Traffic Light Project

This project operates red, amber and green LEDs in the LEDs = LED on
4017 counter
correct sequence for a single UK traffic light. The time outputs high red amber green
taken for the complete red - red & amber - green - amber
Q0 and ÷10
sequence can be varied from about 7s to about 2½
Q1 and ÷10
minutes by adjusting the 1M preset. Some amber LEDs
Q2 and ÷10
emit light that is almost red so you may prefer to use a
yellow LED. The 555 astable circuit provides clock Q3 and ÷10
pulses for the 4017 counter which has ten outputs (Q0 to Q4 and ÷10
Q9). Each output becomes high in turn as the clock Q5
pulses are received. Appropriate outputs are combined Q6
with diodes to supply the amber and green LEDs. The Q7
red LED is connected to the ÷10 output which is high for Q8
the first 5 counts (Q0-Q4 high), this saves using 5 diodes Q9
for red and simplifies the circuit.

Parts Required
• resistors: 470 × 3, 22k, 100k • 555 timer IC, such as NE555
• capacitors: 0.1µF, 1µF 16V radial, 10µF 16V radial • 4017 counter IC
• diodes: 1N4148 × 6 • DIL sockets: 8-pin, 16-pin
• LEDs: red, amber (or yellow), green • on/off switch
• 1M preset, horizontal • battery clip for 9V PP3
• stripboard: 20 rows × 21 holes

Stripboard Layout and LED connections

1M preset controls red
timing (note track
100k

0.1µF

cut underneath)
555

10µF
LED wiring red red
amber red
green
470

red 1µF
red
470

4017

black
470

amber red
22k

green
black
0V = cut track

Circuit 1µF +
100k
diagram 7
8 4 16
4017 1-of-10 counter reset
3 14 15
555 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q4 Q9 ÷10
1M 6 timer 8 13 1 10 11 12
5 6 9
2 1
0.1µF
9V
22k
+ 470 470 470
10µF
green amber red

© John Hewes 2007, The Electronics Club,

THE www.kpsec.freeuk.com
ELECTRONICS A kit for this project is available from
CLUB
RSH Electronics