F to V Converter

F to V Converter Circuit using LM555 Timer

Description.

Here is a very simple circuit diagram of a frequency to voltage (F to V) converter. Such a circuit finds numerous applications in projects like digital frequency meters, tachometers etc. The circuit is mainly based on a LM555 timer IC. The IC is wired in mono shot mode to convert the input frequency into a fixed pulse width, variable frequency PWM signal. Resistors R4 and capacitor C2 provides the necessary timing for the circuit. The transistor T1 forms a discharge path parallel to C2 which is necessary for re triggering the IC. Capacitor C1 acts as an input DC decoupler.

Circuit diagram.

 

frequency to voltage converter circuit

 

Notes.

  • The circuit can be assembled on a Vero board.
  • Use 12V DC for powering the circuit.
  • LM555 must be mounted on a holder.
  • The output of the circuit is not a pure DC but a PWM waveform. Additional circuitry is required to convert this PWM waveform to pure DC.

 

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16 Responses to “F to V Converter”

  • IAN says:

    Is it possible that you can tell me which are the timing C/R’s that establish the fixed pulse width timing and which are the ones that establish the overall time period? I am looking for a pulse width of about 1ms that can be pulsed over a period up to 1 second. Thank you in advance.

    • JimT says:

      R5 and C4 determine the pulse width (multiply these to values together in farads and ohms and you will get the time constant in seconds i.e. 0.022/1000000 x 47 x 1000 = 0.001034 sec, about a milisecond) and the overall time period is determined by the input signal at IC1 pins 6 and 2.

  • sai says:

    i want explanation & operation for this circuit

  • mahsa says:

    hello, i want to ask u how dose the out put look like? after conecting the circuit we couldent find pure wave for out put!

  • hanan says:

    what is the output for this circuit that should appear in the oscilloscope device ??

  • seetharaman says:

    This circuit is to decode contents of a modulated FM signal. This requires energy to do the job. hence it can not be used for your application. Instead use the telephone line voltage to charge the battery.

  • Ganesh says:

    HI, i am refering this circuit for my project( charging battery using FM radio )
    can I give FM frequency range to this circuits. .?
    pls help me this is my first project. . .

  • shailendra says:

    hellow,
    May I know the formula of conversion and its range. (F to V)
    thanks

  • seetharaman says:

    Hi Vinod you can use LM331 for this application which is most suited
    http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM231.pdf

  • vinod says:

    i want the f to v converter in the range 20khz to 40 khz can i get this with some change in component value

  • 1.what is the magnitude of input signal
    2.can i convert 50Hertz frequency of AC supply into voltage
    if yes at what voltage it works

  • Jim says:

    Oh, one more:

    - how can I get the inverted output?

    Thanks again.

  • Jim says:

    This circuit looks like it could work for my project: speed-sensitive dimming for my LED bicycle lights. I’m using a BuckPuck 3023 LED driver, which can accept a 0-5v inverse control voltage (0v=max, 5v=off). A few questions:

    - can I power the 555 with 5v? (the ref. voltage supplied by the BuckPuck)

    - I think I want about 3.5v at 0 hz, and 0v at 150hz….what R and/or C values would need to be adjusted to get that?

    - can I use a magnetic reed switch to sense wheel rotation?

    Sorry if these are dumb questions….I don’t know much about electronics. Thanks.

  • IFTIKHAR says:

    this ckt is titled as voltage to frequency one. but at the start of ckt description it is written HERE IS A VERY SIMPLE CIRCUIT OF FREQ TO VOLTAGE [ F TO V ] CONVERTER.PL SEND ITS CORRECTION