Beating Heart

A simple PCB to blink the LEDs similar to heart beat rhythm. A good project for students to learn about simple applications of 555 ICs.

Uses two cascaded 555 ICs wired in Astable Mode and Monostable mode.

Circuit explained:

View the Simulation on TinkerCAD

1) 555 in Astable mode

This constantly keeps switching and generates a square wave signal at the output.

• Time period: ~1.35s
• High Time: ~1.2s
• Low Time: ~0.15s

2) 555 in Monostable mode

This generates a single square at each falling edge of its TRIG pin. This is a high impedance input pin connected to the output of the astable IC.

• High Time: ~1.1s

The combined output (signal between OUT1 and OUT2) looks like a cardiac pulse when its RC smoothed.

There are two sets of leds. The LED anodes (+) are connected to the Battery positive, the cathodes (-) to the 555 outputs. So the high time of the 555 output corresponds to the OFF state of the LEDs.

PCB Design:

The heart shape outline was imported from an SVG file. This is a basic 2 layer board, designed to be aesthetic and eye-catching.

The top side has the blinking circuit, the bottom side has footprints for a slide switch and a 1632 battery holder.

Notes:

• This design is optimized for jlcpcb smt service. Uses only basic components.
• The 555 used here is rated for minimum 4.5V supply voltage. Here it works at 3.3V - 4.2V; this type of off-spec usage is not recommended for production designs.