This article covers every basic aspect of 555 Timer IC.

You may already know that SE/NE 555 is a Timer IC introduced by Signetics corporation in 1970s. In this article we cover the following information about 555 Timer IC.

1. Introduction to 555 Timer IC 2. 555 Timer IC Pin Configuration 3. Basics of 555 Timer 4. Block Diagram 5. Working Principle 6. Download Data Sheet

1. Introduction

555 timer IC One of the most versatile linear ICs is the 555 timer which was first introduced in early 1970 by Signetic Corporation giving the name as SE/NE 555 timer. This IC is a monolithic timing circuit that can produce accurate and highly stable time delays or oscillation. Like other commonly used op-amps, this IC is also very much reliable, easy to use and cheaper in cost. It has a variety of applications including monostable andastable multivibrators, dc-dc converters, digital logic probes, waveform generators, analog frequency meters and tachometers, temperature measurement and control devices, voltage regulators etc. The timer basically operates in one of the two modes either as a monostable (one-shot) multivibrator or as an astable (free-running) multivibrator.The SE 555 is designed for the operating temperature range from 55C to 125 while the NE 555 operates over a temperature range of 0 to 70C.

The important features of the 555 timer are :

It operates from a wide range of power supplies ranging from + 5 Volts to + 18 Volts supply voltage.

Sinking or sourcing 200 mA of load current. The external components should be selected properly so that the timing intervals can be made into several minutes Proper selection of only a few external components allows timing intervals of several minutes along with the frequencies exceeding several hundred kilo hertz. It has a high current output; the output can drive TTL. It has a temperature stability of 50 parts per million (ppm) per degree Celsius change in temperature, or equivalently 0.005 %/ C. The duty cycle of the timer is adjustable with the maximum power dissipation per package is 600 mW and its trigger and reset inputs are logic compatible.

2. IC Pin Configuration

555 Timer IC Pin Configuration

The 555 Timer IC is available as an 8-pin metal can, an 8-pin mini DIP (dual-in-package) or a 14-pin DIP. This IC consists of 23 transistors, 2 diodes and 16 resistors. The explanation of terminals coming out of the 555 timer IC is as follows. The pin number used in the following discussion refers to the 8-pin DIP and 8-pin metal can packages.

Pin 1: Grounded Terminal: All the voltages are measured with respect to this terminal. Pin 2: Trigger Terminal: This pin is an inverting input to a comparator that is responsible for transition offlip-flop from set to reset. The output of the timer depends on the amplitude of the external trigger pulse applied to this pin. Pin 3: Output Terminal: Output of the timer is available at this pin. There are two ways in which a load can be connected to the output terminal either between pin 3 and ground pin (pin 1) or between pin 3 and supply pin (pin 8). The load connected between pin 3 and ground supply pin is called the normally on loadand that connected between pin 3 and ground pin is called the normally off load. Pin 4: Reset Terminal: To disable or reset the timer a negative pulse is applied to this pin due to which it is referred to as reset terminal. When this pin is not to be used for reset purpose, it should be connected to + VCCto avoid any possibility of false triggering. Pin 5: Control Voltage Terminal: The function of this terminal is to control the threshold and trigger levels. Thus either the external voltage or a pot connected to this pin determines the pulse width of the output waveform. The external voltage applied to this pin can also be used to modulate the output waveform. When this pin is not used, it should be connected to ground through a 0.01 micro Farad to avoid any noise problem.

Pin 6: Threshold Terminal: This is the non-inverting input terminal of comparator 1, which compares the voltage applied to the terminal with a reference voltage of 2/3 V CC. The amplitude of voltage applied to this terminal is responsible for the set state of flip-flop. Pin 7 : Discharge Terminal: This pin is connected internally to the collector of transistor and mostly a capacitor is connected between this terminal and ground. It is called discharge terminal because when transistor saturates, capacitor discharges through the transistor. When the transistor is cut-off, the capacitor charges at a rate determined by the external resistor and capacitor. Pin 8: Supply Terminal: A supply voltage of + 5 V to + 18 V is applied to this terminal with respect to ground (pin 1).

3. 555 Timer Basics

The 555 timer combines a relaxation oscillator, two comparators, an R-S flip-flop, and a discharge capacitor.

