NE555 Timer

Description

The NE555 Timer is a versatile timer/oscillator that can be used for many applications.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• NE555 Timer

KEY FEATURES OF NE555 TIMER:

• Timing from microseconds to hours
• Monostable or Astable modes of operation.
• Adjustable duty cycle
• Sink or source up to 200mA
• 5-15V operation
• 5V compatible

The NE555 Timer is an old school IC that is still commonly used and belongs in every project box.  It is probably the most versatile, yet easy to use IC ever created.

It can operate as a monostable, bistable or astable multivibrator.  This allows it to be used in a variety of applications such as pulse generation, missing pulse detection, square wave generation, delay timers, LED flashers, tone generation and more.

Using the NE555 generally entails hooking up a few resistors and perhaps a capacitor or potentiometer to set timing values.  Timing can be adjusted from microseconds to hours.  It can sink or source a respectable 200mA depending on the Vcc voltage level.

The part can operate from 5- 15V.  If operated at 5V, the output levels are compatible with 5V logic.

The circuit shown here implements a simple metronome.  It uses a potentiometer to adjust the timing of the ‘tock’ sound and can operate off a 9V battery.  None of the values are overly critical.

Notes: 

1. None

Technical Specifications