University of Cebu – Banilad
College of Engineering
Experiment No. 2S
“Pulse Width Modulation”
j
Objectives:
● Utilize the 555 timer IC in astable mode to produce a pulse-width-modulated signal.
● Adjust the duty cycle of the PWM waveform using circuit components such as resistors and
capacitors.
● Use the PWM output to control power delivery to connected devices like LEDs, motors, or
other electronic components.
● Improve power efficiency by switching components on and off rapidly instead of using
linear voltage regulation.
● Showcase PWM principles in real-world applications such as brightness control, motor
speed control, and signal modulation.
Software Required:
● Simulation Software: Proteus 8
● Download Link:
https://classroom.google.com/c/NzM3Mjc5OTc2OTUx/m/NzU2MTA3OTQ3MDU1/details
Overview of LM 555: The LM555 is a highly versatile and widely used timer IC designed for
generating precise time delays, oscillations, and pulse generation. Developed originally by Signetics
(now part of Texas Instruments), it is a robust and reliable component used in various electronic
applications.
Key Specifications of LM555 Timer IC
● Supply Voltage (Vcc): 4.5V to 15V
● Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C (LM555) / -55°C to 125°C (LM555C)
● Output Current: Up to 200mA (sourcing or sinking)
● Timing Range: From microseconds to hours (based on RC values)
● Frequency Range: Up to 500 kHz in astable mode
● Trigger Voltage: 1/3 Vcc (e.g., ~1.67V when Vcc = 5V)
● Threshold Voltage: 2/3 Vcc (e.g., ~3.33V when Vcc = 5V)
● Output Voltage (High): Approx. Vcc - 1.7V
● Output Voltage (Low): Approx. 0V
● Power Consumption: Low power, suitable for battery-operated devices
Reference: https://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/555-timer-
pinout.php
Overview of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique
used to control the power delivered to electrical devices by varying the duty cycle of a square wave
signal. It is widely used in applications such as motor control, LED dimming, and communication
systems. Instead of adjusting voltage continuously, PWM rapidly switches the power on and off,
controlling the effective output.
Key Characteristics of PWM
● Variable Duty Cycle – The ratio of ON time to OFF time in a PWM signal can be adjusted to
control power delivery.
● Constant Frequency – The switching frequency remains constant while the duty cycle
varies to regulate output.
● Efficient Power Control – PWM reduces power loss by rapidly switching between full-on
and full-off states instead of dissipating energy as heat.
● Wide Applications – Used in motor speed control, LED brightness control, audio signal
processing, and power converters.
● Smooth Output Filtering – A properly filtered PWM signal can approximate an analog
output, making it useful for digital-to-analog conversion.
Schematic Diagram:
Proteus Guidelines:
1. How to pick devices
2. Terminals
Ground Terminal
3. Generators
U1(VCC)
Set the Voltage (Volts): 12
4. Instruments
For the output
After you create the schematic diagram with all the parameters given, you
can see this in the bottom left of the screen.
To run your schematic diagram (start the simulation), you need to
click the "Play" button ▶.
To stop the simulation in Proteus, click the "Stop" button ⏹ .
Questions:
1. How does adjusting the potentiometer affect the duty cycle of the PWM signal, and how
can you observe this change on the oscilloscope? (10 pts)
Rotating the potentiometer alters how long the capacitor charges and discharges,
which changes the duty cycle. On the oscilloscope, this is visible as a variation in the widths
of the HIGH and LOW portions of the signal waveform.
2 What is the role of diodes D2 and D3 in this circuit, and how do they influence the
charging and discharging times of the capacitor? (10 pts)
-Diodes D2 and D3 control separate paths for charging and discharging the
capacitor, making it possible to adjust each duration independently. This allows fine-
tuning of the duty cycle.
3.What happens to the LED brightness when the duty cycle of the PWM signal changes, and
why? (10 pts)
The LED shines brighter when the duty cycle increases because it stays on for a
longer part of the cycle, and it dims when the duty cycle decreases due to shorter ON time.
4 What is the effect of changing the capacitor (C1) value on the PWM frequency, and how
can you verify this experimentally? (10 pts)
Modifying the value of capacitor C1 alters the frequency: increasing the capacitance
reduces the frequency, while decreasing it raises the frequency. You can confirm this by
checking the waveform period on an oscilloscope.
5. If you wanted to increase the maximum frequency of the PWM signal, which
component(s) would you change, and how? (10 pts)
To raise the PWM signal’s maximum frequency, you should use a smaller
capacitor (C1) and/or lower the resistance values (RV1 and R1), which speeds up the
charging/discharging cycle of the capacitor.