R-S Flip-Flop: A pair of cross-coupled transistors is shown in figure. Each collector drives the opposite base through resistance RB. In such circuit one transistor is saturated while the other is cut-off. For instance, if transistor Q1 is saturated, its collector voltage is almost zero. So there is no base drive for transistor Q2 and it goes into cut-off and its collector voltage approaches + VCC. This high voltage produces enough base current to keep transistor Q1 in saturation. On the other hand if transistor Q1 is cut-off, its collector voltage, which is approximately equal to + VCC, drives the transistor Q2 into saturation. The low collector voltage (which is approximately to zero) of this transistor then keeps the transistor Q2 in cut-off.Depending on which transistor is saturated, the Q output is either low or high. By adding more components to the circuit, an R-S flip-flop is obtained. R-S flip-flop is a circuit that can set

the Q output to high or reset it low. Incidentally, a complementary (opposite) output Q is available from the collector of the other transistor. Figure shows the schematic symbol for an R-S flip-flop of any design. The circuit latches in either two states. A high S input sets Q to high; a high R input resets Q to low. Output Q remains in a given state until it is triggered into the opposite state.

Basic Timing Concept

Figure illustrates some basic ideas that will prove useful in coming blog posts of the 555 timer. Assuming output Q high, the transistor is saturated and the capacitor voltage is clamped at ground i.e. the capacitor C is shorted and cannot charge. The non-inverting input voltage of the comparator is referred to as the threshold voltage while the inverting input voltage is referred to as the control voltage. With R-S flip flop set, the saturated transistor holds the threshold voltage at zero. The control voltage, however, is fixed at 2/3 VCC (i.e. at 10 V) because of the voltage divider. Suppose that a high voltage is applied to the R input. This resets the flip-flop R-Output Q goes low and the transistor is cut-off. Capacitor C is now free to charge. As this capacitor C charges, the threshold voltage rises. Eventually, the threshold voltage becomes slightly greater than (+ 10 V). The output of the comparator then goes high, forcing the R S flip-flop to set. The high Q output saturates the transistor, and this quickly discharges the capacitor. The two waveforms are depicted in figure. An exponential rise is across the capacitor C, and

a positive going pulse appears at the output Q. Thus capacitor voltage VC is exponential while the output is rectangular, as illustrated in figure.

4. Block Diagram

Block Diagram -555 Timer

The block diagram of a 555 timer is shown in the above figure. A 555 timer has two comparators, which are basically 2 op-amps), an R-S flip-flop, two transistors and a resistive network. Resistive network consists of three equal resistors and acts as a voltage divider. Comparator 1 compares threshold voltage with a reference voltage + 2/3 VCC volts. Comparator 2 compares the trigger voltage with a reference voltage + 1/3 VCC volts. Output of both the comparators is supplied to the flip-flop. Flip-flop assumes its state according to the output of the two comparators. One of the two transistors is a discharge transistor of which collector is connected topin 7. This transistor saturates or cuts-off according to the output state of the flip-flop. The saturated transistor provides a discharge

path to a capacitor connected externally. Base of another transistor is connected to a reset terminal. A pulse applied to this terminal resets the whole timer irrespective of any input.

5. Working Principle
Refer Block Diagram of 555 timer IC given above:
Comparator 1 has a threshold input (pin 6) and a control input (pin 5). In most applications, the control input is not used, so that the control voltage equals +2/3 VCC. Output of this comparator is applied to set (S) input of the flip-flop. Whenever the threshold voltage exceeds the control voltage, comparator 1 will set the flip-flop and its output is high. A high output from the flip-flop saturates the discharge transistor and discharge the capacitor connected externally to pin 7. The complementary signal out of the flip-flop goes to pin 3, the output. The output available at pin 3 is low. These conditions will prevail until comparator 2 triggers the flip-flop. Even if the voltage at the threshold input falls below 2/3 VCC, that is comparator 1 cannot cause the flip-flop to change again. It means that the comparator 1 can only force the flip-flops output high. To change the output of flip-flop to low, the voltage at the trigger input must fall below + 1/3 Vcc. When this occurs, comparator 2 triggers the flip-flop, forcing its output low. The low output from the flip-flop turns the discharge transistor off and forces the power amplifier to output a high. These conditions will continue independent of the voltage on the trigger input. Comparator 2 can only cause the flip-flop to output low. From the above discussion it is concluded that for the having low output from the timer 555, the voltage on the threshold input must exceed the control voltage or + 2/3 VCC. They also turn the discharge transistor on. To force the output from the timer high, the voltage on the trigger input must drop below +1/3 VCC. This also turns the discharge transistor off. A voltage may be applied to the control input to change the levels at which the switching occurs. When not in use, a 0.01 nano Farad capacitor should be connected between pin 5 and ground to prevent noise coupled onto this pin from causing false triggering. Connecting the reset (pin 4) to a logic low will place a high on the output of flip-flop. The discharge transistor will go on and the power amplifier will output a low. This condition will continue until reset is taken high. This allows synchronization or resetting of the circuits operation. When not in use, reset should be tied to +VCC.

