Logic probe circuit using CD4001 IC

Logic probe circuit using NOR gates

This logic probe circuit using NOR gates is useful for people who need an instrument to measure the logic levels on digital circuits. This circuit is implemented with CMOS IC technology and is recommended for testing circuits using the same technology.

The voltage, required for the logic probe to work, is obtained from the circuit under test. Be careful not to reverse the voltage terminals. To avoid this problem, it is best to set the colors of each of the connecting cables. For example:

• Red for the cable that connects to the positive voltage (CN2)
• Black to the cable that goes to 0 volts. (CN3)

How the logic probe circuit works?

The operation of this circuit is very simple. We use the CD4001 CMOS integrated circuit that has 4 two-input NOR gates, 3 LEDs and a few passive components.

The final use of the circuit is very important, therefore, to make its use more comfortable, an elongated printed circuit board is suggested.

Looking at the circuit diagram. The signal we want to measure is applied to CN1 terminal. CN1 is connected to a two-input NOR gate that behaves like a NOT or inverting gate. The inverted signal is applied to two LEDs. Which of the LED lights up depends on the voltage level at the output of the gate.

– When the input is high, the output of the first gate will be low and the red LED will light up.
– When the input is low, the output of this gate will be high and the green LED will light up.

If there is a pulsating signal, the red and green LEDs will light slightly. When a pulsating signal is being sensed, a yellow LED will flash. This flashing is achieved using the second and third NOR gates, capacitor C1 and resistor R4. With these components, an oscillator is implemented.

The oscillator output is connected to the 4th NOR gate, wired as an inverter gate. The output of this inverter gate is connected to a yellow LED via a resistor. This oscillator is continuously triggered by the output of the first NOR gate.

On the above diagrams, we see:

• The printed circuit board showing components placement.
• The printed circuit board. (copper side)
• The printed circuit board. (components side)

List of circuit components for the Logic Probe

• 1 CD4001 Integrated Circuit (4  2-input NOR gates) CMOS technology
• 3 LEDs (1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow)
• 3 1 K resistors (R1, R2, R3)
• 1 2M resistor (R5)
• 1 4.7 M resistor (R4)
• 1 100 nF capacitor (C1)

Note: As a probe tip, you can use any sharp metal object

More logic probe circuits:

• Logic probe with two transistors
• Logic probe with NOT gates
• Audible logic probe with 555
• Logic probe with 7-segment display