Project Report: Display Numbers 0 to 9
with Delay
1. Objective
This project serves as a foundational exercise in digital electronics. By
employing basic integrated circuits, students and hobbyists gain hands-on
experience in building a functional counter circuit. The knowledge
acquired is applicable in various automation and embedded system
applications.
This project serves as a foundational exercise in digital electronics. By
employing basic integrated circuits, students and hobbyists gain hands-on
experience in building a functional counter circuit. The knowledge
acquired is applicable in various automation and embedded system
applications.
To design and build an electronic circuit that displays numbers from 0 to 9 sequentially on a
7-segment display with a controllable time delay using a 555 timer and a 4026 counter IC.
2. Components Required
S.No Component Quantity
1 7-Segment Display 1
(Common Cathode)
2 555 Timer IC 1
3 4026 Decade Counter IC 1
4 Resistors (e.g., 1kΩ, 10kΩ) As required
5 Capacitor (e.g., 10µF) 1
6 Breadboard 1
7 Jumper Wires As required
8 Power Supply (5V–9V) 1
3. Working Principle
The 555 timer operates in astable mode, generating continuous clock
pulses. Each pulse is used to increment the 4026 counter IC, which is
specially designed to drive 7-segment displays. This makes it ideal for
simple counting applications.
The 555 timer operates in astable mode, generating continuous clock
pulses. Each pulse is used to increment the 4026 counter IC, which is
specially designed to drive 7-segment displays. This makes it ideal for
simple counting applications.
The 555 timer is configured in astable mode to generate a continuous square wave signal.
This signal acts as a clock pulse and is fed into the 4026 IC, a counter that increments with
each pulse. The 4026 drives the 7-segment display directly, displaying numbers from 0 to 9.
When it reaches 9, the count resets back to 0 and continues.
4. Circuit Diagram
*(Insert a hand-drawn or software-generated schematic diagram here.)*
5. Pin Configuration
Understanding the pin configuration is crucial for assembling the circuit
properly. Incorrect connections may result in malfunction or damage to
components.
Understanding the pin configuration is crucial for assembling the circuit
properly. Incorrect connections may result in malfunction or damage to
components.
555 Timer (Astable Mode):
- Pin 1 – GND
- Pin 2 – Trigger (connected to pin 6)
- Pin 3 – Output (connects to 4026 clock)
- Pin 4 – Reset (connect to Vcc)
- Pin 5 – Control Voltage (0.01µF to GND)
- Pin 6 – Threshold (connected to pin 2)
- Pin 7 – Discharge
- Pin 8 – Vcc
4026 Counter:
- Pin 1 – Clock Input (from 555 timer output)
- Pin 3–7, 9–11 – Segment outputs to 7-segment display
- Pin 15 – Reset (connect to GND)
- Pin 8 – GND
- Pin 16 – Vcc
6. Delay Adjustment
To fine-tune the delay between number transitions, one can experiment
with different values of resistors and capacitors in the RC network. This is
particularly useful for applications that require timing precision or speed
variation.
To fine-tune the delay between number transitions, one can experiment
with different values of resistors and capacitors in the RC network. This is
particularly useful for applications that require timing precision or speed
variation.
The time delay between each digit display is determined by the RC (resistor-capacitor)
network in the 555 timer:
T = 0.7 × (R1 + 2 × R2) × C
Change R1, R2, or C to increase or decrease the delay.
7. Applications
Such counters are often found in places like elevators (floor indicators),
digital clocks, and simple automation systems.
Such counters are often found in places like elevators (floor indicators),
digital clocks, and simple automation systems.
- Digital counters
- Scoreboards
- Timer-based systems
- Educational displays
8. Conclusion
Future improvements could include adding a reset button, enabling
reverse counting, or integrating the system with microcontrollers for
programmable logic.
Future improvements could include adding a reset button, enabling
reverse counting, or integrating the system with microcontrollers for
programmable logic.
This project demonstrates a simple way to build a digital counter that can count from 0 to 9
using basic components. It introduces concepts like clock pulses, decade counters, and the
use of 7-segment displays.
9. Theoretical Background
The 555 timer is one of the most popular ICs ever made. It can be used in various modes
such as monostable, astable, and bistable. In this project, we use it in astable mode where it
continuously oscillates, generating a square wave. The frequency of this wave is determined
by two resistors and a capacitor.
The 4026 IC is a decade counter with a built-in 7-segment display driver. It counts from 0 to
9 and directly controls a common cathode 7-segment display. It simplifies the process of
connecting numeric displays to logic circuits.
10. Testing and Troubleshooting
Once the circuit is built, it is crucial to verify each connection. Start by powering the circuit
and checking the output of the 555 timer with an oscilloscope or a simple LED to confirm
pulse generation. Then, observe the 7-segment display to ensure it increments correctly.
Common issues may include:
- Incorrect wiring or orientation of the 4026 or 7-segment display.
- Faulty components (especially electrolytic capacitors or the ICs).
- Incorrect resistor or capacitor values affecting timing.
Fix any observed issues by rechecking datasheets, using a multimeter, and verifying the
circuit logic.
