Project Title: Traffic Light Circuit using 555
IC
Course Title: Digital Electronics and Applications
Course Code: ECN 244
Submitted by:
Submitted to: -
Dr. Ashish Kumar Verma
(Assistant Professor)
Dept. of EECE
Contents
1. Introduction
2. List of Components
3. Circuit Diagram
4. Working
5. Summary
6. Conclusion
Introduction
The Traffic Light Circuit using 555 Timer IC is an excellent example of a basic electronic
project that demonstrates the practical application of timing circuits. Traffic light systems are
essential for controlling the flow of traffic at intersections and ensuring the safety of both
vehicles and pedestrians. The operation of traffic lights follows a well-defined sequence, where
different lights (Red, Yellow, Green) turn on and off in a fixed order to regulate the movement of
vehicles.
In this project, we use the 555 Timer IC, which is one of the most popular and widely used ICs
in electronics due to its versatility, ease of use, and low cost. The 555 timer operates in various
modes, but for this circuit, we will use the astable multivibrator mode. In this mode, the IC
continuously generates a square wave output, which can be used to control the timing intervals
for each LED (Red, Yellow, Green). The traffic light system simulates real-world traffic lights,
with the LEDs turning on and off in the sequence of Red → Yellow → Green, followed by the
same cycle repeating.
This project is a great way to get acquainted with the functioning of the 555 timer and basic
components like resistors, capacitors, and LEDs. It provides practical knowledge about
generating time delays and controlling output devices (LEDs) in a synchronized manner,
mimicking real-world systems in a simple and effective way.
List of Components
1. 2 x 555 Timer ICs
2. LEDs: 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Green
3. Resistors: 100K, 47K, 2 x 330R, 180R
4. Capacitors: 2 x 100uF
5. Breadboard
6. Few Breadboard Connectors
7. (5-12)V Power Supply
Circuit Diagram
Working
1 First 555 Timer IC (Primary Control):
When powered on, the output of the first 555 timer IC is high (ON) because the voltage at its
trigger pin is low.
This powers the second 555 timer IC and turns on the green LED.
2 Second 555 Timer IC (Controls Yellow and Red LEDs):
The second 555 timer IC starts charging a capacitor. When the capacitor charges to 2/3 of the
supply voltage, the second timer’s output goes low (OFF), turning off the green LED and turning
on the yellow LED.
3 Switching from Yellow to Red:
Just before the capacitor in the second timer discharges fully, the capacitor in the first 555 timer
IC reaches 2/3 of the supply voltage, causing the first timer’s output to go low (OFF).
This turns on the red LED, and the second 555 timer’s output turns high again, turning off the
yellow LED and restarting the cycle.
4 Cycle Repeats:
The cycle of Green → Yellow → Red repeats as the first 555 timer keeps oscillating, controlling
the timing of the LEDs through the second 555 timer’s capacitor charging and discharging.
Summary:
Green LED: Turns on when the first 555 timer’s output is high and the second timer’s output is
high (after the second timer’s capacitor is charged).
Yellow LED: Turns on when the second 555 timer’s output goes low, signifying that the
capacitor in the second timer has charged to 2/3 of the supply voltage.
Red LED: Turns on when the first 555 timer’s output goes low, signalling the completion of the
cycle and the start of a new one.
Conclusion:
This circuit is an example of how two 555 timer ICs can be used in conjunction to control the
operation of traffic lights, simulating the red, yellow, and green lights with a simple actable
multivariate configuration. By using the first 555 timer to power the second and controlling the
timing with capacitors and resistors, this project provides a good learning experience for anyone
interested in electronics, particularly in understanding how sequential timing circuits work. The
beauty of this design is in its simplicity and the flexibility it offers for adjusting the timing of the
lights through the values of resistors and capacitors.
