6V to 12V dc-dc boost converter using 555 timer IC

dc-dc converter schematic

This 6V to 12V dc-dc boost converter can drive a load in 12V about 1.5A current.The 555 timer
IC is operated in astable mode, generates about 545Hz frequency of about 58% duty cycle .
Part List:
R1 - 2 kilo ohms 1/4W
R2 - 5 kilo ohms 1/4W
R3 - 2.7 kilo ohms 1/4W
R4 - 22 ohms 1/4W
C1 - 220nF
C2 - 100nF
C3 - 1000uF ( higher the better) electrolytic capacitor rated 16V
L1 - 40 to 60 turns #20AWG in ferrite antenna bar
D1 - 4A rated diode or higher
DZ - 1N5242B or 12V zener diode (1W)
Q1 - TIP41C or two parallel 2N2222, or NPN transistor (min 3W power)
Q2 - 2N3055 or similar NPN power transistor
Q3 - TIP41C or 2N3055
555 timer IC
Part list Diagrams: click figures to enlarge

555 IC pins

TIP41C pinout

2N2222 pinout

2N3055 pinout

windings in antenna ferrite rod

Enjoy building this converter and feel free to replace any parts. You can add also series resistor
and LED across the output of the circuit for indicator.
Read more at http://www.simple-electronics.com/2009/09/555-timer-project-6-12v-dc-dcboost.html#06qYr0FE8SV8zKll.99

Do-it-yourself

ECG
Patient
Simulator
A low-cost solution
created by Frank Weithner
One of the most important test equipment in the biomedical workshop is the ECG Tester or
Patient Simulator. The Patient Simulator is connected to the ECG monitor and delivers the
typical ECG signal. Only with such a tester an ECG monitor can be repaired, the functions and
alarm settings checked and loose connections of the patient cables be located. A Patient
Simulators usually costs several hundred dollars and is unaffordable for small hospital workshop
specially in developing countries.
But the realization of an electronic circuit which creates an ECG signal must not be too difficult
and expensive. Here I want to introduce you my solution. Only a handful cheap electronic
devices are used. No special or exotic IC is needed. All parts should be available in the nearest
electronic shop or can be found on old electronic boards from your workshop store.
This circuit consist of a handful electronic devices which delivers a quartz crystal stable ECG
signal for 60 and 120 heart beats. Only common electronic parts are needed and the building
costs are below 20 $.

Function:
The above shown ECG signal is complex and will be created by different single signals. The
P,Q,R,S,T signals are formed in different steps and then are put together in the right sequence. A

shift register does the sequence job, RC combinations the frequency and amplitude of the single
waves.
IC1 contains an oscillator and a shift register. At the output of pin10 a signal with 16 Hz triggers
IC2. IC2 is a counter with 10 outputs. When output 0 of IC2 is active (pin3) the R-C combination
R8, C5 creates the P-wave. When the counter jumps to output 3 (pin7) the R-wave is created by
R4, C4. The negative part is reduced by the two diodes and simulate the following S-wave.
When output 5 is active (pin1) the T-wave is created by R7 and C5. The outputs which are not
connected create the needed pauses between the signals. All signals are put together through R3
and R6 which level the respective amplitudes.

When one sequence is finished the shift register stops. Output 9 (pin11) is connected with ENinput (pin13). Only when a reset pulse reaches the counter (pin15) the counter starts again. This
reset is also created by IC1. Because in addition to the 16 Hz trigger signal the IC also provides a
1 Hz and a 0.5 Hz signal at pin14 and pin13 which correlate a heart beat rate of 60 and 120
(switch 2). Therefore the square signal has to be transformed in a positive needle pulse. This is
the duty of the combination C6, R11, D4, R10. Because this pulse comes earlier or later (0.5 Hz
or 1 Hz) only the lengths of the U period is shorter or longer. The PQRST wave form is not
effected.
A small LED D3 with resistor R5 connected to output 3 (pin7, IC2), flashes during the
R- period.
The final resistor combination R12-R15 converts the bipolar signal from the electronic board
into the needed three pole output signal.
Note: The circuit is designed for common electronic devices. All parts can be found on old
electronic boards or at the nearest electronic shop. But if you have problems to find the clockcrystal of 4.1943 MHz you can take a 4.43 MHz PAL-crystal from a TV. Your output signal is as
good as with the clock-crystal but the heart rate will change to 63 and 127 beats per minute.

(large image)
Part list:
R1 = 4K7
R2, R8 = 1M
R3, R4, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13 = 100K
R5 = 1K
R6, R7 = 470K
R14, R15 = 220
C1 = 22 p
C2 = 82 p
C3, C4, C5, C6 = 220n
IC1 = 4521
IC2 = 4017
D1, D2, D4 = 1N4148
cristal = 4.1943 Mhz
D3 = LED 3 mm
2 x IC sockets 16 pin

Here the first design:

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Here the second version:

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