Brake Light Signal Module

Generates 4 short flashes, followed by a steady on light
Can drive LED Arrays at currents up to 1 Amp

Circuits of this kind are intended to drive LED Arrays in order to create more visibility and conspicuity when a vehicle is stopped or stopping. This circuit, in particular, will emit a visual alerting signal of 4 short flashes, followed by a steady on light that remains steady on as long as the brakes are applied.

Circuit operation:

IC1 internal oscillator generates a square wave whose frequency is divided 64 times by the flip-flops contained in the chip in order to obtain about 1 to 4Hz at pin #4: this is the LED Array flashing frequency and can be set to the desired value by means of R3. A positive signal at D1 Cathode stops the oscillator after 5 pulses are counted. C2 and R1 automatically reset the IC whenever the brakes are applied. Q1 is the LED Array driver: LEDs will be on when pin #4 of IC1 goes low.

Parts:

R1_____________10K 1/4W Resistor
R2____________220K 1/4W Resistor
R3____________500K 1/2W Trimmer, Cermet or Carbon
R4______________1K8 1/4W Resistor (See Note)
R5______________1K8 1/4W Resistor
C1_____________47µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C2______________1µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C3_____________10nF 63V Polyester Capacitor
D1___________1N4148 75V 150mA Diode
IC1____________4060 14 stage ripple counter and oscillator IC
Q1____________BC327 45V 800mA PNP Transistor (See Note)
SW1____________SPST Brake Switch
B1______________12V Vehicle Battery

Note:

• The transistor type suggested for Q1 will drive LED Arrays at currents up to 500mA. To drive Arrays requiring higher currents (up to 1A and even more) use a BD436 (32V 4A PNP Transistor) for Q1 and a 1K resistor for R4.