Light Detector using LDR and 555 Timer
IC
By: [Your Name]
Institution: [Your School/College Name]
Date: [Submission Date]
Page 1: Introduction
Light sensors play a crucial role in automation, energy conservation, and safety systems. A
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a type of photoresistor whose resistance changes with
varying light intensity. The 555 Timer IC, on the other hand, is a highly stable device for
generating time delays and oscillations.
In this project, we combine an LDR with a 555 Timer IC in monostable mode to build a light
detector. The circuit responds to a decrease in light level by turning on an LED, simulating a
basic light-activated switch.
Applications of such detectors include:
- Automatic street lighting
- Light-sensitive alarms
- Power-saving lighting systems
- Night lamps
Page 2: Objective and Theory
Aim:
To design a light detection circuit using an LDR and a 555 Timer IC that activates an LED in
low-light conditions.
Theory:
LDR (Light Dependent Resistor):
- The resistance of an LDR decreases with increasing light intensity.
- In the dark, its resistance is high (in the range of megaohms), and in bright light, it is low (a
few hundred ohms).
555 Timer in Monostable Mode:
- Triggered by a voltage drop below 1/3 Vcc on pin 2.
- Output pin (pin 3) goes HIGH for a duration determined by an external resistor and
capacitor.
- After the delay, the output returns LOW.
Monostable Time Delay:
T = 1.1 × R × C (in seconds), where R is resistance in ohms, and C is capacitance in farads.
Page 3: Materials and Tools Required
Components:
- 1 × 555 Timer IC
- 1 × LDR
- 1 × 10kΩ resistor (voltage divider)
- 1 × 100kΩ resistor (timing resistor)
- 1 × 10μF capacitor (timing capacitor)
- 1 × LED (indicator)
- 1 × 330Ω resistor (LED current limiter)
- 1 × 9V battery
- 1 × Breadboard
- Connecting wires
Optional Tools:
- Digital Multimeter (for measuring voltages and resistance)
- Potentiometer (for tunable threshold detection)
- Soldering Kit (for permanent setup)
Page 4: Circuit Diagram and Construction
Circuit Diagram:
[Diagram to be inserted here]
Pin Configuration of 555 Timer:
- Pin 1: GND
- Pin 2: Trigger
- Pin 3: Output
- Pin 4: Reset (connected to Vcc)
- Pin 5: Control Voltage (optional, often grounded via 10nF capacitor)
- Pin 6: Threshold
- Pin 7: Discharge
- Pin 8: Vcc
Construction Steps:
1. Insert the 555 Timer IC on the breadboard.
2. Connect the LDR and 10kΩ resistor as a voltage divider. Connect their junction to pin 2.
3. Connect 100kΩ between pin 7 and Vcc.
4. Connect 10μF capacitor between pin 6 and GND.
5. Connect pin 6 and pin 2 together.
6. Connect pin 4 to Vcc and pin 1 to GND.
7. Connect LED (with 330Ω resistor) to pin 3 (output).
8. Power the circuit with a 9V battery.
Page 5: Observations and Results
Observations:
Test Condition Light Present Low Light/Dark
LDR Resistance Low (bright) High (dark)
Trigger Voltage > 1/3 Vcc < 1/3 Vcc
555 Output LOW HIGH
LED Status OFF ON
Result:
The LED turns on in the absence of light, confirming that the 555 Timer was successfully
triggered by the LDR in darkness.
Page 6: Conclusion, Advantages, Limitations, and Precautions
Conclusion:
We have successfully constructed and tested a light detection circuit using a 555 Timer and
an LDR. The circuit efficiently detects low-light conditions and responds by turning on an
LED. This type of circuit is foundational for many real-world automation and safety systems.
Advantages:
- Simple and cost-effective
- Easy to assemble and modify
- No need for microcontrollers
- Responsive to ambient light changes
Limitations:
- Sensitivity fixed by resistor values (manual tuning required)
- No built-in calibration
- Ambient temperature may affect LDR behavior
Precautions:
- Verify correct polarity of LED and capacitor
- Use resistors with appropriate ratings to prevent component damage
- Avoid direct exposure of LDR to excessive light/heat
- Ensure tight and secure connections on the breadboard
