12V to 24V, Voltage Doubler using 555 Timer IC

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12V to 24V, Voltage Doubler:

12V to 24V, Voltage Doubler using 555 Timer IC- I still remember, when I was doing engineering and I was in the first semester, I started using the 555 Timer IC. I practiced a lot with the 555 Timer, so I have a good understanding of it. I have already written some articles on the 555 Timer for beginners; these articles will help you a lot.

I am going to highly recommend that you at least read the first article “555 Timer IC Working…”. Anyway, today we are going to make a Voltage Double using a 555 timer IC. The Voltage Doubler we are making today can not only convert 12V to 24V, but you can also double any input voltage with it. We will discuss this in detail later in the article.

So, without any further delay let’s get started!!!

Amazon Links:

555 Timer IC

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12V to 24V Voltage Doubler Circuit:

To help you understand better, I have made a simulation of this Voltage Doubler; you can find the download link below.

Download Voltage Doubler Proteus Simulation

Here is an explanation of the 12V to 24V Voltage Doubler circuit and its purpose:

Components:

Note: all the capacitors should be at least 35 to 50V.

R1 (15K) and R2 (27K):

These resistors used to set the timing intervals for the NE555 timer IC.

C1 (0.01 µF) and C2 (0.01 µF):

These capacitors used to stabilize the timer and filter noise.

C3 (330 µF):

This capacitor used for the voltage doubling process.

C4 (330 µF) and C5 (470 µF):

These output capacitors used for smoothing the doubled voltage.

D1 (1N4001) and D2 (1N4001):

These two diodes used for the voltage doubling process.

IC1 (NE555):

The 555 timer IC is configured to generate a square wave signal.

Vin (+12V):

Input voltage. You can use any voltage between +5V and +15V.

Vout (+24V):

Output voltage.

GND:

Ground.

Voltage Doubler Operation:

NE555 Timer IC Configuration:

The 555 timer IC is set up in astable mode, producing a continuous square wave signal.

Charging and Discharging Capacitors:

During the positive half cycle of the square wave; the diode D1 charges the capacitor C3.

During the negative half cycle; the voltage across C3 is added to the input voltage (Vin) due to the configuration of D2, which allows the combined voltage to charge capacitors C4 and C5.

Voltage Doubling:

The combination of C3, D1, and D2 effectively doubles the input voltage. When the 555 timer IC outputs a low signal, D1 prevents the discharge of C3, while D2 conducts, adding the voltage across C3 to the input voltage and charging C4 and C5 to approximately twice the input voltage.

Smoothing the Output:

Capacitors C4 and C5 smooth the output voltage to provide a stable 24V output.

Purpose of this Voltage Doubler:

The purpose of this circuit is to convert a 12V DC input into a 24V DC output using a voltage doubler configuration. The 555 timer IC generates the necessary oscillation to drive the voltage doubling process, while the capacitors and diodes perform the actual voltage doubling and smoothing. This type of circuit is useful in applications where a higher voltage is needed from a lower voltage source.

Can I use this Voltage Doubler with other voltages?

Yes, you can use this voltage doubler circuit for other input voltages, but you will have to take care of a few things:

Component Ratings:

You need to make sure that all the components, especially the capacitors and diodes, are rated for the input and output voltages. For example, if you are doubling a 5V input to get 10V, ensure the capacitors and diodes can handle at least 10V. To be on the safe side, select higher values, instead of using 10V rated capacitor, you can use a capacitor with 25 volts rated voltage.

Input Voltage Range:

The 555 timer IC typically operates within a range of 4.5V to 15V (sometimes up to 18V depending on the version of the 555 timer IC). Make sure your input voltage is within this range for the 555 timer to function correctly.

Output Voltage:

The output voltage will be approximately twice the input voltage. If your input voltage is 5V, the output will be around 10V; if the input is 9V, the output will be around 18V, and so on.

Current Capability:

The output current capability of any voltage doubler will be less than the input current due to inefficiencies and the nature of voltage doubling. You need to make sure the circuit can supply enough current for your needs.

Component Selection:

Diodes:

Choose diodes with a voltage rating higher than the expected output voltage and a current rating that meets your load requirements.

Capacitors:

Ensure capacitors have a voltage rating higher than the expected output voltage.

By adjusting the component values and ensuring they can handle the desired voltages, you can use this voltage doubler circuit for different input voltages.

Using the same circuit I also tried doubling the 5 volts and it successfully did it; as you can see in the image below.