How to Generate a Clock Signal with a 555 Timer
Karen has been digging into 555 timers for a bit now. In a previous video, she did an overview of the 3 different modes in which a 555 timer can be used. In this video, Karen goes into further detail about one of those modes: Astable. In astable mode, a 555 timer can be used as an oscillator where the output automatically switches between high and low at a consistent rate as long as the 555 timer is connected to power.This is often the most common use of a 555 timer as it can be used to create the clock signal for other ICs. Karen explains what is happening inside the 555 to make this work, as well as creating the circuit on a breadboard to show how it works in a practical example.
Bill of Material:
| Product Name | Manufacturer | Quantity | Buy KitBuy Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breadboard, MCM 60 rows, ABS, 8.5mm, 165mm x 56mm | Multicomp | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| LM555CN - Timer, Oscillator & Pulse Generator IC, TTL Compatible, Astable, Monostable, 4.5 V to 16 V, DIP-8 | On Semiconductor | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| Ceramic Disc Capacitor, 0.01 µF, 100 V, ± 20%, 5 mm | Vishay | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| 140 Pc. Jumper Wire Kit, 22 AWG, Solid, Assorted Lengths and Colors | Twin Industries | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| Through Hole Resistor, 220 ohm, 400 mW, ± 1% | Vishay | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| Through Hole Resistor, 1 kohm, 500 mW, ± 1% | TT ELECTRONICS / WELWYN | 2 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| Red LED, Through Hole, 5mm, 20 mA, 2.1 V | LED TECHNOLOGY | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| Tactile Switch, 12mm, Yellow, Top Actuated, Through Hole, Round Button, 24 VDC, 50mA | Omron | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
| Tactile Switch, 12mm, Red, 12 VDC, 50mA | Multicomp | 1 | Buy NowBuy Now |
Additional Parts:
| Product Name |
|---|
| Desktop Power Supply |