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Need to create a 5V clock signal

Sneak33

Jul 16, 2011
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Hello, I'm needing to make a 5V clock signal every second or so. I can't seem to find a clock IC that outputs a 5V signal. Should I use a uC or is there an IC that I can use?
 

poor mystic

Apr 8, 2011
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Another good method is to count pulses of AC from the mains. This method has the advantage of great long-term stability, since mains frequency is very closely controlled. Usually a 'count to 50 (or 60) and then reset counter to zero' technique is used.
 

Sneak33

Jul 16, 2011
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Thanks for the responses, I'm going to try the 7555 timer for low power consumption. Also. I can't use the AC mains because this circuit will be off the grid.
 

(*steve*)

¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd
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Jan 21, 2010
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7555 is also a good choice as its output swings closer to the supply rails (which is important if you have a 5V supply and want a 5V logic signal).

Note that it can't drive anywhere near as much current into a load as a 555 can. This doesn't sound like it will be an issue as I assume you're driving logic. (Hmmm, maybe not a good assumption...)
 

KMoffett

Jan 21, 2009
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Hack a 1.5V battery desk or wall clock. Diode-OR the coil outputs and drive an NPN transistor to boost the signal to 5V. Small size, low power consumption, and very accurate.

Ken
 

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poor mystic

Apr 8, 2011
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Wow. That's practical! Can I suggest a little transformer instead of the transistor? I don't mean to say it's a better idea, but depending on circumstances...
 
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Sneak33

Jul 16, 2011
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Yes I have a 5V supply and I'm driving logic so I need a 5V logic signal. Also I want the duty cycle to be 50%. How would I change the duty cycle in KMoffett's design?
 

(*steve*)

¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd
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To get a 50% duty cycle you could extend the pulses using a monostable. This would not be extremely accurate, but may be close enough.

It all depends on why you need the 1Hz signal and what you're doing with it.
 

duke37

Jan 9, 2011
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The cmos 4047 can give an approximate 1 pulse/sec with an accurate 50% duty cycle. It does this by running at double frequency and dividing by two. It all depends on what you want.
 
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