7 Segment Counter using IC 555 and IC 4026

7 Segment Display Counter using IC 555 Timer IC

Digital counters are needed everywhere in this digital world, and 7 segment
display is one the best component to display the numbers. Counters are needed
in object/products counters, digital stopwatches, calculators, timers etc. To use
the 7 segment with ease, there is a 7 segment driver IC which is IC CD4026, so
we are building 7 segment counter circuit using 4026 IC.
IC CD4026
4026 IC  is a 4000 series IC. It is a CMOS seven-segment counter IC and can be
operated at very low power. It is a decade counter, counts in decimal digits (0-9).
It is used to display numbers on seven segment displays and it increment the
number by one, when a clock pulse is applied to its PIN 1. Means more the clock
pulse rate, faster the numbers change in 7 segment Display. Below is the pin
diagram and pin description of 4026 IC:
Pin
Name Description
number
Clock in, Increment the counter with each Positive clock pulse (LOW to
1 CLK
HIGH).
Clock inhibit - when low, clock pulses increment the seven-segment.
2 CI
Freezes the counter when HIGH, active HIGH.
Display enable- chip will be ON when this pin is HIGH, and OFF if it is
3 DE
LOW.
4 DEO Display enable out - for chaining 4026s
 The CARRY-OUT (Cout) signal completes one cycle every ten CLOCK
5 CO INPUT cycles and is used to clock the succeeding decade directly in a
multi-decade counting chain
6 F Connected to ‘f’ of the 7 segment.
7 G Connected to ‘g’ of the 7 segment.
8 VSS Ground PIN
9 D Connected to ‘d’ of the 7 segment.
10 A Connected to ‘a’ of the 7 segment.
11 E Connected to ‘e’ of the 7 segment.
12 B Connected to ‘b’ of the 7 segment.
13 C Connected to ‘c’ of the 7 segment.
14 UCS Ungated C-segment - an output for the seven-segment's C input which is
 not affected by the DE input. This output is high unless the count is 2, when
it goes low.
15 RST Reset PIN, active HIGH. Reset the counter to 0 when HIGH.
16 VDD Power supply PIN

Above table explains the function of each pin of IC CD4016 clearly.

Seven Segment Display
It consists 8 LEDs, each LED used to illuminate one segment/line of the unit and
the 8thLED used to illuminate DOT in 7 segment display. We can refer each
line/segment "a,b,c,d,e,f,g" and for dot character we will use "h". There are 10
pins, in which 8 pins are used to refer a,b,c,d,e,f,g and h/dp, the two middle pins
are common anode/cathode of all he LEDs.
IC 4026 is used to drive common cathode 7 segment display. In common cathode
7 segment display cathodes of all the LEDs are connected together, and all the
positive terminals are left alone

Components
 555 timer IC
 4026 IC
 Common cathode 7 segment display
  Two- push ON, push OFF button.
 Resistors – 10k (3), 100k
 Capacitor 1uF, 22uF
7 Segment Counter Circuit Diagram & Working
Explanation

Circuit is quite easy and self-explanatory, we have interfaced the 7 segment to

the 4026 IC, PIN 4,5,14 are left open as we haven’t used them, PIN 15 used to
Reset the counter with the help of a PUSH button Switch. PIN 2 is kept LOW to
avoiding the freezing and PIN 13 is kept HIGH to enable the IC.
Now, the another main component of this circuit, other than IC4026, is 555 timer
IC. 555 timer is used here to provide the clock pulse on each Button Press,
whenever we press the button the counter advance by one. 555 Timer IC is used
here in Monostable mode, to know more, go through this article 555 Timer
Monostable Multivibrator Circuit.
We have also used a RC circuit (22uf capacitor and 100k resistor) at CLOCK PIN
1 of 4026, so that it only counts one clock pulse on each time button is pressed.
Otherwise circuit may behave unexpectedly OR it can count two or more pulses
because of noise or bouncing effect of Push button.