Download 555 Timer Data Sheet:

To know more about NE/SE 555 timer IC check out/download the datasheet. NE-SE 555 Timer Datasheet

A monostable multivibrator (MMV) often called a one-shot multivibrator, is a pulse generator circuit in which the duration of the pulse is determined by the R-C network,connected externally to the 555 timer. In such a vibrator, one state of output is stable while the other is quasi-stable (unstable). For auto-triggering of output from quasistable state to stable state energy is stored by an externally connected capacitor C to a reference level. The time taken in storage determines the pulse width. The transition of output from stable state to quasi-stable state is accomplished by external triggering. The schematic of a 555 timer in monostable mode of operation is shown in figure.

555-timer-monostable-multivibrator

Monostable Multivibrator Circuit details

Pin 1 is grounded. Trigger input is applied to pin 2. In quiescent condition of output this input is kept at + VCC. To obtain transition of output from stable state to quasi-stable state, a negative-going pulse of narrow width (a width smaller than expected pulse width of output waveform) and amplitude of greater than + 2/3 VCC is applied to pin 2. Output is taken from pin 3. Pin 4 is usually connected to + VCC to avoid accidental reset. Pin 5 is grounded through a 0.01 u F capacitor to avoid noise problem. Pin 6 (threshold) is shorted to pin 7. A resistor RA is connected between pins 6 and 8. At pins 7 a discharge capacitor is connected while pin 8 is connected to supply VCC.

555 IC Monostable Multivibrator Operation.

555 monostable-multivibrator-operation

For explaining the operation of timer 555 as a monostable multivibrator, necessary internal circuitry with external connections are shown in figure.

The operation of the circuit is explained below:

Initially, when the output at pin 3 is low i.e. the circuit is in a stable state, the transistor is on and capacitor- C is shorted to ground. When a negative pulse is applied to pin 2, the trigger input falls below +1/3 VCC, the output of comparator goes high which resets the flip-flop and consequently the transistor turns off and the output at pin 3 goes high. This is the transition of the output from stable to quasi-stable state, as shown in figure. As the discharge transistor is cutoff, the capacitor C begins charging toward +VCC through resistance RA with a time constant equal to RAC. When the increasing capacitor voltage becomes slightly greater than +2/3 VCC, the output of comparator 1 goes high, which sets the flip-flop. The transistor goes to saturation, thereby discharging the capacitor C and the output of the timer goes low, as illustrated in figure. Thus the output returns back to stable state from quasi-stable state. The output of the Monostable Multivibrator remains low until a trigger pulse is again applied. Then the cycle repeats. Trigger input, output voltage and capacitor voltage waveforms are shown in figure.

Monostable Multivibrator Design Using 555 timer IC

The capacitor C has to charge through resistance RA. The larger the time constant RAC, the longer it takes for the capacitor voltage to reach +2/3VCC. In other words, the RC time constant controls the width of the output pulse. The time during which the timer output remains high is given as tp = 1.0986 RAC where RA is in ohms and C is in farads. The above relation is derived as below. Voltage across the capacitor at any instant during charging period is given as vc = VCC (1- e-t/RAC) Substituting vc = 2/3 VCC in above equation we get the time taken by the capacitor to charge from 0 to +2/3VCC. So +2/3VCC. = VCC. (1 e-t/RAC) or t RAC loge 3 = 1.0986 RAC

So pulse width, tP = 1.0986 RAC s 1.1 RAC The pulse width of the circuit may range from micro-seconds to many seconds. This circuit is widely used in industry for many different timing applications.

