555 Timer IC

  555 Timer IC 555 Timer IC Pinout

555 Timer IC Features

 Typical operating voltage is +5V, can withstand a maximum of +18V.

 The source/sink current of the output pin is 200mA
 Consumes up to 3mA when operating at +5V
 Trigger Voltage is 1.67 when operating at +5V
 Operating Temperature is 70 degree Celsius.
 Available in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC, and VSSOP packages
555 Timer Pinout Configuration
 Pin Pin Name Description
Number

  
1 Ground Ground Reference Voltage 0V

2 Trigger Responsible for transition of the flip-flop

from set to reset. The output of the timer
depends 2 I on the amplitude of the external
trigger pulse applied to this pin

3 Output This pin is normally connected to load as it is

the only pin with output driven waveform

4 Reset Negative pulse applied to this pin to disable

or reset the timer. When not used for reset 4 I
purposes, it should be connected to VCC to
avoid false triggering

5 Control Controls the threshold and trigger levels. It

determines the pulse width of the output 5
Voltage I waveform. An external voltage
applied to this pin can also be used to
modulate the output waveform

6 Threshold Compares the voltage applied to the terminal

with a reference voltage of 2/3 Vcc. The 6 I
amplitude of voltage applied to this terminal
is responsible for the set state of the flip-flop

7 Discharge Open collector output which discharges a

capacitor between intervals (in phase with
output). 7 I It toggles the output from high to
low when voltage reaches 2/3 of the supply
voltage

8 Vcc Supply Voltage (Typical = 5V, Maximum =

Brief Description on 555 Timers

555 Timer IC is the most commonly used ICs for timing and Pulse generation
applications. They can adopt itself into various applications due to its different
operating modes. They are very simple to understand if we take a look at the
components present inside as shown below

There are three resistors of value 5K, which gives this IC it’s iconic name “555
Timer”. It has dual comparators and flip-flop which will make this IC operated
in three different modes such as Astable, Monostable and Bistable(Schimitt)
Mode.  

Astable Mode:

In this mode a square wave is produced at the output pin. This wave is usually
used to turn ON and OFF a load at specific intervals like, blinking a LED. This
mode is also used to generate clock pulse signals for digital IC’s. The ON time
(T1) and OFF time (T2) of the wave can be controlled by the Resistors (RA, RB)
and Capacitor (C) shown in below figure
 

Monostable Mode:

In Monostable mode a pulse of pre-defined length is produced when a trigger

button is pressed. The output pin stays low until the button is pressed and once
pressed it remains high for a period of time decided by the value of resistor (RA)
and Capacitor (C) shown in the below circuit.

Bi-Stable Mode:

The Bi-stable mode is also called as Schmitt Trigger Mode. This mode is used
when a load has to be turned on and off using a push button. This mode does not
have major practical importance hence it is rarely used.

 
Applications

 Time Delay Generation

 Pulse Width Modulation
 Pulse generation
 Precision Timing
 Sequential Timing circuits

2D Model of 555 Timer IC

P-DIP Package