Introduction: 555 Timer IC

About: Hey Guys! KESTER here! I have a passion for electronics! I love making videos of me showing you guys how to make electronic gadgets and cool, new exciting innovative things!! I've been involved in electronics…

In this series, I will teach you about the 555 Timer IC Chip and how you could make your very own projects from the 555 Timer. On Episode #1 of this series I will teach you about the background, functions, and history of the 555 Timer. On Episode #2 of this series I will teach you how to build a 555 Timer Delay Before Turn On Circuit. On Episode #3 of this series I will teach you how to build a 555 Timer Bistable Circuit. So without further a do, let's get started!

Step 1: Patreon

As you may or may not know, I am Kester. I have a YouTube channel that is based on making electronics videos and diy videos and tutorials. As me making lots of videos and putting time and lots of effort and money into producing products and videos, I would like to get some support from my fellow fans to help me keep up with producing more content and projects for you guys. So on behalf, I would like to show you guys Patreon. Patreon helps support fellow DIY'ers and people who need help from the fans and supporters to keep content flowing for their fans to enjoy. So what I'm asking for is a donation from you guys to keep my content going and to make my fans happy by producing more content! Thanks again for all of your support. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel and my Patreon account! Thanks guys!

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=4045385

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Step 2: Quick Summary of the 555 Timer

The 555 Timer IC chip is an integrated circuit that is used in a variety of timer, pulse modulation, and oscillator applications. The 555 Timer can be used to provide time delays ,as an oscillator, and as a flip-flop element. Derivatives provide up to four timing circuits in one package.

Step 3: Inventor and Manufacturer

The IC was designed in 1971 by Hans R. Camenzind under contract to Signetics, which was later acquired by Dutch company Philips Semiconductors.

Step 4: 555 Timer IC Pinout

Pin 1- (GND)
•Ground reference voltage, low level (0 V)

Pin 2- (TRIG)
•The OUT pin goes high and a timing interval starts when this input falls below 1/2 of CTRL voltage (which is typically 1/3 VCC, CTRL being 2/3 VCC by default if CTRL is left open). More simply we can say that OUT will be high as long as the trigger is kept at low voltage. Output of the timer totally depends upon the amplitude of the external trigger voltage applied to this pin.

Pin 3- (OUT)
•This output is driven to approximately 1.7 V below +VCC, or to GND.

Pin 4- (RESET)
•A timing interval may be reset by driving this input to GND, but the timing does not begin again until RESET rises above approximately 0.7 volts. Overrides TRIG which overrides THR.

Pin 5- (CTRL )
•Provides "control" access to the internal voltage divider (by default, 2/3 VCC).

Pin 6- (THR)
•The timing (OUT high) interval ends when the voltage at THR ("threshold") is greater than that at CTRL (2/3 VCC if CTRL is open).

Pin 7- (DIS)
•Open collector output which may discharge a capacitor between intervals. In phase with output.

Pin 8- (VCC)
•Positive supply voltage, which is usually between 3 and 15 V depending on the variation.

Step 5: 555 Timer IC Modes

The IC 555 has three operating modes:

•Bistable mode or Schmitt trigger – the 555 can operate as a flip-flop, if the DIS pin is not connected and no capacitor is used. Uses include bounce-free latched switches.

•Monostable mode – in this mode, the 555 functions as a "one-shot" pulse generator. Applications include timers, missing pulse detection, bounce-free switches, touch switches, frequency divider, capacitance measurement, pulse-width modulation (PWM) and so on.

•Astable (free-running) mode – the 555 can operate as an electronic oscillator. Uses include LED and lamp flashers, pulse generation, logic clocks, tone generation, security alarms, pulse position modulation and so on. The 555 can be used as a simple ADC, converting an analog value to a pulse length (e.g., selecting a thermistor as timing resistor allows the use of the 555 in a temperature sensor and the period of the output pulse is determined by the temperature). The use of a microprocessor-based circuit can then convert the pulse period to temperature, linearize it and even provide calibration means.

Step 6: Specification for the 555 Timer

These specifications apply to the NE555. Other 555 timers can have different specifications depending on the grade (military, medical, etc.).

-Supply voltage (VCC) 4.5 to 15 V

-Supply current (VCC = +5 V) 3 to 6 mA

-Supply current (VCC = +15 V) 10 to 15 mA

-Output current (maximum) 200 mA

-Maximum Power dissipation 600 mW

-Power consumption (minimum operating)

-30 mW@5V, 225 mW@15V

-Operating temperature 0 to 75 °C

Step 7: Summary

As we wrap up this overview, I hope you guys learned a lot about the 555 Timer and broadened your interest in electronics. Stay tuned for the next episode where I will show you some 555 Timer projects! Stay tuned!