6 to 15V DC to DC converter using LM2585

Description. A very efficient 6V to 15V DC to DC converter using LM2585 is shown here. LM2585 is a monolithic integrated voltage converter IC that can be used in various applications like flyback converters, boost converters, forward converters, multiple output converters etc. The circuit requires minimum number of external components and the IC can source up to 3A output current. Here the IC is wired as a boost converter where resistors R1 and R2 are used to set the output voltage .The junction of R1 and R2 is connected to the feedback pin of IC1. Capacitor C4 is the input filter while capacitor C1 the filter for output. Network comprising of resistor R1 and capacitor C2 is meant for frequency compensation. Inductor L1 stores the energy for acquiring boost conversion. Circuit diagram of LM2585 DC to DC converter.

6 to 15 V converter using LM2585

Notes. Assemble the circuit on a good quality PCB. LM2585 requires a heatsink. Output voltage is according to the equation Vout =( (R1/R2)+1) x 1.23. Capacitors other than C4 and C1 are ceramic capacitors. Maximum output current LM2585 can source is 3A.

An astable multivibrator, often called a free-running multivibrator, is a rectangular-wave generating circuit. Unlike the monostable multivibrator, this circuit does not require any external trigger to change the state of the output, hence the name free-running. Before going to make the circuit, make sure your 555 IC is working. For that go through the article: How to test a 555 IC for working An astable multivibrator can be produced by adding resistors and a capacitor to the basic timer IC, as illustrated in figure. The timing during which the output is either high or low is determined by the externally connected two resistors and a capacitor. The details of the astable multivibrator circuit are given below.

555-Astable-Multivibrator Take a look @ 555 Ic Pin configuration and 555 block diagram before reading further. Pin 1 is grounded; pins 4 and 8 are shorted and then tied to supply +Vcc, output (V OUT is taken form pin 3; pin 2 and 6 are shorted and the connected to ground through capacitor C, pin 7 is connected to supply + VCCthrough a resistor RA; and between pin 6 and 7 a resistor RB is connected. At pin 5 either a bypass capacitor of 0.01 F is connected or modulation input is applied.

Astable Multivibrator Operation

For explaining the operation of the timer 555 as an astable multivibrator, necessary internal circuitry with external connections are shown in figure.

Astable-Multivibrator-Operation

In figure, when Q is low or output VOUT is high, the discharging transistor is cut-off and the capacitor C begins charging toward VCC through resistances RA and RB. Because of this, the charging time constant is (RA + RB) C. Eventually, the threshold voltage exceeds +2/3 VCC, the comparator 1 has a high output and triggers the flip-flop so that its Q is high and the timer output is low. With Q high, the discharge transistor saturates and pin 7 grounds so that the capacitor C discharges through resistance RB with a discharging time constant RB C. With the discharging of capacitor, trigger voltage at inverting input of comparator 2 decreases. When it drops below 1/3VCC, the output of comparator 2 goes high and this reset the flip-flop so that Q is low and the timer output is high. This proves the auto-transition in output from low to high and then to low as, illustrated in fig ures. Thus the cycle repeats.

Astable Multivibrator using 555 IC -Design method

The time during which the capacitor C charges from 1/3 VCC to 2/3 VCC is equal to the time the output is high and is given as tc or THIGH = 0.693 (RA + RB) C, which is proved below. Voltage across the capacitor at any instant during charging period is given as,vc=VCC(1et/RC) The time taken by the capacitor to charge from 0 to +1/3 VCC
1/3 VCC = VCC (1-e t/RC )

The time taken by the capacitor to charge from 0 to +2/3 VCC or t2 = RC loge 3 = 1.0986 RC So the time taken by the capacitor to charge from +1/3 VCC to +2/3 VCC tc = (t2 t1) = (10986 0.405) RC = 0.693 RC Substituting R = (RA + RB) in above equation we have THIGH = tc = 0.693 (RA + RB) C where RA and RB are in ohms and C is in farads. The time during which the capacitor discharges from +2/3 VCC to +1/3 VCC is equal to the time the output is low and is given as td or TL0W = 0.693 RB C where RB is in ohms and C is in farads The above equation is worked out as follows: Voltage across the capacitor at any instant during discharging period is given as vc = 2/3 VCC e- td/ RBC Substituting vc = 1/3 VCC and t = td in above equation we have +1/3 VCC = +2/3 VCC e- td/ RBC Or td = 0.693 RBC Overall period of oscillations, T = THIGH + TLOW = 0.693 (RA+ 2RB) C , The frequency of oscillations being the reciprocal of the overall period of oscillations T is given as f = 1/T = 1.44/ (RA+ 2RB)C

