Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of

Drones, Chitkara University

Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

The 555 Timer

Designed by Hans Camenzind in 1971, the 555 timer IC is a versatile little

device that has been around for almost 50 years. The list of potential uses for
this device appears to be endless. Its utility both in the home and in the
industry, make it a real work-horse.

It can be found in many electronic devices from toys to kitchen appliances, to

industrial control systems, to even spacecraft. In this unit, we will be taking a
closer look at the working of this unique IC and also take up a few applications.

Block Diagram of the 555 Timer

Before studying the working of the 555, let us look at its block diagram, so as to
know what it consists of.

From the block diagram, we see that the 555 consists of a voltage divider, 2
comparators, a flip-flop, a discharge transistor and an output stage. Let us first
study each of these elements individually, and then see how they are connected
together to form the multi-purpose device.

The Voltage Divider

 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
Drones, Chitkara University

Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

Voltage dividers are one of the most fundamental circuits in electronics. A voltage
divider is a simple circuit which turns a large volt into a smaller one. Using just two
series resistors and an input voltage, we can create an output voltage that is a fraction
of the input. A voltage divider involves applying a voltage (Vs) across a series of two
resistors R1 and R2 as shown alongside.

As the two resistors are connected in series, it is quite obvious that the current flowing
through each of them will be the same. So, using Ohm’s Law, we can calculat e the
voltage drop across R1 (let’s call this V1), and R2 (V2). Thus the output voltage (Vout)
will be (Vs – V1) or simply V2. As is quite obvious, Vout will be a fraction of the applied
voltage Vs.

The Equation
To determine the exact value of Vout, we must know three values of the above circuit:
the input voltage (Vs), and both resistor values (R1 and R2 ). Given those values, we can
use this equation to find the output voltage (Vout):

As is evident from this equation, if the values of R1 and R2 are identical, i.e. if
R1 = R2, then Vout will be equal to Vs/2 (or half Vs).

But the voltage divider need not be limited to just two

resistors. We can have any number of resistors (say four), as
shown in the figure on the left.

If the values of the four resistors is the same, then the voltage
across each of them will be 1/4th the Applied voltage. So the voltage
at #2 will be 3/4th, at #3, it will be 1/2 , and at #4 it will be 1/4 th of
the applied voltage Vs.

Looking back at the 555 block diagram, we see that the voltage divider used there
consists of three identical 5k resistors. Thus the two output voltages created would
obviously be 1/3rd and 2/3rd of the applied voltage.

The Comparators

The next blocks to be examined are the two comparators. A comparator is a c ircuit
element that compares the analog input voltage at its positive (non-inverting) with the
voltage at its negative (inverting) input terminal. If the input voltage at the positive
terminal is higher than the input voltage at the negative terminal the comparator will
output a voltage that is almost equal to the supply voltage, or “HIGH.” On the other
hand, if the voltage at the negative input terminal is higher than the voltage at the
positive terminal, the comparator will output a voltage almost equal to the ground
potential, or “LOW.”

The comparator can be connected in two possible ways – either as a Positive Voltage
Comparator, or as a Negative Voltage Comparator. As both these configurations are used
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
Drones, Chitkara University

Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

in the 555 timer, let us see how they work. In each of these cases, a reference voltage
generated by means of a voltage divider is connected to one of the inputs of the
comparator, and the voltage to be compared is connected to the other input. To keep
things simple, let us assume that the two resistors forming the voltage divider are equal,
i.e. R1 = R2 = R. This will produce a fixed reference voltage which is one half that of the
supply voltage, that is Vcc/2, while the input voltage may vary from zero to the supply
voltage.

Positive (or Non-Inverting) Voltage Comparator

In the non- inverting configuration, the reference voltage (Vcc/2), is connected to the
inverting input of the operational amplifier with the input signal (V IN ) connected to the
non-inverting input. When VIN is greater than VRE F , the comparator output will go HIGH.
When V IN is less than VRE F the comparators output will change state and go LOW.

Negative (or Inverting) Voltage Comparator

In the inverting configuration, which is the opposite of the positive configuration above,
the reference voltage is connected to the non- inverting input of the comparator while the
input signal (VIN ) is connected to the inverting input. Then when VIN is less than VRE F the
comparator output will go HIGH.

