Summary of Aurora mini 18
The author created the Aurora mini 18, a compact full-color LED project designed for costumes. This device features 18 RGB LEDs arranged in the smallest possible circle, controlled by a PIC24FV16KA302 microcontroller. Unlike previous versions, this model operates at 3V using two AA/AAA batteries or one Lithium battery, eliminating the need for a voltage regulator and simplifying the circuit design while maintaining the same operating principle as the larger Aurora 9x18.
Parts used in the Aurora mini 18:
- 18 full-color/RGB LEDs
- PIC24FV16KA302 microcontroller
- Two AA or AAA batteries (3V operation)
- One Lithium battery option
My obsession of this year is full-color LED. I have made Aurora 9×18 as a result. As much as I love the scale of Aurora 9×18, I also wanted to have something smaller, perhaps something that can go on a costume.
Here’s Aurora mini 18. It has 18 full-color/RGB LEDs on a smallest possible circle. With a single PIC microcontroller, changing 18 RGB LEDs smoothly is reaching the technical limit. With the new PIC with wider supply voltage, the circuit is simplified compared to Aurora 9 bar, and use of two AA or AAA batteries (3V operation) or one Lithium battery is now possible.
Like Aurora 9 bar, Aurora mini 18 borrows its circuit from Aurora 9×18. Operating principle is exactly the same. Just extended the hardware and software to control more LEDs.
One of the new 24F line of PIC microcontrollers is PIC24FV16KA302. Unlike the similar PIC24F series controllers which are 3.3V limited, this controller can operate fully up to 5V. This eliminated the need for the 3.3V voltage regulator, and simplified the LED driving circuits. The resulted circuit with fewer parts count made this Aurora to be very compact.
For more detail: Aurora mini 18
- What is the primary purpose of the Aurora mini 18?
It is designed to be a smaller version suitable for use on a costume. - How many LEDs does the Aurora mini 18 contain?
The project uses 18 full-color or RGB LEDs arranged in the smallest possible circle. - Can the Aurora mini 18 operate with different battery types?
Yes, it can run on two AA or AAA batteries providing 3V, or a single Lithium battery. - Why was the PIC24FV16KA302 selected for this project?
This controller can operate fully up to 5V, unlike other 3.3V limited models in the series. - Does the Aurora mini 18 require a voltage regulator?
No, the ability of the microcontroller to handle higher voltages eliminated the need for a 3.3V regulator. - How does the circuit complexity compare to the Aurora 9 bar?
The circuit is simplified compared to the Aurora 9 bar due to fewer parts and no voltage regulator. - What is the operating principle of the Aurora mini 18?
It borrows its circuit from the Aurora 9x18, extending hardware and software to control more LEDs.
