Summary of Candle Simulator using PIC12F675 microcontroller
This project simulates realistic candlelight using a PIC microcontroller to drive an LED via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). A Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) generates random oscillations, creating natural flickering effects. While LEDs are used for their efficiency, the circuit can support light bulbs or higher-power LEDs by adding a BS170 MOSFET transistor to handle increased current demands beyond the microcontroller's 25mA limit.
Parts used in the Candle Simulator:
- PIC12F629 microcontroller
- PIC12F675 microcontroller
- 5mm LED
- BS170 N-channel MOSFET
- Small incandescent light bulb (optional)
- Power source
Description
The aim of this project is to create a credible simulation of the light of a candle. Candle light is usually warm and waves slowly with random oscillations caused by the air flowing in the surrounding environment. Using a random number generator to modulate a light emiter like a LED or a light bulb it is possible to create a very credible effect.
Design
I tested both LEDs and small incandescent light bulbs and although LEDs require less current to produce the same amount of light, light bulbs tend to create a softer effect. In this circuit I’ll use LEDs but nothing stops you from using light bulbs.
The brightness of the LED is digitally controlled using Pulse Width Modulation [1], generated by the micro-controller. The amount of brightness and its oscillations are governed by a random number generator based on a Linear Feedback Shift Register [2].
PWM or Pulse-width modulation of a signal or power source involves the modulation of its duty cycle, to control the amount of power sent to a load. This is because the average power delivered is proportional to the modulation duty cycle. With a sufficiently high modulation rate, passive electronic filters can be used to smooth the pulse train and recover an average analog waveform [1].
A linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is a shift register whose input bit is a linear function of its previous state. Applications of LFSRs include generating pseudo-random numbers, pseudo-noise sequences, fast digital counters, and whitening sequences. Both hardware and software implementations of LFSRs are common [2].
Circuit Implementation
I’ll use both Microchip PICs 12F629 and 12F675 micro-controllers to develop the candle simulator. Each output pin of the micro-controler is limited to source or sink 25mA. This is enough to power a small 5mm LED but not a light bulb or even a more powerful 1W LED.
To power small light bulbs or more LEDs it is required to use a transistor like a bs170 n-channel mosfet, connected to the micro-controller. It will then provide the remaining power to the light bulbs or LEDs.
For more detail: Candle Simulator using PIC12F675 microcontroller
- How is the brightness of the LED controlled?
The brightness is digitally controlled using Pulse Width Modulation generated by the micro-controller. - What component creates the random oscillations?
A random number generator based on a Linear Feedback Shift Register governs the brightness and its oscillations. - Can light bulbs be used instead of LEDs?
Yes, although LEDs require less current, nothing stops you from using light bulbs. - Why is a transistor required in this circuit?
A transistor like the BS170 is needed to provide remaining power for light bulbs or more powerful LEDs that exceed the microcontroller's 25mA limit. - What limits the current output of the microcontroller pins?
Each output pin of the microcontroller is limited to source or sink 25mA. - Does PWM smooth the pulse train automatically?
No, with a sufficiently high modulation rate, passive electronic filters can be used to smooth the pulse train. - What determines the average power delivered to the load?
The average power delivered is proportional to the modulation duty cycle. - Which specific microcontrollers are recommended for this project?
The author uses both Microchip PICs 12F629 and 12F675 micro-controllers.
