🎲 Digital Dice Circuit
Student Name:
[Your Full Name]
Roll Number:
[Your Roll Number]
Subject:
Digital Logic Design
Instructor Name:
[Instructor’s Full Name]
Institution:
[Your College/University Name]
Date:
[Submission Date]
🎯 Objective
To design and build a Digital Dice Circuit that simulates the rolling of a physical die using a 555
Timer IC, 4017 Decade Counter IC, LEDs, and other electronic components. The goal is to visually
display dice numbers (1 to 6) using 7 LEDs arranged in a standard dice pattern.
🔍 Introduction
A digital dice is an electronic alternative to a traditional six-sided die, widely used in electronic
games and learning kits. Instead of physically rolling a die, this circuit randomly displays a
number from 1 to 6 using an arrangement of seven LEDs. The randomness is achieved using a
555 timer in astable mode that generates clock pulses, and a 4017 decade counter that activates
different LED patterns.
This project provides hands-on experience with digital timing, counting, and display logic,
making it both educational and practical.
🧰 List of Components
Component Quantity Description
555 Timer IC 1 Generates clock pulses in
astable mode
4017 Decade Counter IC 1 Counts the incoming clock
pulses and activates output
pins sequentially
LEDs (Red/Green) 7 Visually display dice numbers
(1–6) in a 3x3 matrix
Resistors (330Ω, 10kΩ) 8 Limit current to LEDs and
transistors
Transistors (e.g., BC547) 1–2 Act as switches to control
groups of LEDs
Capacitors (10μF, 0.01μF) 2 Stabilize and control timing in
the 555 timer
Push Button 1 Allows user to simulate a dice
roll
Breadboard or PCB 1 Used to assemble the circuit
Connecting Wires As needed Connect components on the
breadboard
9V Battery / DC Supply 1 Provides power to the circuit
🔌 Circuit Diagram (Described)
The Digital Dice Circuit has two key functional blocks:
1. Clock Pulse Generator (555 Timer)
- Configured in astable mode, the 555 timer produces continuous square wave pulses.
- The pulse frequency is determined by the resistors and capacitor connected to the timer.
- These pulses act as clock signals for the 4017 counter.
2. Counter and Display (4017 IC + LEDs)
- The 4017 IC counts each pulse and turns on one of its outputs (Q0 to Q5) in sequence.
- Each output is connected to a specific combination of LEDs, arranged in a dice face format.
- Example mappings:
- Q0 = Dice face "1" (center LED only)
- Q1 = Dice face "2" (two opposite corners)
- Q5 = Dice face "6" (all four corners + sides, excluding center)
- Resistors are used to prevent overcurrent, and transistors drive multiple LEDs as needed.
⚙️Working Principle
1. Clock Generation (555 Timer)
- Generates continuous pulses.
- Pulse frequency is controlled by the resistor-capacitor (RC) network.
2. Counting and Control (4017 Decade Counter)
- Each pulse advances output from Q0 to Q5.
- After Q5, it resets to Q0.
3. LED Display
- Each output lights up LEDs in dice-like patterns.
- Push button can pause the output to freeze a random result.
Construction Steps
- Mount 555 and 4017 ICs on the breadboard.
- Configure the 555 timer in astable mode with appropriate R and C values.
- Connect 555's output (pin 3) to 4017's CLK (pin 14).
- Arrange 7 LEDs in 3x3 dice matrix.
- Connect Q0–Q5 to suitable LED combinations via resistors.
- Use transistors for higher LED loads.
- Connect push button to pause the timer.
- Power the circuit with 9V battery or DC source.
- Double-check wiring before turning on.
🔬 Testing and Output Observation
- On power-up, LEDs change rapidly to simulate rolling.
- Pressing the button pauses the display (shows result).
- Releasing resumes rolling.
- LED patterns match traditional dice.
- Randomness depends on button press timing.
🧠 Applications
- Digital dice for board games.
- Educational tool for logic and counting circuits.
- Component in embedded game systems.
- Demonstrates LED multiplexing and digital IC use.
✅ Conclusion
This project successfully simulates a dice roll using a 555 timer and 4017 counter. It offers a
hands-on demonstration of clock generation, counting, and display logic. The build is simple,
cost-effective, and educational—ideal for electronics students and hobbyists.
📚 References
- 4017 Decade Counter IC Datasheet – Texas Instruments / Nexperia
- 555 Timer IC Datasheet – STMicroelectronics / TI
- Floyd, T.L. Digital Fundamentals (10th Edition)
- https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws
