This Design Idea gives two versions of an indicator light that changes from green to red as a battery discharges. There are many circuits that do this sort of thing, but all the ones I have seen are too complex and costly for my taste. This DI shows a method that uses an absolute minimum of low cost parts: a dual-color LED and four other parts.
Figure 1 shows the simplest version. With 9V on B+ only the green LED is lit because the voltage at the base of Q1 is 1.58V and the voltage at the emitter is the diode voltage VD (1.8V typ.), keeping Q1 off. As the battery voltage drops, the voltage across D2 stays nearly constant, but the voltage at the base drops to the point where Q1 starts conducting. This starts shunting current into D1, the red LED, which receives an increasing portion until all the current goes to the red LED.
This transition is centered around a voltage that is VD minus VBE; about 1.2V (most of the change in VD with temperature is also subtracted out). Taken together, a change on B+ from 7.1V to 5.8V will cause a change from green to red.
Different LED combinations will have different voltage differences, which may not be large enough to effect a complete color transition, but you can still use this design by putting a diode in series with D2.
Figure 2 replaces R1 with a Zener diode, creating a circuit with a much narrower transition. There is no longer a divider effect; a change of 0.25V on B+ will change color. The transition point will be 1.2V + VZ (about 7.2V for the parts shown).
A disadvantage is that you are limited to standard Zener voltages. This is further complicated by the fact that low voltage Zeners can have very soft knees, making it hard to predict what VZ will be at the low current in this circuit. A variation to avoid this problem would use a resistor in series with the Zener to allow some adjustment of the voltage at the expense of a somewhat greater transition voltage.
For more detail: Voltage indicator transitions between colours
About The Author
Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.
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