The 555 Timer is a versatile and widely-used integrated circuit in electronics. It can be configured in various modes to perform tasks such as clock timing, signal delay, pulse generation, and signal oscillation. This calculator helps you determine the output characteristics of a 555-timer circuit based on your chosen configuration and component values.
555 Timer Calculator
Select a mode and enter the component values to calculate the timing parameters of your 555 Timer circuit.
Astable Mode Inputs
Monostable Mode Inputs
555 Timer Overview
The 555 timer is a classic and versatile integrated circuit (IC) used in a variety of timing, pulse generation, and oscillator applications. Since its introduction in the early 1970s, the 555 has remained popular for projects that require stable and repeatable timing intervals, whether in monostable (one-shot) or astable (oscillating) modes.
Pin Configuration
The 555 timer is typically available in an 8-pin dual in-line package (DIP). Here’s an overview of each pin:
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | Ground reference |
| 2 | TRIG (Trigger) | Activates output when voltage drops below 1/3 VCC |
| 3 | OUT (Output) | Output pin that toggles between low and high |
| 4 | RESET | Active-low reset pin; forcing it low resets the output |
| 5 | CTRL (Control Voltage) | Adjusts internal reference voltage for precise timing |
| 6 | THRES (Threshold) | Ends output high time when voltage exceeds 2/3 VCC |
| 7 | DIS (Discharge) | Discharges external capacitor to ground when output is high |
| 8 | VCC | Supply voltage (4.5V to 15V typically) |
Operating Modes
The 555 timer can be configured in different modes, but the two most common are Monostable and Astable.
Monostable Mode (One-Shot)
In monostable mode, the 555 outputs a single pulse of a specific duration when triggered:
- When the trigger pin (Pin 2) goes below 1/3 VCC, the output (Pin 3) goes high.
- The output remains high for a period determined by an external resistor (R) and capacitor (C).
- Once the threshold pin (Pin 6) reaches 2/3 VCC, the output goes low, and the timer resets until triggered again.
The pulse width T in monostable mode is given by:
Astable Mode (Free-Running Oscillator)
In astable mode, the 555 continuously oscillates between high and low output states:
- The output toggles between high and low, charging and discharging a capacitor through external resistors.
- There is no stable state; once the threshold or trigger levels are reached, the output switches, repeating indefinitely.
The frequency f of oscillation and the duty cycle in astable mode are determined by two resistors (RA, RB) and a capacitor (C):
The high time THIGH and low time TLOW are:
TLOW = 0.693 × RB × C
Example: Monostable Calculation
Suppose you want a single pulse of duration 1 second using a resistor R and capacitor C:
If you choose a capacitor of 100 μF (0.0001 F), then solving for R:
R = 1 s / (1.1 × 0.0001 F) = 1 s / (0.00011) = ~9090.9 Ω
So a resistor of about 9 kΩ and a 100 μF capacitor will give a ~1 second pulse.
Example: Astable Frequency
Consider an astable configuration with:
- RA = 10 kΩ
- RB = 20 kΩ
- C = 0.01 μF (0.00000001 F)
The frequency f is:
Substituting values:
= 1 / [0.693 × (10,000 + 40,000) × 0.00000001]
= 1 / [0.693 × 50,000 × 0.00000001]
= 1 / [0.693 × 0.0005]
= 1 / 0.0003465
= ~2887 Hz
So the output oscillates at about 2.9 kHz.
- The 555 timer is incredibly versatile and easy to configure in monostable or astable modes.
- Timing intervals are controlled by external resistors and a capacitor.
- Supply voltage can typically range from 4.5V to 15V, making it suitable for a variety of projects.
- Pin layout is standard: Trigger (Pin 2), Output (Pin 3), Reset (Pin 4), Control Voltage (Pin 5), Threshold (Pin 6), Discharge (Pin 7), VCC (Pin 8).
Whether you need a precise delay (monostable) or a continuous wave (astable), the 555 timer remains a go-to component for simple and reliable timing solutions in electronics.