555 Timer (NE 555)

Introduction: The 555 is an integrated circuit implementing a variety of timer and multivibrator applications. The original name was the SE555/NE555 and was called "The IC Time Machine". The 555 gets its name from the three 5-kOhm resistors used in typical early implementations . It is still in wide use, thanks to its ease of use, low price and good stability. . The 555 timer is one of the most popular and versatile integrated circuits ever produced. It includes 23 transistors, 2 diodes and 16 resistors on a silicon chip installed in an 8-pin mini dual-in-line package (DIP-8). The 556 is a 14-pin DIP that combines two 555s on a single chip. The 558 is a 16-pin DIP that combines four slightly modified 555s on a single chip (DIS & THR are connected internally, TR is falling edge sensitive instead of level sensitive). Also available are ultra-low power versions of the 555 such as the 7555 and TLC555. The 7555 requires slightly different wiring using fewer external cmponents and less power.

The Pins of the 555:

The Power Supply:

Pin 8 is where you connect the positive power supply (Vs) to the 555. This can be any voltage between 3V and 15V DC, but is commonly 5V DC when working with digital ICs. Pin 1 is the 0V connection to the power supply.
Trigger and Reset Inputs:

Pin 2 is called the Trigger input as it is this input that sets the output to the high state. Pin 4 is called the Reset input as it is this input that resets the output to the low state. Both pins may be connected to push buttons to control the operation of the 555. Sometimes the Reset input is not used in a circuit, in which case it is connected directly to Vs so that unwanted resetting cannot occur.
Threshold and Discharge:

Pins 6 and 7 (and sometimes the Trigger input, pin 2) are used to set up the timing aspect of the 555 IC. They are normally connected to a combination of resistors and a capacitor.

Offset:

Pin 5 can be used to alter the timing aspect of the 555 IC in applications such as frequency modulation.
Output:

Pin 3 is the digital output of the 555. It can be connected directly to the inputs of other digital ICs, or it can control other devices with the help of a few extra components. Internal circuitry of the 555: The 555 circuit is consisted by two comparators, one ohmic ladder one flip-flop and a discharging transistor, as it is shown in figure.

DESCRIPTION:

. To make the 555 work, a trigger pulse at pin 2 initially sets the 555's internal flip-flop 'on'. It does so by comparing the input pulse to 1/3 of the supply power to a second comparator. This turns off the transistor across the timing capacitor and allows the timing capacitor to start the charge cycle. The 555 stays 'on' until this timing cycle turns it 'off' again by resetting the control flip-flop. The timing cycle can be made to start over again by applying a pulse to pin 4 (reset). This turns on the transistor that discharges the timing capacitor, and so delaying the charge from reaching 2/3 Vcc. In some applications, the reset (pin 4) is connected to the trigger input (pin 2) so that each new input trigger

signal restarts the timing cycle. When the threshold at pin 2 drops, at the end of a timing cycle, that voltage drop can be used to start a new timing cycle right away by connecting pin 6 (threshold) to pin 2, the trigger input. This type of system is called an "astable, free running, oscillator" and is the most common one. If you look at a variety of diagrams where a 555 is used you notice that in most cases pins 2 and 6 are connected. The 555's output circuit includes two high current transistors, each capable of handling at least 200mA. One transistor is connected between the output pin 3 and Vcc, and the other between pin 3 and ground. This way you can use the output pin 3 to either supply Vcc to your load (source) or provide a ground for your load (sink). If you have heard mentioning about 'sink' or 'source' this is exactly what it means. This tester will flash the led's alternately with good 555 under test, because both led's are driven from the single output pin 3 because of the way the 555 is designed.

Applications:
Monostable,Astable,Pulse width modulation,schimitt trigger etc Monostable Application: In the this application, with the external connections the timer circuit will operate as a single-shot multivibrator. Here, if the trigger gets a negative pulse, the flip-flop is set, making Q high, truning off the discharge transistor, which then allows the capacitor to be charged up toward VCC. When the capacitor voltage reaches 2/3VCC, the threshold signal causes the flip-flop to be reset, discharging the capacitor again. Typical waveforms are shown in Figure 8. It can be seen from the waveforms that theouputremains low until a trigger signal is received. Then the output goes high while the capacitor charges and hen goes back low where it remains until another trigger pulse is received. Hence, the name single-shot. Multiple triggers or continuous low voltage on the trigger input during charging have no effect, but the trigger signal must go back high again before the flipflop can be reset by the threshold signal. Timing is dependent on the

time it takes the capacitor to charge up from a discharged state, or very near zero volts, to 2/3VCC. The charging equation is vC(t) = VCC(1 - e-t/RC)

Astable Application:

In this both the trigger and threshold inputs are connected directly to the capacitor. There is an additional resistor, RB, connected between the capacitor and the discharge transistor to slow the discharge. When the capacitor discharges to 1/3VCC, the trigger comparator switches and sets the flip-flop which in turn turns off the discharge transistor, allowing the capacitor to start charging up through both resistors, RA and RB. When the capacitor reaches 2/3VCC, the threshold input causes the flip-flop to reset which in turn turns on the discharge transistor and the capacitor discharges again. Thus, the capacitor charges and discharges back and forth between 1/3VCC and 2/3VCC.

Schmitt Trigger:

Shown on the schematic is a secondary output that uses the open collector at the discharge terminal (Pin 7) of the timer. This output can sink up to 200 milliamps and would be ideal for driving relays. The main disadvantage to using this circuit is the the large dead-band (1/3Vcc) between upper and lower threshold voltages. An optional resistor, R5, can be added to the circuit to lower and compress the detection voltage range but this only partially alleviates the problem.

The two graphs at the bottom of the diagram show the input voltages at which the output of the LM555 will change states. The effect that resistor R5 has on the circuit can be seen in the right hand graph.