Using the 555 Timer

Learn how to use the classic 555 timer and build some simple projects with it. Article with hookup diagrams: More articles and tutorials: Join the conversation on the forum: Subscribe to the newsletter and stay in touch: Today we are looking at one of the most famous and useful integrated circuits ever produced - the 555 timer IC. Although this tiny device is over 50 years old it is still in use today, and for many applications, it is a better choice than using a microcontroller. I’ll explain how the 555 works and how to use it in its three different modes - Astable, Monostable, and Bistable. We’ll then build some simple, but useful, projects using the 555 timer, including a light chaser and a DC motor controller. They are easy to build and, unlike a microcontroller, don’t require any programming. In fact, there are a lot of situations where the 555 is a better choice than a microcontroller, especially when you consider how inexpensive and easy to use it is. Here is the Table of Contents for today’s video: 00:00 - Introduction 01:40 - 555 Timer Operation 10:28 - Astable Mode 15:09 - Monostable Mode 19:14 - Bistable Mode 23:12 - Light Chaser 28:15 - Latching Switch 30:39 - DC Motor Controller 34:36 - Touch Switch 37:20 - Servo Motor Tester 40:03 - Conclusion If you’ve already used a 555 then you’re probably aware just how versatile it is. If you’ve never used one, then hopefully this video and article will inspire you to build a few projects with it. Hope you enjoy it!