555 TIMER

ASTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

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 555 TIMER PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL)

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PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL) 555 TIMER

Introduction

The 555 timer is an integrated circuit (chip) implementing a variety of

timer and multivibrator applications. It was produced by Signetics
Corporation in early 1970. The original name was the SE555/NE555 and was
called "The IC Time Machine". The 555 gets its name from the three 5-K
resistors used in typical early implementations. It is widely used because of its
ease to use, low price and reliability.

It is one of the most popular and versatile integrated circuits which can be
used to build lots of different circuits. It includes 23 transistors, 2 diodes and
16 resistors on a silicon chip installed in an 8-pin mini dual-in-line package
(DIP-8)(Refer to Figure 1).

Figure 1: Pin out diagram of 555 Timer

The 555 Timer is a monolithic timing circuit that can produce accurate and
highly stable time delays or oscillations. The timer basically operates in one of
the two modesmonostable (one-shot) multivibrator or as an astable
(free-running) multivibrator. In the monostable mode, it can produce accurate
time delays from microseconds to hours. In the astable mode, it can produce
rectangular waves with a variable Duty Cycle. Frequently, the 555 is used in

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 555 TIMER PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL)

astable mode to generate a continuous series of pulses, but you can also use
the 555 to make a one-shot or monostable circuit.

The 555 can source or sink 200 mA of output current, and is capable of
driving wide range of output devices. The output can drive TTL (Transistor-
Transistor Logic) and has a temperature stability of 50 parts per million
(ppm) per degree Celsius change in temperature, or equivalently 0.005 %/C.

Applications of 555 timer in monostable mode include timers, missing pulse

detection, bounce free switches, touch switches, frequency divider,
capacitance measurement, pulse width modulation (PWM) etc.

In astable or free running mode, the 555 can operate as an oscillator. The
uses include LED and lamp flashers, logic clocks, security alarms, pulse
generation, tone generation, pulse position modulation, etc. In the bistable
mode, the 555 can operate as a flip-flop and is used to make bounce-free
latched switches, etc.

Refer to Figure 1 for the brief description of the pin connections. The pin
numbers used refer to the 8-pin mini DIP and 8-pin metal can packages. The
555 can be used with a supply voltage (VCC) in the range 5V to 15V (18V
absolute maximum).

The pin connections of the 555 timer are as follows:

Pin 1: Ground: All voltages are measured with respect to this terminal.

Pin 2: Trigger: The external trigger pulse is applied to this pin. The output of
2
the timer is low if the voltage at this pin is greater than VCC . If a negative
3
1
going pulse of amplitude larger than VCC is applied to this pin, the output of
3
comparator 2 becomes low, which in turn, makes the output of the timer
high. The output remains high as long as the trigger terminal remains at low
voltage.

Pin 3: Output: There are two ways a load can be connected to the output
terminal either between pin 3 and ground (pin 1) or between pin 3 and the
supply voltage + VCC (pin 8). When the output is low, the load current flows
through the load connected between pin 3 and pin 8 into the output terminal
and is called the sink current. However, the current through the grounded
load is zero. Therefore, the load between pin 3 and + VCC is called normally
ON load and that connected between pin 3 and ground is called normally
OFF load. On the other hand, when the output is high, the current through
the load connected between pin 3 and + VCC (normally ON load) is zero.
However, the output terminal supplies current to the normally OFF load.
This current is called the source current. The maximum value of sink or source
current is 200 mA.

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Figure 2: Functional Block Diagram of 555 Timer

Pin 4: Reset: The 555 timer can be reset or disabled by applying a negative
pulse to this pin. When not in use, the reset terminal is connected to + VCC to
avoid the possibility of false triggering.

Pin 5: Control Voltage: An external voltage may be applied to this terminal

to change the threshold as well as the trigger voltage. The pulse width of the
output waveform is hence dependent on it. When not in use, the control pin
should be bypassed to ground with a 0.01 F capacitor (refer to Figures 4, 6
and 9) to prevent any random noise problems.

Pin 6: Threshold: This is the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 1.

When the voltage at this pin becomes greater than or equal to the threshold
2
voltage VCC , the output of this comparator becomes high, which in turn,
3
switches the output of the timer low.

Pin 7: Discharge: This pin is connected internally to the collector of a

transistor Q1. When the output of the timer is high, Q1 is off and acts as an
open circuit to an external capacitor C connected across it (refer to Figure 9).

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 555 TIMER PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL)

On the other hand, when the output of the timer is low, Q 1 is saturated and
acts as a short circuit, shorting C to ground.

Pin 8: + VCC : The supply voltage of +5 V to + 18 V is applied to this pin with

respect to ground (pin 1).

We now discuss the working of 555 timer using its functional block diagram
(Refer to Figure 2).

