Digital Electronics Projects using Flip-Flop Switch Circuit

My mother said the best learning is Doing it. I am going to show you these Flip-Flop Switch Circuits. Imagine you can use your life is better with your own electronic project.

And at the same time, you learn digital basics. It’s great, right?

Let’s get started to see the two circuits:

• Light sensor switch circuit using JK-Flip-Flop
• A Simple touch and off switch circuit

Meet J-K Flip-Flop

There are many different types of flip-flops. But for now, we will choose JK Flip-Flop to use. Because we use it more widely than other flip-flops. For example, we can use it as T-FF or RS-FF. Even D-FF can do that too. There are so many stories about Flip-Flops. We’ll learn about it later.

We can see that many JK Flip-Flop IC numbers in both TTL families such as 74LS73, 74LS76, 74LS107, and CMOS such as CD4027.

But I like to use CMOS tyes because it is power-saving.

Now we will use CD4027. Why? and learn datasheet and pinout Here

In short, it has dual flip-flop:

Look at right,  block diagram inside each flip flop.

Caution: Inactive input pin(J, CK, K, S, R) should always be connected to the ground or VCC. Otherwise, the IC may run error.

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CD4027 as RS flip-flops

We can see that in addition to having input J, K, and CK. It has S and R pins, too. These pins act like RS flip-flops.

The pin S set to flip-flop. If S is  “1”. It causes an output Q is “1”,  and Q is “0” Immediately. By ignoring the status of the pulse signal at CK.

The R is the reset pin. If R = “1” will cause Q = “0” also the same it.

Do you get ideas?

It will wait and change status. Only when the signal is triggered again. We can use this feature for many benefits, such as the touch switch below.

Remember: In normal, if you do not use these. you should connect them to the ground.

JK-FF as T-Flip-Flop

In addition, input J, K, and CK. The CK is triggered with a rising edge. These pins are the JK-Flip-Flop (JK-FF).

Light sensor switch circuit using JK-Flip-Flop

In the article, we will try to apply a JK Flip-Flop to Light sensor switch circuit experiment.

Learn more: Electronics circuit symbols

How does the circuit work

Look at the circuit diagram below. We will experiment using JK-FF. It acts as the T-FF. We may assemble on the breadboard.

In this experiment, we use the phototransistors in the circuit diagram. It is the dual-transistors type that connecting together in the Darlington form.

Its top chassis is transparent. When the light shines to it will have a collector current flow through R1 and VR1. They are set in the voltage divider form.

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When the light goes out, voltage this point is 12 volts, as before. So, it is the pulse signal to CK of JK-FF. And, This pulse is the positive-edge triggering, too.

Then, the flip-flop changes state from logic “0” into “1”. The output Q will supply to drive the transistor through R2-resistor.

The transistor-Q2 will increase the current and drive coil of the relay by the DC voltage of 12-volts.

Next, contact of the relay will use to turn on/off the electric appliance.

Note:
The phototransistor should use in a Darlington type. To use high gain cause have high slope pulse. Do not use a CdS or general phototransistor.

If pulse signal changes from high to lower than 0.3 volts per uS. It may cause flip-flop runs error.

We should place this phototransistor in a room and no sunlight shines it directly sunshine.

Read also: Mini Phototransistor light switch controller circuit 

Then, we use the variable resistor – VR-50 K ohms to adjust the sensitivity of the light.

R1,R2 = 6.8K

The relay should have a coil voltage of 12-volts in a single contact type. If you want to use the resistance of the coil more than 100 ohms or lower coil voltage.

You have to change the power supply and the value of other components such as resistors.

How to build

We should not connect the relay on the breadboard directly. Because of the large lead of relay and AC-220 volts parts on it. We may be harmed by electric shock. Should connect near outside the breadboard of PCB better.

Then, connect the wire to both the collector of transistors-Q2 – BC337, and the positive of power supply to the coil of the relay, should not use too small. Because this section has flowing current more than 100 mA.

The 1N4007-diode will protect the other semiconductor devices in this circuit from the surge voltage in the coil of a relay.

Next, the contact of the relay will turn on-off a load that is the 220-volts AC circuit.

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So we must carefully make electrical wiring in this position. Do not cause a short circuit. We should install fuse protection for safety.

Testing

This figure is a photo of connecting the components on the Perforated PCB board to use in the experiment.

Firstly, we turn on a power supply switch. The flip-flops may set or reset (Q = “1” or “0”) indefinitely. If Q = “1” will hear the relay “click” indicating the coil pull the contact.

Secondly, shine a flashlight to the phototransistor.

Then, Whisk hand through the beam of a flashlight. We will hear relay work or stop. It shows that it has pulse into the flip-flop and change state.

In the experiment using the JK-FF only one, another (IC1/2) not use. We should connected input with Vpp or Vss, do not leave it idle floating strictly prohibited.

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A Simple touch on and off switch circuit

We will experiment with the Digital touch switch circuit using JK-flip-flop as RS-flip flop. Just, use your finger to touch them only also can turn ON-OFF circuit. This switch type is widely popular.

Recommended: 8 simple touch switch circuit projects

We will use the JK-FF of CMOS type, is MC14027 as before. The main principle of the touch switch is we will be using a special feature of CMOS that has very high input resistance.

When we use a finger to touch the input. It causes an inductance as high states or logic “1”. This results in the JK-Flip-flops of CMOS works. Which we are using it as the RS-Flip-Flop circuit.

In this experiment, we should not use a general battery as the power supply. Because not enough inductance, the circuit may not work.

How it works

The experiment circuit below. Its form looks like before the circuit. But We just use JK-Flip-Flops type as RS-Flip-Flops only.

See the Pin R and S will connect to 2 metal plates(touch plate ON and OFF). To reduce input impedance lower and connects resistors of 22 MΩ to ground.

For J, K, and CK do not use to short circuit to ground.

The experimenting

To begin with, use finger touch to the plate at terminal S. The flip-flops will set and the relay will work.

But we touch at R flip-flops will reset and reset will stop.

This experiment is shown below

How to build

We use this metal plate to be the aluminum foil to wrap food. For example, roast chicken, grilled fish. Which we can buy them in supermarkets or shopping malls.

If you use a relay larger than that setting. We can turn ON/OFF higher load.

You should know the resistance of the relay coil. Such as a KOIKE model – MAA 12V is a small relay. There are the resistance of coils about 400 ohms

When use driver transistor will use the only current of 30mA. If the relay uses resistance lower than this.

So, require more current to drive them, and reduce an R3 value lower to CMOS can provide current to the base of transistors higher.

But should not reduce the value of R3 as lower than 5 Kohms. Because will cause the CMOS provided too much current.

Here are a few related posts you may find helpful, too:

• How to make automatic daylight sensor switch Project
• Automatic Op-amp night light circuit using IC-741
• Automatic Night LED light switch circuit using solar

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