NE555 Timer IC DIP-8
The NE555 Timer IC in the DIP-8 package is one of the most iconic and widely used integrated circuits in the field of electronics. Designed as a highly stable and versatile timer, it is capable of producing accurate time delays or oscillations in a wide range of applications. Its internal architecture includes two comparators, a flip-flop, an output stage, and a discharge transistor, all working together to control timing intervals with precision. The device operates in two primary modes monostable and astable making it suitable for both pulse generation and continuous oscillation.
In monostable mode, the NE555 acts as a one-shot pulse generator, where the output goes high for a fixed duration determined by an external resistor and capacitor. In astable mode, it functions as a free-running oscillator, generating a continuous square wave whose frequency and duty cycle are set by two external resistors and one capacitor. The device is known for its ability to operate over a wide voltage range, typically from 4.5V to 15V, and its output can source or sink up to 200mA, allowing it to drive loads such as relays, LEDs, and small motors.
The NE555’s simplicity, reliability, and low cost have made it a favorite among hobbyists, students, and professional engineers for decades. Its ability to be configured in numerous ways from timers and PWM controllers to frequency dividers and pulse detectors underscores its flexibility. Encased in an 8-pin dual in-line package, the NE555 remains a fundamental component in both educational projects and industrial systems, embodying a perfect balance of performance and accessibility.
555 Timer Pinout Configuration:
| Pin Number | Pin Name | Description |
| 1 | Ground | Ground Reference Voltage 0V |
| 2 | Trigger | Responsible for transition of the flip-flop from set to reset. The output of the timer depends 2 I on the amplitude of the external trigger pulse applied to this pin |
| 3 | Output | This pin is normally connected to load as it is the only pin with output driven waveform |
| 4 | Reset | Negative pulse applied to this pin to disable or reset the timer. When not used for reset 4 I purposes, it should be connected to VCC to avoid false triggering |
| 5 | Control | Controls the threshold and trigger levels. It determines the pulse width of the output 5 Voltage I waveform. An external voltage applied to this pin can also be used to modulate the output waveform |
| 6 | Threshold | Compares the voltage applied to the terminal with a reference voltage of 2/3 Vcc. The 6 I amplitude of voltage applied to this terminal is responsible for the set state of the flip-flop |
| 7 | Discharge | Open collector output which discharges a capacitor between intervals (in phase with output). 7 I It toggles the output from high to low when voltage reaches 2/3 of the supply voltage |
| 8 | Vcc | Supply Voltage (Typical = 5V, Maximum = 16V) |
555 Timer IC Features:
- Capable of generating time delays from microseconds to hours.
- Operates in both monostable and astable modes.
- Adjustable duty cycle in astable operation.
- High current output: can sink or source up to 200mA.
- Compatible with TTL logic levels.
- Wide operating voltage range: 4.5V to 15V.
- Temperature-stable operation.
- Simple external RC timing control.
- Available in a robust 8-pin DIP package for easy prototyping.
Note: The above values are mentioned for PDIP package, Complete Technical Details can be found in the 555 Timer datasheet given at the end of this page.
Brief Description on 555 Timers
555 Timer IC is the most commonly used ICs for timing and Pulse generation applications. They can adopt itself into various applications due to its different operating modes. They are very simple to understand if we take a look at the components present inside as shown below
There are three resistors of value 5K, which gives this IC it’s iconic name “555 Timer”. It has dual comparators and flip-flop which will make this IC operated in three different modes such as Astable, Monostable and Bistable(Schimitt) Mode.
Astable Mode:
In this mode a square wave is produced at the output pin. This wave is usually used to turn ON and OFF a load at specific intervals like, blinking a LED. This mode is also used to generate clock pulse signals for digital IC’s. The ON time (T1) and OFF time (T2) of the wave can be controlled by the Resistors (RA, RB) and Capacitor (C) shown in below figure
Monostable Mode:
In Monostable mode a pulse of pre-defined length is produced when a trigger button is pressed. The output pin stays low until the button is pressed and once pressed it remains high for a period of time decided by the value of resistor (RA) and Capacitor (C) shown in the below circuit.
Bi-Stable Mode:
The Bi-stable mode is also called as Schmitt Trigger Mode. This mode is used when a load has to be turned on and off using a push button. This mode does not have major practical importance hence it is rarely used.
Specifications:
| Parameter | Condition | Min | Typ | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply Voltage (VCC): | — | 4.5 | — | 15 | V |
| Output Current (IO): | — | — | — | 200 | mA |
| Trigger Voltage (VTRIG): | VCC=5V | 1.1 | 1.67 | 2.2 | V |
| Threshold Voltage (VTHRES): | VCC=5V | 2.4 | 3.3 | 4.2 | V |
| Supply Current (ICC): | Output Low, VCC=5V | — | 3 | 6 | mA |
| Operating Temperature (TA): | — | 0 | — | 70 | °C |
Applications
- Time Delay Generation.
- Pulse Width Modulation.
- Pulse generation.
- Precision Timing.
- Sequential Timing circuits.
Package Contents:
- 1x NE555 Timer IC DIP-8
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