined period of
the internal clamping diode of N3
time (set by PI ) the voltage across C3
suppressing the negative pulse.
is logic 1 once more and the pro-
N3 and its surrounding components
cedure starts all over again. The wave-
form across the triac is shown in the
illustration.
As already mentioned R6 and C4
ensure the triac conducts for one
complete mains cycle. By doing so

ihsfcrrna

SH : ,3
the loading of the transformer is
symmetric, reducing the need for high
DC currents. It should be noted that
the total resistance of the cutting wire
should not exceed 5 ft.
Construction can be similar to the
drawing where a fret saw frame has
been used (with insulation!).
 1 1

slektor juty/august 1982 - 7-17

The title means what it says! A power

supply specially designed for use with
our summer circuits. The novelty of
this design is that it has a variable out-
put from 0 V up, without using a R1 R4.R5 R9 C1/C5 IC1 T2 T3
transformer with two secondary
windings. The circuit can either be 0-25-30 V 1.3 A 0.47 H 2k7 24 V 2 A / 723 BD 242 2N3055
constructed using the well known 723 (MOV 0.8 A 0.82 Jl 5k6 33 V 1.5 A / LI 46 BD242A 2N3055
1C, or for higher output voltages the 0-60 V 0.6 A 1.2 n 10k 48V 1 A / L146 BD242B 2N3442
L 146, which although less popular, is
still easily available. The choice is left

to the constructor. The output current 'strikes the eye' is the unusual way in When the voltage drop across R
limitation is also variable, but once which T3 is driven. As a result, a closer exceeds 0.6 V, PI is shorted out by
set it is continuously effective. Table 1 look at the way the circuit works is T 1 and T3
,
is cut-off. During a normal
shows all the different component called for. operation (without current limiting),
values needed to make three different When the required output voltage is the voltage drop across PI is a
versions (30, 40 and 60 V maximum below the tolerated minimum of the constant 1.2 V, made up of the flow
output). regulator, the actual voltage potential voltage of D1 and the Ube of T2.
The circuit diagram actually illustrates at pin 4 is below that of pin 5. This A part of this voltage can be used to
the 40 V/0.8 A type. The L 146 1C results in the 1C trying to compensate drive T 1 before 0.6 V is reached across
was used because this can handle the for this by attempting to increase R 1 This is possible because the base
.

higher output voltages far better than the output voltage from pin 9. This, voltage of T 1 is composed of the drop
the 723. Normally speaking 2 V is the however, will not work simply because across R1, and the divided voltage
minimum regulated voltage which pin 9 is earthed via R7 and D2, value at the wiper of PI In the way .

either 1C can provide. The resistor thereby limiting the voltage increase. just described the output current
networks R3, R4 and R5, R6 get over Although the voltage cannot increase, can be controlled from 0 to the
this restriction allowing the output to the current certainly can, so R7 is also maximum available, quite easily.
be adjusted right down to practically used to limit this to 6 mA. The current Keep in mind that a 723 can only
0 V (with the aid of P2). these flowing through the 1C (in at pin 1 handle a maximum of 36 V. An L 146
resistors ensure, that sufficient voltage and out at pin 9), causes a voltage should be used with any transformer
ispresent at pins 4 and 5 of the drop across PI This in turn drives T3
. supplying more than 24 V. As the
regulator (thereby keeping it stable), open (by way of T2), therefore L 146 can safely handle up to 80 V,
even when voltages lower than their increasing the voltage. As the wiper the maximum size of transformer
tolerated input level are required. of PI is connected to T1,
it can be that can be used is one with secondary
^Another aspect of the design which used to control the current limitation. windings supplying 48 V. Whatever
output requirements the constructor
1N4001 decides upon, must also determine the
type of capacitors and semiconductors
to be used. Remember that a 2N3055
is only rated to 60 V, therefore for

80 V a 4041 1 or 2N3442 should be

used, and so on.
T able 1 indicates the component
values needed to construct three
different power supplies dependant on
the voltage range required. The most
important factor to bear in mind is to
limit the output current sufficiently to
keep the power dissipation of T3
under 40 W. The maximum output
of a 40 V version is 0.8 A. It is
possible to connect two 2N3055's in
parallel (with emitter resistors) ,
to
double the output current, but,
then a 2 A transformer is necessary.
 1982

This circuit will provide an output Nevertheless, this automatic gain con- drive the attenuator formed by diodes
with a fairly constant amplitude of trolis ideal for use when recording D1 and D2. Opamp A2 is a straight-
4 V peak to peak, from an input that computer programs onto cassette tape forward amplifier with a gain of lOOx
may vary between 1 00 mV to 2 V. where a constant amplitude is more but its DC setting is a little unusual in
There was no intention of achieving important than low distortion. that it is derived from the average of
'hi-fi' performance as the distortion Opamp A1 provides an output the input signal via R5 and C4. The
figures are not exactly in that league. impedance that is sufficiently low to off -set voltage of A2 cannot escape
being modified to some degree but,
simply a cascade rectifier out of an old A variety of E, El or ferrite cores with at least 3 kV.
T.V. set. Version 2 delivers a voltage having a diameter of 30 mm
can be • R6 in version 1 consists of six

three times higher than version 1 used quite easily. The core should not 10 Mn resistors in series. R7 is
because the cascade rectifier acts as a have any air gap; an AL value of made up by using 10MS2 resistors, also
voltage multiplier (3X). 2000 nH is about right. The primary in series. This is done in order to avoid
IC2 regulates the output voltage. The winding consists of 25 turns of spikes at the output.
opamp compares the voltage across PI 0.7 mm ... 1 mm
enamelled copper Either circuit consumes approximately
with that at the junction of the voltage wire and the secondary is 500 turns of 50 mA without a load and 350 mA
dividers R6/R8or R7/R8. If the out- 0.2 . 0.3
. . mm
wire. The primary and when delivering 2 ... 3 W
into a load.

put exceeds the preset voltage level, secondary windings must be properly Transistors T2 and T3will require heat
IC2 will reduce the supply voltage to insulated from each other! sinks.

the output via T3. The most important With respect to the high voltages the
part of the circuit is the transformer. constructor should pay special atten-
Even though it is rather essential, its tion to the following points:
construction is not that critical. • Capacitor C6 must be able to cope

slave flash
trigger

A triggering circuit for slave flash guns virtually undetectable, by the human
ensures that the 'slave', flashes simul- eye.
taneously with the main or master The circuit consists of a sensitive low
gun. Apart from the commercially powered thyristor, in this case the
available units, there are quite a few TIC 106D (Thl ), and a choke. The
published in electronic
circuit designs solar cells (which should have a
magazines. Unfortunately most of minimum surface area of 1 00 2
) mm
these have one major drawback. They are connected in series. They generate
all need some form of power supply, the ignition pulse for the thyristor
such as normal batteries etc. The immediately the master flash is fired.

circuit design described in this article A 68 mH choke ensures that the

circuit is insensitive to ambient light.
uses a virtually in-exhaustable supply!
Solar cells are applied here in an
The prototype achieved an operating
ingenious way The flash of light
I
distance of 50 metres, between the
slave and a master flash gun with a
amitted by the master gun will trigger
the slave. The small delay which power figure of 28!
occurs is so small (in the order of
1/1 000th of a second), that it is

temperature to
frequency converter

Although a temperature to voltage The circuit described here is voltage across this zener diode is

converter may be more common, a remarkably accurate. A 10 Hz/°C directly related to the absolute
temperature to frequency converter is conversion factor is maintained within temperature in degrees Kelvin:
much more useful when digital circuits 3 Hz, throughout the 5° to 1 00°C
are used fortemperature measure- range. U|_M 335 = 10 • T (mV)
ment. This type of converter can be A 'pseudo' zener diode, the tempera-
connected to either a frequency ture dependent LM 335, is used as the Therefore, at 0°C the voltage will be
counter or even a microprocessor, temperature sensor. The 1C comes in a exactly 2.73 V. In order that the
without the need for an additional plastic transistor package. The ADJ voltage to frequency converter can b
A/D converter. pin is not used in this application. The calibrated in degrees centigrade, this
 7-20 - elektor july /august 1982

2.73 V input can be cancelled by an square wave, swinging from +5 V To calibrate the circuit, a mixture of
equal and opposite (negative) voltage. (GND for this 1C!) to positive supply. crushed ice and water gives a good 0°C
Instead of using a negative supply It is not difficult to relate this signal to
reference. With the sense- in this slush,
voltage for this, a little trick is the actual 0 V rail: two switching the voltage between the positive end
employed. A +5 V regulator, IC3, transistors, T2 and T3, take care of of IC2 and pin 4 of IC1 (GNDi can be
boosts the GND connection of IC1 to
+5 V with respect to supply common.
this level conversion. set toOVby means of PI. A further
T3 has an open collector output, so reference is now required at approxi-
The input offset can now be taken that it can easily be used to drive TTL mately mid-scale — warm water at
from preset PI At the other end, the
. or CMOS logic circuitry. Alternatively, 50°C, as measured with a good
LM 335 is fed by the current source frequency counters with an AC input thermometer. (Alternatively: approxi-
around T1. can be connected direct to pin 3 of mately 37°C — there are very accurate
The output of the LM 331 (IC1) is a IC1 and T2 and T3 can be omitted. thermometers in this range ). The . . .

output frequency is then set, with P2,

to correspond: 370 Hz at 37°C, say.
For good temperature stability of the
circuit, metal film resistors should
be
used for R5 R7,and a poly-
. . .

carbonate capacitor for C4. Preferably,

PI and P2 should be Cermet helical
potentiometers.
One final point. If the circuit is used
to measure air temperature, this will
invariably imply that the circuit
itself
will alsobe warmed up. In this case,
the output may drift up to +0.5°C off
mark. The solution is to recalibrate
. . .

the thermometer! Alternatively, try

and keep the circuit as cool as
possible, using plenty of heatsinks.

One 1C, a quartz crystal, three Table:

resistors and two switches are all
that is required to obtain 16 different
frequencies! Can it be more versatile Pin Output Output Rates (Hz)
than that? Motorola calls its 1C Number Number X64 X16 X8 XI
MCI 41 1 a 'bit rate generator' which
can be used as a frequency source for
1 FI 614.4 k* 153.6 k 76.8 k 9600
numerous applications within the area 17 F2 460.8 k* 115.2 k 57.6 k 7200
of data transfer, such as teleprinters, 2 F3 307.2 k* 76.8 k 38.4 k 4800
video terminals and microprocessor 16 F4 230.4 k 57.6 k 28.8 k 3600
systems. A quartz controlled oscillator 3 F5 153.6 k 38.4 k 19.2 k 2400
15 F6 115.2 k 28.8 k 14.4 k 1800
4 F7 76.8 k 19.2 k 9600 1200
5 F8 38.4 k 9600 4800 600
7 F9 19.2 k 4800 2400 300
6 F10 12.8 k 3200 1600 200
8 F11 9600 2400 1200 150
14 F12 8613.2 2153.3 1076.6 134.5
13 F13 7035.5 1 758.8 879.4 109.9
9 F14 4800 1200 600 75
18 F15 921.6 k 921.6 k 921 .6 k 921.6 k

r~ pt 19 F16* 1.843 M‘ 1.843 M 1.843 M 1.843 M

*F16 is buffered oscillator ol

 .

july/august 1982-7-21

forms the 'master frequency source'. a divider that produces five different shows all the possible combinations.
The buffered at
oscillator signal is output signals: The oscillator signal The output pins of the 1C are not
pin 19. Moreover, the signal reaches divided by two is always present at indicated in the circuit diagram, but
pin 18, the other four signals (:1, are found in the table. One final
:4, :8, :64) can be fed to a 14 stage remark: The 1C can be 'fed' with an
divider, as desired. So, with the two external clock signal via pin 21, so
switches (SI S2) in the open position
,
that the various division factors can
it already supplies 4 different signals. be used to the full!
In addition there are 14 + 2 signals
simultaneously available. The table

r
signal
\
strength meter
K. yv yv y)with audio output
A meter of this kind is very useful 6 ... 60 MHz. The R F signal is then
for determining the radiation fed to the diode D1 which constitutes
,

characteristics of directional beam a rectifier/demodulation stage. Finally

transceiver aerials. It allows the user the signal is routed to the non-
to trim the aerial accurately for an inverting input of opamp 1C 1. The
optimum transmitting radiation gain of this opamp and therefore the
pattern. sensitivity of the 1 mA meter is
An auxiliary aerial should be adjusted by PI
positioned a short way from the main The prototype was found to be
transmitting one. The signal received extremely sensitive, and highly
by this is then fed to a resonance A pair of headphones can be
selective.

circuit formed by LI, L2 and the L connected to the output of the opamp
varicap C2. This enables the meter allowing the actual transmission to be
to be accurately tuned to the monitored. The overall resistance
particular transmitting frequency tobe of these should not be less than 2k2
measured. With the coil values shown otherwise an extra amplification stage
the circuit diagram the 'band will be required.
width' of the meter is between

inverter
oscillator
' can be crystal controlled

Not another TTL squarewave gen- resistors set the frequency

erator?! Surely, there are plenty of in just about the right region,

them in other issues of Elektor? whereas Cl provides the fine ad-

Yes, but this is an oscillator with justment. The resistor values are
a difference: unlike most of its not really critical; just make sure
counterparts its frequency is vari- that they are both the same.
able. In fact it may be adjusted The circuit is also suitable as a
over a wide range. stable crystal oscillator. All you
The circuit shown here consists of have to do is replace the trimming
two one or two ex-
inverters with capacitor with a crystal with the
ternalcomponents. Resistors R1 corresponding frequency. Sup-
and R2 and the trimming capacitor posing, for instance, the oscillator
Cl set the frequency. With the frequency is to be 1 MHz, then
ven component values, the oscil- the crystal will have to be a 1 MHz
latorfrequency may be adjusted type.
from 800 kHz to 1 2 MHz. The
 .

st 1982

With a bit of luck it is sometimes to connect it to a personal computer converts a parallel ASCII or Baudot
possible to purchase a high quality will cause some problems because code into a serial signal. The signal
keyboard without having to pay too most computers are equipped with conversion is performed by a UART
much for it. Most of these keyboards a serial RS 232 interface. The circuit of which only the transmitter is
have a parallel output that supplies described in this article will provide used. The Baud rate
produced by is
an ASCII or Baudot code. Trying the solution to this problem; It a clock generator which is constructed
using the well-known 555 timer. The
clock frequency must be 16 times
the Baud rate. The serial data signal
is situated at pin 25 of the UART

and is boosted to the RS 232 level

by way of transistor T1
The lenght of the serial 'word' can be
setwith the aid of the logic levels
at pins37 and 38. The logic level
at pin35 of the UART determins
the setting transmitted parity or
'no parity'. With the circuit
diagram shown in figure 1 the data
word will be 7 bit long and will
not contain a parity bit. (As a
result pin 39 is not used.)

Literature:
'Elekterminal':
Elektor December 1978,
p. 12-16.. 12-25 .

RF amplifier for
the 10 meter amateur band
The VN66AF manufactured by oscillate. The most common appli- particular case it is used as an RF
Siliconix has quite a few advantages, cation for VMOS FETs is in power amplifier for the 1 0 metre amateur
over its rivals; good value for money, amplifiers, but, that
is not a reason to band (26 . . . 30 MHz).
in terms of price per watt, high discount them for any other use. They
dielectric strength and exceptional have been used successfully in pre-
Small transmitters of around 200 mW
can be transformed into reasonably
gain. It also has a low tendency to amps, and RF amplifiers. In this powerful ones delivering between 2
and 3 W by using the circuit described
12. 15V here.
The design is fairly straightforward.
The fixed filter network positioned at
the output, suppresses noise by as
much as 55 dB.
If the coils are constructed to the
specifications outlined in the parts list,
then the filter will not require
calibration. Obviously experienced
hands may wish
to change the specifi-
cation and the design is sufficiently
flexible to allow this. The amplifier is
suitable for most types of transmission
 aerial coil formers with a diameter of
mainly because the drain current from For the application that the original
the F ET can be varied, by PI For
. design is meant for the quiescent 9 mm. Care should be taken to lay the
linear applications (AM and SSB), the current should be between 200 mA windings close together without any
apparent gaps.
drain should be set to 20 mA. When and 300 mA.
board It is advisable to use a heat sink for the
used for FM and CW, PI should be The ready made printed circuit
ensures speedy and accurate construc- FET.
adjusted so that no quiescent current
is flowing. tion.The coils should be wound onto

|®o%o|K>3 ®|
l orw *r
'o „

Capacitors:
C1.C2- 1 n ceramic
C3.C4 1 50 p cararr
C5 “ 47 p
C6 = 1 0 u/35 V tant
C7 = 22 n ceramic
 ' juty/august 1982 — 7-25

source. This structure is positioned, so tinues to conduct until this negative

Needless to say this source needs to
that the person approaching the front pulse arrives. As soon as T2 cuts-off,
be close by. Please remember that the
door, causes a shadow to fall onto the C2 starts to charge. When the voltage
removal or repositioning of lamp posts
Do not forget to ensure that the across C2 rises above 2 V, the
needs the authority of the local coun- lens.
tube containing the LDR is water schmitt-trigger formed by T3, T4, T5
cil, so we do not recommend this
Immediately the LDR is in (and their surrounding components),
circuit to anyone who has to tight.
shadow, resistance will increase. switches on transistor T6. T6 conducts
extensively remodel the landscape. its
This results in T1 applying a negative and triggers the relay, which switches
The LDR is mounted into a tube,
pulse to T2 via Cl and R6. T2 con- on the outside light. The rate at which
behind a lens, and aimed at the light
C2 discharges is adjusted by PI When .

the voltage across C2 falls below

1 .5 V the schmitt-trigger returns to a

quiescent state. T6 will cut-off

switching off the relay and therefore
the light.
The remain on for a maxi-
light will
mum of one minute. Longer periods
are possible, but then C2 will have to
be substituted with a larger capacitor.
Switch SI and R3 are connected in
parallel to R2. SI can be a make/break
contact mounted on the front door.
When the door is opened the light will
switch on, going out immediately it
is shut.
In order for the circuit to work effec-
tively, the tube containing the LDR
(and lens), must be positioned, relative
to the light source, so that the voltage
^measured at the junction of R1, R2,
is not less than 3 V, and not more

than 20 V.
 C

7-26 - elektor july/august 1982

fast, sensitive and reliable

Electronics have been making signifi-

cant inroads into photography for
some time now and, judging by the
number of requests we receive, many
of our readers want to push the
frontiers even further. However,
there are a few things that even we
dare not do and dabbling with the
insides of an electronic camera is one
of them. One of the most repeated
requests is for a flash slave unit and
the super fast, super sensitive (and
super insensitive) circuit here takes
care of that. This can be used for
any application of flash photography
indoors as well as outdoors. The
apparent confusion between super
sensitive and at the same time super
insensitive is easily explained. The
slave unit is super sensitive to the

master flash gun, but super insensitive

to the ambient light conditions. It
will react within about 10 /js
depending on the light power of the
master flash gun. This means that
when using a computer controlled
flash gun with a flash duration of A special shield for difficult light There is very little to be said about
1 ms, 99% of the slave flash is included conditions not normally required.
is the circuit itself and photographers
in the computer's calculation. This However, if the slave is to be used for with sufficient electronic know-how
makes it especially ideal for use with daylight fill-in flash photography then will be satisfied with the following
automatic flash/camera systems. a certain amount of protection from information. A brief flash from the
The total range of the slave is set by sunlight will be advantageous. On the master reaches photo transistor T1
means of T1, R1, R2 and D1. The other hand, switching a normal and causes a pulse at the base of T2.
setting is to achieve maximum sensi- incandescent lamp on and off in the This pulse is boosted and passed via
tivity in low and average light levels. same room will not trigger the slave. T3 to the gate of the thyristor. When
the thyristor fires, it effectively
parts list
shorts the contacts of the flash gun
which is connected at this piont. For

the electronics enthusiast with an

interest in photography we can say
R2. R6 - 100 k a little more. The slave flash gun is
R3, R8 * 10 k connected in parallel with the
R4 = 22 k thyristor. Apart from this a 9 V
R5, R9 - 1 k compact battery is required and
R7 - 33 k should last for quite a long time.
RIO - 390 n The resistors are mounted vertically
on the printed circuit board in order
Capacitors: to keep the board as small as possible.
Cl - 10 p/16 V tantalum One further tip, for the connection
C2 * 10 n ceramic to the slave flash gun use ... a flash
gun extension cable)
Semiconductors:
01 - Z-Diode 3V9/0.4 W
02, D3= 1N4148
T1 = BPY 61/11, FPT 100
T2, T3 = BC 557
Thl -TIC106D

M
 .

555 pulse
generator
. with variable duty cycle

This circuit may look familiar to many between PI and P2: n = 1 + P2/P1
readers since it is one of the many For example, if P2 = 0 (n = 1 00%), the
variations of circuits on the 555 timer frequency will then be:
theme. This does not detract from its
usefulness however since a versatile
069
pulse generator with a variable duty ~
(2 • PI + P2 + 4.7 kS2) - Cl
cycle is an excellent aid for the
workshop.
Unlike the standard circuit usually
adopted (see infocard 19), the
’resistance between pins 6 and 7
consists of P 1 , P2, R 2, D 1 and 02. A
closely defined charging time for
capacitor Cl obtained by diodes D1
is

and D2. This would normally lead to a

i duty cycle of 50%, if it were not for

V P2. In this case the duty cycle

^^depends on the relationship

pushbutton
interface
' combined debounce and latch fuction

The circuit here extends the effec-

tiveness of the simple push-to-make
tewitch by enabling it to be used as
either a 'one-shot', with clean, de-
bounced edges, or as a push-on/push- S,oo. FF1 ici

off latch. These functions remove

the problems associated with any
switch, that of electronic 'noise'.
Resistor R1 and capacitor Cl 'de-
bounce' the switch and provide a
positive edge to trigger the monostable
FF1 This generates pulses (in anti-
.

phase) at its Q and Q outputs. The

pulse width is determined by R1 , R3
and C2. The positive pulse (Q) is fed
to an 'OR' gate consisting of D2, D3
and R5. The trailing edge of the
negative pulse is used to trigger flip-
flop FF2. The normal (or stable)
state of FF1 is with its Q output low
and (logically enough) its 0 output
high. In this condition, if the switch
is closed briefly and then released, the

J and K inputs will be low when the

FF1 K low and the flip-flop 'flops'. reset state. Holding the switch closed
triggering edge arrives. In this case high,
will ignore it and stay reset. Now Q and the output (via the OR will not affect the circuit action, for
If,however, the switch is held closed gate) are high, and consequently, so with both J and K high, FF2 will
until the monostable 'times out' and is K. If the flip-flop is triggered with change state on the arrival of a clock
FF2 is clocked, the J input is taken K high and J low it will revert to its edge.
 true RMS
converter ..
. requiring no special components

A true RMS
converter can be a very of amplifier A1remains constant. This This leaves only the function of A4 to
complex circuit requiring high output level is monitored by the be discussed: This amplifier adjusts the
tolerance components and precision squaring amplifier formed by A2 and ratio of current flow through the
calibration.It is fair to say that such the average value is compared to a diodes, so that they are equal, Con-
a circuit would give a very high reference voltage with the aid of A3. sequently the output voltage of A4
performance. The RMS converter here, The output of this amplifier provides corresponds to the RMS value of the
however, consists entirely of readily the diodes of A1 with bias current, via input voltage.
available components and yet provides a 2 kfi resistor and transistor T 1 in Last, but not least, the potentiometer
,

a very acceptable performance. order to attenuate the input signal. As situated at the input of this circuit,
The circuit diagram shows that the mentioned before, the output power must be set so that the Vo reads
RMS converter really is an automatic of A1 is held constant, therefore the directly in RMS volts and can be
gain control (AGC) amplifier circuit, RMS value remains constant as well. calibrated by direct comparison with
which is constructed around 2 ICs, the Obviously the attenuation is directly another RMS voltmeter.
well-known XR 13600 (A 1,A2) and proportional to the RMS value of the
the XR 1458 (A3, A4). The circuit input voltage and the diode bias
adjusts its gain so that the A.C. power current.

miniature
amplifier
. . with active tone control

There are many ICs available today Obviously it is not super hi-fi but for a siren and an amplifier is quite
that contain all the circuitry required a second (or third) amplifier it is quite obvious and the natural progression is
for various versions of power output good enough. The 1C LM 389 was used published here.
stages. The 1C presented here goes in the Summer Circuits issue last year. The 1C contains a small power output
further than that.
It can be used In that case it formed the basis for a stage and three further transistors on
complete amplifier. small siren. The resemblance between the same chip. This means that no
 elektor july/s 1982-7-29

further active components are required and PI and P2. Transistors T2 and T3 reasonable distortion figure of 0.2%.
for the amplifier. The gain of the are the active part of the tone control The minimum input voltage for maxi-
output stage is simply set by means of circuit and ensure a gain of 1 to 1 in mum output is approximately 100 mV
a capacitor and a resistor. In the cir- this stage. The signal is then fed to the for a 4n load and 1 50 mV
for an 8 El

diagram the gain is set at 20x power amplifier via the volume control load. Obviously modifying the gain is
cuit
(26 dB) which means that pins 4 and P3. The output stage is not given in going to alter the input sensitivity up
1 2 are simply left floating. If a 1 0 pE
detail here, but simply as a block, IC1. to a factor of 1 0.
capacitor is connected between these The maximum output power into a When constructing the circuit a few
pins, the gain increases to 200x 4 n load is about 300 mWwith a dis- points must be watched. Pin 18 of the
(46 dB) and 50x if a 1k2 resistor is tortion figure of 1 0%. With an 8 El 1C is connected directly to the central
inserted in series with the capacitor. load this becomes 600 mW again with earth connection of the circuit, in this
Transistor T1 is used as an emitter 10% distortion. If the maximum out- case 0 V of the power supply. The
follower (high input impedance/low put power is required with a 12 V loudspeaker must also be connected
output impedance). This sets the supply, it is advisable to use a heat to this point.
input impedance of the circuit to sink for Cl. Readers who would pre-
I

approximately 50 kft. The so-called fer a lower distortion figure can National Semiconductor Application
Baxandall tone control is formed by achieve this by limiting the power
the networks R5 R8, C4
. . C7
. . . . output to 1 20 mW. This presents a

If the voltage at the differential input (U c ), can be connected across R c so ,

of an OTA, such as the XR/LM 1 3600, that a voltage controlled hysteresis is

is strongly positive or negative, the obtained.

output current will equal the maxi-
2 • R . (U c + 3.8)
mum value lABC- Furthermore, a
.

hysteresis = volt
.

