555 Timer Circuits

The 555 Timer uses 3 main functions: Astable, Monostable, and Bistable. The Astable outputs a high pulse on a steady repetitive pace. The Monostable when triggered holds the output high for a predetermined time period. The Bistable can be held high and low by pressing the pushbuttons. If you want to learn more, visit RealCircuits.com.

Step 1: Astable 555

This build can be used in a variety of circuits: Timers, clocks, drive servo motors, and IR Sensors. The Astable is able to do this because it can change the cycle from milliseconds to minutes using two resistors and a capacitor.

Step 2: Monostable 555

Using the monostable, you can output a high pulse for a preset time period. Using a capacitor and resistor, the time period can vary from milliseconds to minutes.

Step 3: Bistable 555

Another way to think about this circuit, is simply as a switch. If you press the bottom pushbutton the LED will go high and pressing the top pushbutton it will stay low.

Comments

[cedric23]

Has the capacitor been well connected?

[Phil B]

Everyone has high praise for the 555 timers. So far, I have found only one 555 circuit I wanted and needed to build. I could not say in which mode the timer operates. The circuit uses a red LED and connections to various resistances. It is a capacitor tester for capacitors 10 micro-farad and higher (if I remember correctly). It was very handy when I was working with some old tube radios and performed very well.