Lab10

555 Timer Applications

Introduction
The objective of this lab is to implement Monostable and Astabe Multivibrators using
555 Timer.

Material and Equipment

NI ELVIS
555 Timer
1N5904 Diode
Assorted Resistors
Assorted Capacitors(0.1µF,1µF)
1 LED (Red)

Theory

The 555 timer has two basic operational modes: one shot and astable. In the one-shot
mode, the 555 is called a monostable multivibrator. The monostable circuit generates a
single pulse of a fixed time duration each time it receives and input trigger pulse. Thus it
is named one-shot. If there is no triggering input, the circuit stays in its stable condition
which is the off-state. The output stays at zero. Whenever it is triggered by an input
pulse, the monostable switches to its temporary state. It remains in that state for a period
of time determined by an RC network. It then returns to its stable state.

In other words, a monostable multivibrator operates by charging a capacitor with a

current set by an external resistance. When the one shot is triggered, the charging
network cycles only once during the timing interval.

Figure 10-1: Internal Block Diagram of 555 Timer

31
One-shot multivibrators are used for turning some circuit or external component on or off
for a specific length of time. It is also used to generate delays. When multiple one-shots
are cascaded, a variety of sequential timing pulses can be generated. Those pulses will
allow you to time and sequence a number of related operations.

The external circuitry and connections for the 555 to be used as a one-shot multivibrator
are shown in Figure 10-2. The output of the circuit is a pulse whose time period is
determined by the values of R and C, when a negative-going triggering pulse is applied.

The time period can be expressed as:

T = 1.1RC

Figure 10-2: Monostable Multivibrator Circuit

The other basic operational mode of the 555 is an astable multivibrator. An astable
multivibrator is simply an oscillator. The astable multivibrator generates a continuous
stream of rectangular off-on pulses that switch between two voltage levels.

The frequency of the pulses and their duty cycle are dependent upon the RC network
values

Figure 10-3 shows a typical external circuit connection for 555 operating as astable
multivibrator. Unlike monostable multi, astable runs continuously generating pulses
periodically. The period and the duty cycle are as usual determined by the values of RA,
RB, C.

The time period of the output is given by:

T =0.693(RA + 2RB)C

The duty cycle (the percentage of logic high to total period) can be expressed as:

Duty cycle = ((RA + RB)/( RA + 2RB)) x 100%

32
 Figure 10-3: Astable Multivibrator Circuit

Procedure

1) Monostable Multivibrator
a) Design a monostable multi for a pulse of 1.1 ms.
b) Connect the circuit as shown in figure 10-4 below.

c) Using a wire connect trigger input to ground momentarily to trigger the

circuit. Since T is high enough, you should be able to see the single pulse
on the scope screen connected to the output. Try a few times until you see
the whole pulse and measure the width.
d) Compare this width (period) with the time period you calculated.
e) Alternatively disconnect the output from the scope and connect to a series
circuit consisting of an LED and a 150 ohm resistor.
f) Using a wire connect trigger input to ground momentarily to trigger the
circuit. You should observe LED blink for a short period of time set by the
period. Show your results to your instructor/ lab TA.

33
 2) Astable Multivibrator
a) Design a astable multi for a pulse of 1.386ms. Set duty cycle to 75%.
b) Verify the values of RA=1k, RB=0.5k.
c) Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 10-3.
d) Measure and capture the waveforms of the input, output and the voltage
across the capacitor.
e) Measure the time period and duty cycle of the output and compare with
the theoretical values.

Questions for the Lab Report

1) What are the other applications of 555 timer?

2) What is the function of the transistor present in 555 timer?

34