Schmitt-trigger with trigger points to

the value of ± lABC • RV is obtained
when the output voltage (across load
Exar/National application
resistor R) is identical to the voltage at
the positive input.
Therefore the switching hysteresis
depends on lABC :

hysteresis = 2 • I
ABC R • volt

I The control current ABC can be I

V influenced by changing the value of

V Rq. Alternatively, a control voltage

H
 .

The TRS80 computer is a fairly good recognised as a clock pulse, and from completely unimportant. The rectified
machine, but the cassette interface has this point onwards the whole thing signal passed on to the
is filter and also
already driven many an owner to the gets totally out of hand. The situation a peak detector D3/D4 and C2 When
depths of despair. Why the tapes are deteriorates still further when playing the amplitude of the cassette deck out-
read back so unreliably has never been back commercial tapes. These are put varies a little (when an older or a
worked out, but despite this fact there very often recorded at high speed, and different type of tape is used! no
are a number of suggestions on how to this has the effect that there is not so critical adjustment of the output level
improve matters. The circuit given much a pulse on the tape as a damped is required
here also produces good results, but as sine wave. In all fairness, most home The filtered signal is compared in A3
with so many good suggestions we do recorded tapes may not appear very with part of the peak rectified signal,
not really know why. elegant when viewed with an oscillo- In this way the comparator becomes
The TRS80 records clock pulses and scope during playback. independent of the input amplitude
data pulses on the tape at a constant The following circuit attemps to solve (within reasonable limits) This . means
amplitude. The time interval between all these problems by integrating the that P2 must be used to set a suitable
pulses is 2.4 mS. The logic is written signal coming back from the tape level so that the data arrives 'clean' at
by inserting a pulse between two clock recorder. This has a few advantages. the output. The combination C6 and
pulses after 1 .2 mS. If this pulse is not Short interference pulses are filtered RIO converts the data into short
there this signifies a logic 0. The ironic out by the low pass filter (R5, R6, R7, pulses with a 5 V output amplitude
thing now is that although the ampli- C4, C5), so they do not lead to ideally suitable for passing to the
tudeof the pulses is constant during incorrect data. Drop outs also have less flipflop included in the TRS80,
recording, when the tape is played effect on the circuit because, even if especially for this purpose,
back the volume setting is extremely the pulse itself does not come out so LED D6 is included as a simple
critical. One possible explanation is well, the transients which follow the indicator. Provided there is sufficient
that one small interference pulse can main pulse will still be there, and after signal level present (in the order of a
easily convert a logic 0 into a logic 1 . integration will provide sufficient few volts), the LED will light. The gain
On the other hand, a drop out in the amplitude. To ensure that these pulses is set by PI The current consumption
.

tape can convert a logic 1 into a are not missed A1 and A2 are uski as is only a few mA
which can easily be
logic 0. Matters get even worse if a a two phase rectifier. This has the obtained from the supply of the
clock pulse gets itself lost. In this added advantage that the phase of the TRS80. It should be noted that D6
case, a following data pulse may be coming from the cassette deck
signal is can draw up to 50 mA
if it is included.

2 x BC 547B
 Normally, the high impedance input The main problem here being that By replacing the diodes with FETs,
of the 'front end' amplifier in a digital they are relatively difficult to obtain the following result is obtained. With
voltmeter is protected against and also they tend to be rather a reverse bias voltage of 1 5 V the
excessive voltages by means of two expensive. Electronics enthusiasts diode has a leakage current of 5.2 nA,
diodes. One diode is connected prefer to utilise general purpose whereas the leakage current of the
between the input and the positive devices such as the 1 N4148 silicon FET 'diode' is a mere 12 pA! This
supply rail, while the other is diode. This does mean that with an means that the input impedance of
connected between the input and the input impedance of 1 Mfi the leakage the meter can be increased to 10Mf2
negative supply rail. In principle, this current of the diode gives rise to an with no difficulty.
form of overvoltage protection is offset voltage of a few millivolts. As it The circuit of the input section of
perfectly satisfactory. is quite common nowadays to wish a high impedance voltmeter based
However, the diodes used would have to measure voltages this low accu- on the principle outlined above is
to have a very low leakage current. rately, a solution had to be found. shown in figure 1. Resistor R1
constitutes the 10 Mn
input
impedance. Transistors T1 and T2 are
the protective FET 'diodes'. They
can withstand a maximum current of
10 mA. The remainder of the circuit,
IC1 and T3 etc., comprises a voltage
follower which provides a relatively
low output impedance. The operating
voltage (Ug) may be anywhere
between 5 V and 15 V, and the rating
of the zener diode should be two volts
less than the supply.
Calibration of the unit is very straight-
forward: preset potentiometer PI is
adjusted until the voltage obtained
at the output is the same as the voltage
applied at the input.
In principle, the input can be
protected against voltages up to
1000 V, but to achieve this the input
resistors will have to be suitably high-
voltage types.

stable amplitude low

frequency oscillator

Thermistors and even light bulbs have and light bulbs to rapid changes in This means that in this application
often been used in oscillator circuits voltage, the non-linear temperature/ a different approach will have to be
to stabilise the output amplitude. The resistance characteristic means that taken.
resistance of such components is there is virtually no distortion in the In the circuit described here a zener
dependent on temperature and there- sinewave signal. diode used to limit the voltage.
is
fore on the effective voltage across the Things are different when the thermal A bridge circuit (comprising resistors
particular component. The curve of inertia diminishes with respect to the R1 and R2 and capacitors Cl and C2)
resistance versus temperature ensures time period of the signal. As far as determines the frequency of the
that the sinewave signal generated by oscillators are concerned, this oscillator. For the circuit to oscillate,
the oscillator is stabilised so that it is normally happens at frequencies below the active devices (T1/T2) must give a
L virtually distortion-free. Due to the 10 Hz, or thereabouts (for instance, gain of almost exactly X3. When the
^fairly slow response of thermistors the vibrato signal in electronic organs). amplitude of the output signal rises,
 . .

elektor july/august 1982 — 7-33

the zener diode starts to conduct and serieswith the zener diode. This frequency of the oscillator can be
reduces the gain of the amplifier stage, combination is in turn connected in determined from the formula:
thereby damping the oscillation so parallel to resistor R4. Once the
that the sinewave tends to decay. voltage threshold of the zener diode is ( R1 «R2;C1 =C2)
reached the impedance of the network
2irR1C1
In order to prevent the zener diode
from limiting the output signal too will gradually diminish allowing the This gives a frequency of around 6 Hz
abruptly, resistor R5 is connected in sinewave to be stabilised in a 'gentle', with the values shown on the circuit
low-distortion manner. diagram (0.01 Hz with the values
Even though only the positive half- shown in parentheses)
cycle of the sinewave signal is in fact Resistors R1 and R2 should have a
limited, the negative half-cycle does value of at least a few hundred
not last long enough to allow the kilohms. Lower values may overload
amplitude to rise significantly. the amplifier stage and with excess-
Potentiometer PI should be adjusted ively high values the input impedance
carefully to avoid severe clipping of of the amplifier starts to play a role.
the output signal. The negative At very low frequencies the negative
half-cycle of the signal is extremely half -cycle of the sinewave signal may
linear, but the positive half-cycle is start to clip, which will lead to
slightly distorted due to the limiting. considerable distortion. The DC
However, this will not be a problem component of the output signal may
where most applications (vibrato etc.) be filtered out by including a high
are concerned. value electrolytic capacitor in series
The oscillator output voltage can be with the output.
adjusted by means of potentiometer
P2 between 0 V . . . 4 V pp The
. ITT application note

positive triangular
waveform generator
This circuit contains a small addition
to the usual two opamp square/
triangular waveform generator. This
is the diode included in the feedback

loop of IC2 and is responsible for

the rather strange behaviour of the

[•oscillator. The triangular waveform
entirely positive in contrast
output is
^ VSA-ov
to a conventional circuit. Without the
diode the output will be a waveform >S-K)| LF^>S-i-0^
a
that is symmetrical about the zero
axis. All this is necessary because
some equipment, such as curve tracers,
are unable to process a negative
waveform.
We start the operation of the circuit
with IC2.When the output of this
opamp goes negative the diode will
conduct passing the negative potential
to pin 3 (non-inverting input). Since This capacitor will now discharge The peak to peak voltage of the
the inverting input, pin 3, is grounded causing the output of IC1 to fall, again triangularwaveform can be calculated
the output will remain negative. This at a linear rate. The diode is now from the following formula:
output is also fed to the inverting reverse biased so that when the non-
1 The output of
input of 1C 1 via R . inverting input (pin 3) of IC2 reaches
opamp does not change suddenly
this the zero point, its output will again go
however, but due to Cl charging, negative, starting thewhole procedure The frequency can be found a

begins to rise at a linear rate. from the beginning. follows:

When this voltage reaches the point at We end up with an oscillator having
which pin 3 of IC2 becomes positive, two outputs, one a square wave
the output of this opamp will 'flip centred about the zero axis, and the
other a triangular waveform above the Using the formulae here, a frequency
.over' and also become positive. The
1 00 Hz is obtained at 5 V peak to
V inverting input of IC1 will follow zero point, which is exactly what we
started out to get!
of
peak (Ub = 15 V).
^^uit ending the charge cycle of Cl
 ,

7-34 - elektor july/august 1982

Smoke detectors are part of any reference voltage outputs, a voltage

sophisticated alarm system. Most of comparator, and a 500 mA output
the professionally made ones use some transistor with clamp diodes. The
form of gas-sensor, ionisation- complete circuit is connected to the
chamber, or radio-active element. The mains supply. Diode D1 rectifies the
circuit described does not use any of supply, R7 reducing the voltage to
these rather complex components but a workable level for the 1C. Capacitor
makes good use of two light detecting C2 smoothes this, and the internal
resistors (LDRs), and a LED. zener of the 1C stabilises it.
A special 1C LM1 801, allows the cir- The circuit uses a pair of balanced
cuit to be constructed using the mini- light detecting resistors (LDRs). By
mum of components. an 1C
It is using these in a bridge arrangement, constructed by the network of R 1
designed specifically for use in smoke any changes in resistance due to R4, the two LDRs (R12, R13),
detectors, containing among other temperature or aging effects are connected to one of the comparator's
things, an internal supply zener, two cancelled out. This bridge circuit is inputs from the junction of R4 and
R13. The other inputs for the internal
comparator are from the junctions
of R 1 R 1 2 and the voltage divider
,

R2 and R3. This arrangement ensures

that both LDRs are biased at the same
voltage to ensure proper tracking.
Physically, the LDRs should be situ-
ated such that smoke particles will
reflect light from the LED (D2), onto
R13, causing its resistance to drop.
As soon as the comparator detects
thisdrop in voltage, the 1C triggers
the thyristor Thl , causing a mains
powered horn to 'sound'. PI adjusts
the sensitivity of the circuit.
The most difficult part of the con-
struction is the placing of the LED and
LDRs. Basically the LED should be
positioned exactly in the middle of the
two, ensuring that there is no air flow
between the LED and R12. This can
be easily achieved by placing a small
perspex box around R12 and the LED.

Many readers may judge that the The normal circuit design for a re- cuitis based on the PPM (pulse pause
subheading is rather simple. Just take ciprocal amplifier uses four ICs. Two modulation) principle and the variable
a calculator and choose a number, opamps, ICs 2 and 4, serve as input pulsewidth of the square wave signal
then press the 1/X key and the result buffer and output driver respectively. is dependent on the DC voltage level
will be displayed instantly. However, Half of a dual timer IC3a forms a fed to the modulator. Note, the
to 'treat' a d.c. voltage this way, in clock oscillator for a modulator, IC3b frequency remains unchanged! For
order to use its reciprocal value in a (the other timer). Gates N1 and N2 example, if the input to the circuit
k measuring circuit, is something else convert the output signal of IC3b into is a high voltage level, the pulse width
entirely! a 'pure' square wave signal. This cir- of the square wave signal will be small.
 .

elektor july/august 1982 - 7-35

now but this does not imply that a

voltage of 1 0 mV
at the input becomes
100 V (1/10 mV) at the output.
Firstly, the input of the amplifier
is limited to an operating voltage
of no higher than 1 0 V.
Secondly, from a mathematical point
of view, 1/10 mV = 100 V is not quite
correct. Therefore a correction factor
'C' has to be introduced. This is about
20 10’V when PI is set to min-
•

imum. Now the output voltage level

will range from 2 V to 20 mV
with an
input voltage of 10 mV
... 1 V.
The calibration procedure is very
simple. Feed a voltage level of 20 mV
to the input and set P2 so that exactly
20 mVcan be measured between the
emitter of T 1 and Ub- As already
mentioned, PI determines the correc-
tion factor 'C' and last but not least,
P3 takes care of the offset (if necess-
ary). One final point, the supply
voltage must be fully stabilised.

blinky
' a creature from the world of electronics

Electronics can reach far beyond the

frontiers of earth as a glance at the
illustration shows. This electronic alien
is a new by one of
arrival discovered
our extraterrestrial readers. In fact the
entire population of the planet Kapa
Sitor look like this when viewed from
v/
'•the other end of the soldering iron.
Their internal construction is shown in
figure 1 , which shows that, even with
their 'way out' appearance, they are
rather 'square'! A 555 timer-IC is used
as square wave generator. The flashing
(blinking) LED is not connected to the
output (pin 3) as many readers might

The legs have to be connected across

the 9 V battery connector. One 'hand'
must be bent as a hook and the other
as an eye. The same applies to the
have expected, but to the discharge connections A and D (do not forget
output. The reason for this peculiarity the insulation sleeving).
is the fact that the normal output is Finally interconnect them as
used to drive the other 'Blinkies'. illustrated in figure 2 and the electrical
Since they are symbiotic it is possible connections will be made automati-
to obtain a complete Blinky family, cally. If their body is 'deformed' in
living in complete harmony. any way, they will not be able to carry
Figure 2 shows how the Blinky family out their allotted task in life: that of
group must be made up. All the blinking out goodwill to the nations of
components are mounted carefully the universe with their heads! And
shown in the illustration.
together as there is a lot to be said for that . .
 7-36 - elektor july /august 1982

making life difficult for burglars

Most alarm systems can be divided into

two main categories. They are
normally activated by closing, or inter- The circuit described here should pose
rupting a circuit loop. One of these
a more difficult problem. It is intended
basic principles is used irrespective of
to protect a single door, window or
the electronic method adopted, item of equipment - a TV set, for
(micro-wave, infra-red, photo-cells, instance. A resistor, R2, is mounted
contacts etc.). inside the item that is to be protected
Today's burglar is not the simple-
and two leads are brought out (via
minded individual normally portrayed break contacts or even an audio plug)
in comic strip cartoons. The
to the alarm circuit proper. Should the
professional certainly keeps up to date
burglar locate the wiring and try to
with the latest technological advances either cut of bridge it, the alarm will
in alarm systems, and keeping him out
activate.
is going to be difficult. Even part-

timers unfortunately know something Resistor R2 and the connections to

about electronics and alarm systems. capacitor Cl form a make or break
alarm is rather simple. When pin 8
Anyway the point is, that an average loop. If the loop is interrupted or the
receives a higher voltage than pin
6, or
burglar can easily and quickly deter- two connection wires bridged a lower voltage than pin 7, the 1C will
. mine what principle the system uses (shorting out the hidden switch) the drive T1.T1 conducts and activates
\ and at least try to deactivate it. This is alarm will sound. the relay Re. A high frequency mains
sometimes made easier for the thief, The window discrimi-
circuit uses a driven horn connected via the relay,
^^^because the hiding of the connection TCA965. The operation of the should be enough to panic the thief.
 1
,

elektor july/august 1982 — 7-37

It is often said that two heads are automatically, after a short delay. It buffered by the gates N4 N6 in . . .

better than one but this numerical even tells you (visually) when this is parallel. These provide sufficient base

advantage applied to hands could also about to happen. drive current to allow transistor T
be a great asset, especially when using An astable multivibrator with a to activate the relay at the same time
probes to test a complex printed frequency of about 2 Hz is formed by that DIO lights. Power to the circuit
circuit board. Itis an absolute gate N1. Its output is buffered by two under test is then provided via the
certainty that the test probe that further gates, N2 and N3, in parallel relay contacts (not shown here) and
you have just painstakingly con- in order to provide enough current will remain until the delay circuit is
nected will flip itself off at the instant drive for the input of the decade switched off. This 'latch' is provided
that the power is switched on. counter 1C 1 The counter is reset on
. by the link between the N4 N6 . . .

Further, it is a known fact that it will power up by the C2/R2 combination outputs and pins 6 and 7 of 1C 1.
land with unerring accuracy on the before providing an output to the The time periods can be varied by
most 'sensitive' part of the circuit - second 1C, a binary-to-decimal altering the value of resistor R 1 a ,

and discharge the smoothing capacitor decoder. The first of the ten LEDs larger value will lengthen the time.
across the input of the circuit! How connected to the output of this A simple stabilised supply consisting
well we know the problem! 1C will light two seconds after power of a 7805 regulator can be used to
The title of this circuit could well is applied to the circuit. It will be power the delay circuit. However,
have been 'Frayed temper adjuster' followed at 2 second intervals by the the 'delay on' switch should be placed
since it is capable of just that. It other LEDs until DIO lights after a between the regulator and the delay
the use of both hands to total of 20 seconds. circuit to ensure that the initial reset
on and hold the probes while As can be seen from the circuit works reliably.

power to the circuit is applied diagram, the final output at pin 1 1 is

The dynamic RAM card in the basic version was not suitable for the
April 1982 issue of Elektor has found SC/MP system. This is due to the
many among Junior Computer
friends fact that the SC/MP system would output IQ is always at logic 1 . This

owners. However SC/MP owners will interrupt the refresh instructions readies the second monoflop via N2
also be pleased to discover that the resulting in data being lost. and N43 onthe dynamic RAM card.
If within 10 ps no further NADS
same RAMcard can be used by them. The simple interface consists of a
As all the SC/MP owners
a reward to single 1C, two resistors and two pulses occur, IQ becomes logic 0, and
(for staying with us for so long), here capacitors. Furthermore a set of wire via N43 the second monoflop is

modifications required to links and connections (as shown in triggered. 2Q provides a 300 ns pulse
are the
• adapt the dynamic RAM card to their the table) must also be made. The as a refresh instruction. The refresh

systems. 16K in 8 ICs on a single card circuit consists of a retriggerable signal also appears at the 20 output of
isworth quite a lot, and SC/MP users monoflop MMV1 with a pulse length
,
MMV2 and retriggers MMV1 . Output
should find whole new possibilities of approximately 1 0 ps. As long as the IQ will then become logic 1 again for
10 ps. This means in effect that as long
for their systems. Unfortunately the NADS pulses keep on coming, the
as NADS pulses are not occuring the
dynamic RAM is refreshed every
10 ps x 1 28 = 1 .28 ms. The circuit can
alsobe used for other systems with
manual reset.

Table

Wire links on the RAM card

1
-1 ', 2-2', A-B. J2, J3, J5, J6, J9

IC22 is omitted

Connections on RAM card

5' to +5 V. 3' to C

Connections from interface to RAM card

Pin 13/MMV1 to 4', Pin 9/MMV2 to Pin12/
N43, Pin 1 /MMV1 to J4-A-Pin 1 2/N1

Pin 5/MMV2 to J4J3-J5, Pins 3, 1 1 10, 16, ,

inn R1 and R2 to +5 V, Pin 8

M
 .

1982

economical
crystal time base
a 50 Hz 'bench mark'

This time base circuit is built using

normal readily available CMOS ICs
and a cheap crystal. The operation
of this circuit is practically identical
to that described in the 'Crystal
stroboscope’ article in the April 1981
issue of Elektor. The difference
Capacitors:
between the two projects is that
Cl - 22 p
whereas the first one only produced
C2- 2. . . 22 p tr
an output of 50 Hz this new circuit C3 “ 10 p/16 V
gives the constructor the possibility
of50 Hz, 100 Hz or 200 Hz. The
50 Hz reference frequency is an ideal
time base for the construction or
calibration of electronic clocks,
frequency meters and so on. Because
of the flexible supply voltage require-
ment, it is also a good basis from
which to build a digital clock for the loop is correctly calibrated using this square wave voltage is then
C2, the output at pin 3 (Q14) will divided by two and then by four
IC1 contains an oscillator and a produce a 200 Hz square wave. With resulting in two further outputs of
2 14 divider. Providing the oscillator the help of the two flip-flops in IC2 100 Hz and 50 Hz, the latter from
pin 1 Readers who have a frequency
.

meter can calibrate the circuit by

simply connecting the meter to pin 7
of Cl (Q4) and adjusting C2 until
I

a reading of 204.800 Hz is indicated.

