Using the 555 Timer

Learn how to use the classic 555 timer and build some simple projects with it.

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!

[Dronebotworkshop]

Hi everyone - It's come to my attention that there has been someone masquerading as myself, responding to some comments here with a link to a Telegram chat to win a prize from me. THIS IS A SCAM, I am not holding a contest, nor do I have a Telegram account. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE MESSAGES!!


Thanks!

Bill (The real one!)

[jimdean]

Awesome. I sure wish you’d have done this back in 75 when I first learned the 555. I still have a book from back in the day that I refer to from time to time. You have an effective style of teaching, keep up the good work.

[YLprime]

This is a REAL tutorial, none of that 12 mins joke, thank u!

[SirMo]

I'm teaching my nephew about electronics. So I'm building some very basic circuits with him, to get him familiar with different components and some very basic theory. But a 555 project with some blinking LEDs is what really got him excited about electronics. Everyone should have some 555s in their electronics draw. Such simple yet versatile little components. This video came in really handy on reminding me of how to use the chip. Great explanation!

[octogames]

This was a great intro to 555's. The last time I used a 555 was in the mid 90's.

[namlow]

Working on it while first introduced over 50 years ago. Did not work on digital electronics/ICs since 1979. What a refreshing memory from your video! Thx!

[mateoish]

I’m an older dood that was surrounded by electronics growing up, but never cared about any of it until recently. I grabbed an off-market Arduino kit and began collecting and disassembling all sorts of machines to try and teach myself. These videos are great for helping me wrap my mind around this stuff. Thank you.

[anonymous.youtuber]

That’s a very nice walk through memory lane, I used the 555 40 years ago to build a voltage controlled 50 kV power supply.

[joerinaldi]

I studied Logic gates and 555 timers back in 1986 glad to see there is still someone teaching the basic electronic building blocks.

[tomaszwota]

A dive into the good old 555! Just what I needed on a Sunday, thanks!

[yteicosf]

Finally a video on one of the most used IC in the world.

[sinjhguddu]

I have not come across a 555 timer illustration this beautifully done. Thank you Sir, for the time and hard work put in.

[nicholasmaude]

This IC combined with the 741 op-amp IC can be used create literally thousands of different circuits.

[KJEAD]

The 555 and 556 have 2-transistor totem pole outputs.

In the 4017 sequencer circuit there's no need for 10 current limiting resistors for the LEDs. Since only one output is high at a time, a single resistor on the ground side of the LEDs can be shared.

[citizengkar]

The best 555 timer tutorial I have seen. As usual, you have encapsulated the essentials, of the tested component, with your direct, concise, & precise instructional methodology. Thanks.

[nigelman]

Your explanations and graphical illustrations are 100% easy to understand, the best I've seen so far, well done

[AMGTOM]

I live far in north Africa and never seen such a great electronic Teacher. Thanks Sir.

[BirdYoumans]

Thank you my friend for what you do. Your production techniques are well above the norm and you teach without a lot of fluff. Just to the point. You make it look easier than it is!

[whatstdiggn]

I love your channel. I've been watching it for a couple of years now. You're like the Mr. Rogers of electronics.

[KaziNazmulYT]

Hello sir. I'm commenting here just to inform you that you are doing excellent work uploading such informative, descriptive, and quality video tutorials. I'm from Bangladesh, and I always watch your tutorials. Since I am an undergraduate student in the EEE discipline, your previous tutorials helped me immensely in my applied study field. I am happy to thank you and wish you good health. Please keep supporting us.