Likewise the reverse is true, when V IN is greater than VRE F , the op- amp comparators
output will change state and go LOW.
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
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Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

Thus, depending upon which op-amp inputs we use for the signal and the reference
voltage, we can produce an inverting or non-inverting output.

The SR Flip-Flop

Flip flops are an important application of logic gates. With the help of Boolean logic we
can create a memory unit with them. Flip flops can also be considered as the most basic
idea of a Random Access Memory (RAM).

The SET-RESET flip flop can be made with the help of two NOR gates and also two NAND
gates. Such a flip flops is also known as an S- R Flip Flop. The S-R Flip Flop has two
inputs, called the SET [S] and RESET [R]. There are also two outputs, Q and Q’. The
diagram and truth table is shown below.
S R Q Q’

0 0 No Change No Change
0 1 0 1
1 0 1 0
1 1 Forbidden -

On power up, the SR flip-flop has its Q-output LOW and Q’-output HIGH (i.e., it is in the
RESET State). A HIGH signal on the S- input causes the Q- output to go HIGH and the Q’-
output to go LOW. This is called the SET -state. Now a HIGH signal on the R-input will
cause the Q-output to go LOW and the Q’-output to go HIGH (RESET State). It should be
kept in mind that once the S-input or the R-input goes HIGH, causing the flip- flop to
SET, any subsequent changes to the S-input will not cause any change in the state of
the outputs. Likewise, once the R-input goes HIGH, causing the flip-flop to RESET, any
subsequent changes to the R-input will not cause any change in the state of the outputs.
That is why it is said that the flip-flop “latches” or remembers the last state.

The Inverting Output Driver

The last block to be considered is the Inverting Output Driver. This is simply a transistor
dcapable of handling a current of 200mA. As a single transistor always inverts the signal
applied to its base, a HIGH- level signal applied to the Output Driver will result in a LOW-
level output, and a LOW-level signal applied to it will result a HIGH-level output. As is
quite obvious, this output will be capable of sourcing or sinking a maximum current of
200mA.

The 555 Timer

Having studied the main components, let us take a look at the eight pins on the 555
through which we can make the device do our bidding.
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
Drones, Chitkara University

Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

The chart below identifies of each of the eight pins and their functions.
Pin
Pin Name Pin Function
Number
1 Ground Pin 1 connects the 555 timer IC to ground.
Pin 2 is the trigger pin. It works like a starter pistol
to start the 555 timer running. The trigger is an
2 Trigger active-low signal, which means that the timer
starts functioning when voltage on pin 2 drops to
below 1/3 of the supply voltage.
Pin 3 is the output pin. The 555 timer's output is
digital in nature. It is either HIGH or LOW. When
3 Output HIGH, the voltage on the output pin is very close
to the Supply Voltage applied to Pin 8.When
LOW, this voltage comes very close to 0V,
Pin 4 is the reset pin. This pin can be used to
restart the 555 timer's timing operation.
4 Reset This is an active-low input. As this is rarely used,
this pin is normally connected to the Supply
Voltage.

Control Pin 5 is the control pin. In most 555 timer circuits,

5 this pin is simply connected to ground, usually
Voltage
through a small capacitor, about 0.01µF capacitor.
Pin 6 is the threshold pin. The timing capacitor is
6 Threshold connected to this pin and this pin monitors the
voltage across the capacitor.
Pin 7 is the discharge pin. This pin is used to
7 Discharge discharge the timing capacitor connected to Pin 6
through an external resistor.
Power Pin 8 is connected to the positive power supply
8 Supply voltage. The 555 timer ICs work with a DC voltage
(Vcc) between 4.5V and 15V.
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
Drones, Chitkara University

Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

Internal connections of the blocks

Now that we are conversant with the main blocks and the pins of the 555, let us see how
these are connected inside the device.

The voltage divider in the device consists of three 5k resistors which are connected in
series between the power supply and ground. This will result in two outputs of 2/3Vcc
and 1/3Vcc. While the negative input terminal of the first comparator is connected to the
2/3 Vcc point, the positive input terminal of the second comparator is connected to the
1/3 Vcc point on the voltage divider. The positive input of the first comparator is
connected to Pin 6 (Threshold). The negative input of the second comparator is
connected to Pin 2 (Trigger).