As a matter of interest, anyone with-
out a frequency meter should not
despair since setting trimmer C2 to
about midway will provide sufficient
accuracy for most applications.
The 100 Hz output is useful for the
construction of digital counters. For
this purpose we suggest that a 1 10 :

divider (like the 4518) is connected

to the 100 Hz output pin. The power
supply requirements are:
from 5 ... 15 V and 0.5 ... 2.5 mA.

FET field
strength meter . .

. . . with RF amplification

A field strength meter is necessary modellers. be jumping the air for joy when you
in
when checking the power output and For various reasons this type of meter are calibrating the aerial with a strong
aerial of transmitters. With this circuit must be very sensitive. First of all, carrier signal. A weak signal will
it is possible to measure the energy there should be a distance of as many sufficewhen using a sensitive field
radiated by the This is useful
aerial. wave lengths as possible between the strength meter. Thirdly, most trans-
not only for hams, but also CB measuring instrument and the trans- mitters only have a weak output
V w enthusiasts and radio control mitter. Secondly, other people will not power (for example, 500 mW).
 July /august 1982 -

These are three of the main reasons

why our field strength meter is
equipped with an RF amplifier stage
consisting of a Dual gate MOS-FET,
T1 The amplification factor is set
.

with PI Switch S2 enables one of the

.

three ranges to be selected:

480 kHz... 2.4 MHz (LI);
2.4... 12 MHz (L2) and
12 ... 40 MHz (L3). A rod of approxi-
mately 30 cm will be enough to serve
as aerial.
As with all RF circuits, care during
construction is necessary!

4 People with a passion for hifi W. Wehl

equipment and active speaker units
are bound to have sought ways in
which to switch on the output units
via the pre amp. Funnily enough,
many hifi manufacturers seem to
regard automatic switch mechanisms
as an unnecessary luxury. Automatic
switches are, however, extremely
useful and avoid having to lay yards
and yards of leads throughout the
house. Instead, a single or several
'remote' active units may be switched
on by way of the original AF lead.
As the switch mechanism is always
'listening in' anyway, it is also able
to detect the prolonged absence of
a signal, in which case it will simply
switch off the output unit.
Relatively few components are
required for the circuit. Basically,
it involves a double opamp, a timer
1C and a relay to switch the mains
voltage. Opamp A1 is connected as
a non-inverting AC amplifier. Note
that its negative input is connected comparator due to the arrival of The supply voltage for the circuit
to the positive supply voltage by an AF signal, the comparator output is derived from the mains by way

way of R3/C2. This prevents the will go high. As a result, capacitor of a 12 V

or 1 5 V voltage regulator
relay from operating as soon as the C3 is charged by way of diode D1 and a small transformer together
supply voltage is switched on. The and resistor R7. When the charge with a rectifier and smoothing
gain of the opamp is high enough level of the capacitor reaches about capacitor.
to prevent even low voltages from 2/3 of the operational voltage, the
de-energising the relay. timer 1C output will go low and the
The second opamp, A2, is a relay will be pulled up. The relay Warning! The relay contacts are
comparator. PI sets the switching contacts connect the active unit to connected to the mains, so take
tnreshold forAF signals at roughly the mains. If no more AF signals care when constructing the
,
2.5 mVrms- are applied, C3 will discharge via circuit.

V Should the output voltage of A1 R8/P2 within 1 ... 5 minute(s).

^kexceed the threshold value of the' The relay will then drop out.
 jgust 1982

Wn| mini high performance\

wlol voltage regulator
. . with only 1 V drop

One thing is common to virtually any circuit shown here operate with a
will transistor type. In this case at a maxi-
voltage regulator; the input voltage 6 V input and provide a regulated 5 V mum current of 0.5 A
the voltage loss
level must be several volts higher than output, which is ideal for battery willbe only 0.2 V. Add to this the
the expected output. Admittedly powered equipment. voltage drop across R6, required for
those fewer volts at the output are With a little study the 'trick' in the current limiting.
very nicely regulated. However, if for circuit will be apparent. The load is At approximately 0.5 V across R6,
some reason there are very few volts connected to the collector of the series T3 starts to conduct and limits the
at the input to start with, then there is transistor. This means that this output current. LED D1 has two
a limitation in the output voltage transistor can be switched hard on into purposes in life; as an indicator and
range (far less volts to throw awayl). saturation, so that the voltage between as a voltage reference diode which sets ,
In this case it is not possible to use a emitter and collector is only the very a level of 1 .5 V to
1 .6 V at the emitter

normal 1C voltage regulator and we small saturation voltage. This voltage of T1 . The base
drive current for this
have to resort to a discrete design. The level depends of course on current and transistor is derived from the voltage
divider consisting of R4, PI and R5.
Depending on the difference between
the reference and output voltage
levels, T1 is more or less conducting.
The same then applies to T2 which
will supply more or less base drive to
T4. Capacitor Cl is included to filter
the output stage.
Instead of the BD 438 other well-
known types can be used like the
BD 136, BD 138 and BD 140 for
instance. However, these transistors do
have a slightly higher saturation
voltage.
It must be noted that since D1 acts as
a reference source, it must be a red

LED. Other colours have different

parameters.

The analogue brother of this 1C is our where 'f' stands for frequency
old friend, the 555. The digital version according to table 1, 'N' is the multi-
here, the LS 7210, is less well-known. plication factor as determined by
It can be used to set delay times pins 8 . .12. These pins have the
.

between approximately 1 1 ^is and following values: pin 12 = 1,

42 minutes. The 1C contains an pin 1 1 = 2, pin 10 = 4, pin 9 = 8
oscillator of which the frequency and pin 8=16. For example, if N
determining elements are connected is to be 25 then pins 8, 9 and 1 2 must

externally R 1 and Cl). This then

( be logic '0' (0 V). In this case, with
provides the frequencies as shown in the oscillator frequency set to
table 1 The 1C is programmed for
. 0.013 Hz, the total delay time will
internal oscillator operationby con- be 34 minutes.
necting pin 4 to 0 V. The delay time As shown in the circuit diagram, the
T is derived from the formula: 1C is used as a retriggerable monoflop.
The output becomes logic '1' at the
T = (1 + 1.023 -N)/f same time that a negative going edge
 elektor july/august 1982 — 7-4

arrives at the trigger input, pin 3. The

'0'
output level reverts to logic at the
end of the preset delay time period
providing no further trigger pulses
arrive at the input. Should this
happen, the preset delay period will
be initiated again, but the output will
remain high. A positive input edge has
no effect on the timing. The result
of this is that, in principle, any length
of time period can be realised by
cascading 2 or more ICs in series.
The output of the 1C consists of a FET
with open drain connection. There-
fore, to obtain current switching
between '0' and T, a pull-down
resistor, R2, is necessary. However,
if the output is to be used as a current

source this resistor can be omitted.

LSI application

The performance of varicaps is im-

proved when the voltage across them
is increased. Besides better inter-
modulation rejection, a 30 V circuit
has a considerably higher Q than a 9 V
I
version for the same capacitance
variation. However, with battery-
powered circuits, this high voltage
will cause a problem, since deriving a
tuning voltage of 30 V from a low
'supply voltage can only be realised
with the aid of a converter. The
circuit diagram shows the design
for a converter especially constructed
for this purpose. The LM 10C, from
National Semiconductor, which
contains two opamps and an internal
reference source is ideal for this
particular application.
The oscillator is constructed around a

dual-gate MOSFET (type BF 900) and voltage can be connected to one of the
functions at a supply voltage as low as opamp inputs via a series resistor;
I.5.V. The output voltage level of the which of the two inputs depends on
converter is controlled via the supply the polarity of the AFC voltage.

voltage of the oscillator. Unlike most With the values indicated in the circuit
converters, this one does not have to diagram, the output voltage can be
be switched, so that there will be no varied between 1 and 30 V by means
distortion. of the 220 k potentiometer. The
The oscillator frequency is supply voltage can range from 3 to
approximately 28 kHz. An AFC 16 V.

N
 1 ,

st 1982

The limited five octave range of many

and organs can be
electronic piano's
extended by one octave lower with
the aid of the circuit here. It is con-
nected between the main oscillator
(input point A) and the highest octave
generator (output point Bl.
A monoflop is constructed with N1
N2, Cl, PI and R4. Its time period
is set by PI so that the monoflop

divides the frequency of the main

oscillator by two, switch SI provides
the ability to switch between the
original tone range and the extra
lowered tone range. The diodes D1
and D2 protect the input against high
level and negative input signals.
The value of Cl depends on the
frequency of the main oscillator, but
can be found quite easily after some
experimenting; the frequency of the
piano or organ will suddenly be
lowered by one octave when turning
PI If this does not occur, the value
.

of Cl must be increased. When the

correct value is found, the correct
position for PI is that when the
frequency is lowered, plus a little

extra 'tweak' to retain stability. This

N1 ... N4 = IC1 = 4011 completes the 'calibration procedure'.
A final note (!), the input voltage at
B = to top octave generator point A must be at least 60% of'the
supply voltage.

Afterlast year's welcome drop in therefore follows that

It a suitable signal to the non-inverting input. When
prices ofgood quality EPROMs, EPROM power supply has to meet transistor T1 stopsconducting, the
computer enthusiasts have a great certain requirements: needs to
it whole output voltage is fed to the
incentive for taking on more be straightforward, fast (often the inverting input (pin 4) and 5 V will
ambitious programming projects. speed is specified by the manufacturer therefore be available at the output.
Although normal operation calls for as being, say, between 0.5 and 2 /js), Resistor R7 limits the current.
a 5 V supply voltage, 25 V is needed accurate (no danger of overshoot or So far so good, but what about the
to program a 2716. In some types, the undershoot) and short proof. The 25 V we said we needed? This is
25 V programming voltage need not be well-proven 723 voltage controller obtained by changing the feedback
switched off while the operator checks 1C fits the bill perfectly. As the loop to pin 4. The output voltage is
freshly stored data. On the other hand, circuit diagram shows, the 723 is at increased by adding a voltage divider
there are types for which the voltage the heart of an ordinary 5 V power to this section in the circuit. T
has to be switched from 5 V to 25 V supply. Preset PI limits the reference activates the voltage divider. As soon
continuously. voltage (pin 6) to 5 V and feeds the as the base of the transistor is driven.
 elektor july/august 1982 — 7-43

the 723 produces the 25 V voltage.

In order to obtain different voltage
levels the values of R5, R6 and P2, will
have to be changed.
Calibrate the circuit as follows: use PI
to set the output voltage to 5 V
without driving T 1 Then drive T 1 by
.

applying 5 V to R3 and set the output

voltage to 25 V with P2. That's all

there is to it!

The upper trace in the photograph

represents the signal controlling T1
(between 0 and 5 V) and the lower
trace shows the output signal. The while to stop conducting. In
723 is especially fast because pin 13, applications where the time factor is
the frequency compensation input, highly critical, this may be a problem,
is not used here. Normally speaking, in which case it is best to replace T1
a grounded capacitor is included at by a CMOS switch (such as the 4066)
this point to smooth the signal edges. ora V-FET (such as the BS 170),
Note that it takes the output signal omitting R3 and R4. Alternatively,
another 2 jis to go low again, once the a proper switching transistor, the
control signal has gone low. This is BSX 20, also provides excellent
because it takes transistor T1 quite a results.

The transmitter basically consists of butis available from the data source
A remote control system having 20
channels with analogue functions a keyboard decoder 1C, an output mentioned at the end of the article.
can only be realised with the use of and transducer stage and a small The 5 bit code is transmitted by means
special ICs. Any other method would battery. In much the same manner of the infra-red transducer diodes
require an enormous quantity of as a pocket calculator, the commands D1 and D2. The code is in the form of
components. However, it is all very ordered by the keyboard are fed into a pulse sequence consisting of 6 equal

easy, thanks to Plessey who produce a matrix. This is arranged in 4 columns pulses interspaced by 5 spaces or
and 8 rows enabling 32 keys to be pauses. The binary data is contained
a range of ICs designed specifically
used (32 junctions or cross-points). in the pauses, a long pause for a
for this purpose. Our designers
It must be pointed out here that logic '0' and a short pause for logic
selected three of these for the remote
'1
'. This is termed 'pulse-pause'
control system here. It is capable of only one key can be operated at a time
no less than 32 com-
transmitting or the 1C will simply ignore the entry. modulation (PPM).
mands when used in conjuction with The key command (one key pressed) The length of the pulses and pauses
the receiver and associated circuits. is converted into a corresponding 5
can be calibrated with the aid of the
bit binary code. No detailed descrip- preset potentiometer PI The relation- .

tion of codes or their allocation to ship between a logic '0' and a logic
'1
ideally should be 1 .5 1 The pulse
the keys or matrix will be given here
: .
'

width is approximately 3 ms while

the interval between two command
words will be about 54 ms. The trans-
mitter will radiate an infra-red light
signal when the output at pin 3 of
IC1 is 'high'. This will be a 1 5 ns pulse
which can produce a current of up
to 8 amps through T2 and the diodes.
The 1C also contains an electronic
stand-by switch which will reduce the
quiescient current consumption of
the 1C down to a miniscule 6 pA when
not in use, that is, between key oper-
ations.

Reference: Remote Control Data,

Plessey Semiconductors.
 P-44 - elektor july /august

In the Elektor December 79 issue the

pros and cons of charging NiCads
rapidly were discussed at length and
two suitable circuits were put forward.
The circuit here elaborates on the 'old'
idea in order to produce something
new . . .

The graph in figure 1 shows what

happens during a (fast) NiCad charge
cycle. At first, the voltage rises very
quickly from its initial 0% charge to
attain as much as 1.42 V with a
25% charge level. After this point,
the voltage will tend to rise more
gradually. Just before the fully
charged level is reached, the voltage
surprisingly surges once more.
In the first of the two fast charger by 5°C. As can be seen in the graph, temperature. Depending on the
circuits published in the December 79 this is fairly conservative: an almost temperature of D2, the voltage at
issue, the rise in voltage was used as 'dead' battery will be charged to the negative input will increase by
50%,
a parameter for monitoring the charge and even an almost 'full' battery will 10 mV per degree °C. As D2 is
cycle. In the second circuit, however, remain within the 20% overcharge mounted on top of the NiCad
a similar system was used to interrupt margin. (preferably tightly strapped by a
the charge cycle when the battery was Figure 2 shows the circuit diagram.
rubber band), the rise in battery
'overcharged' by about 20%. The The differential switch is similar to the temperature will automatically switch
manufacturer assures us that this one described in last year's Summer off the charge current.
cannot damage the battery. The output of the
Circuits (no. 50). A different voltage may of course
As figure 1 shows, the gas produced comparator opamp IC1 goes low also be set at the positive input. As
when the battery is about 75% whenever the voltage at its negative illustrated in figure 1, the battery has
charged, causes a dramatic increase in input is equal to that at its positive
only reached 50% of its charge level by
the pressure and temperature inside input. PI sets the voltage level at the
the time the temperature has risen by
the battery. By using the temperature positive input so that it is 50 mV above 5°C, if it was initially completely dis-
curve relative to the charge, a simple that of the negative input. When the charged. However, there is a reason for
procedure involving two special operational voltage is switched on this. The graph shown here can not be
temperature sensor ICs serves to (don't connect up the battery yet!) taken as 'gospel' for every battery and
switch off the supply current when the sensors D1 and D2 must be given for all possible charge currents - and
temperature of the battery has risen enough time to reach the same it is better to err on the safe side!

There is an alternative, of course: you

can progressively increase the
2 temperature difference that the circuit
will tolerate before cutting off, until
your particular type of NiCad cell
proves to be fully charged. The advan-
tage is obvious, but the risk should be
equally clear . . . Fortunately,
temperature rises quite steeply once
the cell is fully charged, so the chance
of getting too far off the mark is not
so high. According to the graph, 12°C
(120 mV) is still quite safe.
The circuit works as follows. After
closing SI and operating S2, the
charger starts to pump about 1 A into
the battery. The current is provided by
the variable voltage regulator 1C, the
LM 31 7T, which serves as a constant
current source. If the comparator out-
put is high, D3 and D4 will be cut off.
As a result, the internal reference volt-
age of IC2, 1 .25 V, will be across R8,
enabling about 1 A current to flow
 @

Letters from readers together with the 16 V sufficient.

is give results of this kind. The equal-
numerous comments expressed during The circuit is compatible with the isation time constants are 3180 and
the last Breadboard exhibition showed noise reduction circuit (DNR), 120 /is for ordinary low noise
that there was a large demand for a published in our March 1982 issue. cassettes. For all other types of
low cost tape playback pre-amp. tape, such as ferro chrome and
Readers either wanted to improve the chromium dioxide, the defined
quality of their existing low cost re- constants are 3180 and 70 ps,
corder, or to build an auxiliary deck The LM 1897 is a dual gain pre-amp in which case the two R4 resistors
using one of the easily available drive for any application requiring optimum are replaced by 33 kO ones.
mechanisms. In both cases the extra noise performance. It combines the Constructors not wishing to use the
deck would be very useful especially qualities of low noise, high gain, with muting option, can leave out switch
for tape copying. good power supply rejection (low SI and the two R7 resistors.
The circuit is constructed using a new, Hum) and transient free power up! Screened two or four way cable
low cost 1C from National No 'power up' transients are achieved should be used to connect the circuit
Semiconductor, which was designed primarily because no input coupling to the tape heads. The choice is up
specifically for tape playback appli- capacitors are used. This eliminates the to the constructor, but please keep
cations. The 1C is very interesting due 'click' or 'pop' from being recorded in mind that if two way cable is used
to its low noise, wide voltage supply onto the tape during power supply the screening sleeve is to be connected
range, and low power consumption cycling in tape playback applications. to the ground of the printed circuit
properties. It also requires very few The omission of these capacitors board.
external components in order to con- also allows a wide gain bandwidth A good ground connection between
struct a complete circuit. The distor- with unlimited bass response. The the printed circuit board and the
tion factor is less than 0.1 % at external components in the feedback drive chassis is also essential!
frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to loops, determine the gain and form
20 kHz, at an output of 1 Vrms. an equalisation circuit. Using the
The printed circuit is quite small and values shown in the diagram (figure 1),
can be mounted easily onto any a gain factor of 200 is achieved An unstabilised, filtered D.C. voltage
cassette chassis. A power supply at a frequency of kHz, correspond-
1 of between 10 and 16 V will be suf-
delivering approximately 10 mA, at a ing to an output level of 100 mV rms . ficient for the circuit because of the
voltage of anything between 10 and Most available tape heads should high power supply rejection (low

,6v
[)0—T — r- 78L12 -
T
— 12v

.^TTu-ITt
 elektor july/august 1982 - 7-47

hum), of the 1C. Batteries can also be

used successfully. A voltage regulator
such as the 78L1 2 is required only
when the available supply is unfiltered
or likely to be 'noisy'.
The output of the pre-amp has not
been decoupled since virtually every
power amplifier contains some
type of input coupling capacitor.
Constructors who are in doubt about
this fact can insert capacitors C5 and
C5', as shown in the circuit diagram.
The pre-amp has a low output
impedance. This should not present
any problems as the input impedance
of most amplifiers and other 'HI FI'
equipment is around 1 k£2.

This voltage controlled oscillator by the instantaneous level of the of the values of resistors R9 and
(VCO) is capable of providing a control voltage. Consequently, the RIO determines the DC level of the
triangular as well as a squarewave output of A1 will fall linearly. The triangular output signal. With the
output signal. As with any other VCO, output of the comparator (constructed values indicated in the circuit diagram,
the frequency of the output signal around A2) will change state and the DC level will be half the supply
depends on the level of the control transistor T1 will start to conduct voltage. The peak-to-peak output level

voltage (U c ). Remarkably, this design when the lower switching threshold of

features a wide control voltage range; the comparator is reached. Capacitor |Vp p )«e t|u.ito 55 xUb.
ps ra
between 0 V and the positive supply Cl is now discharged causing the
voltage. The power supply voltage can output of A1 to rise (again, the voltage The characteristics of the VCO with
be anywhere in the region of +3 V to rise willbe linear). This process will be two (common) supply voltages are
+25 V. However, care should be taken repeated when the output of A1 shown in figure 2. The maximum
when using low voltage supplies that reaches the upper switching threshold frequency (when U c = Ub) supplied
1 the maximum output level is at least of the comparator and T 1 is turned by the circuit can be increased or
1 .5 V below that of the supply. off. decreased by selecting a lower or
The circuit is based on the 'integrator The duty cycle of the output signal higher value, respectively, for
- comparator' principle. Capacitor Cl will be 50% when the values of R2 and capacitor Cl Due to the slew rate of
.

is part of the integrator (constructed R3 are the same and when the value the opamp, the steepness of the
around opamp A1) and is charged by of R1 is twice that of R4 (R2 = R3 squarewave signal will fall off at higher
a constant current level determined and R 1 = 2 x R4). The relationship frequencies.

H
 .

graphic
oscillator

'And we don't mean graphic equaliser'. levelcan be directly deduced from the To understand the object of the
An oscillator operating along similar position of the levers. Here slide graphic oscillator the circuit diagram
lines to an equaliser. n the case of
I potentiometers are used as well, only should be looked at 'back to front'.
the latter, a set of slide potentiometers now for the purpose of setting the P2 ... PI 7 sets the DC voltage in the
adjust the frequency response and the waveform on the screen. 0 ... 5 V range. Electronic switches
ESI ... ESI 6 feed the voltages to
the output of the circuit. Normally
speaking, the article should end here,
were it not that the circuit has an
additional interesting feature to
offer . .