Equation indicates that the frequency of oscillation / is independent of the collector supply voltage +VCC. Often the term duty cycle is used in conjunction with the astable multivibrator. The duty cycle, the ratio of the time tc during which the output is high to the total time period T is given as % duty cycle, D = tc / T * 100 = (RA + RB) / (RA + 2RB) * 100 From the above equation it is obvious that square wave (50 % duty cycle) output can not be obtained unless RA is made zero. However, there is a danger in shorting resistance RA to zero. With RA = 0 ohm, terminal 7 is directly connected to + VCC. During the discharging of capacitor through RB and transistor, an extra current will be supplied to the transistor from VCC through a short between pin 7 and +VCC. It may damage the transistor and hence the timer. However, a symmetrical square wave can be obtained if a diode is connected across resistor RB, as illustrated in dotted lines in figure. The capacitor C charges through RA and diode D to approximately + 2/3VCC and discharges through resistor RB and terminal 7 (transistor) until the capacitor voltage drops to 1/3 VCC. Then the cycle is repeated. To obtain a square wave output, RA must be a combination of a fixed resistor R and a pot, so that the pot can be adjusted to give the exact square wave. Although the timer 555 has been used in a wide variety of often unique applications it is very hard on its power supply lines, requiring quite a bit of current, and injecting many noise transients. This noise will often be coupled into adjacent ICs falsely triggering them. The 7555 is a CMOS version of the 555. Its quiescent current requirements are considerably lower than that of 555, and the 7555 does not contaminate the power supply lines. It is pin compatible with the 555. So this CMOS version of the 555 should be the first choice when a 555 timer IC is to be used.

LED Thermometer Measurement Circuit

Description

Temperature

The circuit given here is a precision LED bar graph Fahrenheit thermometer,which can be used as a temperature measurement circuit, build around IC LM 34 (sensor) and IC LM 3914 (bar graph driver). The circuit can be modified to read in degree Celsius by replacing sensor LM 34 with LM 35. Both are inter changeable. The circuit operates of a volt power supply. To calibrate the circuit, you will need a voltmeter. Power the circuit . Ground the negative lead of the volt meter and connect the positive lead to pins 6 and 7 of IC LM 3914. Adjust R7 so the meter reads 3.345V as possible. Now connect the positive lead of the meter to pin 4 of IC LM 3914 and change R5 until the meter reads 2.545V. Disconnect power to the circuit and remove both ICs from their holders. Check the value of R3 with an ohmmeter and remember that value. Connect the ohmmeter across R1 and set R1 to a value of exactly 3 times the value of R3. Reconnect both ICs and the circuit is ready. Here the circuit is designed for home use and reads between 60 to 80 degree F. If pin 9 of IC LM 3914 is left disconnected the display will be in dot mode and R8 must be 100 Ohm. If pin 9 is connected to 9 V display will be in bar mode. Parts list Part. Qty. Description . C1 1 1uF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor C2 1 10uF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor R1 1 2.2K 1/4W Resistor R2,R5,R7 3 1K Trim Pot R3 1 1K 1/4W Resistor R4 1 1.5K 1/4W Resistor R6 1 470 Ohm 1/4W Resistor R8 1 100 Ohm Or 15 Ohm 1/4W Resistor (See Notes) D1-D10 10 LED U1 1 LM34DZ Precision Fahrenheit Temperature Sensor U2 1 LM3914 Bar/Dot Graph Driver IC MISC 1 Board, Wire, Socket For ICs, Case

Temperature Measurement Circuit diagram.

LED Temperature Measurement

LM 34/35 pin assignment

We have more Measurement circuits in our website that may interest you: Take a look: 1. Capacitance Meter 2. Digital Voltmeter Circuit 3. VHF Field Strength Meter 4. Micro Ampere Measurement