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555 ASTABLE CIRCUITS AND APPLICATIONS

I.

OBJECTIVES
1. To analyze a 555 astable or free-running circuit
2. To design a square-wave generator
3. To illustrate some practical applications of an astable circuit using 555 timer

(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)

Power Supply
Dual Trace Oscilloscope
Frequency Counter
Electronic Lab Console
Digital Multitester

III. PARTS NEEDED

(1) 0.1F (104) 1


Resistors
(2) 0.01F (103)
2
(4) 1k BRN.BLK.RED
(2) 3.3k
ORG.ORG.RED
3
(1) 2.2F
4
(1) 10 F
(3) 10k BRN.BLK.ORG
IV. PROCEDURE

555

(1)555 TIMER

FLAT
(1) LED RED

555 Astable MV

II. TEST EQUIPMENT

6
5

+
(1) FLASH
LIGHT

1. Calculate the frequency of the circuit in Figure 1. Draw and calculate the amplitude
and pulse width at TP1 and TP2.

FIGURE 1: ASTABLE CIRCUIT

VUT =__________

VLT = __________

2. Set up the circuit of Figure 1. Measure the frequency and the amplitude at TP1 and
TP2. Draw their waveforms.

Fmeas = ___________

VUT =__________

555 Astable MV

f = ___________

VLT = __________

3. Replace R1 (3.3k) by 100k pot. See Figure 2 for easy connection with Electronic
Lab Console.

FIGURE 2: A 100-k POT Connection

4. Adjust the 100k and observe the blink of LED. Reducing the value of the pot by
turning the pot all the way to the left cause the blinking of the LED faster. Increasing
it reduces the blinking speed otherwise.

555 Astable MV

5. Replace the LED by speaker as shown in Figure 3.

FIGURE 3: Connection of the Speaker to Astable Circuit


6. Observe the sound while adjusting the 100k pot. Write your observation.
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7. DESIGNING A SQUARE-WAVE OSCILLATOR. Adjust the pot until you get a 50% duty
cycle. Disconnect the pot and measure its resistance.
Rpot = ________
8. A KEY BOARD OSCILLATOR. Modify the circuit of Figure 1 by setting the circuit of
Figure 4. Press one by one the push button switches S1 to S4. Notice the waveform
and the sound produced. Write your observation about varying the capacitance and
the frequency of the sound.
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NOTE: Pressing two or more switches at the same time while varying the pot
produces different tone combination. Try it.

555 Astable MV

FIGURE 4: A Keyboard Oscillator


9. A VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR (VCO). A VCO is on oscillator where the
frequency produced is controlled by voltage applied on pin 5 of the 555 timer. Set up
the circuit of Figure 5. R3 formed the voltage divider circuit.

FIGURE 5: A VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR (VCO)


4

10. Vary R3 and observe the amplitude and frequency at TP1. Record your observation.
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555 Astable MV

11. A LIGHT-DARK DETECTOR. Set up the circuit of Figure 6. When a DPST is in up position
(as in Figure 6) the 555 emits sound provided that the photoresistor is cast by a light
(from a flashlight). This is a light-detector. Turning the light off causes the sound to
stop. (Try it).

FIGURE 6: A LIGHT-DARK DETECTOR

12. Move the DPST down, and turn the light off. Observe if there is a sound. Turn on the
light. Record your observation.
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13. Turn off power and return all equipment and materials to the custodian.
V. QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Write your answer at the back of this page

1. Discuss the discrepancy of calculated and measured values for frequency and
amplitude of output waveform of astable circuit in Figure 1.

2. In step 7 of your experiment procedure, you set the pot R 1 in Figure 2. Modify the
circuit of Figure 2 to produce a square-wave oscillator (Hint: Add another component
and no change value of R1 and R2.

3. Why do we need C5 (0.01F) to connect on pin 5 of 555 timer in circuit of Figure 4?

555 Astable MV

4. Describe the characteristics of a photoresistor in Figure 6?

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