When an oscilloscope is connected to

the output, a waveform appears on

the screen that can be adjusted to
contain up to 16 steps. Fortunately,
this does not have to be done
manually for the remaining
components produce a constantly
repeated switch cycle. The counter
IC8 provides a 'bit' pattern at its
outputs to the rhythm of the pulses
generated by IC9. The bit pattern,
decimal numbers 0 1 5 in binary,
. . .

drives the multiplexer IC7, so that its

output goes 'low' whenever the input
data is addressed to the output
concerned. For example, where
A = high, B = low, C = high and
D = low, output 5 = low.
Since a logic one inhibits the
electronic switches, 1 6 inverters are
required to make sure the right DC
level reaches the output.
By adjusting PI and Cl, the clock
frequency can be set to a very wide
range. Where Cl = 1 n, theoretically:
f = 123 ... 710 kHz and where

Cl = 1 0 ft, f = 123. 710 Hz.. .

analogue
monoflop ,

. using an opamp as a comparator

Monoflops are automatically practically any type of amplifier will chip needed to effect a specific time
is

associated with digital circuits, but suit this application. delay. But the latter can be omitted
there is no reason why they should not Modern 1C technology makes life by combining an opamp with a
be used for analogue purposes. much easier for the designer in that monoflop.
Obviously, the opamp involved will four opamps can be incorporated in a Operation is quite straightforward.
not be used as an amplifier, but as a single tiny package. More often than The inverting input is set at a fixed
.
comparator. The 741 is implemented not, however, one of the opamps is voltage level, (slightly more than half
V in both of the circuits shown here, not required, which is a bit of a waste, the supply voltage). The non-inverting
although, as a matter of fact. and what's more, an additional digital input is grounded by R5and PI. The
 elektor july/august 1982 - 7-49

will not change until capacitor Cl is 0.5 (R5 + PI )Cl. PI sets the exact
-
output is therefore also at ground
charged by way of R5 and PI and the value, which determined, to a
is
potential and diode D1 will not
voltage at pin 3 is lower again than certain extent, by the saturation of
conduct. When a positive pulse is
that at pin 2. The opamp will then the opamp output, and so can only be
applied at the input, it is fed to the
over, output being grounded calculated approximately.
non-inverting input by capacitor Cl. 'flip' its

For a short time this becomes higher Just make sure that the input signal is
than the inverting input. Asa result, In principle, the same procedure always slightly smaller than the
applies to the negative response variation in amplitude at pin 6,
the output of the opamp will be
connected to the positive supply circuit. As can be seen in the pulse because the signals might affect each
voltage. Diode D1 will now conduct diagrams, the input signal should be other, especially if the input and

and make sure that point A remains either longer or shorter than the output pulses have the same duration.
positive even when the input signal required output signal. The resultant

is no longer applied. This situation mono time is around

the simplest
PDM amplifier
'pulse duration modulation

amplifier connected to an integrator in their current ranges of stereo

The term PDM merely stands for pulse
amplifiers equipment.
duration modulation. A PDM amplifier which together convert the amplified
PDM signal back into an analogue The is based on
circuit described here
consists of a pulse duration modulator,
which converts an analogue audio signal. This particular circuit is prob- the fact that the transmittance curve
signal into a digital PDM signal, and an ably the most straightforward PDM of a buffered (B version) 4066 CMOS
amplifier in the world. In the wake switch is extremely steep. Asa result,
of digital audio technology 'break- the device can be used to reliably
throughs', PDM devices (or digital obtain a high gain factor. The circuit
amplifiers) are rapidly gaining popu- shown to the right of the figure
larity. Some Japanese manufacturers represents the analogue equivalent of
are even including PDM technology the PDM circuit. This corresponds to
an inverting analogue amplifier, which
unfortunately has a rather high
distortion factor thereby making it
totally unsuitable for hifi purposes.
The gain of the circuit using the
ll-o* — poll component values shown is 10. A gain
of 1 00 can be achieved if the values of

the components marked with an

asterisk are altered to 1 Mf2 and 1 n.
 iuly /august 1982

Class A amplifiers are well-known in the amplifier to deliver enough power. output voltage plus 5 V. When it
the audio world for their low distor- For this reason, the zero of the sym- swings negative, the collector of T4 is
tion figures and big heat radiation. metrical 5 V supply is connected to at the required negative output voltage
Manufacturers have always tried to the output of a second, straightfor- minus 5 V. In this way the amplifier
design an amplifier having the advan- ward power amplifier consisting of operates in class A mode, but the
tages of class A without the drawback IC2 and T5 T8. This amplifier is
. . .
dissipation remains nearly the same as
(heat). During the last few years they in class B mode and is fed with the that of a class B amplifier, as the
came up with several solutions. One same input signal as the first amplifier. supply voltage 'runs along' with the
of them was found by the Japanese The main difference is the fact that input signal.
manufacturer Matsushita, who it operates with a higher supply
When using this method it is a must
developed an ingenious method that voltage: ± 18 V. The amplification that the input amplifier (IC1) can be
makes a 350 W
class A amplifier factor of the second amplifier equals driven to the high supply voltage.
possible without the 'heat problems'. that of the first. The loudspeaker is Therefore IC1 is supplied with ± 18 V.
The amplifier described here follows connected between the output of the Furthermore, the 5 V supply must
the same principle, but with one major first amplifier and the zero of the 18 V deliver a current that at least equals
modification: The output power is supply. The zero of the 5 V supply is the peak current flowing through the
reduced considerably, in order to sim- connected to the output of the second loudspeaker. The power supplied by
plify the construction. After all this
is a 'summer circuit' not an 'annual
amplifier.
this amplifier is approximately 1 5 W
Any input signal will now drive both into 8 Q
(this is class A).
circuit'. amplifiers simultaneously. This means When constructing the circuit, make
The circuit diagram shows a normal that a voltage is 'added' to the zero
power amplifier at the left-hand side
sure that the 5 V supply is completely
of the 5 V supply by the output of the separated from the 18 V supply. Use
with an output stage consisting of a second amplifier, which has the a mains transformer with two com-
TDA 1034. The final stage (T1 T4) . . .
correct value and polarity for the first pletely separated secondary windings
is set in class A mode. The dissi- output stage to deliver the desired with a centre tap, or even better, use
pation remains low, because the final power to the loudspeaker. During the two transformers. Only the zero of the
stage is fed by ± 5 V. However, this positive swing of the signal waveform, 18 V supply serves as ground for the
supply voltage is much too low for the collector of T3 is at the necessary circuit and the loudspeaker.
 1

omnivore
' not fussy about voltages
^
Ordinary have a rather monot-
LEDs has a drawback in that the value
onous diet: they will only 'swallow' of the series resistor must be calculated

DC current with the right polarity, in for each separate supply voltage, and

which case a series resistor cuts down that fluctuations in the supply signal
the current appetite to a moderate can only be handled within a limited
10 ... 30 mA. This type of provision range.
Substituting a FET for the series 1N4148, will provide polarity protec-
resistor affords a number of tion when connected in series with /

advantages. When the gate and source the LED. As a result, the 'Omnivore'
are linked, the transistor forms a LED can be driven with AC voltages
current source without the need for in the 5... 20 V (=7... 30 Vlas

any additional components. In the well. At the normal 50 Hz mains

type used here, the BF 256C, the con- frequency, the LED will barely flicker
stant current is between roughly 1 at all, except that its brightness will
and 1 5 mA, with a wide supply range be a little dulled due to the half-wave
of 5 ... 30 V. A universal silicon rectification, compared to that at an
diode (DUS), such as the well known equivalent DC voltage level.

EX(N)OR
opamp
an anlogue digital gate

Nowadays, digital techniques are

finding their way into more and more
analogue circuits. Fortunately, this
does not always call for the use of
special integrated circuits, as it is

quite common to see opamps being

used to provide the logic functions
NOT, AND, NAND, OR and NOR.
However, this does not (normally)
apply to the logic functions EXOR
and EXNOR. Nevertheless, the latter
can be obtained by using LM 324 or
LM 358 type opamps. These opamps
have the advantage that their outputs
can be driven to 0 volts without
the need for a negative supply
voltage.
two inputs A and B are taken high inverting input will be greater than

As can be seen from the circuit (= supply voltage), point b will also that at the inverting input, resulting
diagram, when both inputs A and B go high via diodes D5 and D6. Thus, in a high voltage level at the output

are grounded (= logic zero) point a resistor R5 now affects the state of of the opamp. In other words, a
will be low. As a result, resistor R5 the opamp instead of R6. This causes genuine EXOR gate!
willhave no effect on the state of the the voltage at the inverting input to The EXNOR function can be obtained
inverting input of the opamp. Resistor be greater than that at the non- very easily indeed. Simply swap

R6, however, does affect the non- inverting input, therefore the output around the inverting and the non-
inverting input via diode D2. This of the opamp is once again low. If inverting input connections. Now
one of the inputs is held high and the the output of the opamp will go low
causes the voltage at the non-inverting
input of the opamp to be lower than other low, point a will go low and whenever the two input levels are
k
point b will go high. This means that different and will go high when the
that at the inverting input, leading
now the voltage level at the non- input levels are the same.
a low level at the output. If the
 july/august 1982

Several relatively popular broadcasting whatsoever in the active aerial stage, wire for LW and 80 turns of 0.3 mm
stations can, in some areas, only be but in part of the TBA120 1C which wire for MW, wound onto a ferrite
received on MW or LW. The repro- forms part of the modulator. L2 aerial approximately 20 cm in length
duced sound quality of these trans- serves as an emitter decoupler for with a diameter of 10 mm. The extra
missions is normally quite low. T1 L3 decouples the supply and
.
positive loop should be connected by
Nothing like HI-FI is normally possible tuning voltage thereby short proofing tapping into the coil approximately
because of the limited bandwidth of the RF output of the active aerial. L4 a quarter of the way up from the
transmissions. However a greatly im- effectively doing the same for the earthed end. Keep all interconnecting
proved sound quality is possible, demodulator. PI can either be a trim- wires and links as short as possible.
obtained quite easily by using just a ming potentiometer allowing preset The length of the coaxial cable is
few widely available components. The tuning of a particular station or a not critical.
improvement is so remarkable that it multi-turn (helical) type for normal
can be noticed distinctly. The out- variable tuning. TBA120 1C is the
standing feature of this receiver is its amplifier and quasi-synchronous-
unconventional concept. The tuning demodulator for the signal fed from
stage of the receiver also serves as an the active aerial. Apart from the
active aerial, which can be favourably unusual method used for modulation,
placed in order to get the best possible the receiver follows the standard
reception. Furthermore it is com- 'straight-through' principles having
pletely separated from the rest of the a good $ignal-to-noise ratio.
receiver, that is from the demodulator Unfortunately the main dis advantages
supplying the AF output. This part of this design is that it suffers from
can be inserted into a separate bad selectivity and low sensitivity.
housing, and placed next to an ampli- Consequently the constructor should
fier or the HI-FI equipment. The inter- not expect the receiver to work
connection between the two parts miracles, especially during the evening
should be made using standard coaxial hours or when trying to tune in to
cable. This cable feeds the RF signals distant stations. However for most
and the tuning voltage (which is the relatively local stations it will per-
operational voltage of the aerial) to form well.
the modulator. The plastic aerial Potentiometer P2 sets the gain of T3,
housing contains an aligned input thereby allowing the output level to
rod (L2),
circuit, consisting of a ferrite be matched to the input requirements
and double varicap. The aerial signal of any amplifier. Should the con-
is coupled to the tuning stage by an structor desire to improve the selec-
emitter/follower transistor (T1), tivity then we suggest inserting a
ensuring that a high impedance output positive feedback loop with its as-
signal is fed to the modulator. This sociated components as shown by the
improves the selectivity. T2 together dotted lines (see the circuit diagram).
with its surrounding components Except for LI standard chokes can
,

forms a current source for T1 The . be used for the coils. LI consists of
received signal is not amplified 250 windings of 0.2 mmenamelled
I
 0

elektor iuly/a 1982-7-53

The temperature sensor (IC1) is between zero volts and one volt.
The novel use of components in this
supplied with a constant current It also acts as an amplifier with an
electronic temperature indicator
make it very simple and economical from the reference output of the effective gain of 20. The output is

to build. It uses only three ICs, an 723 (IC2). This provides a stable fed to the input of the analogue
zero point setting enabling accurate level detector IC3. Depending on the
LM335 temperature sensor, a723
readings to be achieved. The circuit voltage level at its input, this 1C will
(old faithfull) voltage regulator and
a TL489 five stage analogue level around the 723 is arranged to allow lightone or more of the LEDs
detector. the output of the regulator to vary D1 ..D5. Since the sensitivity of
.

the sensor is 10 per degree mV

centigrade 1 0 mV/°C), and the gain
(

of the 723 is 20x, it follows that the

TL489 requires an increase in
voltage level of 200 at its input mV
to light each successive LED.
Therefore, one LED will light for
every 1 degree rise in temperature
registered.
Calibration very straightforward.
is

The temperature measuring range

(or temperature 'window') is set
by PI . For example 18 ... 23 C
(5°C). This range can be altered if
desired by simply changing the
values of resistors R6 and R7. For
two degrees temperature change
per LED, the resistor values must be
100 kfl.

J, The duty cycle of a square wave signal However, this can be simplified half the supply voltage (via voltage
isnormally measured by means of a considerably by using two divider R3/R4) there will be no
pulse counter or an oscilloscope. VMOS-FETs and a voltmeter. The current flow through the meter (hence
FETs are switched in turn by the input a zero reading).
pulses. The R2/C2 network combi- The duty cycle can be read directly in
nation provides an average DC level % if the scale is divided into 1 ... 1

Ub (5 ... 20 V) corresponding to the input waveform: (Ub = 10 V) and the centre point (5)
marked as 50%.
U av - T/r • Ub-
An important note: It is imperative to
The meter reading can be interpreted ensure that the input waveform
as follows: The indication of the duty switches abruptly between a low level
cycle can be expressed as a percentage (less than 0.8 V) and 'high' (Ub -0.8 V
(link A). For link 8, a voltmeter or higher). Between these values
with a centre zero is preferable. both FETs would start to conduct,
A DVM would also do the trick, but thus causing a short circuit across the
not quite as well. supply voltage source. Moreover, the
The voltage level at the input of the maximum supply voltage must not be
meter will be half the supply voltagb exceeded. One final remark: The
when the duty cycle is 50%. Since the internal resistance of the meter must
other side of the meter is connected to be at least 1 00 kS2.
 1982

This circuit makes it possible to motor to run. designed to handle up to 90 W. Higher

control the speed of single phase Only the winding which connected
is powered motors are possible but then
motors with squirrel cage. This is not directly to the mains supply needs to R8 will have to be changed accord-
to say that every motor can now be be controlled, by what could be ingly.
made to run at any desired speed, but, termed as a standard type of triac The 1C deserves a special mention.
that a speed range to a factor of 2 speed control. Looking closely at the circuit diagram,
should be readily obtainable with There are two main points to note. you will notice that box 1 of the 1C
suitable motors. That is to say that the Firstly, irrespective of the speed set- derives a negative and positive supply
range is from half to full speed. This ting of the controller, the motor will voltage of 1 1.5 V from the mains, via
range may not seem to be much, but, initially run up to full power (for a R1 The smoothing is effected by Cl
.

for fans, pumps and other equipment brief period), immediately the mains and C2 respectively. The stabilised
of this nature, it is quite a useful supply isswitched on. Secondly, the positive supply voltage at pin 6 is
range. It can conveniently reduce both current flowing through the motor is approximately 9 V.
the current consumption, and noise determined by the value of R8. The At each zero crossing of the mains
levels of this type of appliance. voltage across R8 is relatively con- supply, the ramp generator (saw tooth
The circuit described here makes use stant, and held within well defined
oscillator) in box 4 starts. The com-
of an SGS Ates 1C that was specifi- limits. This means that the speed of
parator in box 5, compares the ampli-
cally designed for phase control. An the motor (once set), will remain
tude of the saw tooth waveform with
asynchronous (short circuit rotor) reasonably stable. The circuit is not
the amplitude of the signal (output
motor has two windings, their mag- suitable and was certainly not
voltage) of the opamp in box 6. The
netic fields being at 90° to each other. intended for use with motors which
output voltage of the opamp depends
One winding is connected directly have varying loads (such as a drill). on the setting of PI, and therefore
to the mains, the other via a capacitor The minimum number of revolutions in turn, to the voltage across R8. As
to ensure that the current passing can be set by means of P2. Between we have already explained the voltage
through one winding is out of phase thisminimum (say 1800 rpm) and the across R8 determines the current
to the other. This invariably results in maximum (3000 rpm), the speed can flow through the motor.
a rotating magnetic field, enabling the be controlled by PI . The circuit was

-E°D-
 ) | j ,

1982-7-55

With the aid of this circuit, the duty

cycle of a signal may be adjusted very
accurately in 1% steps within the
1% . .99% range. At the same time,
.

it is possible to keep the frequency of

the output signal completely

independent of the duty cycle setting.
Accurate pulse generators are needed
whenever a meter or a circuit that
calculates the level of a signal on the
basis of its duty cycle and evaluates
and/or processes the signal to be
calibrated. The type of circuits in
mind are remote control (PPM) and
phase cutoff angle meters.
The pulse generator in figure 1 can be
constructed quite easily using three
CMOS ICs. The decimal counters IC1
and IC2 are connected as divide-by-
tens. Flipflop N2/N3 is set via R1/C1
upon the falling edge of the Q 9 signal
of IC2 (which corresponds to the
rising edge of Q 0 1) and the Q output
of the circuit goes high. The inter-
mediate count reaches gate N1 via the external device. As it is divided by ten obtained at an operational voltage of
be 1 2 V. The preset range may be
select switches S2 and S3. As soon as twice, the output frequency will
the required count is attained, N1 10 kHz at a maximum
input frequency adjusted by altering the operational
sends a reset pulse to the flipflop and of 1 MHz. Alternatively, the internal voltage (within the 5 ... 1 5 V range).
the Q output goes low. oscillator may be switched on via SI In addition, the frequency range may

Figure 2 shows what happens in the in which case an output frequency of be varied by selecting a different value
between 20 Hz and 200 Hz, approxi- for C2.
form of a pulse diagram. The clock
signal may well be transmitted by an mately, (variable with PI) will be Back to the pulse diagram. By way of
an example, a duty cycle of 1 2% has
been set here (see figure 1 ). Initially,
CLOCK juuuuuuiniuif the set pulse makes Q go high. But as
soon as Q 2 of IC1 and Qi of IC2 are
_._n n high, Q will go low again, etc.

n Supposing we wish to set the dwell

4.M-1
angle of a 4 cylinder engine, we will
n._ have to take the following into
account: the dwell angle is defined as
HITTF
a certain period of time, during which
j.ji jl |
the contact breaker connections are

ll i
j
closed. This corresponds to the time
interval during which the signal is low.
Thus, the definition of the dwell angle
[-H —
—
is the exact opposite of that of the
j-j-
pi duty cycle! What all this boils down to
i
|
1 r~ in this particular applicationis that the

maximum dwell angle is 90°. This may

be adjusted to, say, 54°. As a result,
,

1 ,
the variable duty cycle will be:

(90° — 5 4^) _

i
Y

— !

J
;
1
f
90° • 100%
40% ,

j
i i
j4=
 .

display data point connector

If analogue signals are converted In keeping with most good ideas, the

into digital and then displayed on operation of the circuit is very

an oscilloscope it will be obvious straightforward. An initial require- ‘“jJULOJL
that the legibility will be less than ment is a clock signal that becomes
'1
perfect. This is due to the fact that a logic ' whenever the displayed data

the display consists of a (sometimes) jumps to a new value. This can be

large collection of short horizontal derived from the circuit under test
lines which can appear to have little with the aid of a monostable. Opamp
or no relation to each other. Inter- A3 is designed as an integrator which
connecting these 'dashes' will make serves as a memory. If the incoming
the displayed information far easier voltage level does not correspond to
to read and this circuit was specifically the voltage level at the output of A3,
designed for this purpose. It produces the difference between the two levels
a fairly complex 'waveform' on the will be present at the output of A1 from the previous value. Consequently
screen but nevertheless, the legibility Obviously the difference will be the output of A3 will change in an at-
is considerably improved. greater the more the new level deviates tempt to correct the 'error'. The rate
of change will depend on how big the
difference is, the greater the 'error',

the faster the change will be at the

output. Providing the R5/C2 combi-
nation has been chosen correctly, the
difference between the input and out-
put voltage levels will be zero at the
end of each cycle. Opamp A2 is simply
a high impedance voltage follower and
is included to ensure that the voltage

level across Cl remains stable between

clock pulses. Strictly speaking, ESI
is not really required but without this

switch the output would be an

exponential curve which would reduce
legibility.
As mentioned previously, the time
constant of the integrator must be
identical to the data change frequency

and the formula f = can be used

as a rule of thumb for determining

these values. The circuit can be cali-
brated with the aid of a preset connec-
ted in parellel with R5 if desired.

H
 .

elektor july/august 1982 — 7-57

mini
EPROMmer
' the simple programming circuit

Fortunately the prices for widely by hand, will agree that it is very easy The LEDs D1 . . . D9 will now indicate
available EPROMs is falling consider- to make an error. Switch S21 in pos- which data is stored in the address set
ably. might therefore be worthwhile
It ition a, in order to check the program. with S9 ... SI 9.
to construct complex logic functions A stabilised voltage of 5 V and 400 mA
with EPROMs instead of the normal willbe enough to supply the circuit,
digital ICs (gates, flipflops, and so on). and a 30 V at 30 mA supply is
This would make the construction of sufficient to produce the programming
the circuit much more compact and voltage.
straightforward.
The EPROM 2716 contains 1 1 inputs
(address lines A0 A10) and 8 data. . .

lines (D0 .D7), which are connec-

. .

ted as inputs during programming and

as outputs for other functions. There-
fore it is possible to program complex
logic functions. For example a sv(
programmed EPROM can be used as
code converter. This leaves us with the
problem of finding a suitable program-
ming device. It is rather expensive to
build or buy a programmer, if it is

i
only to be used occasionally.
In this case a straightforward circuit
will suffice, with which the associated
E*f ib
data of the logic functions can be
stored in the EPROM quite easily. The
circuit described in this article offers
this possibility. Any program can be
programmed step by step with the aid
of this circuit.
There is one crucial point which has to
be considered, when using EPROMs
3b
and that is the access time. The oper-
ation speed of the complete circuit
depends on it. The circuit must be
• constructed in the conventional
manner, using gates, flipflops and so
on, if the EPROM is too slow, due to
the access time, for a certain
application.
The next question is what is to be pro- r
grammed? First, switch S21 must be
pin 21
set to position 'b'. In this case,
of the EPROM will be connected to
1 2b
the programming voltage and the data
connections D0 D7 are connected
. . .

as inputs. The corresponding data can

now be set bit by bit by means of
switches SI S8. An open switch
. . .
2&
then stands for logic 1 After that, the .

corresponding addresses can be set

with the aid of switches S9 ... SI 9.
Again an open switch denotes a logic 1
Once the correct data and address bits
have been selected, depressing S20 is
sufficient to transfer them into
EPROM. The LED D9 lights to
indicate the programming time.
Obviously some form of check is
necessary, when the complete pro-
V gram is stored in EPROM, because
the readers who have programmed
The subject of power supplies seems to reason that the secondary voltage of to 5.32 VI This is a drop of 3.3% at
be of little interest since the introduc- the transformer must be kept as low 7.8 A. Furthermore, under the same
tion of the well-known 3 pin voltage as possible, in order to hold the power conditions the ripple was less than
regulator ICs. However, the usefulness drop across the series transistors 25 mV rms .

to the average home constructor is T1 .T3 to within reasonable limits.

. .

usually restricted to the versions that While on the subject of power dissi-
can deliver up to a maximum output pation the heat sinks for T2 T3 . . .

of 1 A. Anything above this requires must obviously be sufficiently large.

some form of heavy duty regulator For the same reasons the values shown
stage. Regulator ICs capable of 5 A for R4 R6 are best obtained by
. . .
Resistors:

and 10 A do exist, but it usually works connecting several resistors in parallel. R1.R2 - 3k3
out more economic for most people For R4 and R5 in other words, twice R3 - 100 fi/1 W
to go straight into some form of 0.33 fi 5 W, for R6 and an output
R4.R5 0,1 5 Jl/5 W
R6 = 0,1 n/10W*
discrete regulator. current of 6 A twice 0.22 H 5 or W
The idea of adding a power output three times 0.33 Zl 5 for an 8 A out- W
stage consisting of one or more tran- put. Furthermore these resistors must Capacitors:
sistors in parallel is not bad at all! For be mounted with plenty of space
Cl ,C2 = 470 p/50 V
this reason it is applied, with one or between them and the printed circuit C3 = 220 u/50 V
two modifications, to the circuit board. C4 = 1 p/16 V
described here. Power supplies that The output voltage can be increased C5.C6 = 1000 V p/25 V
are insensitive to interference and can up to about 14 V if the following C7 * 10 p/1 6 V
deliver high current levels to large components are modified accord- C8 = 470 p
microprocessor systems would cer- ingly. The transformers, resistors R1,
tainly benefit from such an approach. R2 and capacitors C5 and C6. The
The ideal 1C for this job still remains voltage doubling components Cl, C2, B = 10 A/40 V bridge rectifier
(not p.c.b. mounting)
the good old 723. D1 and D2 are also unnecessary. The
D1 . D3 = 1N4001
, .
This 1C may well have been over- anode of D3 must then be connected T1 = BD139
shadowed by the new 3 pin regulators, directly to the rectified and smoothed T2.T3 = TIP 142 (Darlington)
but its versatality cannot be ques- supply. IC1 = 7812
tioned and its technical specifications It should be noted that although the IC2 = 723
are in many respects superior. It is TIP142's look like any other power
used here in a standard circuit, in- transistor, they are in fact Darlingtons. Miscellaneous:
tended to deliver output voltages In other words, they cannot be re- Tr= 10 V/10 Ate
between 2 and 7 V. placed by any ordinary power tran- SI = double pole i

The necessary supply for the 1C is sistors.

obtained after voltage doubling of the One more point to give some idea of
smoothed and rectified secondary the good performance of this supply.
voltage of the transformer, via a The output voltage of the prototype
voltage regulator, which in this case was set at 5.5 V when loaded by a
is of the three pin variety. This 0.68 £2 resistor (which corresponds to
d a current of 8 A). The voltage dropped r i

TIP 142 BD 139

i H
&b
I?
BCE ECB
D1 ... D3 =
1N4001
V
^
C

^2
r V
'--'BD139
[

vSp

Tf? CS
j

ii [if 723 " cs^

40 V/
10 A
 alektor july/august 1982 -

A descriptive and constructional

article for an SSB receiver was
published in the June issue of
Elektor.
The intention was to encourage
readers to construct this type of
equipment. It was mentioned at the
time that the basic design could be
used as the basis for other amateur
bands providing a converter was
available. This means that the receiver
frequency must be mixed with an
oscillator signal in such a way that
the output is tuneable in the range
of 14 . 14.35 MHz. The oscillator
. .

frequency together with the special

component values required for the
specific amateur band required are
given in the table.
The circuit itself consists of three
sections; the input stage (VLF), the
oscillator T2 and the dual gate
MOSFET mixer stage T 1 Components
.