As shown in Figure 2, the 555 timer consists of a voltage divider arrangement,

two comparators, an RS flip-flop, an n-p-n transistor Q1 and a p-n-p
transistor Q2. Since the voltage divider has equal resistors, the comparator 1
has a trip point of
2
UTP = VCC
3
The comparator 2 has a trip point of
1
LTP = VCC .
3
As seen in the Figure 2, the pin 6 (Threshold) is connected to the comparator
1. The voltage at this pin comes from the external components (Refer to
Figures 4, 6 and 9). When this voltage is greater than the UTP, the
comparator 2 has a high output. Pin 2 (trigger) is connected to the
comparator 2. The voltage at this pin is the trigger voltage that is used for the
monostable operation of the 555 timer. When the trigger is inactive, the
trigger voltage is high. When the trigger voltage falls to less than the LTP,
comparator 2 produces a high output.

In order to understand how a 555 timer works with external components, we

need to discuss the action of RS flip-flop, the block that contains S, R, Q and
Q (Figure 3).

Q Q
Q

Figure 3: RS Flip-Flop

Figure 3 shows one way to build an RS flip-flop. In a circuit like this, one of
the transistors is saturated, and the other is cut off. For instance, if the right
transistor is saturated, its collector voltage will be approximately zero. As the
collector of the right transistor is coupled to the base of the left transistor
through the 100k resistor, this means that there is no base current in the left

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PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL) 555 TIMER

transistor. As a result, the left transistor is cut off, producing high collector
voltage. This high collector voltage produces a large base current for the right
transistor being coupled through the 100k resistor and keeps the right
transistor in saturation.

The RS flip-flop has two outputs, Q and Q (the output of the left and the right
transistor respectively). These are two state outputs, either low or high
voltages. Further, the two outputs are always in opposite states. When Q is
low, Q is high. When Q is high, Q is low. For this reason Q is called the
complement of Q.

The output states can be controlled with the S and R inputs. If we apply a
large positive voltage to the S input, we can drive the left transistor into
saturation. This will cut off the right transistor. In this case, Q will be high and
Q will be low. The high S input can then be removed because the saturated
left transistor will keep the right transistor in cutoff.

Similarly, we can apply a large positive voltage to the R input. This will
saturate the right transistor and cutoff the left transistor. For this condition, Q
is low and Q is high. After this transition has occurred, the high R input can
be removed because it is no longer needed.

Since the circuit is stable in either of the two states, it is sometimes called a
bistable multivibrator. A bistable multivibrator latches in either of the two
states. A high S input forces Q into the high state, and a high R input forces Q
to return to the low state. The output Q remains in a given state until it is
triggered into the opposite state. The S input is sometimes called the set input
because it sets the Q output to high. The R input is called the reset input
because it resets the Q output to low.

Learning Outcomes

After performing this experiment, you will be able to

1. State various applications of 555 timer
2. Describe the pin functions of 555 timer
3. Discuss the role of an RS flip-flop in the working of 555 timer
4. Explain the basic functioning of 555 timer
5. Design an astable multivibrator of given frequency and Duty Cycle
6. Design a monostable multivibrator of given pulse-width.

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SECTION A

ASTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

We now take up the application of 555 timer as an astable multivibrator. An

astable multivibrator is a wave-generating circuit in which neither of the
output levels is stable. The output keeps on switching between the two
unstable states and is a periodic, rectangular waveform. The circuit is
therefore known as an astable multivibrator. Also, no external trigger is
required to change the state of the output, hence it is also called free-running
multivibrator. The time for which the output remains in one particular state is
determined by the two resistors and a capacitor externally connected to the
555 timer.

Apparatus

CRO (cathode ray oscilloscope)

power supply (+5V to +18V)
555 timer
resistors
capacitors
connecting wires
connecting leads of CRO
bread board

Theory

Figure 4 shows 555 timer connected as an astable multivibrator. Pin 5 is

bypassed to ground through a 0.01 F capacitor. The power supply (+V CC) is
connected to common of pin 4 and pin 8 and pin 1 is grounded. If the output
is high initially, capacitor C starts charging towards VCC through RA and RB. As
2
soon as the voltage across the capacitor becomes equal to VCC , the
3
comparator 1 triggers the flip-flop, and the output becomes low. The capacitor
now starts discharging through RB and transistor Q1. When the voltage across
1
the capacitor becomes VCC , the output of the comparator 2 triggers the flip-
3
flop, and the output becomes high. The cycle then repeats. The output voltage
and capacitor voltage waveforms are shown in Figure 5.

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Figure 4: Circuit diagram for Astable Multivibrator

Figure 5: Output and capacitor voltage waveforms

As can be seen from the Figure 5, the capacitor voltage waveform is an

2 1
exponentially rising and falling waveform between VCC and VCC which
3 3
represents periodic charging and discharging of the capacitor between 2 VCC
3

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 555 TIMER PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL)

and 1 VCC . The time during which the capacitor charges from 1 VCC to 2 VCC is
3 3 3
equal to the time the output is high and is given by
t 0.69(R R )C , (1)
c A B
where RA and RB are in ohms and C in Farads. Similarly, the time during which
2 1
the capacitor discharges from VCC to VCC is equal to the time the output
3 3
is low and is given by
t 0.69 R C , (2)
d B
where RB is in ohms and C in Farads. The total period of the output waveform
is (using Equations (1) and (2))
T t t 0.69(R 2R )C (3)
c d A B
Thus the frequency of oscillation is
1 1.45 (4)
fo
T ( R 2R )C
A B
The free-running frequency f o is independent of the supply voltage VCC .

