Welcome to the Breathing Heart – LED Pulse Light DIY Soldering Kit! This kit is designed to bring both educational value and a captivating visual experience. The Breathing Heart PCB is shaped like a heart, and once assembled, it will create a mesmerizing effect of LEDs pulsing in and out, simulating the rhythm of a breathing heart.

The kit includes all the necessary components to create a breathing light effect using an LM358 operational amplifier. This project provides hands-on experience with basic electronic components and soldering techniques, enhancing your understanding of how electronic circuits work.

Understanding the Breathing Heart Circuit

The Breathing Heart project features a circuit that controls 22 LEDs to create a fade-in and fade-out effect. The key component in this circuit is the LM358 operational amplifier, which is used to control the intensity of the LEDs. The pulse effect is achieved by adjusting the current flowing through the LEDs, making them gradually brighten and dim in a rhythmic pattern.

Role of the LM358 in the Breathing Heart Project

The LM358 operational amplifier (op amp) is the heart of the Breathing Heart project, playing a crucial role in creating the smooth fade-in and fade-out effect of the LEDs. Here’s what the LM358 does in this circuit:

1. Signal Amplification:
   • The LM358 amplifies the control signal that dictates the brightness of the LEDs.
2. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Generation:
   • The LM358 helps generate a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal, which controls the brightness of the LEDs. By varying the width of the pulses, the average power delivered to the LEDs changes, making them appear to brighten and dim smoothly.
3. Control of LED Brightness:
   • The LM358 takes the input signal and modulates the current flowing through the LEDs, creating the breathing effect where the LEDs gradually increase in brightness and then dim down.
4. Dual Op Amp Configuration:
   • The LM358 contains two operational amplifiers in a single package. One op amp generates the ramp signal (sawtooth wave), and the other modulates the LED brightness based on this signal.
5. Current Control:
   • The LM358 ensures that the LEDs operate within their safe limits by controlling the current, preventing damage and ensuring consistent performance.