Cl 1 Cl 3 and L6 are a low-pass

. . .

filterto 'clean up' the signal before

Table Band Frequency Crystal L1/L2 Cl C2.C4 C3
it ispassed to the SSB receiver.
(MHz) (MHz) (l*H) <nF) (pF) (pF)
Construction of the circuit should,
VLF 10... 140 kHz 14.0
of course, be of highest quality to
1.8 15.8 2.7 3.3 180 33
ensure best results. This includes
3.5 17.5 8.2 3.3 180 15
40 m 7 21.0 2.2 2.2 180 10 adequate screening around and
30 m 10 24.1 1 1.5 150 6.8 between the stages.
 A window comparator, also called shown in figure 1 only requires one approximately 2.5 V. The switching
window discriminator, examines opamp! threshold can be changed by PI. With
whether a voltage is situated in the A reference voltage is set by means of a 9 V supply voltage the adjustment
range ('window') between two given the trimming potentiometer PI D2 range will be 1 .5 ... 5 V for the lower
.

reference points. In this way, a will conduct and D1 will be cutoff as switching threshold and 4 ... 7.5 V
window comparator can be used for long as the input voltage is below this for the upper threshold.
various kinds of control circuits. For reference voltage (set by PI). The
example, it can be used to indicate voltage at the inverting input of the
the oil temperature of an engine; The opamp is more positive than the non-
window comparator can show whether inverting input, therefore the output
the temperature is in the tolerated of the comparator will have a logic 'O'.
(green) range or not, (after the oil If the input voltage approaches the

temperature has been converted into value of the reference voltage D2 will
a DC voltage). cutoff and the voltage at the non-
Normally two comparators, an AND inverting input will become more
gate and at least two opamps are positive than the inverting one, so that
needed to construct a window the output voltage becomes logic '1 '.
discriminator. However, the circuit D1 starts to conduct when the input
voltage exceeds the reference voltage
by 0.6 V. Consequently the voltage at
the non-inverting input cannot Photo 1 shows the sawtooth input
increase, in contrast to the voltage at signal,ranging from 0 to 9 V, and the
the inverting input which can. In- output signal of the comparator. This
creasing the input voltage further will picture clearly indicates that the 741
make the inverting input more positive at the output cannot switch through
still, thus causing the comparator
to0 V and +Ub completely. When
output to become logic '1 ' again. The +U b = 9 V the logic '0' output voltage
window will be closed! will approximately be 1 .9 V and the
With the values indicated in the circuit logic '1' output voltage will be about
diagram, the 'window width' will be 8.5 V.

A simple and well-known circuit: a good for both output voltages (sym-
symmetrical supply constructed with metrical). This brings us to the most
an opamp for opamps and of course pleasant characteristic of the circuit, in
other small circuits that require a that the relationship does not depend
positive as well as a negative supply on the battery voltage! Another
voltage. Both voltages are derived advantage of this active voltage divider
from one battery. The resistors R1 and is the fact that (in contrast to a simple

R2 form a high impedance, and resistor divider chain) it adapts itself

therefore energy saving voltage divider. well to changing load currents passing
The opamp takes care that the to and from the earth potential,
artificial ground potential remains particularly in the case of unsymmetri-
identical to the potential at the cal load current conditions.
junction of R1 and R2. The relation- There are various types of opamps
ship between R1 and R2 determines that can be applied for this circuit.
l the relationship between the two The 3140 and 324 are excellent, even load of the artificial ground depends
V output voltages; if R1 and R2 have with a battery voltage of 4.5 V. Bear on the opamp being used (normally
the same value, the same will hold in mind that the maximum tolerated about 20 mA)
 . .

elektor july/august 1982 — 7-61

monoflop with
a CMOS gate
single gate monostable

A monoflop only has one stable state. RC, network is required at the input,
When triggered by a pulse, the circuit which at the same time provides the
'flips over' from the unstable back on-time for the gate.
into the stable state. The 'on-time' Figure 1 shows two possible con-
depends on the component values figurations for a single gate mono-
chosen for the RC network. As most flop. They both have regenerative
constructors probably know, such a feedback. This considerably improves
circuit can also be designed in quite To©- the steepness of the output pulse. For
a different way. A monoflop can the circuit to operate properly, the
quite easily be built using special ICs, input pulse must last less time than the
but this circuit takes the idea one anticipated output pulse (based on the
step further and is much more component values). What's more, R1
straightforward: it only needs a single must be at least 100 kJ2.

In principle, a gate can be induced,

(by applying a pulse to the input), to
leave its quiescent state and return
to it after a certain period. For this,
\ ^a differentiating, in other words.

electronic
thermometer

The scale of a thermometer used for complicated calculations. The circuit The circuit can be used for other
measuring the temperature of liquids can be used to measure the temperature temperature ranges, if the values of
is normally graduated from 40°C to of a number of things including; car resistor Rl and R2 are altered. If, for

100°C. The circuit described here oil, bath water, baby food etc. (but instance, the value of Rl is reduced
operates within this range and uses the not all at the same time!). and the value of R2 is increased, a
recently introduced KTY-10 As can be seen from figure 1 , the lower temperature range will be
temperature sensor from Siemens. The electronic thermometer is made up of obtained.
current produced (up to a maximum a bridge circuit consisting of resistors The value of R3 must, however, be
of 20 mA) is directly proportional R1 . . . the sensor Rj- The
R3 and reduced by 1 kJ2 for each 25 C shift
voltage across the bridge is stabilised in the temperature range.
to the temperature, allowing simple
calibration without the need for by the zener diode D1 The bridge
. Lastly, all the components should
circuitis followed by an opamp, IC1 have a tolerance of 1 %.
Any voltage difference at the input
isamplified and fed to transistor T1 Siemens application note.
This determines the amount of current
flowing through the load circuit Rl-
This type of temperature to current
conversion circuit is not affected by
the overall resistance of Rl and
therefore the length of the connecting
leads to Rl is not critical.
The load circuit is in fact the display
or indicator section. Either an analogue
or a digital multimeter may be used.
Preset potentiometer Rp should be
adjusted so that the display section
does not register temperature readings
below 40°C.
 1-62 - elektor july/august 1982

The number of applications for this must be pointed out that the title conducts only on the positive edge
is enormous, ranging from a
circuit is not quite correct as the LM 1830 of the probe signal waveform with
hydro cultures to
level control for from National Semiconductor will the result that the loudspeaker (if
the-kitchen-is-under-water-because- only detect conductive fluids, but, used) will produce a 6 kHz tone.
of-the-washing-machine-detector. It as most common liquids are conduc- Increasing the value of Cl would
tive, thisshould not present a lower the frequency. The LED also
problem. flashes at a frequency of 6 kHz but
The frequency of the internal oscil- this is not visibly apparent. However,
lator of the 1C is 6 kHz (determined the relay would not take kindly to
by capacitor Cl). The oscillator out- being switched on and off at this
put amplitude is approximately 2.4 V speed and therefore capacitor C3
peak to peak and is fed to the probe must be included to smooth the way.
via an internal resistor of 13 k and Personal preference and the appli-
capacitor C2. When the probe is cation will dictate which of the three
immersed in a conductive fluid the indicator methods are used, I, II or
output of the oscillator is effectively III. Whatever choice is made it should
'shorted' to earth via the fluid. If the be remembered that the current
fluid level then falls below the end of passing through the internal transis-
the probe, the detector input (pin 10) tor T1 must not be allowed to exceed
will be provided with the 6 kHz out- 20 mA. The values shown in the cir-
put of the oscillator. Transistor T1 cuit diagram for the series resistors
will conduct and switch on one of the (270 £2) have been chosen for the
three indicator systems. minimum supply voltage of 5 V. These
An waveform was chosen for the
a.c. values must be increased for higher
probe for a very good reason. The supply voltage levels.
major advantage of a.c. is the fact If a 40 £2 loudspeaker proves to be
that the average current through the difficult to find it is possible to use
probe will be zero, thus preventing one of a lower impedance. Unfor-
polarisation of the probe, as so often tunately, this will mean a decrease in
happens. The amplitude of this volume but that may be acceptable. .

waveform is 2.4 V as previously

mentioned, but between -1 .2 V and ( National Semiconductor)
+1.2 V. The internal transistor T1

The 1C used in this circuit is well rent is dependant on the resistance level of IC2, the lower the voltage the
in
known to readers of Elektor. The the circuit and the voltage across it. higher the current and therefore the
would have been familiar
circuit itself The voltage at pin 7 is stabilised at 3 V higher the frequency.
if ithad not been for the control inside the 1C. The current level flowing The output voltage of IC2 increases
circuit around IC2 which replaces the through R5 (1 k£2) will depend on the with Uj n and with a range of 0 ... 3 V
usual potentiometer for frequency voltage level at the output of IC2. the highest frequency is achieved with
control. Readers may suspect that this Obviously, if this is 3 V there will be Uj n at 3 V. If Uj n rises above this
has something to do with voltage no current through R5! The maximum value (up to the maximum supply
control and they would be right.
. . .

Basically the frequency of this

generator depends on the value of
current of —V
3
= 3 mA will occur
voltage), the
the same.
frequency will remain
The 1C will not be
damaged providing Uj n does not
1 capacitor C3 and the current level when the output of IC2 is 0 V. It can become negative. The lowest
V at pin 7. be seen then that frequency is directly possible frequency is determined by
According to Ohm's law the cur- proportional to the output voltage the lowest value of R6 which will
 elektor july/august 1982 — 7-63

still allow a current into pin 7

little Switching between sine wave and
when is at 0 V. The lowest output
Uj n triangular wave form outputs is
frequency can be set by means of carried out by switch SI The output
.

P2. This can be carried out by amplitude is set by PI, maximum

measuring the voltage across R5 and 3 Vpp and 6 Vpp for sine and
adjusted to 0 V by turning P2. It The frequency will be 8.5 kHz/V when triangular wave respectively when
should also be possible to set the R5 = 1 k and C3 = 39 n. If C3 = 100 n Ub = 12 V. Any d.c. content in the
lowest output frequency by ear. This the frequency range will be from output will be filtered out with
will be approximately 80 kHz with 30 Hz to 10 kHz (3.3 kHz/V). C6. The output impedance is
the values shown in the circuit A range 10 Hz to 3 kHz can be
of approximately 600 S2. The other
diagram. The highest frequency will achieved when C3 = 330 n (1 kHz/V). output of the 1C is a symmetrical
be about 25 kHz and can be calculated The generator 1C itself, the 2206, is square wave with an amplitude
as follows: configured in the normal manner. corresponding to the supply voltage.

MV
-<2*
To many adults it is suprising how from a toy telephone. In their eyes creates the ringing tone interval. The
much pleasure that the youngest the use of a telephone is akin to frequency of calls is left to gate N1
members of the house can derive being 'grown-up'. This is a point for and with the component values shown
debate and the psychology is a little this will be about every six or seven
out of our province but we can add minutes. Of course, if this is not
to the realism attached to this 'adult frequent enough for your own
behaviour' (?) pattern. miniature tycoon, the value of Cl can
Normally the toy telephone just sits, be reduced to up the pace of business.
waiting for any one of a vast number This is also applicable to calls from
of callers (including Santa Claus, the grandparents.
pet dog and even the Queen on oc- Whenever the phone rings it can only
casion) to ring with some vitally be stopped (like any other phone) by
important information that, seem- lifting the handset. This closes switch
ingly, only our youngest and dearest S2 (a microswitch in the cradle) and
can cope with. The problems that halts both the tone generator and tone
arrive at the local terminal to Imagin- interval timer via N1. It also resets the
ation are quite beyond the comprehen- call interval timer of course.
sion of adults but we can help to The siting of the on/off switch S2
ensure that these strife-torn folk do really depends on the particular tele-
ring a little more often. phone used but anywhere will do
The circuit here produces a ringing providingit does not conflict with the
tone similar to the modern telephone. appearance of the real thing.
This occurs every few minutes and One final word in the interests of the
stops when the hand set is removed real world. Have you noticed that the
from the receiver cradle. Schmitt- children never seem to get a wrong
trigger gates are used in the construc- number ... a crossed line and they . . .

tion N1 . . N4. Gates N3 and N4 con-

.
can raise directory enquiries in pure
stitute the tone generator while N2 seconds . . .!

It is generally accepted that a CMOS as a Schmitt trigger. This can be very becomes dependent on the trigger
analogue switch (type 4066) can only useful as, if a Schmitt trigger is voltage level. Applications include
be used as an electronic substitute for required and not all of the CMOS limiting circuitry and auto-ranging. It
switching low power signals. However, switches available in a single 1C have is advisable to ensure that the input
this is not strictly true. It is also been used, the circuit in figure 1 can
possible to use a single CMOS switch
voltage to the CMOS switch does not
be used to avoid the expense of an drop below 3 V.
extra 1C. The resistor values required
1
ES = '/. 4066 B
for the Schmitt trigger can be 2
calculated as follows: ES = V. 4066
0 to 1 transition

threshold = Ub • (1 + 51)
1 to 0 transition
threshold = Ub • (1 -
An interesting variation of the circuit
is shown in figure 2. Here, the trigger
section is combined with the voltage
divider in such a way that the divider

M
 elektor july /august -7-65

universal
VCF
voltage controlled bandpass filter

The term voltage controlled filter in bandwidth type of filter

in this cycle that can be adjusted by the
(VCF) frequently crops up in automatically leads to a rise in gain voltage at the non-inverting inputs of
connection with synthesisers. As its (A2), which would restrict the number the opamps. As neither the amplitude
name suggests, a VCF is a filter that is of possible applications for the filter nor the frequency of the triangular
l
controlled and adjusted by applying considerably. ESI together with A1 voltage can be predicted with
different voltages. This particular compensates for this by providing accuracy, the presets are used to
circuit consists of a voltage controlled a 'push-pull' amplification control to interface the circuit to the signal
audio bandpass filter with a variable the input. generated by the 741 1C.
IF and bandwidth. At the heart of A5 is connected as a standard (opamp) Owing to its presettable
the circuit there is an active bandpass astable multivibrator. But beware! 100 Hz ... 3 kHz IF range, the VCF
filter around A2. 33 n capacitors are Contrary to what you might expect, illustrated here is particulary suited

connected in parallel to the frequency- this AMV does not produce a square to audio applications. The filter
determining 1 n capacitors by way of wave but a triangular voltage. bandwidth can be adjusted from
ES3 and ES4. The electronic switches The reason for this is simply that A5 around 0.5 kHz to 3 kHz.
are controlled by means of a high is a 741 1C and much too slow to be

frequency signal having a variable duty able to produce a square wave signal
cycle. When an electronic switch and at such high frequencies. Instead, it

a capacitor are connected in series, therefore produces a triangular signal.

they have the same average duty cycle The signal is now applied to opamps
as a variable capacitor. This enables A3 and A4 which act as comparators.
the intermediate frequency (IF) range They compare the triangular voltage
of the filter to be adjusted. Similarly, to the signals fed and adjusted by the
ES2 affects the gain of A2 and there- potentiometers. The result is a square
1

fore the bandwidth, or rather the wave voltage at the output with a
Q factor. Unfortunately, a reduction constant frequency, but having a duty
 lust 1982

Out of the enormous variety of ICs be a rather fearsome affair and this that they are dummies. That is, we
produced today, the number that are would be true if it were not for the 1C. (and now you) know that if any of
designed for use in one specific While this could be said of virtually these switches are pressed, the lock
application represents a relatively any 1C, the specialised nature of the will remain locked (reset), regardless
small percentage. The basis of the one we use here reduces the discrete the combination entered on the other
circuit here contains an 1C that is from components to almost nil. A glance at keys (S7 . SI 0) The trick is to
. .
this category. It is the LSI 7220 from
.

the circuit diagram shows that, besides physically place all the switches in any
LSI Computer Systems and fulfils all the 1C, only a handful of components order (not as shown here!) and
the functions for an automatic keyless
are required. In fact, so little of an number them in that order. This
lock system. However, it is possible to
actual circuit exists that, having stated means that only you know the
use it for domestic purposes, an elec-
that a logic 1 from pin 1 3 of the 1C position of the dummies! For instance,
tronic safe lock, for instance. When
will switch on the relay via T1 we S7 here (a code switch) could end up
,
fitted to a car, the ignition circuit is
have said it all! Not quite true of as number four (for argument's
immobilised until the correct code sake)
course, but the relay is the operative and SI (a reset switch) could end up
combination is entered via a keyboard element - it switches the ignition
consisting of 10 or more keys. Other
as number 5 and so on. It should be
system on.
facilities are also available
noted at this point that as many reset
from the 1C. What else are we left with? The object (or dummy) keys as desired can be
A LED displays the condition of the of the exercise is to enter a code into
lock (locked/unlocked). A very used.
the system and this is carried out via There are still two switches left to deal
cunning feature is the fact that the four of the keys shown in the diagram, with and the first of these, in logical
lock combination is set by the S7 ... SI 0. These keys must be sequence, is SI 2, termed the 'save'
constructor. It is also possible to allow pressed in precisely that order to key. In short, depressing this key
another person to drive the car operate the relay. This obviously before the ignition is switched off,
without disclosing the code or even will
leaves a few more keys to be explained allow the car to be started straight
the existence of the system. away. The six switches to the left away next time without the need to
For so many facilities available it (SI S6) may, at first sight, appear
. . . enter the combination to the lock.
could be expected that the circuit will to be a waste of time until it is realised This is used when the car is placed in
a
 elektor july/a 1982 - 7-67

garage for servicing, for instance. This under or through our unfortunate or disguising the protection wiring and
(effectively out of service) state of the reader, he is frantically trying to enter (perhaps most important) the relay.
lock will be indicated by LED D2 the correct combination into the The latter should be of the best
being lit. To return the lock to normal, keyboard! No it does not happen this quality and may be fitted together
brings us to the last switch, S1 1 This . way, because Cl provides enough time with the circuit inside a diecast
must be pressed just before turning the (about 10 seconds) for the ignition to aluminium box mounted directly onto
ignition off to return the lock to its be switched off and on again without the bulkhead. If the wiring is then fed
normal operational status, as indicated the need to enter the code. through the back of the box, straight
by LED Dll Only one further point of note: The through the bulkhead, it will be even
So, now what is left? Sharp-eyed 'enable' input to the 1C (pin 1 ) is more difficult to trace, especially if all
readers will have noted that there is taken directly from the ignition switch the visible wiring looks similar to the
some sort of delay noted at pin 1 2 of as shown. The capacitor C3 is used to existing wiring in the car.
the 1C and this is easily explained. disable the ignition circuit and is about
Visualise the situation when the car as good a method as any. It is best
engine stalls on a busy roundabout! fitted (and disguised) as close as
With the rest of the world encased in possible to the distributor.
motor cars attempting to go round. The usual points apply about hiding

This circuit produces a logarithmic J. Meijer

sweep output by digital means and has
• been designed for use with the voltage
controlled waveform generator
described in this issue (no. 68).
The circuit diagram shows a 1 4-bit
binary counter of which the clock
input is connected to the sync, output
of a waveform generator. The eight
highest outputs of the 4020 are
connected to a resistor network that
converts the digital code into an
equivalent DC voltage level (D/A con-
verter). Consequently the DC level can
range from 0 V to approximately
1/5 • Lib in 256 steps. The lower out-
puts are not connected (more about
this later) which means that the DC
voltage level at U 0 ut increases by one
step after 1 28 clock pulses. This out-
put can be connected to the sweep
input of a voltage controlled waveform
generator. The frequency supplied by
the generator increases (and therefore
the frequency at the sync, output)
every time the control voltage
increases. This means that the DC
voltage and frequency increase at
something like an exponential, which
is exactly what we need to obtain a

logarithmic sweep.
When connecting point U out of the
voltage controlled waveform generator
to connection Uin of the sweep
generator described here, resistor R9
at the input of IC2 must be replaced
by a wire link. Consequently, there
willbe no longer a logarithmic
t voltage at point U 0 ut- but on| V at the
W output of IC2. So, the operation
remains as described.
 7-68- july/august 1982

The combination sweep circuit and initial switch-on, the sweep frequency connecting resistors R1 R8 in the . . .
voltage controlled waveform generator (the clock frequency of IC1) will begin sweep circuit to the Q6 Q13
must be fed by 1 2 V and can be at the lowest point (80 Hz) and
. . .

instead of the Q7 Q14 outputs.

. . .
calibrated in the following manner. remains there for almost one second. Connecting these resistors to
Temporarily connect the reset pin of After this time-period the frequency Q5--.Q12 increases this frequency
the 4020 to the supply voltage will increase by one step and so on. by a factor two again and finally the
(+12 V). Then set the frequency at The process continues until 20 kHz is initial clock speed can even be multi-
L pin 11 of the XR 2206 to 80 Hz. Now reached. plied by eight by connecting them to
connect the reset pin back to 0 V. On The sweep speed can be doubled by Q4
the . . . Q1 1 outputs.

car lock
defroster

You're cold and in a hurry, and your

car door won't unlock ... a well-
known hazard to drivers in winter!
'Forewarned is forearmed', of course,
and you may have one of those handy
little de-icing sprays. In our
experience, however, they conform
Murphy's Law and tend to
strictly to
be empty at the crucial moment.
An electronic solution is shown here.
In essence, it consists of a plug that

fitsinto the cigarette lighter socket on

the dashboard and a heavy-duty
current source, connected to the car
key. When this is inserted into the
lock, a heavy current (approximately
10 A) flows through the entire lock
mechanism. Since the resistance will
normally be highest at the various
joints, it is precisely at these points
that heat is developed!
A few practical points should be
noted. Heavy-gauge wire should be
used for all connections (2.5 mm
<p, at

least), and the power transistors must

be provided with an adequate heat-
sink. For improved thermal stability,
they can be mounted close together
(using mica insulating washers!) - this
has the effect that the current is
reduced when the main transistor runs
too hot. If desired, the transistors and
resistors can be mounted in a suitably-
shaped case near the key; holding this,
while the unit is being used, will help
to warm your hands!