Video
IC 4026
 
555 Timer IC
 
7 Segment Display
Comments
Submitted by Red Viaje on Tue, 11/03/2015 - 08:17
Permalink
Hi! I built this circuit but
Hi! I built this circuit but when I press the count button, it just goes to 1 and never
goes beyond that after pressing it again. And when I press the reset button, it
resets to 0 but if I press the count button again it doesn't work anymore. What do
you think is the problem? :( Thanks.
Submitted by Luqman on Wed, 08/03/2016 - 18:02
In reply to Hi! I built this circuit but by Red Viaje
Permalink
Same when i press push button
Same when i press push button show in segment 0
Submitted by Harshad Dhane on Thu, 11/12/2015 - 11:32
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not working
My counter is showing 0 only I pressed the buttons nothing happened
Submitted by Jayant on Sat, 11/14/2015 - 14:10
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The circuit is working
The circuit is working perfectly, please double check your circuit connections
specially connections to the seven segment display and only use COMMON
CATHODE type seven segment. Take the help of bread board circuit Image.
Submitted by Carl on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 19:33
In reply to The circuit is working by Jayant
Permalink
Common Anode Segment Displays
Actually you can use a COMMON ANODE 7-Segment Display but you need to
reverse the polarity of the battery and the capacitors or the polarized things in the
circuit. I've tried it myself and the circuit works perfectly. Hope it helps..:)
Submitted by Jed on Sat, 03/10/2018 - 03:38
In reply to Common Anode Segment Displays by Carl
Permalink
I bought an Anode by mistake
I bought an Anode by mistake (newbie), and i was thinking of reversing, just had
to check the comments to see if its possible, and here i found and I want to ask if
by reversing, only the ones with polarity right? battery, capacitors but the circuit
map/diagram remains the same?
Submitted by johnson on Sat, 07/21/2018 - 19:32
In reply to Common Anode Segment Displays by Carl
Permalink
help
please can u draw a circuit on how to reverse it when using common anode
display?
Submitted by ARUN KUMAR K P on Sat, 11/14/2015 - 14:41
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seven gegment working
thank u circuit is working ...
Submitted by akshay on Thu, 11/19/2015 - 15:59
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thank you!
thank you!
the circuit is working perfectly.
Submitted by ibtisam on Sun, 11/29/2015 - 17:04
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Pls help circuit not working
Pls help circuit not working
Submitted by Deepak kewt on Fri, 12/11/2015 - 14:06
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This circuit not work
This circuit not work properly counting process is generator randomly
Submitted by usama on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 09:06
In reply to This circuit not work by Deepak kewt
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answer
this is good but you must apply ground terminal
Submitted by Abhishek on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 17:36
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Ground sign is not needed as
Ground sign is not needed as we are using battery symbol, and Ground is
considered as the negative terminal of Battery.
Submitted by steven on Sat, 12/19/2015 - 11:15
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hello
I just made the circuit the 7 segment display turns on but on my design i made
just made two holes for the switchs and idk how to play the 4 legged switchss on
the board pls help me thank u
Submitted by steven on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 04:22
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Reset button works but the
Reset button works but the press button to go up to 9 does not help pls
Submitted by Maddy on Fri, 01/01/2016 - 18:06
In reply to Reset button works but the by steven
Permalink
Recheck the circuit
Recheck the circuit connections, specially from 7 segment to IC 4026
Submitted by HTM on Sat, 03/12/2016 - 21:42
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I tried so many times but
I tried so many times but
1. IC CD4026 becomes hot every time
2. when i press the button no change occur in the display
I checked the connection but everything is ok. what is the problem? plz help me.
* i used 9 V DC Adapter
Submitted by Abhishek on Mon, 03/28/2016 - 17:53
In reply to I tried so many times but by HTM
Permalink
What is the current rating of
What is the current rating of your adapter, it should below 500mA. Use the
simple 9v battery, shown in figure.
Submitted by gea on Thu, 05/05/2016 - 14:21
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what should be the schematic
what should be the schematic diagram if i will do the countdown and i will not use
buttons? hoping for your reply. thank you.
Submitted by Abhishek on Sat, 08/13/2016 - 18:25
In reply to what should be the schematic by gea
Permalink
You need to connect the 555
You need to connect the 555 in astable mode to automatically provide pulse to
4026 IC, then you dont need button to increment the counter, it will be
incremented automatically.
Submitted by andy mackay on Thu, 07/14/2016 - 00:52
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random numbers.
Hi guys, I have been experimenting with this ic 4026 for a couple of days, and
when I finally got it working, the numbers were just spinning around very quickly
and just displaying random numbers, I was just using a debounce circuit, and not
the 555 as you have here. But what I found was that as soon as a jumper was
connected to the same track as pin 1 (the clock pin) the 7 segment display would
