The 555 Timer
The 555 Timer
Figure 12.2 Loads connected to the output of a 555 timer: (a) current sourced by the timer when the output
is high (b) current sunk by the timer when the output is low
course, encompasses the normal range for TTL Low power (CMOS) 555
devices (5 V ± 5%) and thus the device is ideally
suited for use with TTL circuitry. This device is a CMOS version of the 555 timer
Several versions of the 555 timer are available, that is both pin and function compatible with its
including low power (CMOS) and dual versions, as standard counterpart. By virtue of its CMOS
follows: technology the device operates over a somewhat
wider range of supply voltages (2 V to 18 V) and
THE 555 TIMER 219
Example 12.1
Design a timer circuit that will produce a 10 ms
pulse when a negative-going trigger pulse is
applied to it.
Solution
Using the circuit shown in Fig. 12.4, the value of
monostable timing period can be calculated from
the formula:
ton = 1.1 C R
We need to choose an appropriate value for C that
is in the range stated earlier. Since we require a
fairly modest time period we will choose a mid-
range value for C. This should help to ensure that
the value of R is neither too small nor too large. A
value of 100 nF should be appropriate and should
also be easy to obtain. Making R the subject of the
formula and substituting for C = 100 nF gives:
ton 10 ms 10 ×10 3
R= = =
1.1C 1.1×100 nF 110 ×10 9
From which:
Figure 12.5 Chart for determining values of C, ton 10
and R for a 555 operating in monostable mode. The R= ×106 = 0.091×106 = 91 k
110
dotted line shows how a 10 ms pulse will be pro-
duced when C = 100 nF and R = 91 kG (see Exam- Alternatively, the chart shown in Fig. 12.5 can be
ple 12.1) used.
Example 12.2
Values for C and R can be selected over quite a Design a timer circuit that will produce a +5V
wide range but it is worth noting that the output for a period of 60 s when a ‘start’ button is
performance of the timer may become operated. The time period is to be aborted when a
unpredictable if the values of these components are ‘stop’ button is operated.
outside the recommended range:
Solution
C = 470 pF to 470 µF
For the purposes of this question we shall assume
R = 1 kG to 3.3 MG that the ‘start’ and ‘stop’ buttons both have
THE 555 TIMER 221
From which:
60
R= ×106 = 0.545×106 = 545 k
110
normally be selected from within the following Since the specified duty cycle is 67% we can make
ranges in order to provide satisfactory performance: R1 equal to R2. Hence if R = R1 = R2 we obtain the
following relationship:
C = 10 nF to 470 µF
1.44 1.44 0.48
R1 = 1 kG to 1 MG p.r.f. = = =
C ( R + 2 R ) 3CR CR
R2 = 1 kG to 1 MG
The required values of C, R1 and R2 for any We need to choose an appropriate value for C that
required p.r.f. and duty cycle can be determined is in the range stated earlier. Since we require a
from the formulae shown earlier. Alternatively, the fairly low value of p.r.f. we will choose a value for
graph shown in Fig. 12.9 can be used when R1 and C of 1µF. This should help to ensure that the value
R2 are equal in value (corresponding to a 67% duty of R is neither too small nor too large. A value of
cycle). 1 µF should also be easy to obtain. Making R the
subject of the formula and substituting for C = 1 µF
gives:
Square wave generators 0.48 0.48
R = =
p.r.f. × C p.r.f. ×1×10 6
Because the high time (ton) is always greater than
the low time (toff), the mark to space ratio produced 480 ×103
by a 555 timer can never be made equal to (or less R = = 4.8 ×103 = 4.8 k
than) unity. This could be a problem if we need to 100
produce a precise square wave in which ton = toff.
However, by making R2 very much larger than R1,
the timer can be made to produce a reasonably Example 12.4
symmetrical square wave output (note that the
minimum recommended value for R2 is 1 kK —see Design a 5 V 50 Hz square wave generator using a
earlier). 555 timer.
If R2 >> R1 the expressions for p.r.f. and duty
cycle simplify to: Solution
Conclusions
Comment on the shape of the graph. Is this what
you would expect? Measure the slope of the graph
and use this to confirm the relationship for the
monostable timing period quoted on page 219. If
the graph is not linear can you suggest any reasons Figure 12.12 Monostable timer circuit used for
for this? the Practical investigation
226 ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS: FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS
Problems