IC 555 TIMER

AIM:
To understand the basic principle of IC555 timer, its
working and its application as VCO(Voltage
Controlled Oscillator).
INTRODUCTION:
IC 555 is a popular integrated circuit that is widely
used in electronic circuits for timing and oscillator
applications. It was invented by Hans Camenzind at
Signetics Carporation as the SE/NE555 in 1970. Since
its debut, it has become one of the most widely used
IC in the electronics industry.

Fig.(a) NE 555
IC555 is a versatile device that can operate in three
different modes: monostable, astable and bistable.
In the monostable mode, it functions as a one shot
timer, producing a single output pulse when
triggered. In the astable mode, it functions as a free
running oscillator, generating a continuous pulse. In
the bistable mode, it maintains a stable output state
until triggered to switch to the opposite state.
IC 555 has a wide range of applications, including
timing circuits, pulse generators oscillators and
Voltage Controlled Oscillators(VCOs). It commonly
used in electronic projects such as LED flashers,
alarm systems etc.
IC 555 is a relatively simple and inexpensive IC and it
is widely available from electronics suppliers. It can
operate from +8 to +18V supply voltage . The SE555
is designed for the operating temperature range
from -55°C to +125°C, while the NE555 operates over
a temperature range of 0°C to +70°C.
PIN DIAGRAM OF IC555 TIMER:
The pin diagram of IC555 timer is shown in the figure
below:

Fig.(b) PIN diagram of IC 555 timer

The functions of all the 8 pins of IC555 timer are as
follows:
PIN1 (GROUND):
All the voltages are measured with respect to the
ground.
PIN2 (TRIGGER):
The trigger pin is used to feed the trigger input when
the IC is set up as as a monostable multivibrator. This
pin is the inverting input of comparator 2(lower
comparator) and is responsible for the transition of
flip-flop from set to reset. The output of the timer
depends on the amplitude of the external trigger
pulse applied to this pin. A negative pulse with a dc
level greater than 1/3Vcc is applied to this terminal.
The output is low if the voltage at this pin is greater
than 2/3Vcc. However, when a negative-going pulse
of amplitude greater than 1/3Vcc is applied to this
pin, the comparator 2 output goes low , which in turn
switches the output of timer high. The output
remains high as long as the the trigger terminal is
held at a low voltage.
PIN3 (OUTPUT):
Output of the timer is available at this pin. There are
two ways in which a load can be connected to the
output terminal. One way is to connect between
output pin (pin 3) and ground (pin1) or between pin
3 and supply pin (pin 8). The load connected
between output and ground supply pin is called the
normally on load and that connected between
output and ground pin is called the normally off load.
PIN4 (RESET):
The 555 timer can be RESET (disabled) by applying a
negative pulse to this pin. When the reset function is
not in use the reset terminal should be connected to
+Vcc to avoid any possibility of false triggering.
PIN5 (CONTROL VOLTAGE):
An external voltage applied to this terminal changes
the threshold as well as the trigger voltage. In other
words, by imposing a voltage on this pin or
connecting a potential between this pin and ground,
the pulse width of the output waveform can be
varied. When not used, the control pin is bypassed to
ground with a 0.01 micro farad capacitor to prevent
prevent any noise problem.
PIN6 (THRESHOLD):
This is the non-inverting input terminal of
comparator1, which compares the voltage applied to
the terminal with a reference voltage of 2/3Vcc.
When the voltage applied to this terminal is greater
than 2/3Vcc, the upper comparator switches to
+Vsat and which in turn switches the output of the
timer low.
PIN7(DISCHARGE):
This pin is connected internally to the collector of
transistor as shown in figure (c) . Mostly a capacitor
is connected between this terminal and ground
through a resistor. When the output is high transistor
saturated and the capacitor discharges through the
capacitor. On the other hand, when the output is
high transistor is off and capacitor charges at the rate
determined by the external resistors and capacitor.
PIN8 (+Vcc):
A supply voltage of +5V to +18V is applied to this pin
with respect to ground(pin1).
INTERNAL DIAGRAM OF IC 555 TIMER:
IC 555 timer consists of two comparator elements,
which are basically op-amps that compare the
voltages of inverting and non-inverting input
terminals. The input impedance of the comparators
is kept very high so that equal voltage is divided
between the three 5 kilo ohm resistors, which is
equal to one third of Vcc. There is also a flip flop
element which gives high output when ‘S’ is high and
‘R’ is low. It gives low when ‘R’ is high and ‘S’ is low.
A discharge transistor is used, which provides the
discharging path to the external capacitor when flip-
flop output Q is high.

Fig.(c) Internal diagram of 555 timer