The LM3909 is a monolithic oscillator specifically designed
to flash Light Emitting Diodes. By using the timing capacitor
for voltage boost, it delivers pulses of 2 or more volts to the
LED while operating on a supply of 1.5V or less. The circuit
is inherently self-starting, and requires addition of only a battery and capacitor to function as an LED flasher.
Packaged in an 8-lead plastic mini-DIP, the LM3909 will operate over the extended consumer temperature range of
b
25§Ctoa70§C. It has been optimized for low power drain
and operation from weak batteries so that continuous operation life exceeds that expected from battery rating.
Application is made simple by inclusion of internal timing
resistors and an internal LED current limit resistor. As
shown in the first two application circuits, the timing resistors supplied are optimized for nominal flashing rates and
minimum power drain at 1.5V and 3V.
Timing capacitors will generally be of the electrolytic type,
and a small 3V rated part will be suitable for any LED flasher
using a supply up to 6V. However, when picking flash rates,
it should be remembered that some electrolytics have very
broad capacitance tolerances, for example
a
100%.
b
20% to
Schematic Diagram
Typical 1.5V Flasher
Features
Y
Operation over one year from one C size flashlight cell
Y
Bright, high current LED pulse
Y
Minimum external parts
Y
Low cost
Y
Low voltage operation, from just over 1V to 5V
Y
Low current drain, averages under 0.5 mA during
battery life
Y
Powerful; as an oscillator directly drives an 8X speaker
Y
Wide temperature range
Applications
Y
Finding flashlights in the dark, or locating boat mooring
floats
Y
Sales and advertising gimmicks
Y
Emergency locators, for instance on fire extinguishers
Y
Toys and novelties
Y
Electronic applications such as trigger and sawtooth
generators
Y
Siren for toy fire engine, (combined oscillator, speaker
driver)
Y
Warning indicators powered by 1.4V to 200V
Connection Diagram
Dual-In-Line Package
Top View
TL/H/7969– 2
Order Number LM3909N
See NS Package Number N08E
TL/H/7969– 1
C
1995 National Semiconductor CorporationRRD-B30M115/Printed in U. S. A.
TL/H/7969
Page 2
Absolute Maximum Ratings
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales
Office/Distributors for availability and specifications.
Power Dissipation500 mW
a
V
Voltage6.4V
Operating Temperature Range
Lead Temperature (Soldering, 10 sec.)260§C
b
25§Ctoa70§C
Electrical Characteristics
Parameter
Supply Voltage(In Oscillation)1.156.0V
Operating Current0.550.75mA
Flash Frequency300 mF, 5% Capacitor0.651.01.3Hz
High Flash Frequency0.30 mF, 5% Capacitor1.1kHz
Compatible LED Forward Drop1 mA Forward Current1.352.1V
Peak LED Current350 mF Capacitor45mA
Pulse Width350 mF Capacitors at (/2 Amplitude6.0ms
Conditions
(Applications Note 3)
MinTypMaxUnits
Typical Applications (See applications notes on following page)
Triac Trigger
Provides 40 mA. 10 ms pulses at about 8 kHz.
Triac gate may be pulse transformer isolated if
desired.
Note: Estimates are made from our tests and manufacturers
data. Conditions are fresh batteries and room temperature. Clad
or ‘‘leak-proof’’ batteries are recommended for any application
of five months or more. Nickel Cadmium cells are not recommended.
APPLICATIONS NOTES
Note 1: All capacitors shown are electrolytic unless marked otherwise.
Note 2: Flash rates and frequencies assume a
Note 3: Unless noted, measurements above are made with a 1.4V supply, a 25
forward current.
Note 4: Occasionally a flasher circuit will fail to oscillate due to an LED defect that may be missed because it only reduces light output 10% or so. Such LEDs can
be identified by a large increase in conduction between 0.9V and 1.2V.
g
5% capacitor tolerance. Electrolytics may varyb20% toa100% of their stated value.
C ambient temperature, and an LED with a forward drop of 1.5V to 1.7V at 1 mA
§
3
Page 4
Typical Applications (Continued) (See applications notes on previous page)
3V Flasher
Minimum Power at 1.5V
Note: Nominal flash rate: 1 Hz. Average I
Fast Blinker
Note: Nominal flash rate: 2.6 Hz. Average I
DRAIN
DRAIN
e
0.77 mA.
e
1.2 mA.
TL/H/7969– 7
TL/H/7969– 9
Note: Nominal flash rate: 1.1 Hz. Average I
Note: Winking LED inside, locates light in total darkness.
DRAIN
e
0.32 mA.
TL/H/7969– 8
TL/H/7969– 11
4
Page 5
Typical Applications (Continued) (See applications notes above)
Flashlight Finder
Note: LM3909, capacitor, and LED are installed in a white translucent cap on the flashlight’s back end. Only one
contact strip (in addition to the case connection) is needed for flasher power. Drawing current through the bulb
simplifies wiring and causes negligible loss since bulb resistance cold is typically less than 2X.
4 Parallel LEDs
High Efficiency Parallel Circuit
TL/H/7969– 10
Note: Nominal flash rate: 1.3 Hz. Average I
DRAIN
TL/H/7969– 12
e
2 mA.
Note: Nominal flash rate: 1.5 Hz. Average I
DRAIN
e
TL/H/7969– 13
1.5 mA.
5
Page 6
Typical Applications (Continued) (See applications notes above)
1 kHz Square Wave
TL/H/7969– 14
‘‘Buzz Box’’ Continuity and Coil Checker
Note: Differences between shorts, coils, and a few ohms of resistance can be
heard.
TL/H/7969– 16
Note: Output voltage through a 10k load to ground.
TL/H/7969– 15
Variable Flasher
TL/H/7969– 17
Note: Flash rate: 0 Hz– 20 Hz.
6
Page 7
Typical Applications (Continued) (See applications notes above)
LED Booster
Incandescent Bulb Flasher
Note: High efficiency, 4 mA drain. Continuous appearing light obtained by supplying
short, high current, pulses (2 kHz) to LEDs with higher than battery voltage available.
TL/H/7969– 18
Emergency Lantern/Flasher
Note: Nominal flash rate: 1.5 Hz.
Note: Flash rate: 1.5 Hz.
TL/H/7969– 19
TL/H/7969– 20
7
Page 8
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters)
LM3909 LED Flasher/Oscillator
Molded Dual-In-Line Package (N)
Order Number LM3909N
NS Package Number N08E
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with instructions for use provided in the labeling, caneffectiveness.
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