take of running thru the numbers very quick, even if I just touched the pin 1 with
the metal prong of the jumper this was enough to set it going, which I assumed
was something to do with capacitance from the bread board, to stop it I used a
large value resistor.
Submitted by aasas on Mon, 09/12/2016 - 15:26
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goodmen
what if i want to use 2 seven segment display?i want to use it as a timer ... in
minutes
will this work?
Submitted by Parth doshi on Sat, 10/01/2016 - 17:14
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Plzz reoly
What if I have to count 2 digit numbers ....and display on 7 segment
Submitted by Abhishek on Thu, 10/06/2016 - 19:27
In reply to Plzz reoly by Parth doshi
Permalink
@aasas @Parth: To use two 7
@aasas @Parth: To use two 7 segments, use another 4026 chip and connect the
CO pin of first 4026 IC to the CLK pin of second. Check the use of CO pin in IC.
Submitted by Nil on Tue, 10/18/2016 - 21:05
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About circuit
Can see full image of circuit.
& where are those two wires connected
Submitted by Venkatesan v on Thu, 11/24/2016 - 20:04
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Help
Sir i need to drive a two 7segments in single ic. I can I do it sir pls tell me
Submitted by suhaib on Tue, 01/03/2017 - 20:13
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circuit problem
I built the circuit correctly but it not working , what is the problem tell to me
Submitted by ask123 on Sat, 02/04/2017 - 18:15
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there is no wire connected to
there is no wire connected to PIN13
Submitted by thesecret2 on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 20:11
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i built the circuit correctly
i built the circuit correctly and check the circuit perfectly but it just display 0
when i press the count button it doesnt go up the reset button seems fine. please
reply ASAP I really need help. you can help by taking pictures of what u built side
by side and front please
Submitted by nomanchrono123 on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 20:47
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can you make a list of a the
can you make a list of a the connections pls so that we can understands well
Submitted by ahmed on Sun, 02/12/2017 - 06:21
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IT Works :D
I have connected the circuit and it works properly , thanks a lot for your help !!
Submitted by Surru on Sun, 03/05/2017 - 20:37
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Multiple Digits
I want to use 5 digits each with a 7 segment display. Do I need 5 of each of the
components? I want a simple push button below each digit to increment from 0-9,
no reset required. If I were to use an off the shelf assembled 5 digit display can I
integrate just the push button to increament
Submitted by lokesh sai on Wed, 03/15/2017 - 14:41
Permalink
sir i want to do 7 segment
sir i want to do 7 segment dispaly board to display my collage name ple can you
help me how to do
Submitted by biddi on Tue, 03/21/2017 - 03:14
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seven segment frozen at 8
my circuit works on Yenka simulation software, but does not work on breadboard.
Seven segment is always showing 8 . Does not rest or count
Submitted by Frank Stevens on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 18:38
In reply to seven segment frozen at 8 by biddi
Permalink
Your yenka circuit
Could you please send a picture of your Yenka circuit as I am trying to build
something similar
Submitted by James Myers on Mon, 04/03/2017 - 05:26
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Segment counter with large 7-segment display
I built the circuit as designed and of course it worked perfectly. I then tried to
substitute a much larger display (2.24" character height) but it does not work. I
assume that is because the original display (.56" with a Vf of 1.8) works well at
9VDC while the larger display has a Vf of 6.8, which will not function at 9VDC.
Can you tell me what changes I need to make in the circuit diagram to enable use
of the substitute larger display? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Submitted by James Myers on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 07:55
Permalink
Segment counter with large 7-segment display
Thank you for the E-Mail response to my initial posting.  You asked about the
2.24" character height display that I tried to substitute after successfully building
the basic circuit shown above.  This 2nd display is listed as Vf=6.8 @20mA and
mcd=30@20mA (I don't know what mcd stands for and it could be critical).  The
segment output color is Red.  Your note said "you could try this IC.... with a source
current of 6.8mA".  If I understand you correctly, I should add current limiting
resistors (10K) on each segment and increase Vdd to 15 VDC.  Does that also
mean to continue using the IC4026.  P.S. I've recently found another 2.24"
character height display with Vf=2.0 @20mA and mcd=34 @10mA.  Brilliant Red
output color.  Thank you for your comments and I hope to hear from you on my
latest post.
Submitted by mahmoud abdelwahed on Sun, 04/23/2017 - 05:21
Permalink
7 Segment Counter using IC 555 and IC 4026
plz I have built the circuit but the reset button didn't work what can I do
thanks
Submitted by mukesh azad on Sun, 04/23/2017 - 21:41
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12hour digital watch
how can generate 1hz frequency for digital watch
Submitted by adam ibrahim on Fri, 05/12/2017 - 15:32
