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2 layers51.9 × 45.4 mmNew ki cad, the printed circuit board in 3D

A simple LED chaser circuit using a 555 timer and CD4017 IC, designed in KiCad. It lights up LEDs in sequence like a running light effect. Ideal for beginners learning circuit design, sequencing logic, and PCB layout using KiCad.

Size
51.9 × 45.4 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
28
Nets
28
Pads
78
Tracks, vias
160, 0
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
Created
18 Jul 2025
Updated
19 Jul 2025

Overview

New ki cad is an open-source printed circuit board by Sparkshiva007, from the Sparkshiva007/LED-chaser-PCB repository on GitHub, published under the MIT licence. It is a 2-layer board of 51.9 × 45.4 mm with 28 parts on 28 nets, routed with 160 tracks and 0 vias.

It is built around the CD4017BE and NE555P. Its parts include 11 resistors, 10 diodes, 2 capacitors and 2 ICs.

Main components

2

README

README.md

LED Chaser Circuit (555 Timer + CD4017) – KiCad Project

A classic LED chaser circuit designed using KiCad, powered by a 555 timer and CD4017 decade counter IC. It lights up a series of LEDs one-by-one in sequence, creating a "running light" or "Knight Rider" effect.


🎯 What This Project Does

  • Generates a continuous sequence of LED flashes (like chasing lights)
  • Uses simple and easily available ICs: 555 Timer & CD4017
  • Adjustable speed using a timing resistor/capacitor combo
  • Designed as a KiCad project with proper PCB layout and schematic
  • Great for learning KiCad, PCB design, or digital electronics

📦 Features

  • 10 output LEDs (can be reduced as needed)
  • 555 Timer in astable mode for clock generation
  • CD4017 Decade Counter to handle sequencing
  • Clean PCB layout with labeled connectors and components
  • Optional trimmer resistor to control LED chasing speed

🧰 Components Used

ComponentQuantity
555 Timer IC1
CD4017 IC1
LEDs10
1kΩ Resistors10
10kΩ potentiometer1
100nF Capacitor1
10µF Capacitor1
Power Source (5V–9V)1

🚀 How to Use

  1. Open the project in KiCad 7.x or newer.
  2. View/edit the schematic in the .kicad_sch file.
  3. Open the .kicad_pcb file to view or modify the PCB layout.
  4. Export Gerber files if you want to fabricate the board.
  5. Assemble the board using through-hole components.
  6. Power it up and enjoy the chasing LED effect!

🔧 Tuning the Speed

You can control how fast the LEDs chase using the 10k potentiometer connected to the 555 timer. The values used are:


💡 Educational Value

This is a beginner-friendly project that introduces:

  • Basic timer circuits
  • Counter IC operation
  • Sequential logic
  • KiCad schematic and PCB design

Perfect for hobbyists, students, or anyone getting started with PCB design!


Credits

Circuit concept inspired by the classic LED chaser project found in many electronics books. This version was fully re-created in KiCad by Shiva Projects for educational use.


📄 License

Open-source hardware. You are free to modify, improve, or manufacture the board for personal or educational use.

Parts

28
QtyValueFootprintReferences
10LEDLED_THT:LED_D3.0mmD1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9, D10
91kResistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0204_L3.6mm_D1.6mm_P7.62mm_HorizontalR1, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10
110kResistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0204_L3.6mm_D1.6mm_P7.62mm_HorizontalRV1
110kPotentiometer_THT:Potentiometer_Bourns_3339P_VerticalR11
110nfCapacitor_THT:C_Disc_D9.0mm_W5.0mm_P5.00mmC2
110uCapacitor_THT:CP_Radial_D6.3mm_P2.50mmC1
11kResistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0204_L3.6mm_D1.6mm_P5.08mm_VerticalR2
1BatteryConnector_BarrelJack:BarrelJack_CUI_PJ-063AH_HorizontalBT1
1CD4017BEPackage_DIP:DIP-16_W7.62mm_LongPadsU3
1LOGOshiva logo:mineG***
1NE555PPackage_DIP:DIP-8_W7.62mmU2

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Questions

How big is the New ki cad PCB?

It measures 51.9 × 45.4 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the New ki cad use?

28 parts, built around the CD4017BE and NE555P. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.

Where can I download the New ki cad KiCad files?

From the Sparkshiva007/LED-chaser-PCB repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is new ki cad.kicad_pcb and its schematic new ki cad.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the New ki cad design in my own project?

Its repository publishes it under the MIT licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).