The Book of 555 Timer Projects
Over 45 Builds for the Legendary 555 Chip (and the 556, 558)
By Dogan Ibrahim
Introduction
This book, "The Book of 555 Timer Projects," by Dogan Ibrahim, offers a comprehensive collection of over 45 projects utilizing the iconic 555 timer integrated circuit, along with its variants, the 556 and 558. It delves into the fundamental operations of the 555 timer, including astable, monostable, and bistable circuit configurations. The book also explores the CMOS version of the 555 timer, the LMC555.
The projects presented cover a wide spectrum of applications, from basic electronic circuits to more advanced creations. Examples include:
- Continuity Tester
- Contact Debouncing
- Metronome
- Flashing LEDs
- Dark/Light Switch
- Tone Burst Generator
- Motor Control
- UK Police Siren
- Astable circuits for frequency generation
- LED Roulette
- Voltage Multipliers
- Touch Sensors
- Light-Dependent Sound and Switches
- Traffic Lights controllers
- Electronic Locks
- Schmitt Trigger Circuits
- Electronic Organs
- Temperature Alarm and Control circuits
- Fastest Finger First Quiz circuits
- And many more...
555 Timer IC Overview
The 555 timer IC is a highly versatile and widely used integrated circuit capable of performing a variety of timing functions. It can be configured in several modes:
- Astable Mode: Operates as a free-running oscillator, producing a continuous square wave output. This mode is useful for generating clocks, tones, and flashing lights.
- Monostable Mode: Functions as a one-shot pulse generator. When triggered, it produces an output pulse of a specific duration, determined by external resistor and capacitor values. This is useful for timers and pulse shaping.
- Bistable Mode: Acts as a flip-flop, switching between two stable states based on input triggers. This mode is suitable for memory elements and latches.
The book provides detailed explanations and practical examples for implementing these modes, including methods for calculating component values for desired frequencies and duty cycles, using nomograms, and employing online calculators.
Projects Featuring the 555 Timer
The core of the book is dedicated to practical projects, categorized by their functionality and complexity. Each project typically includes a description, circuit diagram (described textually), component list, and explanation of operation.
Selected Projects:
- Project 2: Police Car Emergency Lights - Alternately flashing two LEDs.
- Project 3: Changing the LED Flash Rate - Adjusting the blinking speed of LEDs.
- Project 5: Touch Sensor On/Off Switch - A simple touch-activated switch.
- Project 9: Light-dependent Sound - Sound output that varies with light intensity.
- Project 17: Chasing LEDs - Creating a sequential lighting effect with LEDs.
- Project 19: Simple Traffic Lights Controller - A basic traffic signal simulation.
- Project 22: Continuity Tester - A tool to check for electrical connections.
- Project 28: Schmitt Trigger Circuit - Implementing a Schmitt trigger for noise reduction.
- Project 30: 8-Tone Electronic Organ - Building a simple musical instrument.
- Project 33: Electronic Metronome - A device for keeping a steady beat.
- Project 37: 7-segment LED Counter - A counter displaying numbers on a 7-segment display.
- Project 46: Fastest Finger First Quiz Circuit - A game for multiple players.
The 556 and 558 Timer ICs
The book also covers the 556, which is essentially two 555 timers in a single package, and the 558, a quadruple version. Projects utilizing these ICs are also included, offering more complex functionalities and integrated solutions.
The CMOS Version of the 555 Timer
Chapter 5 focuses on the CMOS version of the 555 timer, the LMC555. This version offers advantages such as lower power consumption and wider operating voltage ranges, making it suitable for battery-powered applications.
Components and Resources
Chapter 6 provides a list of components used across the various projects. The book also includes an appendix with a bibliography for further reading and an index for easy navigation.
For those interested in learning more about electronics and DIY projects, Elektor offers a wealth of resources through its magazines, website, and online store. Visit www.elektor.com and www.elektormagazine.com for more information.