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please how will connect the
please how will connect the circuit
Submitted by Mário on Thu, 05/18/2017 - 22:44
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Display enable out
tks great circuit!
I like the CD4026 a lot, but what is the use for DEO - Display enable out?
Submitted by Abhishek on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 18:21
In reply to Display enable out by Mário
Permalink
DEO is used for special
DEO is used for special divider circuits.
Submitted by Abhishek on Mon, 04/16/2018 - 08:42
In reply to DEO is used for special by Abhishek
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Mechatronic
Sir will this circuit work propely..... please reply sir'
Submitted by JHB on Thu, 06/29/2017 - 08:19
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It was such a lovely circuit.
It was such a lovely circuit. Couldn't get the common cathode display but had to
create one with LEDs and it works perfectly when all components used conform
with the exact specification, good one guys.
Submitted by Abhishek on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 18:21
In reply to It was such a lovely circuit. by JHB
Permalink
Thanks JHB.
Thanks JHB!
Submitted by yza on Sun, 09/17/2017 - 15:12
Permalink
Schematic diagram
I cant make it work :( the schematic diagram btw. i have been trying i did exactly
as it is in you schematic diagram but it really wont work :( please help
Submitted by Nikita on Thu, 09/21/2017 - 19:40
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Do we need to program ic 555
Do we need to program ic 555 here or use it as it is?
Submitted by Catman847 on Sat, 09/30/2017 - 21:21
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Quetion
circuit is working correctly in simulation but I want to know how to replace button
with sensor, my sensor is AD021 3-80cm proximity switch.
Submitted by Catman847 on Sat, 09/30/2017 - 21:21
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Quetion
circuit is working correctly in simulation but I want to know how to replace button
with sensor, my sensor is AD021 3-80cm proximity switch.
Submitted by Phil Dee on Wed, 10/25/2017 - 21:21
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Pin 3 for turning on off display
Can you show me how to put a switching the circuit to turn the display on and off
to save battery power if left on?
Submitted by Andrew Hodson on Tue, 10/31/2017 - 05:30
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Resistors
Why aren't there resistors from 4026 to 7-segment? Can 1 get ready made PCBs
of this circuit?
Submitted by Panduleni on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 02:19
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Assistance
Can you please provide me with the purposes of the resistors, the capacitors and
why of that values?
Submitted by Ahmed Khalaf on Sat, 12/09/2017 - 20:57
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Hi,
Hi,
Can anyone help me here, am looking for a very simple BCD4026 manual
electronic counter circuit that has a buzzer which will be ON when number of
manual counts/clicks reaches 10, and the buzzer will stay ON until I hit a reset
button. Please, any ideas or schematics around that can d that?
Submitted by Ahmed Khalaf on Tue, 12/12/2017 - 05:53
Permalink
Question
Hi,
How can I modify your circuit by adding a Buzzer to make it beeping when you
reach number 9 , and it will continue beeping until you click the reset button to
stop the buzzer?
Submitted by tousif on Thu, 03/01/2018 - 10:59
Permalink
24 v 7 segment display
how can I operate 24v 7 segment diplay on same circuit?
Submitted by AISHA on Thu, 03/01/2018 - 15:48
In reply to 24 v 7 segment display by tousif
Permalink
There is no such thing as 24V
There is no such thing as 24V 7-segment display. You can use any 7-segment
display for this circuit 
Submitted by Islam Salahat on Wed, 03/07/2018 - 00:27
Permalink
one 7 segment with 4 switches input coding !
I have an assignment that I should write a code for a 7 segment with 4 switches
input
explain >> 4 switches mean 4 bit X1 X2 X3 X4
assuming X1=1 (switch on)
X2=0 (switch off)
X3=0 ( switch off)
X4=1 (switch on)
that mean input will be (1001) == (9) which mean the 7 segment will display 9
and so on
how can I write this code , (I am so bad at C++ programming and micro C
programming )
Submitted by Chris Justice on Thu, 05/24/2018 - 14:43
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7 segment counter
The project is good and perfect.
but I have a question....
Apart from ic4026, Is their any other linear ic that is non volatile that is..ability to
store last value of the 7 segment when power is of?
with 4026, I must start counting from one any time I turn on, any linear ic that can
store the last digit before turn of and display it automatically when turned on?
Submitted by Rattan on Thu, 05/31/2018 - 07:44
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This circuit is working ok
This circuit is working ok but I am facing one problem while cascading another ic
after reaching digit 6 it jumps to digit 17 ,18 and count till 26 and again jump to
37 .I mean ic pin 5 generate pulse after 6 instead of 9. Please help me to solve
this.thanks tkakur05799at the rate gmail.com
Submitted by muid on Wed, 06/06/2018 - 00:47
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frequency
is it can count frequency of a circuit ?
Submitted by Zhafran on Fri, 06/08/2018 - 12:09
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Using Pcb
Hello i want to ask something.
Can i make this circuit using a PCB?
Submitted by ajip on Wed, 07/25/2018 - 08:29
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