Books and articles

July 1, 2008

Using the 555 Timer I.C. ?

Few pages from my second book, in Sinhala language. The book covers two ares. First few chapters covers the architecture of 555 timer. Second part covers some interesting projects. All components used are readily avaialble from the famous electronic junk yard ‘First Cross Street, Pettah’

Here’s what WiKi says about the famous ‘555′

The 555 timer is one of the most popular and versatile integrated circuits ever produced. It is an integrated circuit (chip) implementing a variety of timer and multivibrator applications. The IC was designed and invented by Hans R. Camenzind. It was designed in 1970 and introduced in 1971 by Signetics (later acquired by Philips). The original name was the SE555/NE555 and was called “The IC Time Machine”. The 555 gets its name from the three 5-kOhm resistors used in typical early implementations (Reference 1). It is still in wide use, thanks to its ease of use, low price and good stability. As of 2003, 1 billion units are manufactured every year.