(Based on an idea in
'Radio Electronics', April 1982)
 elektor july/august 1982 - 7 -£

LED tuning'
indicator
'illuminated tuning aid

This LED field strength meter can be in the form of a graph with the
connected to FM receivers in which vertical axis graduated in volts and
the CA3189E 1C is used in the IF the horizontal in micro-volts.
stage. An example is the FM, IF stage A logarithmic progression is clearly
described in the July /August 1979 illustrated. PI is adjusted so that at
issue of Elektor. A bar display is con- the strongest transmitted signal all the
structed with a UAA180 and 12 LEDs are just lighting.
LEDs. The circuit can also be used with other
Preset PI sets the sensitivity of the F stages, but, then there may be a
I

circuit. The voltage across PI is problem in calibration. Luckily most

stabilised to 5-6 V by R1 and D13. commercially made FM receivers
The input to the UAA1 80 is connec- already have a strength indication of
ted to pin 13 of the CA3189E. The some kind, which will show not only
relationship between the operational where to connect the input, but, will
and the input voltage is clearly shown givesome calibration parameters.
The consumption of the circuit is
rather low, being approximately
40 mA. If desired diodes D1 and D2

can be removed and substituted by

wire links. The reason for doing this
is because the first two LEDs will

always flicker as a result of the ever

present IF noise of the IF stage, and
so eliminating them will allow the
use of the available 10 LED arrays.

calling
^junior vectors
a useful junior computer modification

Appendix 3 of the Junior Computer of gates N1 and N2.

Book 3 shows that the system vector Only eight memory locations have to
data can be called from the standard be 'sacrificed' (SFFF8 . $ FFFF),
. .

EPROM with a busboard memory because IC1 has not less than
without having to use an extra 13 inputs (connected address lines).
EPROM. This circuit is an elegant
number one.
alternative for solution
The following modifications must
be incorporated. N102 must be
replaced by a wire link. Wire links
R-S and D-EX have to be mounted
on the interface and standard board
respectively. Pin 8, which is the
output N34 of IC13 on the interface
board, has to be bent out, so t hat
. the connection to point EX -8k0 is
V interrupted. This connection is now
made via the open collector outputs
 - elsktor july /august

RTTY
converter / radio teletype —a fascinating hobby for
'
short wave listeners who own a computer

RTTY stands for radio teletype, filters and limiter stages are con- manner shown in figure 2. In ad-
during which data is transferred in structed.
various codes, one of the most im-
dition to the RTTY converter, a
Figure 1 shows what the receiver Baudot ASCII converter (in the form
portant being the Baudot code. For chain of a Baudot RTTY printer of the Junior Computer, for in-
the reception of teletype messages usually looks like. The converter stance) and a video terminal (such as
transmitted in the Baudot format constitutes the 'life-line' between the Elekterminal) is required. In other
a RTTY converter is needed, such the receiver and the teletype printer. words, a computer can take over the
as theone described here. The RTTY It serves to convert signals picked
5 bit Baudot to 7 bit ASCI conver- I

converter only contains a single 1C, up by the receiver into digital output sion, with one proviso — the incoming
the TL 084, and a few external com- data. program must be adapted to serial
ponents. The 1C incorporates a set Readers who donot own a Baudot signals. The program must ensure
of four opamps, around which the teletype printer but a computer that serial signals consisting of:
with a video interface can receive 5 data bits
and convert RTTY signals in the 1 start bit
1 stop bit
are received at a transfer rate of:
45 bauds
50 bauds
75 bauds
or 1 10 bauds.
A full description of the software
required to make the Junior Computer
function as a Baudot ASCI converter I

would take us beyond the scope of

this Summer Circuits' issue. Instead,
the article will be confined to
detailing the hardware for the RTTY
converter.
The block diagram in figure3 shows
how the RTTY converter works. The
converter input is connected in parallel
to the loudspeaker (or headphones) of
the short wave receiver. The two tone
frequencies for mark and space (pulse
and pulse interval) are sent to a limiter
amplifier that limits the speaker signal
to + or— 5 V. The mark and space
filtersfollowing the amplifier, filter
the relevant frequencies out of the
limited signal mixture and rectify
them. The rectified signals reach an
 slektor july/august 1982 - 7-71

adder which also operates as a limiter. frequency shift between the mark and switch to different F frequencies,
I

The decoded RTTY signal is then space filters is 170 Hz, 425 Hz and calibrated to 1445 Hz, 1700 Hz and
available at the output of the adder 850 Hz, respectively, depending on 2125 Hz by presets PI . . . P3, respect-
which can directly drive a Baudot the selected IF frequency. An ively. PresetP4 adjusts the frequency
teletype printer. additional range has now been shift in the 170 Hz ... 1 000 Hz range.
The mark filter has a fixed IF of provided within which the frequency The outputs of the two filters can
1275 Hz. In the space filter the IF may be varied continuously between drive the X - Y inputs of an
may be converted from 1445 Hz to 170 Hz and 1000 Hz. For the oscilloscope directly. The converter is
21 25 Hz via 1 700 Hz. As a result, the majority of RTTY transmitters to set at an optimum reception when a
be received well, a frequency shift lissajous figure as shown in figure 5
of 425 Hz is normally required. appears on the oscilloscope screen.
Figure 4 shows the complete RTTY After being filtered, the signals have to
converter circuit diagram. The be rectified and diodes D3and D4 take
circuit is constructed around a quad care of this. They are followed by the
opamp. The limiter amplifier at the low-pass filters R12/C7 and R14/C8
input is built up around the opamp which smooth the signal. Opamp A4
A1 The zener diodes D 1 and 02 limit
. adds the rectified signals. Switch SI
the signal. The 'mark' filter (opamp enables the mark/space signal to be
A3) is preset to a frequency of inverted, if the computer interface
1275 Hz by means of the preset P5. hooked up to it requires negative logic.
The space filter (opamp A2) is If switch S2 is closed, the zener diode

provided with a variable multiple feed- D5 will limit the output signal to a
back loop. As a result, the circuit can TTL level.

single cycle mode for

the Junior Computer
'with logic level analyser

By connecting this auxiliary circuit,

the Junior Computer can be run in
single cycle mode. As opposed to
single step operation, where a whole
instruction is executed at a time,
only a single clock cycle is processed
in the single cycle mode. By
-pombining the with the logic
circuit
analyser shown is very easy
here, it

to check the logic levels on the bus.

The single cycle extension and the bus
analyser help the operator trace
N1 N24 = IC1
... IC4 = 74LS04
...
hardware and software errors. The N25.N26 - K IC5 - 74LS00
logic analyser is particularly handy for FF1.FF2- IC6-74LS76
troubleshooting while the computer
is 'running'.
After a reset signal the CPU is in a
defined condition. Depressing SI
causes single clocks to be generated,
in which case the CPU will start to
execute the reset cycle (8 clocks).
After this, the two reset vectors,
RESL (EFFC) and RESH (FFFD)
will be applied to the address bus and
it is at these addresses that the
program starts. The 'MCS 6500
Microcomputer Family Hardware
Manual' (MOS Technology) contains
further details about the execution
of single instructions. Rockwell has
also published a similar hardware
book. It is important to make sure
that the CPU does not stop when a
Sk write error occurs.
 9

7-72 - elektor july/august 1982

super low
noise preamp
' for magnetic cartridges

Preamplifiers for magnetic cartridges

suffer from one major problem: Their
own noise. This additional noise is mV
input sensitivity (200 output):
produced mainly by the irregular input impedance
current flow in the PN junction of the maximum input voltage (at 1 kHz):
input transistor. The cause of this mV
distortion factors (200 output)
'irregularity' is due to manufacturing 100 Hz
tolerances. Somemanufacturers,
20 kHz
especially Japanese have designed
overload distortion factors at
extremely low noise transistors, but +32 dB (8.4 V output): 100 Hz:
unfortunately these components
are very hard to find and rather
expensive.
For these reasons this circuit uses the
physical law that voltages of non- C4 . C7 with 5% tolerance:
. .

correlating noise sources that are con- with 2% tolerance:

frequency response
nected in parallel add geometrically,
(C4 C7 at 5% tolerance):
.
0 Hz . .40 kHz
thus reducing the over-all noise of the .

and ± 0.55 dB
parallel circuit. This magnetic preamp
> 86 dB
contains 8 transistors that are con-
nected in parallel thus lowering the
noise by factor \/8, which is 2.82 or
hum and noise) by at least 50 dB. the constructional tricks to reduce the
9dB. T ogether with the transistors T 1 inherent noise of the amplifier stage,
The completely symmetrical circuit
and T20 (connected as gyrators) and in order to obtain a high signal-to-
and the class A mode output transistor voltage regulators IC1 and IC2 a noise noise ratio.
stage, formed by T 1 7 and T 1 8, allows
suppression of more than 150 dB is The preamp does not contain a
low distortion factors that cannot be
obtained. This is essential since the coupling capacitor at its input, as this
reached by any integrated circuit.
measures to screen the interference on
Another remarkable feature is the
the supply voltage are as important as
differential amplifier circuit. Besides
other advantages, this circuit is able
to suppress spurious signals produced
by the supply voltage (for example
 .

slektor july/a

would produce additional noise. problems. must at least be 470 pF

Therefore the transmission range The price for the components is quite The input impedance of the preamp
already starts at the DC voltage reasonable. The voltage regulator ICs can be adjusted to any cartridge by
are only required once and the com- simply changing the values of R 1 and
At first sight the constructor might ponents Cl 1 C14 and IC1, IC2 can
. . .
Cl The amplification factor is deter-
.

be worried about the large number be omitted when constructing a second mined by R 14. When using a 100S2
of transistors, but you will soon find (stereo) channel. The connections II©, resistor for R 1 and a 27 S2 resistor for
that it is not difficult to mount all II© and ll©on both boards must R 14, the preamp will be suitable for
components on the printed circuit be connected together. A small moving coil cartridges. In contrast to
board. This design does not suffer 2 x 15 V ... 24 V/50 mA transformer other preamps, the output connects
from oscillation tendencies or other will suffice for the power supply. The directly to the auxiliary socket of the
'semi-professional hobby amateur' value of the smoothing capacitors amplifier.

The time base shown here uses a second parameter.

crystal for series resonance. This The circuit described in this article
method achieves a greater stability meets both requirements.
factor than parallel resonance circuits. The design allows frequencies of up to
The two main requirements of the 30 MHz to be produced without any
active elements are: phase shift. Higher frequencies are
1 The phase-shift between input and
. possible but then T1 and T2 will have
output must be 0°. to be changed for another type (such
2. Both the input and output must be as the BFR 91), and the values of
low impedance, in order that the Q R1 . . . R4 will have to be reduced.
factor of the crystal is not affected. Point 2 is well taken care of by the
This improves the stability. fact that the crystal is positioned
It therefore follows that a CMOS between two emitters of a push pull
crystal oscillator cannot cope with the stage achieving a low impedance input
above requirements. A TTL version, and output.
although having very little phase shift The MOSFET buffer in the output
(up to a frequency of 1 0 MHz), comes stage 'insulates' the oscillator from any
no where near to complying with the circuit connected to it.

H
7-74 - elektor july/august 1982

After the transmitter using the SL490, 5 digital (D1 D5) and 5 channels
. . .
1
published elsewhere in this issue, we (Cl . .C5), which although specifi-
.

come to the receiver, once again using cally for TV control can still be
Plessey ICs,SL480and ML920. thought of as digital outputs.
Pulse pause modulation (PPM) is used These five outputs allow the switching
with or without carrier, and automatic of up to 20 TV channels. The
error detection is also incorporated. information is present at the
Although initially designed for TV 5 outputs in binary coded form;
remote control, the ICs can also be EDCBA = 00000 10011. This . . .

used for controlling 'HI-FI' equipment, information remains the same until a
lighting, toys and models. pulse re-addresses them. Whenever a
Figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of switch-over is required (from one
the pulse amplifier. This mainly channel to another), this switching
consists of three gain stages, each operation is simultaneously followed
being decoupled by capacitors, so as to by a pulse released from D4. The
achieve low frequency roll-off, there- receiver automatically ignores any
fore eliminating AF noise. The attempt at switching to a channel
transistor capacitornetwork around above 20, and also ignores any instruc-
T1 actively simulates induction, pre- tion transmitted when more than one
venting the diode D1 from saturating. key (on the transmitter) is depressed
In other words, it gets over the at the same time. Should the channel
problem of high ambient light, such as information be required as separate
sunlight, from saturating the receiver outputs (instead of in binary), then
diode. the CMOS 1C 451 4 can be used to PLESSEY consumer application notes
The photo diode D1 (which is decode the information from binary. on the ML 920.
available
buffered), sends negative going pulses In this case the constructor must bear Apart from the analogue outputs just
to the input of the 1C. This input is in mind that the M L 920 operates described, the 1C has outputs for:
then amplified by the three stages, with negative logic. A logic 0 is inter- on/off, recall display, AFC, mute,
finally being inverted to give positive preted as the operational voltage, a colourkill oscillator monitor, standby,
going PPM, compatible with the MOS logic 1 asOV. step, and so on. Quite an extensive
decoder inputs. The analogue outputs of IC2 are used array of control facilities!
Figure 2 shows the circuit diagram of to control colour, volume and bright-
the actual receiver, using the ML 920. ness. From now on it is probably Remote control data PLESSEY
The M L 920 demodulates the PPM better to itemise the pin functions of SEMICONDUCTORS ML 920.
signal, but not into simple on/off the 1C but that would take up most of
commands! 3 outputs are available the issue, so it may be better to refer
which can be split up into three readers who are really interested in
groups. 3 analogue (A1 A3),
. . . building a TV remote control to the
 elektor july/august 1982 - 7-75

The problem of not having the right 1C connected in parallel to R1 Diode D1

. N. Rohde
to hand is an well known stumbling- ensures that the capacitor charges very
block for constructors: When a VCO is quickly. However, its discharge via T2
required urgently, the ideal 1C is is controlled by the input voltage Uj.

invariably not available and those that Therefore the output of the gate
are will probably not suit the purpose. consists of a train of 'needle' pulses
It is therefore very handy to be able to with a variable frequency. Strictly
have something 'home-made' for speaking R1 is superfluous, but it
emergencies. This circuit will make guarantees that the oscillator will start
sure that your hair will turn grey to operate, even in the absence of an
because of age and not because of this input voltage.
particular problem. The pulse duration mainly depends on
Whenever an oscillator with an the propagation delay of the Schmitt-
adjustable frequency is required, it is trigger used (N1). Standard and LS
desirable to use one that is voltage TTL need about 30 ns and S TTL
controlled, because this is as versatile about 15 ns. A divide-by-two circuit
as it is possible to get. Whereas a (N2 and N3) follows the actual oscil-
potentiometer is fine for manual lator. This supplies a square wave
setting, a control voltage is far more output signal of half the oscillator
useful for automatic frequency frequency. The top end frequency
control purposes. The circuit must limit is 1 5 and 30 MHz for the LS and
have a wide frequency and supply S-type respectively. provided across C2. Resistor R4
range in order for it to be suitable for With the very small coupling determines the level and was calculated
the majority of applications. This capacitors in mind, care must be taken in this circuit for a control voltage
particular circuit has a frequency range with wiring. Further, a ceramic range of 0 ... 10 V. The higher the
of more than 1 1 000 and can be used
: capacitor of 10 . 1000 nF must be
. . control voltage, the bigger R4 can be,
from AF up to 50 MHz. fitted between pins 7 and 14 of the the better the linearity. Figure 2 shows
The basis of the circuit is the well- TTL 1C. Resistors R2 and R3 must be the control characteristic of the
known TTL Schmitt-trigger oscillator. used with standard and LS TTL, in oscillator with standard LS TTL
The emitter follower T1 connected ,
in order to prevent the divider from (curves St) and with Schottky TTL
front of N1 increases the input
,
oscillating. (curves S). The negative feedback can
resistanceand allows high values for Negative feedback via C3 and D2 is be switched off by means of SI The .

the feedback resistor R1. The provided to linearise the non-linear curves indicated with 'b' are produced
following section around T2 is the control stage of T2. A frequency when using the negative feedback
frequency control stage, which is proportional, negative voltage level is switch in position V.

1
make provision for another alternative:
the use of optocouplers to drive
standard coloured light bulbs. designA
on these the 'big VU meter', was
lines,
published the January 1981 issue.
in
Whichever circuit you choose, it
won't be a 'flash in the pan!'

P Q
ri H H
n o n

stable start
stop oscillator
'for video character generators

Start/ stop oscillators are indispensible

in video interface circuits. Such
oscillators have to be synchronised
with differentiated character clock
pulses and produce 7 ... 1 2 pulses
between character clocks. There are
two aspects which are important to
note here:
• The oscillator must start producing
pulses after a delay of about 1 5 ns.
This prevents the first pulse (the
output signal) from coinciding with the
positive-going edge of the trigger
signal.

• The oscillator must stop as soon as

the control signal goes low again.
The oscillator shown
in the circuit
diagram meets both of the above
requirements. It starts after a slight
delay whenever the input signal goes
high and stops immediately the input
signal reverts to logic zero.
Most T.V. games systems commercially which is connected as a noise source.
produced allow the user to actually A1 and A2 amplify this signal up to a
hear what is happening on the screen. usable level, making it available at the 0900 7620
When you shoot down a space invader, output of A2. 0902 0C1E89
then an explosion or whatever is A3 creates the explosion effect. With 0905 9A7B
heard. It certainly adds to the overall a logic 1 on the data line D4, A3 0907 04 FF
enjoyment of the game. With the releases the noise signal suddenly!
0909 CC1FC7
following circuit the Elektor T.V. 090C 0410
With a logic 0 on D4 the signal decays
090E CC1E80
games computer can now give you the gradually with the speed of decay
extra audio effects needed to add that being determined by the rate C6 dis-
further touch of realism to a game. charges across R17. A simple low-pass
The left-hand side of the circuit shows filter (R21, C7), feeds the signal to the
all the connections to be made to the programmable amplifier A4. The gain
main printed circuit board of the of A4 depends on the data present on
games computer. After the flip-flops lines D6 .D7. The amplification
. .

contained in IC1 come the data-lines changes in steps of, 1 x, 1 %x, 3x and
D2 . .D7. Data is switched from the
.
4x, the highest occuring when data extended games computer. The PSGs
input to the output on every negative 00 is present. together with this circuit should give
going edge of the clock pulse. IC1 is The audio output volume is controlled you all the sound combinations ever
enable when input B is addressed by by PI Finally an output power
.
needed. With a games computer which
line 1 E80. The effects produced really
amplifier (IC3) completes the circuit. has not been extended and therefore
depend on the rest of the programmed Points X and Y are connected to the does not have the two PSGs, either X
data in the computer. The basis of the outputs of the two programmable or Y must be connected to pin 22 of
sound generation is transistor T4, sound generators (PSGs) of the the programmable video interface

i .

^ .1
1

”|sl S

H® ^r
BC 547 ,
|_?P\ fi

© 1
' “0
N
,f
r& J
JC
L nr 8 or
 (PVI). Transistor T3, on the main
board of the games computer is then
not required.
The sound generator requires a voltage
of 12 V. The computer itself cannot
supply this. However, if the main
computer power supply transformer
has a 1 2 V tap, then a simple supply
can be constructed using a diode and
a 7812 regulator, as shown in figure 2.
The unit consumes approximately
1 5 mA from the +5 V supply, whereas

the +12 V supply must be capable of

delivering about 1 50 mA, with the
volume control fully up.
A change-over switch can be incorpor-
ated, to allow the effects to be
bypassed if required. In this case each
PSG output is connected to a 10k
resistor. The two resistors are inter-
connected and fed to one side of the
switch via a 100 n capacitor. The
details are shown in figure 2a.

Figure 2b shows the function of the

different 'bits'. The table illustrates a
demonstration program. Depressing
'WCAS' will produce the explosion
effect. When the sound generator is
switched off, depressing the same code
will result in a loud hum being
heard!

liscellaneous:
 jgust 1982

This application of the 'miracle chip' It is assumed that the OTA input
LM/XR 13600 deals with a voltage differential voltage is always so high
controlled triangular oscillator. The that the current through C equals the
OTA is fed back from the output to maximum lABC. which in its turn is
the input via the voltage divider identical to:
consisting of R1 and R2. This feed-
back from the output to the input is
performed via capacitor C, which has Uc + 15
a linear charge and discharge rate. Rc
The current through C also flows
through one of the two diodes; there-
fore the trigger points are at ± 0.6 V. National/Exar Application
The frequency can be calculated as
follows:

The output voltage is:

R1 + R2 \.

M
 .

1982-7-81

fcCG = electrocardiogram, EMG = amplifier which forms the input of The 'receiver transistor' in the

electromyogram and EEG = the circuit. The circuit concsisting optocoupler conducts the signal to
electroencephalogram. All these of A1 ... A3 can also be described IC2, where it is converted into a
'grams' deal with measurement and as an Instrumentation amplifier'; pulse-width modulated signal. The
display of electric voltages being a differential amplifier with opamps duty cycle of the output signal (at
produced by the heart beat (ECG), and two high impedance inputs. The the 'shorted' input of the differential
the muscular activity (EMG) and output signal of this input stage is amplifier) is set to 50 % by means
brain activity (EEG). The heart filtered by the active low-pass filter of P2. The frequency of the output
'supplies' the strongest signals and A4 before being fed to the 'transmit- signal can be selected with the aid

the brain the weakest (didn't we ter diode' in the optocoupler. of P3. Last, but not least, the ampli-
know that?!)
all One essential remark: It is advisable fication factor of the input signal
Many microprocessor enthusiasts to derive the operational voltage for can be set with PI
may have had some thoughts of IC1 from two 4.5 V
batteries. This Developing the software is up to
performing physical tests by means is the only sure method of guaran- the constructor. Those who are
of their computer. Unfortunately no teeing complete isolation of the interested in bioelectronics and want
suitable interface has been avail- measuring circuit from the power sup- to know something more about it
able . . . until now; this circuit solves ply of the microcomputer system. For can read the book mentioned at the
that particular problem. obvious safety reasons we strongly end of this article.
Three copper plates are used as recommend that a mains derived
electrodes. They are connected via power supply is not used for the Literature: HolzAreysch,
screened cable to the differential circuit! bioelectronics, Frankch, 1982.

dissipation
limiter
'
energy saving circuit

Variable power supplies have to meet

a lot of requirements which are very
hard to realise from a technical point
of view. The maximum output voltage
must be as high as possible while the
current capability needs to be at least
one or two amps to be of some use.
Constructors who have already tried
to build their own power supply will
know that the dissipation of the power
transistors can become extremely high.
One of our found a way to get
readers
around this problem for the majority
of cases - and
quite economically!
Maximum dissipation occurs with high
currents at low output voltage levels.
For this reason switched primary
windings on the transformer are used
in many cases, as an effective way to the circuit diagram are intended as an
limit the losses. However, the circuit example. The circuit will function just
shown here might present a solution as well with other voltages of course,

to many readers who do not want the on the condition that the electrolytic
added expense of a transformer of capacitors and transistors are able to
this type. It is possible to realise cope with these values.
double the voltage and half the current Automatic switching can be achieved
with the aid of a single switch contact, by the circuitry constructed around
which can be operated manually or T1, T2 and a relay. As soon as the
automatically. The two electrolytic output voltage of the stabilisation
capacitors are the most expensive circuit exceeds 30 V (this value can same value as that of the relay coil.
components in the circuit. be set by varying R3) T2 will conduct However, it is also possible to derive
The existing power supply is inside the and the relay will drop out. SI which ,
this supply from the voltage across
dotted lines shown of the circuit dia- is a normally open contact of the relay both smoothing capacitors. In this case
gram. Either the normal full wave recti- will now close, so that voltage particular attention has to be paid to
fication or voltage doubling can be doubling is achieved. the fact that T1 and the relay must be
.
selected by means of switch contact The auxiliary circuitry with T1 and T2 able to cope with the maximum
V SI . In the first case SI will be open. can be fed from a separate supply, voltage and T2 should be able to deal
The transformer voltages shown in preferably with a voltage that has the with at least half of this value.
7-82 - elektor july/ai 1982

stereo
power amplifier / a complete stereo power
'amplifier on one chip

National Semiconductor's, LM 2896

contains not one, but, two high
performance power amplifiers able to
handle supply voltages up to 15 V.
With a 12 V supply the 1C can deliver
2,5 W per channel into 8 fl. With the
same supply and load, it is capable of
delivering 9 W in 'bridge mode'. These
are certainly good performance figures,
especially when you consider the low
number of external components frequency response (-3 dB) 30 Hz ... 30 kf
needed.
Figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of with R4 and C6 stabilising the output. tiometer at the input is sufficient for
the complete amplifier. As you will Capacitor C8 smoothes the supply, controlling the output volume.
note, the components for each channel eliminating any possible 'spikes'. When using the amplifier in 'bridge
are identical. When operating in stereo mode, mode', certain changes have to be
Resistors R1 and R2 together with coupling capacitors (C5) are required made. These are denoted by dotted
capacitor C2 form the negative feed- at the output. lines on the track pattern and circuit
back loop. The band-width of the Figure 2 shows the track pattern and diagram. Obviously in order to achieve
amplifier is determined by R2 and C3. component overlay for a stereo version high power in stereo, two complete
R3 and C4 ensure maximum gain, using a single 1C. A 10 k log poten- circuits are required.
Figure 3 illustrates the output power
to supply voltage characteristics of the
amplifier, for different modes and
loads.
When operating in 'bridge mode',
RB and CB must be added, and the
coupling capacitors C5 removed.
 power failure
^protection

