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The 555 Timer IC gets a facelift — Parallax Forums

The 555 Timer IC gets a facelift

WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
edited 2010-12-17 10:16 in General Discussion
Like many people, the first IC I had on a breadboard was a 555 timer IC. I still have some in a box from my high school electronics class. Here's an interesting article about the 555 timer getting some improvements. I didn't think that was possible!

http://electronicdesign.com/article/communications/And-You-Thought-The-555-Timer-Was-Dead-.aspx

Comments

  • RavenkallenRavenkallen Posts: 1,057
    edited 2010-12-16 10:16
    I also have fond memories of the 555 to. It was the first IC circuit i put on a breadboard... I followed a schematic in book and sure enough, It worked!! I was so excited. i ran around the house showing everybody my blinking led. Although my parents/ siblings didn't appreciate the importance of a little light blinking, it was a major milestone for me. ..

    That new one sounds pretty neat... I look forward to to trying some of them out
  • logan996logan996 Posts: 281
    edited 2010-12-16 12:19
    Wow.. i have to say this is ironic... In our 8th grade tech-ed class today my (not so intelligent..) tech ed teacher had us start to assemble kits. most of us got a simple 555 double blinker. I find it kinda funny though how the prop and BS2 have helped me so much that i named every part without even trying. It's amazing how much they can teach you!
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,260
    edited 2010-12-16 16:07
    Nice info. I still use LM555 & 556 circuits every chance I get. Not everything needs a micro! Everyone can learn something from http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/555timer.htm, one of my faves. Bookmark it!
  • $WMc%$WMc% Posts: 1,884
    edited 2010-12-16 18:11
    WBA Consulting wrote: »
    Like many people, the first IC I had on a breadboard was a 555 timer IC. I still have some in a box from my high school electronics class. Here's an interesting article about the 555 timer getting some improvements. I didn't think that was possible!

    http://electronicdesign.com/article/communications/And-You-Thought-The-555-Timer-Was-Dead-.aspx
    '
    This is really cool news. Me and the 555 go way back,1980-82.
    '
    I'm really glad to see it getting "Hot-Rod"ed rather than discontinued.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2010-12-17 03:21
    An interesting and little know fact is that the 558 (quad timer) is NOT the same as the 555 or 556. I believe the latter is open collector.
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2010-12-17 06:40
    This is a favorite.
    http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/LM555.html#2
  • John A. ZoidbergJohn A. Zoidberg Posts: 514
    edited 2010-12-17 06:52
    One of the best inventions in electronics world! :)

    Cheap, simple and can get things done real quick!
  • Tracy AllenTracy Allen Posts: 6,666
    edited 2010-12-17 09:51
    This chip is not as reinvented as the article seems to imply. CMOS versions became available as soon as CMOS became popular two decades ago. There is the old standby ICM755, and my favorite is the LMC555, which operates up to 3MHz and down to 1.5V.

    The Semtech SX8122 mentioned in the article is certainly an interesting twist, quite different from the generic 555. In its 8 pin soic, it includes means to drive an LED (or whatever) at a voltage boosted above its nominal 1V operating voltage, tied to the main timer, and also a means to charge an NiMH battery.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2010-12-17 10:16
    The LMC555 has been a favorite of mine, too, mainly for its symmetrical rail-to-rail output, which facilitates an astable 50% duty cycle.

    -Phil
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