Timer 555

What is timer?
timer is a specialized type of clock. A timer can be used to control the sequence of an event or process. Whereas a stopwatch counts upwards from zero for measuring elapsed time, a timer counts down from a specified time interval, like an hourglass. Timers can be mechanical, electromechanical, electronic (qua rtz), or even software as all modern computers include digital timers of one kind or another. When the set period expires some timers simply indicate so (e.g., by an

What is timer 555

The 555 timer IC is an integrated circuit (chip) used in a variety of timer, pulse generation and oscillator applications.

Schematic diagram

Pin configuration
Pin 1 (Ground): Connects to the 0v power supply. Pin 2 (Trigger): Detects 1/3 of rail voltage to make output HIGH. Pin 2 has control over pin 6. If pin 2 is LOW, and pin 6 LOW, output goes and stays HIGH. If pin 6 HIGH, and pin 2 goes LOW, output goes LOW while pin 2 LOW. This pin has a very high impedance (about 10M) and will trigger with about 1uA. Pin 3 (Output): (Pins 3 and 7 are "in phase.") Goes HIGH (about 2v less than rail) and LOW (about 0.5v less than 0v) and will deliver up to 200mA. Pin 4 (Reset): Internally connected HIGH via 100k. Must be taken below 0.8v to reset the chip. Pin 5 (Control): A voltage applied to this pin will vary the timing of the RC network (quite considerably).

Pin configuration
Pin 6 (Threshold): Detects 2/3 of rail voltage to make output LOW only if pin 2 is HIGH. This pin has a very high impedance (about 10M) and will trigger with about 0.2uA. Pin 7 (Discharge): Goes LOW when pin 6 detects 2/3 rail voltage but pin 2 must be HIGH. If pin 2 is HIGH, pin 6 can be HIGH or LOW and pin 7 remains LOW. Goes OPEN (HIGH) and stays HIGH when pin 2 detects 1/3 rail voltage (even as a LOW pulse) when pin 6 is LOW. (Pins 7 and 3 are "in phase.") Pin 7 is equal to pin 3 but pin 7 does not go high - it goes OPEN. But it goes LOW and will sink about 200mA. Pin 8 (Supply): Connects to the positive power supply (Vs). This can be any voltage between 4.5V and 15V DC, but is commonly 5V DC when working with digital ICs..

Pin assignments
The pin assignments of the 555 timer IC are as follows: Pin 1 - Ground Pin 2 - Trigger Input Pin 3 - Output Pin 4 - Reset Input Pin 5 - Control Voltage Pin 6 - Threshold Input Pin 7 - Discharge Pin Pin 8 - Vcc (+4.5V to +15 V)

Application of timer in electronic equipment

One of timer applications that can be used as a countdown timer, alarm clock or stopwatch which covers everything that can be done with a timer. Can be set to a maximum of 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds which only makes sense when in countdown mode.

Schematic diagram for monostable mode

A monostable circuit produces a single output pulse when triggered. It is called a monostable because it is stable in just one state: 'output low'. The 'output high' state is temporary. The duration of the pulse is called the time period (T) and this is determined by resistor R1 and capacitor C1:

Schematic diagram for astable mode

An astable circuit produces a 'square wave', this is a digital waveform with sharp transitions between low (0V) and high (+Vs). Note that the durations of the low and high states may be different. The circuit is called an astable because it is not stable in any state: the output is continually changing between 'low' and 'high'.

Schematic diagram for bistable mode

The circuit is called a bistable because it is stable in two states: output high and output low. It is also known as a 'flip-flop'.It has two inputs:

Schematic diagram for schmitt trigger

Operating principle (monostable)

The timing period is triggered (started) when the trigger input (555 pin 2) is less than 1/3 Vs, this makes the output high (+Vs) and the capacitor C1 starts to charge through resistor R1. Once the time period has started further trigger pulses are ignored. The threshold input (555 pin 6) monitors the voltage across C1 and when this reaches 2/3 Vs the time period is over and the output becomes low. At the same time discharge (555 pin 7) is connected to 0V, discharging the capacitor ready for the next trigger. The reset input (555 pin 4) overrides all other inputs and the timing may be cancelled at any time by connecting reset to 0V, this instantly makes the output low and discharges the capacitor. If the reset function is not required the reset pin should be connected to +Vs.

Operating principle (astable)

With the output high (+Vs) the capacitor C1 is charged by current flowing through R1 and R2. The threshold and trigger inputs monitor the capacitor voltage and when it reaches 2/3Vs (threshold voltage) the output becomes low and the discharge pin is connected to 0V.The capacitor now discharges with current flowing through R2 into the discharge pin. When the voltage falls to1/3Vs (trigger voltage) the output becomes high again and the discharge pin is disconnected, allowing the capacitor to start charging again. This cycle repeats continuously unless the reset input is connected to 0V which forces the output low while reset is 0V. An astable can be used to provide the clock signal for circuits such as counters.

Operating principle (bistable)

the bistable has two stable states, high and low. Taking the Trigger input low makes the output of the circuit go into the high state. Taking the Reset input low makes the output of the circuit Since there is no timing involved in this circuit, no equations are needed to work out the components. go into the low state.

Operating principle (schmitt trigger)

When the input voltage is between 1/3 and 2/3 Vs the output remains in its present state. This intermediate input region is a deadspace where there is no response, a property called hysteresis, it is like backlash in a mechanical linkage. This type of circuit is called a Schmitt trigger.

Waveform (monostable)

Waveform (astable)

Waveform (bistable)

556 timer

Its a dual version called 556. It features two complete 555s in a 14 pin DIL package.

556 timer operation

The LM556 Dual timing circuit is a highly stable controller capable of producing accurate time delays or oscillation. The 556 is a dual 555. Timing is provided by an external resistor and capacitor for each timing function. The two timers operate independently of each other sharing only VCC and ground. The circuits may be triggered and reset on falling waveforms. The output structures may sink or source 200mA.