5V - Digital Camera Charger

Description: There is no need to be disappointed the next time your digital camera displays a low battery indication during a picnic trip. Simply connect this digital camera adapter to the cigarette lighter outlet of your car and link the camera to it. The adapter will interface the DC source with the camera battery to supply sufficient charging current to replenish the battery in one hour. The Lithium-ion or NiMH battery of the digital camera can be quickly charged with a nominal voltage of 5V and a current ranging from 300mA to 1A. The circuit of the digital camera adapter utilizes a differential transistor amplifier and a current amplifier to output a constant voltage and the required current, respectively. NPN transistors T1 and T2 form a differential amplifier similar to the inputs of an operational amplifier in differential amplifier configuration. The base voltage of T1 is stabilized at 3 volts by zener diode ZD1. T2 receives its base voltage from a potential divider comprised of resistors R4 and R5 via the output rail. T1 and T2 compare the voltage at their base-emitter junctions and adjust the base current of the current amplifier T3. The PNP transistor TIP127 (T3) serves as the current amplifier to provide adequate current for charging. It is a medium-power Darlington transistor with a current gain of 1000; thus, if 1mA is supplied to the base of T3, its collector current can reach a maximum of 1A. T3 operates in inverter mode, meaning that when a positive voltage is applied to the base of T1, a negative pulse will drive T3 when T1 conducts. Resistor R2 (820 ohms) supplies approximately 1mA to the base of T3, allowing it to output 1A from its collector. Resistor R3 (100 ohms) is crucial for the differential amplifier's operation, adjusting the output voltage and current. The current flowing through R3 is the sum of the emitter currents of T1 and T2. The collector current of T2 is fixed, as it is connected to 6 volts from the positive input rail. Therefore, the base current of T3 varies based on the current flowing through resistors R2 and R3. This configuration maintains stable charging voltage and current, even as load resistance changes during the charging process. Any variation in output voltage is detected by transistors T1 and T2, which adjust the base current of T3 accordingly. The power supply for the adapter is derived from a 12V car battery through the cigarette lighter outlet. Regulator IC 7806 (IC1) reduces the input voltage to 6 volts and limits the output current to 1A, even if higher current is received, ensuring safe connection to the car battery. Bypass capacitors C1 and C2 are implemented to ensure optimal stability and transient response of IC1, and should be placed close to the leads of IC1. The maximum steady current available from IC 7806 is contingent on the input voltage, heat sinking, and lead length. Adequate heat sinking is essential for IC1 to dissipate heat, as it receives high current at its input. The maximum power dissipation of the IC is 0.5 watts. LEDs LED1 and LED2 indicate charging and full-charge conditions, respectively. When the digital camera is connected to the adapter, LED1 illuminates to indicate charging, while LED2 remains off. Zener diode ZD2 (4.7V) functions as a diode switch, activating transistor T4 into conduction only when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds 5.3 volts (zener voltage of 4.7V plus 0.6V). The potentiometer VR1 should be adjusted to ensure that T4 conducts and LED2 lights up only if the battery being charged holds more than 5.3 volts. Diodes D1 and D2 serve as polarity protectors. The circuit should be assembled on a general-purpose PCB and enclosed in a suitable cabinet. A car mobile charger plug provides power to the circuit from the cigarette lighter outlet, containing only a fuse inside. The input wires should be connected to the plug with the correct polarity, and a suitable pin should be used to connect the output to the digital camera. If a cigarette lighter outlet is unavailable, power can be tapped directly from the car battery.

The digital camera adapter circuit is designed to efficiently charge Lithium-ion or NiMH batteries, making it a practical solution for users who rely on their cameras during outdoor activities. The use of a differential amplifier configuration allows for precise voltage regulation, which is critical for battery longevity and performance. The choice of components, such as the TIP127 Darlington transistor, ensures that the adapter can handle the necessary current without overheating, provided that appropriate heat sinking is utilized. The circuit's indicators (LED1 and LED2) provide immediate feedback to the user regarding the charging state, enhancing usability. Moreover, the inclusion of protection diodes ensures that the circuit is safeguarded against incorrect polarity connections, which is a common concern in automotive applications. Overall, this design offers a reliable and efficient means of charging digital camera batteries on the go, contributing to a better user experience during outdoor excursions.You need not be disappointed next time when your digital camera shows low battery indication during a picnic trip. Just plug this digital camera adaptor into the cigarette lighter outlet of your car and connect the camera to it.

The adaptor will interface the DC source and the camera battery to provide sufficient charging current to replenish the battery in one hour. The Lithium ion or NiMH battery of the digital camera can be quickly charged with a nominal voltage of 5V and 300mA to 1A current. Fig. 1 shows the circuit of the digital camera adaptor. The circuit uses a differential transistor amplifier and a current amplifier to output constant voltage and the required current, respectively.

npn transistors T1 and T2 form a differential amplifier just like the inputs of an op-amp in differential amplifier configuration. The base voltage of T1 is fixed to 3 volts by zener diode ZD1. T2 obtains the base voltage from a potential divider comprising R4 and R5 via the output rail. T1 and T2 compare the voltage at their base-emitter junctions and adjust the base current of current amplifier T3.

pnp transistor TIP127 (T3) is used as the current amplifier to provide sufficient current for charging. It is a medium-power Darlington transistor with a current gain of 1000. That is, if 1mA current is provided to the base of T3, its collector current will be 1A maximum. T3 works in inverter mode, so when a positive voltage is applied to the base of T1, a negative pulse will drive T3 when T1 conducts.

Resistor R2 (820-ohm) provides around 1mA current to the base of T3, so it can output 1A current from its collector. Resistor R3 (100-ohm) plays an important role in the working of the differential amplifier to adjust the output voltage and current.

The current passing through it is the sum of emitter currents of T1 and T2. The collector current of T2 is fixed as it is connected to 6 volts from the positive input rail. Therefore the base current of T3 varies depending on the current flowing through resistors R2 and R3. This arrangement keeps the charging voltage and current stable, as the load resistance changes the voltage and current during charging.

Any change in the output voltage is sensed by transistors T1 and T2 and the base current of T3 is adjusted accordingly. Power supply for the adaptor is obtained from a 12V car battery through the cigarette lighter outlet.

Regulator IC 7806 (IC1) reduces the input voltage to 6 volts and restricts the output current to 1A, even if it receives a higher current. So it is safe to connect the circuit to the car battery. Bypass capacitors C1 and C2 ensure optimal stability and transient response of IC1. Solder them close to the leads of IC1. Maximum steady current available from IC 7806 depends on the input voltage, heat-sinking and lead length.

Since IC1 receives high current at its input, adequate heat-sinking of the IC is a must to dissipate heat. Maximum power dissipation of the IC is 0. 5 watt. LED1 and LED2 are used to indicate charging and full-charge conditions. When the digital camera is connected to the adaptor, LED1 lights up indicating charging, ` while LED2 remains off.

Zener diode ZD2 (4. 7V) acts as a diode switch to drive transistor T4 into conduction only when the terminal voltage of the battery increases above 5. 3 volts (zener voltage 4. 7V+0. 6V). Adjust potmeter VR1 such that T4 conducts and LED2 lights up only if the battery under charging holds more than 5.

3 volts. Diodes D1 and D2 act as polarity protectors. Assemble the circuit on a general-purpose PCB and enclose in a suitable cabinet. Use a car mobile charger plug to provide power to the circuit from a cigarette lighter outlet. The plug has nothing inside, except a fuse. Connect the input wires to the plug with correct polarity. Use a suitable pin to take the output to the digital camera. If the cigarette lighter outlet is not available, power can be tapped direct