The output of the first comparator is connected to the R (reset) input of the flip-flop.
Likewise, the output of the second comparator is connected to the S (set) input of the
flip- flop. The Q’ output of the SR flip-flop is connected to Pin 3 (Output) through the
Inverting Output block. The Q’ output of the SR flip-flop is also connected to an internal
transistor, the Collector of which is connected to Pin 7 (Discharge).

Application 1 - Timer

The most common use of the 555 is as a timer. This mode of operation is also known as
the “Monostable” mode. Here, Pin 8 and Pin 4 are connected to the Positive Supply (Vcc)
and Pin 1 is connected to ground (0V). Pin 2 (Trigger) is connected to Vcc through a
resistor R2 (10k – 120k). This is commonly called a “pull- up” resistor. Pin 5 (Control
Voltage) is connected to ground through a 10kpF capacitor C2.
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
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Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

Pin 7 (Discharge), and Pin 6 (Threshold) are shorted together and the junction point is
connected to Vcc through a resistor R1 known as the “timing resistor.” A capacitor C1 is
also connected between this junction point and ground. This capacitor is known as the
“timing capacitor” as its value will determine the time for which Pin 3 (Output) will
remain HIGH.

How it works

When power is first applied to the circuit, the SR flip-flop goes into the RESET state. This
results in the Q’ output going HIGH. As the Q’ output is connected to the Pin 3 (Output)
through the Inverting Output Driver, Pin 3 will go LOW.

We now “trigger” the circuit by momentarily bringing Pin 2 (Trigger) to below 2/3 Vcc.
This can be done either by means of an external pushbutton (connected to ground), or
by a low-going pulse from another circuit. When this happens, the output of the second
comparator goes HIGH, which, being connected to the S-input of the flip-flop, causes the
Q’ output to go LOW. This in turn will cause Pin 3 (Output) to go HIGH.

The timing capacitor C1 will now start charging through the timing resistor R1. As a
result of this charging the voltage at Pin 6 (Threshold) will keep rising. When this voltage
rises above 2/3Vcc, the output of the first comparator will go HIGH. Being connected to
the R-input of the flip-flop, it will cause the flip-flop to RESET, making the Q’ output
HIGH and Pin 3 (Output) LOW. The output Q’ going HIGH also causes the discharging
transistor to turn on. This will result in Pin 7 (Discharge) to effectively connect to
ground. As Pin 6 and Pin 7 are shorted together, the capacitor C1 will discharge through
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
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Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

the discharging transistor. The circuit will now remain in the RESET state until triggered
again.

As is evident, the time for which Pin 3 remains high is the time taken by the timing
capacitor takes to reach 2/3Vcc. This will depend on the value of the timing capacitor as
well as the value of the timing resistor. The exact time for which Pin 3 remains HIGH is
given by the equation:

t=1.1 x R x C

where R is the value of the timing resistor (in Ohms), C is the value of the timing
capacitor (in Farads), and t is the time (in seconds). With a proper selection of R and C,
the time of the output can be adjusted from mic roseconds to days!

Task 1

Using the knowledge you have just gained, wire up a circuit to switch on an LED for one
second when a pushbutton is pressed. (Calculate the required values of R1 and C1). You
may use a general-purpose PCB or a breadboard.

Hint: Connect the LED to the Output pin of the 555 Timer through a 330 ohm resistor.
Why?

Increase the ON-time of the LED to two seconds by changing the value of just one
component. Which one will you change?

Modify the circuit so as to continuously vary the ON-time of the LED from one second to
two seconds.
Hint: Use a potentiometer of an appropriate value.

Application 2 – Oscillator

Another common application of the 555 is that of a Multivibrator. This is also know as
the “Astable” mode, which means that the output keeps alternating between HIGH and
LOW, remaining at each for a time that we can control. Like before, Pin 8 and Pin 4 are
connected to the Positive Supply (Vcc) and Pin 1 is connected to ground (0V). Here too,
Pin 5 (Control Voltage) is connected to ground through a 10kpF capacitor C2.

Although, like before, the capacitor C1 is connected to Pin 6 (Threshold), this pin is now
shorted to Pin 2 (Trigger) and not to Pin 7. Pin 7 (Discharge) is connected to Vcc through
a resistor R1. Pin 7 is also connected to Pin 6 through another resistor R2. The earlier
“pull-up” resistor is no longer required.

