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What is a 555 Timer?
A 555 timer is a type of integrated circuit, also known as a chip, which is extremely popular for a variety of purposes. Its main use is as a timer, but it can also be used as a multivibrator.
The 555 timer takes its name from the fact that the original model had three resistors, each rated at five thousand ohms. The first model was formally known as the SE555/NE555 and marketed as the IC Time Machine. At the time of its 1971 release, the 555 timer was the only commercially available timer circuit. Today there are many different models from different companies, though nearly all manufacturers include 555 as part of the model number because it’s such a recognizable name.
There are two different types of 555 timer, both being eight-pin chips. The most common one is the rectangular ‘V’ package, which has four pins down each side. The other version, which used to be the most common but has now fallen from favor somewhat, is the circular ‘T’ package.
The eight pins carry out the following functions:
- Ground, which acts as a safety measure as with electrical plugs
- Trigger, which passes on voltage to start the timing operations
- Output, which carries voltage to the device using the timer
- Reset, which is used to end the timing operation
- Control voltage, an optional pin used for controlling the timer from outside the main circuit set-up
- Threshold, which determines how long the timer should output voltage in each on/off cycle – in other words, how long the timing interval should be
- Discharge, connected to a capacitor which also influences the timing interval
- V+, which is the voltage input
There are three different types of use for a 555 timer. Monostable operation is when the output signal simply switches between the default off position and a temporary on position at regular intervals, which is most commonly used for timers. Astable operation is when the output voltage rises and falls in a set pattern, making it an oscillator. As the pattern can be varied, it can be used for any purpose which requires a particular tone pattern. Bistable operation is when the signal can be held in one of two positions, meaning the 555 timer can act as the smallest possible unit of computer memory.
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Discussion Comments
@roser - Assuming you understand schematics, with a quick trip to your local electronics store you could cheaply start experimenting with simple things like flashing LEDs or a music box. It’s actually pretty common to use it to make small electronic instruments like a toy organ or a theremin. There’s a bunch of schematics online if you do a quick Google search. Have fun!
A friend of mine is really into electronics and he told me the way he got starting building little gadgets and whatnot was using a 555 chip. This article gave me a good rundown on how it works and I think I’m ready to start tinkering, so what are some cool 555 timer projects I can start out with?
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