C I R C U I T I D E A S
touch signal is connected to the counter/
decoder via a resistor and clock input CK
is connected to the counter/decoder via a
TOUCH DIMMER
frequency generator.
Line frequency signal is taken through
R4 at pin 2 of IC TT6061A. At zero cross-
K. KRISHNA MURTY
second touch, the bulb gives medium light. ing, the triac (BT136) triggers to drive a
At the third touch, the bulb is driven 200W bulb.
y simply touching this touch dim- fully. Another touch puts off the light.
mer you can increase the light in- Since the IC is highly sensitive, use a rectly from mains through resistors R1 and
tensity of incandescent lamps in long wire to connect the IC to the touch R3, diode D3, capacitor C4, and zener
The 6.8V power supply is taken di-
B
three steps. The touch dimmer is built sensor. The circuit uses minimum exter- diode and fed to power-input pin 3 of the
around 8-pin CMOS IC TT8486A/TT6061A nal components. For touch plate, you can IC. Capacitors C1, C2, and C3 connected
specifically manufactured for touch dim- use a simple copper plate of 1cm×1cm or between touch input pin 4 and touch plate
Pin Assignments of IC TT6061A
Pin No. Pin name Function description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CK
FI
VDD
TI
System clock input
50Hz line frequency
Power input pin for VDD
Touch input
Sensor control input
Not connected
CI
NC
VSS
AT
Power input pin for VSS
Angle-trigger output
remove the shock potential from the touch
plate, so do not replace these capacitors
with a single capacitor or with a capacitor
of a lower voltage rating. Mains potential
exists in the circuit. Needless to say, it is
dangerous to touch the circuit when mains
mer applications.
even the end of the lead wire. Touch plate is ‘on.’
Initially, when mains switch is ‘on,’ is coupled to the touch detector through
Note. The IC had been procured by
the bulb is ‘off’. Now, if you touch the 820pF, 2kV capacitors C1, C2, and C3 con- the author from SM Semiconductors,
touch plate, the bulb glows dimly. On nected in series. Internally IC TT6061A’s Santacruz (W), Mumbai.
DECEMBER 2003
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