Whereas the 555 monostable circuit stopped after a preset time waiting for the
next trigger pulse to start over again, in order to get the 555 Oscillator to
operate as an astable multivibrator it is necessary to continuously re-trigger the
555 IC after each and every timing cycle.
This re-triggering is basically achieved by connecting the trigger input (pin 2)
and the threshold input (pin 6) together, thereby allowing the device to act as
an astable oscillator. Then the 555 Oscillator has no stable states as it
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
Drones, Chitkara University

Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

continuously switches from one state to the other. Also the single timing resistor
of the previous monostable multivibrator circuit has been split into two separate
resistors, R1 and R2 with their junction connected to the discharge input (pin 7)
as shown below.

How it works
In this circuit, as Pin 2 (Trigger) and Pin 6 (Threshold) are connected together,
every time the capacitor C1 reaches a potential of 2/3Vcc, the 555 re-triggers,
making the circuit to operate as a free running oscillator. During each cycle
capacitor, C1 charges up through both timing resistors, R1 and R2 but
discharges itself only through resistor, R2 as the other side of R2 is connected to
the discharge terminal, Pin 7.

Then the capacitor charges up to 2/3Vcc (the upper comparator limit) which is
determined by the 0.693(R1+R2)C combination and discharges itself down to
 Faculty Development Programme on Modelling Simulation of
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Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

1/3Vcc (the lower comparator limit) determined by
the 0.693(R2*C) combination. This results in a square-wave output whose
output “HIGH” and “LOW” time periods are determined by the capacitor and
resistors combinations. The individual times required to complete one charge
and discharge cycle of the output is therefore given as:

t1 = 0.693 x (R1 + R2) x C

and
t2 = 0.693 x R2 x C

where R is in Ohms and C in Farads.

When connected as an astable multivibrator, the output from the 555

Oscillator will continue indefinitely charging and discharging between 2/3Vcc
and 1/3Vcc until the power supply is removed. As with the monostable
multivibrator these charge and discharge times and therefore the frequency are
independent on the supply voltage.

The duration of one full timing cycle, i.e., the time period T, being equal to the
sum of the two individual times that the capacitor charges and discharges added
together and is given as:

T = t1 + t2 = 0.693 x (R1 + 2R2) x C

The output frequency of oscillations can be found by inverting the equation

above for the total cycle time giving a final equation for the output frequency of
an Astable 555 Oscillator as:
f = 1/T
Task 2

Using the knowledge you have just gained, wire up a circuit to continuously blink an LED
(ON for two seconds and OFF for one second). Calculate the required values of R1, R2
and C1). You may use a general-purpose PCB or a breadboard.

Can you connect two LEDs such that the first LED is ON when the second is OFF and vice
versa?

Now that you have learnt about the two important modes of operation of the 555 timer,
it will be nice to learn how two or more of these devices can be inter-connected to work
in various applications.

Students of Mechatronics in general, and Robotics in particular know the importanc e of

RC Servos, commonly known as “servos.” The servo, as we all know is a motor whose
shaft normally rotates through an angle of 180 degrees.

A servo is controlled by sending to it, a series of pulses through the signal line.
The frequency of the control signal should be 50Hz , i.e., a pulse should occur
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Speaker – Mr. Deepak Nair

every 20ms. The width of pulse determines angular position of the servo and
they can usually rotate through 180 degrees.

Generally, pulses with 1ms duration correspond to 0 degrees position, 1.5ms

duration to 90 degrees, and 2ms to 180 degrees. Though the minimum and
maximum duration of the pulses can sometimes vary with different brands and
they can be 0.5ms for 0 degrees and 2.5ms for 180 degrees position.

As we know how to generate a pulse for a precise time (using the 555 as a
monostable), and also how to generate a continuous train of pulses (using the
555 as a multivibrator), we can hook up two 555 timers to control a servo.

Task 3

Wire up two 555 timers to operate a servo.

Hint: Use the first timer as a multivibrator to generate a continuous squarewave

signal of 50Hz. The 50 Hz output should then be connected through a small
capacitor (why?) to the trigger pin of the second timer which is operating as a
monostable. The timing of the monostable should vary between 1mS and 2mS
(using a potentiometer).

Using an oscilloscope, check the frequency and the timing range of the output of
the second timer. If this is OK, connect it to a servo to control its angle through
180 degrees.