resistor R4 limits the base current to transis- tor Q2. Pin #4, the reset pin, is used as a latch in this circuit. When power is applied at Vcc, tran- sistor Ql is turned off. Since transistor QI is off, most of the applied voltage is dropped across the transistor, causing about 12 volts to appear at the collector of the transistor. Since pin #4 is con- nected to the collector of transistor QU, 12 volts is applied to pin #4. For the timer to operate, pin #4 must be connected to a voltage that is greater than 23 of Vcc. When pin #4 is connected to a voltage that is less than 1/3 of Vee, it turns on the discharge and keeps the timer from operating. When transistor QI turns on, the collector of the transistor drops to ground or 0 volts. Pin #4 is also connected to ground, which prevents the timer from further operation. Since the timer can no longer operate, the output remains turned off, which permits transistor QI to remain turned on. Capacitor C1 and resistors RI and R2 are used to set the amount of time delay. Resistor R2 should be kept at a value of about 100 ohms. The REVIEW QUESTIONS job of resistor R2 is to limit the current when ca- pacitor Cl discharges. Resistor R2 has a relatively low value to enable capacitor Cl to discharge quickly. The time setting can be changed by changing the value of resistor RI. To understand the operation of the circuit, assume that switch $1 is open and all capacitors are discharged. When switch S1 is closed, pin #2 which is connected to 0 volts, triggers the timer. ‘When the timer is triggered, the output activates transistor Q2 which steals the base current from transistor Ql. Transistor QI remains off as long as, transistor Q2 is on. When capacitor CI has been charged to 2/3 of Vee, the discharge tus on and the output of the timer turns off. When the output turns transistor Q2 off, transistor Ql is supplied with base current through resistor R3 and turns on relay coil K1. When transistor QI is turned on, the voltage applied to the reset pin, #4, is changed from 12 volts to 0 volts. This causes the reset to lock the discharge on and the output off. Therefore, when transistor QI is turned on, switch $1 must be reopened to reset the circuit. SE 1. How is pin #1 of an in-line, integrated circuit identified? 2. A555 timer is connected to produce a pulse at the output once each second. The timer is connected to 12 volts dc. If the voltage is reduced to 8 volts de, the 555 will continue to operate at the same pulse rate. Explain why the timer will operate at the same pulse rate when the voltage is reduced. 3. What is the range of voltage the 555 timer will operate on? 4. Explain the function of the control voltage, pin #5, when the timer is being used as an oscillator, 5. Explain what happens to the output and discharge pins of the 555 timer when the trigger, pin #2, is connected to a voltage that is less than 1/3 of Vee. 6. Explain what happens to the output and discharge pins when the threshold, pin #6, is connected to a voltage that is greater than 2/3 of Vec. 7. Refer to figure 10-6. The values of what components determine the length of time the output will be turned on? 8. The values of what components determine the amount of time the output will remain turned off? 9. Explain the operation of pin #4 on the 555 timer. 10. What is a stealer transistor? UNIT 10 THE 555 TIMER 53