555 Timer Integrated Circuit

The 555 timer is an integrated circuit is usually used in the applications

of timer, pulse generation, transducer driver, and oscillator. A standard 555
timer package includes 25 transistors, 2 diodes, and 15 resistors on a silicon
chip installed in an 8-pin mini dual-in-line package. But in its block diagram,
it shown with 3 equally-valued resistors in series, 2 comparators, 2
transistors (1 NPN, 1 PNP), 1 flip-flop, 1 output stage, and 8 pins.
Pin
Pin
Pin
Pin

1
2
3
4

Ground (GND)
Trigger (TRIG)
Output (OUT)
Reset (RST)

Connects to the negative / 0 V power supply

Detects 1/3 of rail voltage to make output HIGH
Goes HIGH and LOW and will deliver up to 200mA
Internally connected HIGH via 100k. Must be taken below 0.8v to
reset the chip.

Pin 5 - Control (CTRL)

A voltage applied to this pin will vary the timing of the

RC network

Pin 6 - Threshold (THR)

Detects 2/3 of rail voltage to make output LOW only if pin 2

Pin 7 - Discharge (DIS)

is HIGH
Goes LOW when pin 6 detects 2/3 rail voltage but pin 2
must be HIGH.

Pin 8 - Voltage Supply

Connects to the positive power supply

(Vcc)
Commonly, the 555 timer is used to produce either monostable or
astable circuit.
At monostable mode, the circuit produces a single pulse when
triggered, making them very useful for creating time delays. The easiest way
of recognizing the 555 timer in monostable is that pins 6 and 7 are
connected and go to the positive power supply. Monostable circuits can be
used to turn lights/LEDs on or off just once.
At astable mode, the circuit continually produces pulses until power is
removed. The easiest way of recognizing the 555 timer in astable is that pins
2 and 6 are connected and go to the negative power supply. Astable circuits

can be used to flash lights/LEDs on and off or to turn a buzzer on and off
repeatedly.