Nothing can be worse than having even voltage collapse as early as possible. •
UrmS-\/2~ Uh - 1-2
a brief collapse of the mains supply As soon as Rel is no longer activated,
voltage when working with a system the batteries take over. Obviously, no
using volatile memory, like RAM. matter how quickly this changeover
After the interruption, no matter how takes place it will take a finite period
0-9 •
URMS ~ 1-2-
small, it will be apparent that the data of time, therefore capacitor Cl must Uh
in the RAM has well and truly be able to supply the necessary current
evaporated. For that reason a lot of during this period.
circuits are designed to side step the Any slight drop in voltage across this
problem of either long, or short term, capacitor is catered for by the
mains supply failure. The circuit R! = the series resistor in SI,
regulator IC1 An AC relay can also be
.

described here can be placed into the used and, in this case, the bridge recti-
Rr 6i being the resistance of the coil
of the relay.
same general category. fier B2 can be dispensed with. When
An additional bridge rectifier is added using a DC type, the hold voltage of Uh is the hold voltage, lh the hold
current, and 1 .2 V is the tolerated
to the existing power supply, together the relay should be about 1 .2 V below
voltage drop across the bridge rectifier.
with a relay Rel in series with resistor that of the secondary voltage of the
The relay should be sufficiently slow
R1 The contact for the standby
. transformer. The following formula
to bridge the gap when the voltage
power supply of 1 0 - 1 5 V is made by should be used to establish the correct
drops below the 'hold' level, but, not
Rel The circuit must detect a mains
. type.
too slow, otherwise Cl will get into
difficulties and cause the relay to
'buzz'. The tighter the operating
tolerances, the faster the switch-over
to the standby power supply.
Remember that the standby supply
does not necessarily have to power
the complete system, but only the
RAMs. In this way the accumulator
will last that much longer.
It is possible to trickle charge the
accumulator by connecting it via a
series resistor from the voltage across
Cl (in parallel with the relay

‘V T T. contacts).
depend on the
The value of the resistor will
specific accumulator
(NiCad) in use.
 st 1982

Since their introduction in the early RC must be multiplied by two, as the

70's OTAs have become a classical = 19-2
The next question is: How do we 9m •

2 • RC
component for voltage controlled know the g m value? This is really quite
filters. This is especially true of the
room temperature the
simple; at current across Rc is divided between
dual OTA XR 13600 because it both OTAs.
g m = 1 9-2 • b. where b is the current
I I

already contains the necessary buffer that flows into pins 1 and 1 6 of the 1C The data with the values indicated in
stages. The dual version has an (across Rc). The voltage at these pins the circuit diagram are:
excellent synchronous operation and is isapproximately 1.2 V more positive control characteristic; approximately
ideal for second order filters. The than the negative supply voltage (or 2 kHz per volt
circuit diagram here shows a low-pass —13.8 V with a ± 15 V supply fg at U c = 0 V, 28 kHz
filter of this type. A modulation range voltage). f at U = -13 V, 1.5 kHz
g c
over several decades can be obtained, We can now extend the first formula fg at U c = +6 V, 40 kHz
with a good linearity. Another value for the control charac-
as follows:
The 3 dB cutoff frequency of the filter teristic and modulation range can be
depends on the transconductance (g m ) obtained quite easily by changing C
of the OTAs, and on the values of the and Rc.
resistors R and Ra and the capacitors
C and 2 • C. The value of fg can be National application
calculated from the following:

, Ra 9m
9 "(R + Ra)2ttC

The circuit diagram shown here is a the control voltage level u c Both .
ui 42 pr
National Semiconductor application of integration capacitors C determine the "*

the LM/XR 13600, in this case used as

uT 462 p 2 t 2 +21 pr+ 1
range in which these frequencies can
a kind of state-variable filter. The be varied. selective (bandpass) filter
circuit contains a selective filter The corresponding formulas are:
output (ul) and a low-pass filter (u2).
p = jw; r = S=19.2 -IabC; “a 2
The centre frequency of the selective |; =
u 462 p 2 r 2 +21 pr +
filter and the cutoff frequency of the i 1

low-pass filter can be influenced by lABC^J^ R c =15kfl

low-pass filter
 ,

Cutoff frequency and central ___ Literature:

frequency respectively are:
«o When is an OTA not an OTA?, and
'

The 13600, a new OTA'

15 V both published in the April 1982 issi
~21r
9 of Elektor.

simple frequency
converter
a TBA 120 application

During the last few years the

TBA 1 20 has become one of the most
frequently used ICs in RF techniques.
Although originally meant as IF
amplifier/FM demodulator, the
TBA 1 20 can be used for a wide range
of applications. This converter circuit
•s just one example.
Tl3
IC1
A 120
HI
;
r hj£
The initial requirements for a
converter are a mixing stage and an
oscillator.
suits
The multiplier in the 1C
the needs of a mixing stage
•1 ,

j
¥
perfectly well.
realised by
The oscillator can be
a selective (positive
Tl
Ox
coupling) feedback of the amplifier
H>X
section of the TBA 1 20 by means of
the resonance circuit L1/C1.

s3^
i
The oscillator will operate at a II
r
frequency of 46 MHz with the values v.

indicated in the circuit diagram.

Consequently, we are dealing with T- T- 1
a circuit that converts an input
signal of 35.3 MHz into 10.7 MHz
146 - 35.3 = 10.7 MHz). This can be
used to convert the IF signal of a TV the values of R 1 and C3 have to be for RF circuits, such as:

tuner into the intermediate frequency increased slightly. However, their value • Try to retain as much 'ground
of an FM receiver. isnot very critical and can be plane' as possible, when etching the
Obviously the circuit can also be determined quite easily after some printed circuit board.
applied for other frequencies, by experimenting. • Keep the tracking and wiring as
modifying the oscillator circuit The construction of the converter is short as possible.
'Ll/Cl) and the output filter (L2/C2) very straightforward, due to the fact • Use the shortest distance from the
accordingly. that only a few components are point to be decoupled to the ground
When the oscillator frequency is required. However, some attention has for the decoupling capacitors
considerably lower than 46 MHz, to be paid to the common basic rules C4 . . . C8.
 1 ,

high performance
video mixer j
find the right combination!

Terminals, (the interfaces between T2 mixes the sync signal; the transistor
computers and video screens), have forms a NOR gate together with R2
to output two synchronisation signals and R 3. Transistor T1 operates as an
in addition to the actual video signal. emitter follower. PI sets the amplitude
The Elekterminal also contains a of the output signal, enabling the
video mixer which combines the two circuit to be adapted to any type of
signals into the single video display monitor and/or TV set. A monitor
control signal. The H and V sync will have to be used, should your TV
signal control the horizontal and the not have a video input socket. The
vertical deflections of the electron video combiner is suitable for band-
beam, respectively, while the video widths up to 25 MHz.

t
signal incorporates the picture infor-
mation. All three signals are com-
0_n_n_
V bined in the mixing stage around
^.Tl and T2.

rear light
monitor
' an effective dashboard monitor

Even though car dashboards are As it only requires five components,

beginning to resemble the control it can be fitted behind the existing

panels inside a cockpit, it is surprising switch. This is what's required. Break

how many LEDs are in fact totally the ground connection (if included) of
superfluous. What is the point of an the switch LED and the connection
LED that indicates whether a switch between the switch and fog light
is on or off, but fails to monitor the (or any other that is required to be
actual function of the equipment monitored). Now install the circuit as
connected to it? Take the rear fog shown in figure 1. There should be
warning light LED, for instance; it will plenty of room for the unit in the
continue to burn irrespective of vicinity of the switch in question.
whether the light is working properly Operation is straightforward: If
everything is O.K., the load current
will flow to ground via R 1 and Lai
the fog light. The voltage across
resistor R1 will then be sufficient for
transistor T1 to conduct and the
switch LED to light. Should the
bulb Lai fail for any
reason, T1 will not receive
igh base current and will
stop conducting. In that case,
T2 will also stop conducting
and the LED will go out.
The value of resistor R
may be calculated
according to the following
formula:
 '

elektor july /august 1982 - 7-87

in the April issue of Elektor, we P.C.M. Verhoosel

published a circuit for a contact tester
1 7mA
with an acoustic indication. As a
result of this publication we received
a number of requests from readers
for a contact tester with an optical
indication. The circuit described here
fits that particular bill rather nicely.
Like the original design this circuit has
its own printed circuit, the only
[
difference being that this one uses a
LED, rather than a buzzer to denote
a good contact.
The theoretical aspects of this circuit
were discussed in detail in the April
issue so for now we will restrict
ourselves to recapping the calibration
procedure. Place a 1 12 resistor be-
tween the probes and adjust PI until
the LED is just about to light. Remove
the resistor and create a short circuit
between the probes. The LED should
i
fiow light. T o make sure that
calibration is correct, place a resistor
of only a few ohms between the
probes. If the LED lights up now, the
calibration procedure will have to be
repeated. After correct adjustment,
only resistances of up to 1 12 will be
tolerated. A value lower than this will
either indicate a good contact or a
short circuit. Keep in mind that the
supply voltage of the circuit under
test should be switched off, otherwise
the tester could be damaged.
As long as the LED is only allowed to
remain lit for short periods, the
consumption of the tester will not
exceed 8 mA. The battery should last
at least a year.

Resistors:
R1.R3- 22 k
R2- ion
R4,R5 1 k
R6 = 470 k
R7- 1k2

Capacitors:
Cl - 10p/10 V

Semiconductors:
IC1 = 741
IC2 = 4093
D1 = 3 mm LED red

Miscellaneous:
PI = 10 k preset
SI = single pole switch
 iuly/august 1982

This AC/DC converter 'translates'

the value of an AC voltage into a
corresponding DC voltage. It allows
AC voltages to be measured with
the aid of a high impedance
(DC voltage) voltmeter.
The circuit diagram shows an active
rectifier which is designed around
a CA3130. It contains a few little
tricks that make it possible to ap-
proach the effective value measure-
ment as closely as possible. The
signal to be measured is fed to the
non-inverting input of IC1 via input
capacitor Cl Diodes D3 and D4
.

protect the input against excessive

voltages. The capacitors C4/C6 and
C2 make sure that the output and
negative feedback are only AC
coupled, so that any offset of IC1
will not effect the measurement
result. Resistors R1 and R2 look signal D1 will conduct, causing C5
after the DC setting of the 1C, while to discharge again, but only partly,
R3 takes care of the DC amplifi- because (a) the gain of the opamp is
only lx when D1 is conducting and be used with a voltmeter, in fact, the
cation factor (lx). Bootstrapping
is achieved by C2, which consider- (b) because the resistance value across
LCD meter published in October 1981
which C5 must d ischarge is larger issue. In this case, R1 R2 is a wire
ably increases the input impedance ,

link, R8, D1 and D2 are omitted;

of the circuit. than that when it discharges.
This relationship has been calculated connect link A. The voltage divider is
D2 conduct on a positive edge of
will
the input signal, at which the ampli- so that the DC voltage across the used for AC as well as DC voltages.

fication factor of the opamp is capacytor equals the effective value The decimal point of the display can
of the input signal. Actually this is be switched by adding an extra con-
determined by the relationship of the
an average-value-measurement that tact to switch SI Since the voltmeter
resistors R4, R5 and the setting of
.
is

corrected before giving the effective itself produces an artificial 'zero', a

potentiometer PI Capacitor C5 will
.

then be charged via resistor R6. value. Obviously this only holds good 9 V battery will suffice as power
for sine wave signals. supply for the converter. Of cource,
During the negative edge of the input
The circuit requires a symmetrical it is possible to use any voltmeter, as

supply having a value between ±2.5 V long as its input impedance is 10 Mft
and ±8 V. The current consumption or more.
= (^E3- is slightly more than 1 mA.
The LCD meter must be calibrated on
Figure 2 shows how the converter can the 200 mV range with switch S2a in
BS 170 BC 549C the DC position before the AC/DC
 elektor july/august

The use of the small circuit described Table F. de Bruijn

here together with the output routine OUTPUT ROUTINE. JUMP WITH 3F IXPPC 3)
in table 1 ,
enables the high-speed CAN BE SHIFTED.
printing of information from the FFE3 01 XAE SAVE BYTE.
SC/MP. With the aid of the Elektor FFE4 06 CSA SET FLAG 2.
terminal, data can be displayed on the FFE5 DC04 ORI X'04
screen at a rate of 19200 baud. FFE7 07 CAS
In effect this means that a 4K 'string' FFE8 C408 LDI X'08 LOAD OUTPUT ADDRESS.
which would normally take 38 seconds FFEA 37 XPAH 3
FFEB CAE6 ST X'E6 (21 SAVE P3 HIGH.
to print (at 1200 baud) can now be dis-
FFED 40 LDE GET BYTE.
played in approximately 2.5 seconds, FFEE CBOO ST STORE OP OUTPUT ADDRESS.
X'OO (3)
display on a VDU at approximately FFFO D460 ANI X'60 INSTRUCTION OR CHARACTER?
this speed. FFF2 9C02 JNZ X'02 TOFFF6 NOT 0, SO CHARACTER.
In practice the 74LS373 is used in this FFF4 8F08 DLY X’08 WAIT.
and three stage
circuit as a latch FFF6 C2E6 LD X'E6 (2) GET OLD P3 HIGH.
output buffer. The data on the SC/MP FFF8 37 XPAH 3
bus is latched when the decoding
FFF9 06 CSA CLEAR FLAG 2.

address (in this case 0800 09FF) . .

FFFA E404 XRI X'04
FFFC 07 CAS
and the NWDS are at logic 0. Simul- FFFD 3F XPPC3 BACK TO MAIN PROGRAM.
taneously to this, because the software FFFE 90E3 JMP X'E3 TO FFE3
controlled Flag 2 is at logic 1 a pulse ,

(between 0 ... 5 V) is latched. As a

.jesultof all this, the UART of the
elektor terminal, is brought into tri-
state operation, and the data in the
latch is transferred into the output
buffer of the 74LS373.
The outputs of IC1 and Flag 2 are
connected to the Elekterminal at the
pins shown on the circuit diagram.
Pins 4 and 1 6 of the UARTs have to
be disconnected.

N1.N2 =

N3 - %

When making connections to a three- have surprising results. Pumps become 1

ahase mains supply, it is often suckers, and suckers become . . . forget
essential to get the three phases in the it. In this well-regulated nation of

correct sequence. Otherwise motors, ours, connections of this type must

all
for instance, have a tendency to rotate be made by qualified electricians, so
the opposite direction — which can nothing can go wrong. End of article.
 7-90 - elektor july/august 1982

for those readers who are not qualified

electricians.
For those readers who are still with us,
the device described here can prove
quite useful. In a nutshell, when its
three inputs are connected to the three
phases (the neutral connection isn't
needed for this test), one of two LEDs
will light to indicate a clockwise or
anticlockwise phase sequence. In this
connection (I), 'clockwise' is defined
as U, V, W
(or V, W, U or W, U, V)
and corresponds to the green LED.
Anticlockwise, not surprisingly, is the
other way 'round'; the red LED will
light. (FF1) clocks
in the value at the W flop. T3 will then conduct, and the
The basic idea can be derived from input as data.
If the phase sequence is red LED will light. Obviously,
figure 1 . This is a plot of the three 'correct' (clockwise), the
input W swapping any two phase connections
phases; as can be seen, at the zero- should be negative at this point — as will convert one phase sequence into
crossing of one phase the following can be seen in figure 1 This means . the other.
phase is positive and the third is nega- that T1 is blocked, so that a logic 1 is The two zener diodes (D1 and D2)
tive. This is quite easy to detect! To applied to the D input of the flipflop. protect the transistors - both against
simplify the connections, an artificial The actual clocking of the flipflop is excessive base drive and against
'neutral' is created at the R1/R2/R3 done in a similar way. by means of T2. negative base voltages.
junction. Only two of the phases are When the logic is clocked through to Two final notes. For safety reasons,
then used in the actual measurement; the output, T4 will conduct. This the complete unit must obviously be
their value with respect o the artificial causes the green LED to light. If the mounted in an insulating (plastic) case;
'neutral' is detected, and used as phases are inverted (anticlockwise), T2 the switch must also be a 'safe' type!
.follows. will be conducting at the negative- Furthermore, battery supply is a
V At each negative-going zero-crossing of going zero-crossing of U. This means 'must': try to imagine what might
^^he voltage at the U input, the flipflop that a logic 0 is clocked into the flip- happen with a mains supply!

junior
paperware
' good news for Junior Computer fans

Volume is four the final

in the book pages of A4 size. Production can be
Junior Computer series. Together with reasonably quick and cheap, which is
the additional system software, a good thing for us as well as the
published in the April (Basic on the readers.
J.C.)and the May issue (Software The first volume. Junior Paperware 1,
cruncher and puncher) of Elektor, the is already available. It contains ad-

books form very useful library.

a ditional information concerning the
Obviously there is a lot more new 'software cruncher and puncher',
hardware and software for the Junior including the hex dump and source
Computer that could be published! listings.
The problem is not what should be We have enough material for further
published, but how ? Hex dumps and 'Paperware' publications. For instance,
source listings take up a lot of space additional details about the Junior
and we would also like to keep Elektor Basic, a text editor/assembler and
interesting for readers who do not many other short subjects. Last, but
possess a Junior Computer. not least, it will contain a lot of
programs that have been sent in by
A book is another possibility, but it industrious readers. Many thanks and
would take too long and for technical keep them coming!
reasons would be too expensive. The In short. Junior Computer owners will
ideal solution is to combine the best not be able to complain of getting
of the two possibilities and in this way bored.
come to a compromise. Therefore we
intend to publish a certain number of
articles under the title of 'Junior
V Paperware', a kind of international
copy service, consisting of several
 '
july/august

quite easy to connect the

It is BO ... B7 on the Elekterminal printed • Connect a 4k7resistor between the
Elekterminal, or any other terminal circuit board. obvious that there is
It is CTS line and ground. This ensures
which equipped with a UART, for
is no B7 terminal on the board,
available that the line disabled whenever the
is
that matter to a low cost printer. Most so a new terminal has to be made up. printer is not in use, allowing the
if not all low cost printers incorporate This can be derived by making a operator to continue work with the
what is known as a ‘centronics inter- connection to pin 5 of the UART. The computer even when the printer is
face'. Basically the reason for this is next stage is to link up the strobe switched off.
that Centronics were one of the input of the interface to point T on A very important point to keep in
leaders in the field of budget printers, the Elekterminal. mind is that the UART must receive
and as a result their original interface In some cases the printer may go hay- the correct bit pattern from the
design has been used by a large wire, while the computer will still computer. This should be: 8 bits, no
number of manufacturers as an continue to apply data. This is simply parity and 2 stop bits. Any dis-
industry standard. The unversally because minor differences may occur crepancy or deviation from this
available Epson MX 80 is a prime as far as the interface specifications are pattern may prevent the printer from
example. The advantage of using such concerned. Should this happen then acknowledging the most significant bit
a printer is that the I/O routines do the following procedure has to be containing the logic 1 for a character,
not have to be altered. adopted. making the printer virtually useless!
The Elekterminal already has a UART,
converting the serial bit output of the • Connect the 'printer' busy line
computer into a 8 bit parallel code for directly to the 'clear and send' line
video RAMs. So, it is just a simple on the output port (such as
serial
matter of using the same code to drive ACIA) of the computer system, and
the printer in parallel. not via the Elekterminal. As a result,
Link data lines DO ... D7 on the the output data will then be kept
printer interface circuit (which forms back, allowing the printer to work
part of the printer) to connections without interruption.

N
 0

7-92 - elektor july/augutt 1982 lit and keysoft for polyformant

The actual sound generators of the poly- bus which is fed by the CPU. The allo-
phonic synthesiser are still going to be cations of data to the VCO is performed
analogue. All ten synthesiser channels by the 'enable' inputs of the RAMs
consist of voltage controlled circuits (used as latches): For exampl e, latch 1
(VCO, VCF, VCA). Therefore they only receives the order WRITE from the
require analogue control voltages to CPU when the correct data for VCO 1 is
determine the pitch, and gate pulses on the bus. A multiplex procedure with
which effectively start and stop the software refreshing will also work, and
envelope generators. However, the it uses less components. The multi-
microprocessor in the digital keyboard plexer, controlled by the CPU, ensures
(on the CPU card), only supplies binary that the voltages supplied by a single
coded data (bits). Furthermore it does D/A converter are fed to the corre-
not address all ten channels simul- sponding sample-and-hold stages of the
taneously; instead, it deals with them in VCOs (figure 1b). However, the CPU
turn. First channel 1, then 2 and so on. has to drive the multiplexer almost
One cycle is completed when channel 1 continuously; the capacitors of the
is updated, after which new data is sample-and-hold stage have to be re-
applied to channel 1 Therefore the out-
.
charged again and again, at very short
intervals. Since every byte is going to be
needed when the polyphonic keyboard

oiilpuf unit
is extended, (presets keyboard-splitting)

it seems a good idea to add a hardware

counter that takes care of the 'read'

from memory.
The principle of multiplex operation

and keysoft
with hardware refreshing, is the third
method and the one used for the poly-
formant.

The hardware refresh cycle

Every time a new key is depressed its
fin* value has to be stored in RAM. The
counter transfers this key value to the
RAM via the data bus. The bit pattern
on the address-bus of the computer

polyfbrmant determines in which memory location

the key value is stored. The CPU ad-
dresses the RAM via a data selector
MUX (see figure 1c). This data selector
has two input busses and one output.
the final stage of the polyformant together with The input busses are connected to the
address-bus of the CPU and the output
the software and useful hints of the hardware-re fresh co unter. The
logic level on the WRITE line deter-
mines whether the computer address
After the CPU described in the May issue and the 'Polybus' published in bus or the hardware-refresh counter is

month's magazine connected to the RAM; the CPU

last it's time to add the finishing touch to the
addresses the RAM when it writes a key
project. value into memory. The RAM reverts to
The output unit ensures that each channel receives its respective correct the 'read' mode once the key value has
information in the right order, such as control voltage, gate pulse and been stored. The memory addresses are
scanned consecutively by the external
so on. Thisis the last unit needed to complete a basic version of a
hardware-refresh counter.
polyphonic synthesiser. Each VCO is allocated a specific mem-
ory location. This means that the multi-
put unit forms an essential interface, plexer, (which distributes the D/A con-
converting digital data into analogue verted output), must always drive the
control voltages and gate pulses. It same channel, when the corresponding
distributes them to each synthesiser
location is read. This permanent allo-
channel in the correct sequence and cation is obtained by interconnecting
at the right time. Three completely
U. Gotz and R. Mester the address inputs of the RAM and the
different principles can be applied to multiplexer. As before, only one D/A
analogue/digital conversion and distri- converter is required: in this case the
bution. Ferranti ZN426, an inexpensive 1C that
Before describing the circuit of the out- fits the bill extremely well.
put unit in detail, a summary of all the Figure 2 shows the circuit of the output
possible solutions is interesting. unit and the connections to the bus
board on which the D/A converter is
mounted. All the necessary connections
Static procedure and multiplexing to the bus should be made by using a
The block diagram in figure la shows multiway plug and socket, in the same
that a digital memory preceeds each manner as the CPU and input unit.
D/A converter; the inputs of all these IC3 is a BCD which is addressed by
memories are all connected to one data inputs A 0 . A3. It releases the single
. .
 id keysoft for polyfc elektor july/august 1982 - 7-93

latches IC5 1 . . . IC5 10, consecutively.

Each latch is in fact released via its

'enable' input every time the respective

data for a particular channel is on the
bus. The data actually reaches the bus
via the driver IC4.
The AND gate N1 N6 take care that
. . .

the WRITE pulse at pin 11 stores the

data at the right time in the latch. The
information at the outputs of the
latches is permanently available to the
D/A converter, therefore eliminating the
need for any interruption to allow it to

The D/A converter

As already mentioned before, multi-
plexing with hardware-refreshing, only
requires one D/A converter. Unfortu-
nately at the time of going to press, the
prototype output unit has not been
completed. Therefore, despite the high
cost, anyone wishing to build a complete
synthesiser will, for the time being, have
to build it using the static principle,
constructing as many converters as there
are VCOs. But do not get alarmed!
During the following months a new
book on the Polyformant synthesiser,
should be published, incorporating all
the circuits and information needed for
the multiplexing hardware-refresh
^ystem using only one D/A converter.
Realising the circuit as shown in fig-
it may seem!
ure 1 b is not as simple as
To keep the costs as low as possible the
Ferranti ZN426E-8 was used. It is a
very accurate and reliable 1C mainly due
to its own internal reference voltage
source. Each D/A converter circuit will
require two of these chips. Even though
we are dealing with an 8 bit converter
with only four inputs connected, two
are required for the following reasons:
The computer determines the keyboard
output voltage (KOV) level by com-
paring two different sets of data. Firstly,
which octave, and secondly the number
of semitones being called for within
that octave. For example code 3.7 could
represent the seventh note (F sharp) of
the third octave. The word 'could' is in
the sentence simply because it is not the
real software digital coding used, but
only an expression to try to explain the
basic principle. The D/A has to decode
each octave 1 V at a time, as the VCOs
produce 1 octave per 1 V. For the notes
within any given octave the voltage sup-
plied to the VCOs changes in one
twelfth of 1 V per semitone.
To interface the converter both outputs
must be fed to a non-inverting adder, by
using two opamps. The other two op-
amps operate as impedance converters.

Mechanical construction of the

output unit
Figure 4 illustrates the way in which
each converter board is mounted onto
the output unit main board. The con-
struction is basically in the same format
as the bus boards. The beauty of this
method is that further extensions to the the May issue. The printed circuit board connect a digital volt meter (DVM) or
synthesiser can be made easily. Keep in pattern and component overlay of the any accurate instrument to the KOV
mind that a D/A converter is required D/A converter is clearly shown in output and the ground connections of
for every 'voice' or channel used! The figures 5 and 6. the converter.
converter printed circuit boards are We suggest the use of a DVM, as the
quite small, therefore the wire link Calibration of the D/A converter readings have to be accurate and a
connections to the main board are In order to calibrate the converter easily digital display is much easier to read
sufficient to give the overall construc- and correctly the tune shift printed than a normal moving coil instrument.
tion ample structural stability. Each circuit board has to be used. This circuit Next depress any key of the keyboard,
converter board has a KOVand gate ensures that the correct digital data and measure the voltage. Keeping the
pulse output. The method used to con- from the keys is fed to the D/A boards. keyboard key depressed, push down and
nect these to the analogue sections of Needless to say only one D/A converter therefore switch on the first DIL switch
the synthesiser was described in great at a time can be calibrated. of the tuneshift circuit. By the first DIL
detail in the Polybus article published in The first stage in the procedure is to switch we mean the lower octave switch.
 key soft for polyformant elektor july/ai 1982 - 7-95

not advisable to set PI before P2 as this

will lead to incorrect overall tuning.

The purpose of preset P3

After all the VCOs are aligned, there is

still a need for offset compensation. As

most readers will already know irrespec-
tive of how accurately each VCO is
constructed, there are always differ-
ences, no matter how small, between
identical components. As a result the
same voltage level applied to a number
of VCOs may produce slightly differing
tones. The purpose of P3 is to compen-
Once the synthesiser
sate for this fact.
has been built, the swapping over or
interchanging of converters with the
VCOs is also unadvisable.

Now that the keyboard is connected

to the VCOs it is no longer possible to
apply the same voltage level to each
VCO in turn. As already explained
each key will supply a different KOV
to the VCOs.
Before any attempt is made to set P3,
the reset button on the CPU card must
be pressed. This is shown as SI in
in other words the actual first switch two switching modes. In order to cali- figure 1 in the Z80-A CPU card article
ooking at the circuit from left to right. brate the semitones of each octave the in our May issue. Depress a key of the
Readers who have not yet built the twelve way switch SI again part of the keyboard. Any key will do but we
tuneshift unit should refer to figure 4 tune shift circuit has to be used. Each suggest that it is one in the lower regis-
of the polyphonic synthesiser article position of the switch causes an increase ters like C one octave lower than
published in the May issue. That dia- of approximately 0.0833 V to the KOV middle C. Now depress a key exactly
gram shows the DIL switch as being S4. output of the converter. Consequently one octave higher and turn P3 of the
Once again keeping the same keyboard position number 6 (centre indent) pro- second converter until there is no dis-
<ey depressed, switch to the next DIL duces an increase or decrease of 0.5 V. chord, (zero beat procedure). Keep in
switch and remeasure the voltage. PI is turned until these parameters are mind that even before you actually do
=igure 4 again in the May issue shows met. By adjusting both PI and P2 in this this, P3 on the first converter board has
this to be S3. way all the other octaves and semitones to be set to its mid position. As it is in
’reset P2 should now be turned to give are automatically calibrated. This pro- every case a multiturn preset, the only
an exact difference of 1 V between the cedure should be followed closely. It is way to do this is to count the total
number of turns. The next stage is to only recap on certain points but to add these differences in order that it can be
reset the CPU once more, press any key, further useful hints. played. One of the most difficult prob-
then depress in quick succession a By the way, hoped that construc-
it is lems, once all the VCOs, converters, and
second and third key, releasing only the tors have read through and implemented other circuits are assembled, is to
first. Ensure that the second and third the VCO calibration procedures out- determine which VCO is being fed to
key are one octave apart and turn P3 on lined in all the previous articles, other- the output at any given time. To get
the third converter board until there is wise the D/A converter calibration over this problem we suggest the follow-
no dischord. Continue to progressively procedure as well as the rest of this
repeat this procedure until all ten chan- article will be either difficult or imposs- Firstly, only one complete channel has
ible to follow. to be mounted onto the bus board. This
Irrespective of how accurately the VCOs will consist of a VCO, VCAand ADSR.
have been aligned up to now, once they We call this first VCO the master chan-
Practical hints for aligning the VCOs are inserted into the complete syn- nel. An accurate alignment of this
Although the procedure for aligning the thesiser a number of tuning deviations channel can then be used as a bench
VCOs was gone into in great depth in or errors will be apparent. The follow- mark for all the others. Obviously when
our June issue, it is worthwhile to not ing procedure is aimed at eliminating assembling this channel all the control-
ling potentiometers and switches on the the VCO is ideal for the calibration pro- two potentiometers together with an
front pannel must also be connected up. cedure. adder (see figure 7). One potentiometer
An artificial gate pulse signal has to be The article the December issue
in being used for the rough, the other for
supplied to the envelope generator so already mentioned the fact that the the fine adjustment.
that a VCO signal is fed to pin 27 of the 'linearity' of the VCO can be set with The use of an accurate digital voltmeter,
ous board. Feeding +5 V from the power P9 remembering that PI was removed. in order to monitor the control voltage,
supply to pin 30 of the bus is sufficient The next step is to supply an adjustable should also be connected to pin 28 of
‘or this. A continuous signal from the control voltage to the same input, of the the bus board (KOV input of the VCO).
VCO is also necessary. This is easily VCO where the KOV would normally Finally a reference tone is needed, either
achieved by setting the front panel con- be attached. This voltage, which has to from a stable tone generator or from an
trols. The sustain levels for both the be of high precision can be generated in electronic organ.
VCA and VCF must be set to maximum, a number of ways. The choice of how to Set the (auxiliary) control voltage source
with the attack controls set to mini- get it is left to the constructor, but to exactly 1 V. The amplified output of
mum. The cut-off must be as high as please keep in mind that it has to be the synthesiser, fed to a loudspeaker,
Dossible, and the emphasis (Q) set to graduated into steps of 1 mV. A good should produce a low tone. Adjust the
minimum. A saw-tooth type signal from method for accurate control is to use near equivalent reference tone, until it is
 !

Figure 7. A suggestion on how to callirate the VCOs. Mount two channels connecting all the gate inputs to +5 V. Link all the KOV inputs to the
mV
auxiliary control voltage circuit, giving accurate control down to the last (see text).

the same as that of the VCO. Now voltage range used for calibration, the pulse input will require 5 V. Pin 28 of
increase the control voltage by 1 V. The higher the tuning accuracy. the second bus must be connected to
control voltage has to be accurate to Unfortunately there are no short cuts pin 28 of the first, so that the auxiliary
within 1 mV. By increasing the voltage to this procedure, and we hope that control voltage is also supplied to the
in this way the VCO should now pro- constructors will bear with us. •
second VCO. Start again with a control _

duce a new tone exactly one octave Obviously continuing to use one refer- voltage of 1 V approximately. VCO I

higher than the first one. Unfortunately ence tone will make the tuning of the number 2 will now oscillate at a dif-
this will not always be the case. There- higher octaves extremely difficult. It ferent frequency to the master. In order
fore using the same reference tone once therefore follows that using an elec- to simplify the complete alignment
again, P9 must be readjusted until the tronic organ for the reference tone procedure a further adjustable auxiliary
VCO tone is one more in harmonic would make life much easier, the con- control voltage (ACV) is also required.
unison. structor only has to use each corre- This is connected to pins 17 and 15
Now reduce the control voltage back to sponding octave tone on the organ. of the VCO, and obtained from the
1 V. In all probability the VCO tone Then by changing the reference tones in auxiliary voltage circuit as shown in
produced will no longer be in unison this way instead of trying to ascertain figure 7. P3 of this circuit adjusts the
with the original reference tone. The whether a note is in harmony it is a voltage level for this extra supply. P3
reference tone has to be readjusted simple matter of ensuring it is in unison. in effect is a kind of off-set compen-
accordingly. By increasing the voltage Anyone not able to lay hands on an sator. It actsnot only as P3 in the D/A <

by 1 V the tone one octave higher could electronic organ, can easily construct a converter circuit but also as the old PI
now be out of synchronisation with the signal generator that will do the trick. (now removed) from the original VCO .

reference tone, but this time the differ- An oscillator, with its output connected board.
ence being smaller. Again reset P9. to a multi-stage TTL or CMOS divider Before going into detail, we should,
Unfortunately this procedure has to be (J.K. Master-slave flipflop as 2:1 div- explain that the object of the exercise is
repeated several times until there are no ider), should be sufficient, after all an not to attempt, at this stage, to ensure
deviations between the two different organ works on the same principle. that the other VCOs oscillate on the
tones. This calls for a great deal of same frequency as the master when
patience, but you should find that the Aligning the other VCOs applying the same ACV. As already
differences get progressively smaller The simplest way to align all the other explained in the D/A section of the
each time the control voltage is changed. VCOs, is by ensuring that they produce article this will happen only when the
The whole procedure should now be exactly the same tone as the master off-set adjustments to each D/A con-
repeated for higher control voltage channel when an identical control volt- verter have been made. The idea is to 1

levels. After each minor adjustment to age is applied to them. linearisethe VCOs. In other words,
P9, you must return to the 1 V tone for First mount the second channel onto ensure that the rate of increase in
comparison. Remember the wider the the second bus board. Again the gate frequency of each VCO (in proportion
 elektor july/august 1982 — 7-99

indicates a difference in frequency

between the VCOs at 5 V. By adjusting
P9 the result is that the first curve is

rotated around its zero crossing. The

result is shown in figure 8b. Although
the curves still intersect their differences
are now much smaller. Looking at the
behaviour of the VCOs at 1 V, shows
again a difference in the frequencies.
Using P3 (see figure 7) will now bring
the two VCOs into line, but obviously
causing a further difference at 5 V (see
figure 8c). This as previously explained
in the alignment procedure can be
adjusted once again by using P9. The
object of figure 8 is to show in math-
ematical terms how the alignment pro-
cedure actually works, when taking it
step by step.
Once all the VCOs are tuned the auxili-

ary control voltage circuit together with

P3 (not confusing it with P3 on the D/A
converter) can be removed.

Calibrating the VCF and

VCA modules
Correct calibration of the VCAs and
VCFs is just as important as the align-
ment of the VCOs. With the same input
voltage applied all the filters must have
identical cut-off frequency levels and all
the VCAs must have the same gain. If
these parameters are not adhered to then
the notes would alter in pitch and vol-
ume when being played. It is advisable
to look at the circuit diagram of the
VCA and VCF module published in the
January issue, before embarking on any
calibration procedure.
First of all earth the wiper of P3. Then
set P7 on the master board until the
ACV), the adjusted, (Elektor December issue '81). lowest note on the keyboard just
to the increase of the is

The straightening of this curve and becomes inaudible, and measure the
same as the master. Looking closely to
8d, whilst carrying out therefore the bringing into line of the voltage across P7. The next step is to set
figures 8a . . .

VCOs in these higher registers, isachieved P7 of all the other VCFs to the same
the calibration procedure should clarify
limited explanation. The only by adjusting P7. The best way is to voltage (as just measured). In the
this
method, without using an apply an auxiliary control voltage of 7 V prototype this voltage was found to be
"practical
expensive frequency counter, is to and adjust P7 until the VCO in question -8.05 V. Now turn P3 fully (this gives
supply the same auxiliary control volt- is in unison with the master VCO and 15 V), and set the emphasis (Q) of the
age to both VCOs, adjusting P3 to off- the reference tone for that octave. filter to maximum. This will cause the
cut-off frequency network to oscillate
set for component tolerances and then Figure 8 illustrates the mathematical
setting P9 of the second VCO until the background to the calibration pro- audibly. P9 must now be adjusted until
this oscillation becomes just inaudible.
VCOs are in unison. cedure.
The starting point of the curve on the X The first filter to be calibrated can now
This procedure repeated several times
is
and Y axis, depicts a VCO frequency serve as the master, used as a reference
for differing control voltages until both
corresponding to 0 V control voltage. for all the others. In order to do this
VCOs are in unison, irrespective of the
control voltage, and obviously without At 0 V the frequency of any VCO will some constructional alterations must be
having to make any further changes to not be exactly 0 Hz, and as already made first. Obviously the first stage is
explained whatever the frequency is, it to mount both the master channel and
the positions of P3 and P9.
will be different for each VCO. Figure the completed second channel onto the
The procedure now has to be repeated
the other VCOs. 8a shows the curve of a calibrated VCO bus board. Next sever the connection to
again and again for all
(1), and one that is not (VCO 2). The
the envelope generator, by taking out
The function of P7 correct alignment is defined by the rise the connection from pin 1 to pin 2 at
Whereas P9 sets the correct voltage to of the curve, the off-set not being im- the socket of IC4. So that both channels
octave relationship, and therefore the portant at this stage, since it is catered can apply their signals to pin 27 on the
slope of the curve (see figure 8), it does for by the D/A converter. This results bus-board each VCA must be enabled
not alter the voltage to pitch charac- in a shifting of the curve towards the Y
logic 'V at the gate input. The sustain
teristics of the VCO, which remain as a axis. It is therefore crucial that VCO 2 of the envelope generators must also
straight line. The curve of this latter is aligned so that its curve is in parallel
be set to maximum.
relationship (depicting the linearity of to VCOI. The absolute zero point When all the above actions have been
the two VCOs) tends to bend at very of the curve cannot be determined, completed the two filtered signals can
high frequencies. In other words, there because there is no accurate method of be heard by connecting an amplifier
will be some deviation between the two measuring zero Hertz. to pin 27 of the bus board. The fre-
VCOs being tuned in the higher octaves U1 and U2 are the auxiliary control quency of the resonance peak of the
no matter how well both P3 and P9 are voltage levels of 1 and 5 V. Figure 8a second channel can be brought into line
WfifgHZHsS
output unit and keysoft for polyformant elektor july/august 1982 — 8-01

with the first by adjusting P9, other

in ADSR envelope can be measured by
words until both audible frequencies connecting the oscilloscope to the
are the same. Even when P3 is set to output of A7. Whenever a gate pulse
minimum the frequencies have to be is applied (starting with the master
the same, so it is best to repeat the channel) a waveform will be illustrated
procedure several times. by the oscilloscope. P11 should be set
Now mount the VCF onto the bus so that the amplitude is at maximum
board and calibrate it in the same (with a steep decay), without experi-
manner as just described. encing and clipping, otherwise the in-
The last part of the channel to calibrate strument cannot produce any staccato-
is the envelope amplitude. To do this type sounds. With clipping, (overdriving
firstof all reconnect pins 1 and 2 at the Figure 9. The basic internal structure of a the VCA), the output voltage will
socket of IC4. Then set the VCF and TIP 140 Darlington transistor. remain saturated for a while, even
ADSR controls on the front panel to though the signal is already decaying, so
the following: the setting of P1 1 is very important. We
• 'Attack' to 0. Now make sure that the VCA respon- suggest the procedure is repeated several
• 'Decay' to approximately half a ADSR envelope
sible for controlling the times with differing decay times.
second. amplitude (A4 .A7, IC6) is not over-
. . With a zero setting of the attack time
• 'Sustain' to 0. driven. This requires the services of an and sustain, typical, electronic sound
• 'Release' to 0. oscilloscope. The amplitude of the effects can be heard! Once P11 is
 0

8-02 — elektor july/august 1982 output unit and keysoft for polyformant

calibrated P10 must be adjusted so that over is hardly noticeable. Should you Epilogue
all the filters give the same frequency really wish to eliminate this occurance
During the development of extensive
change with identical envelope am- then it can be achieved quite simply by
projects such as the polyphonic syn-
plitudes. Again we advise doing this by inserting a 47 k resistor between pin 10
thesiser changes and modifications are
ear, comparing them with the master. of A8 and the negative supply.
bound to take place from time to time.
The way is to use only the first
easiest
Fortunately some if not all of the
two channels, inserting each module in Driving the VCF inputs changes have been made before the con-
turn into the second channel, calibrating For the VCFs to self oscillate properly, struction of the prototype was com-
the wire link between point 1 and point pleted. This means, certainly for you at
It is also advisable that the gate pulses 7 on the VCF board should be replaced any rate, that changes and modifications
should be produced manually and inde- by a 470 k resistor. This improves the can be made during construction. The
pendent from the keyboard. Connect timbre of the individual filters con- following points need clarification, and
the gate inputs to a DC supply of 5 V, siderably, making calibration easier. we suggest that the constructor refers to
using a press button switch. As already figure A.
mentioned, the channel assignment in Modifications required when using
the computer controlled keyboard is the Formant power supply
based on criteria relating to an average In the article on the bus board we A
musician's playing style. It therefore
suggested that the Formant, although
would confuse the issue, if we tried
not being completely compatible, could
to apply gate pulses or VCO control
be used for the polyphonic synthesiser.
voltages to any specific channel by To ensure that the original Formant
depressing a key.
supply produces the necessary power
we suggest the following changes:
Setting PI
• Set the ADSR generator sustain R3 . . . R6 to 1ft2/0.5W
control to maximum. R 19 and R20 to 0.51 S2/2W
• Adjust the envelope amplitude preset R7.R8 to 680 ft
P5 to maximum. R9.R10 to 27 k
• T urn P3 to zero. R21 to 22 ft
R23 to 470 ft
Now adjust P10 until the cut-off fre- T3 to TIP 140.
quency is again practically inaudible, See figure 9.
(when applied). Two Please take note that in contradiction to
a gate pulse is
the original component overlay of the
filters are correctly aligned to one Keysoft - the software for the
another when their frequencies are in debounce unit contacts 1 ... 8 are
polyphonic synthesiser drawn the otherway round, but the
unison irrespective of the position of
P5. We have so far discussed and explained supply voltage connections remain the
everything to do with the hardware. A
detailed description of the CPU board Furthermore, when the last debounce
Adjusting the emphasis (Q factor)
was given in the May issue. As explained board is sawn in two, ensure that the
This should be automatically the same
then, this is the brain of the polyphonic pull-up resistor links to the supply
for all the VCFs, providing the corre-
synthesiser without which practically voltage are broken or interrupted. That
sponding control voltages are also the
everything would not work. In turn a is why a wire link must be inserted
same. When the prototype was tested
CPU without software would also be between the copper tracks as shown
however, one or two VCFs were slightly
out with the rest. This could only be
completely useless. The program for the in figure B. H
synthesiser is called 'keysoft'.
explained by the differing component
At this stage of the game we are not
tolerances, which cannot be completely
really the program
interested in how B
avoided, even by using 1% resistors.
works, but in what it actually does.
The only remedy, should this happen,
Some of the program functions have
is to change the value of R24 (lets say
already been explained; scanning the
to 86k). As the factor is rather Q settings for the 'preset' parameters,
difficult to measure, the constructor
decoding the keyboard, and processing
will have to compare any differences
the data (derived from the keyboard) to
by ear so to speak.
drive the other modules.
For this reason we will restrict ourselves
Setting the VCAs
to the 'hex dump' (table 1) and some
Here again, an oscilloscope will come in hints with regard to program extensions.
very handyl Set PI 2 so that the output The keysoft program (see table 1)
j

signal from All is at a maximum. Make includes all preset and keyboard func-
sure that it is not so high that clipping i
tions. Further extensions are possible, 82111-L2
occurs. The optimum setting is when, but these will automatically lead to
after selecting a saw-tooth VCO signal, slower execution speeds.
the filter is adjusted so that the cut-off Table 2 shows where the 'jumps' for
frequency is at a maximum with a extension routines can be added. The
minimum Q factor. table also indicates that the operator
has 235 usuable spare bytes. A possible
VCA cross-over extension which immediately comes to
At very output settings of the
high mind is for a sequencer! The output
amplification system connected to the unit is designed for up to 1 6 channels, so
synthesiser, a slight singing sound may that there are always six spare ones
be heard. This is due to slight VCA available, which are not used by the
cross-over. If we call this effect 'noise', software program. These could easily
then it really is nothing to worry about, be used for the sequencer, provided the
since the signal-to-noise ratio of the necessary software was available! Well
instrument is so good that this cross- later on perhaps!
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Each pocket size 'Codecall' unit can both

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tion at allneeded. Instead 'Codecall' is
is

placed close up to the microphone and the

signal is acoustically coupled. Any con-
venient transmitter can therefore be used.
At the receiver 'Codecall' plugs into the
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