The Duty Cycle is defined as the ratio of the time t C for which the output is
high to the time period T. It is generally expressed as a percentage. The %
Duty Cycle (using Equations (1) and (3))
t
D c 100 (5)
T
R R
A B 100
R 2R
A B
According to the above relation, a Duty Cycle of less than 50% cannot be
achieved. Also, 50% Duty Cycle, which corresponds to a square wave, can be
achieved only if R A 0 resulting in terminal 7 being directly connected to VCC
. This situation should be avoided as in this case, when the capacitor C
discharges through R B and Q1 , an extra current is supplied to Q1 by VCC
through the terminal 7 (now directly connected to VCC ), which may damage
Q1 and hence the timer.

An alternative approach to achieve a Duty Cycle of less than or equal to 50%

is to connect a diode D across resistor R B as shown in Figure 6. In this case,
2
the capacitor C charges through R A and diode D to approximately VCC
3
and discharges through R B and transistor Q1 until the capacitor voltage
1
equals approximately VCC , after which the cycle repeats. The time for which
3
the output is high is given by
t 0.69R C , (6)
c A

and the time for which the output is low is given by

t 0.69 R C . (7)
d B
Thus the total period of the output waveform is

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PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL) 555 TIMER

T tc t 0.69(R R )C (8)
d A B
and the frequency of oscillation is
1 1.45 (9)
fo
T ( R R )C
A B
The % Duty Cycle is (using Equations (6) and (8))

RA
D 100 . (10)
RA RB
If R A RB , the Duty Cycle is 50%. For R A RB , the Duty Cycle is less than
50%.

Figure 6: Circuit diagram for astable multivibrator with Duty Cycle

50%

Designing an astable multivibrator of given Duty Cycle and frequency

If we want to design an astable multivibrator of say, 75% Duty Cycle and 1

KHz frequency, from Equation (5), the Duty Cycle is
R R (11)
A B 0.75
R 2R
A B
Solving, we have
R 2R . (12)
A B

Using this in Equation (4), the free-running frequency is given by

1.45 . (13)
fo
4R C
B

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 555 TIMER PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL)

Let us take C = 0.1 F and use f = 1 KHz in Equation (13). We get

o
1.45
R 3.6 K (14)

4 1000 0.1 10 6
B
and from Equation (12),
R 7.2 K. (15)
A
Similarly, for a Duty Cycle of 50% and 1 KHz frequency, RA RB 7.25 K
and C 0.1 F . For a Duty Cycle of 30% and 1 KHz frequency,
RA 0.87 K , RB 2.03 K and C 0.5 F .

Pre-lab Assessment

Now to know whether you are ready to carry out the experiment in
the lab, choose the correct answer. If you score at least 80%, you are
ready, otherwise read the preceding text again. (Answers are given at
the end of this experiment.)

(1) The applications of 555 timer include

a) monostable and astable multivibrators
b) waveform generators
c) voltage regulators
d) all of the above.
(2) Which of the following is true for the 555 timer?
a) It is a monolithic timing circuit which can operate in monostable as
well as astable mode.
b) It can source or sink 400mA.
c) Both (a) and (b)
d) None of the above
(3) The functional block diagram of a 555 timer consists of
a) two comparators
b) two transistors and a voltage divider arrangement
c) a, b and an RS flip-flop
d) a and b.
(4) An RS flip flop is the same as a/an
a) monostable multivibrator
b) one-shot multivibrator
c) bistable multivibrator
d) astable multivibrator.
(5) A quasi-stable state is such that the output
a) does not change at all
b) changes unpredictably
c) changes after a predetermined period of time
d) changes just after a very short duration of time.
(6) A free-running multivibrator has
a) one stable and one quasi-stable state
b) two stable states
c) two quasi-stable states
d) none of the above.
(7) The output of an astable multivibrator
a) remains high as long as the capacitor is charging
b) remains high as long as the capacitor is discharging
c) remains low as long as the capacitor is charging

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d) has no relation with charging or discharging of capacitor.

(8) The Duty cycle of a square wave is
a) zero
b) less than 50%
c) 50%
d) greater than 50%.
(9) Pin 5 is bypassed to ground through a 0.01 F capacitor to prevent
problems due to random electrical noise. (True / False)
(10) The comparator 1 in the functional block diagram of 555 timer has a
1
trip point of UTP = VCC and the comparator 2 has a trip point of LTP
3
2
= VCC . (True / False)
3

Procedure

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 4 with the calculated values of

R , R and C for 75% Duty Cycle. The connections will look like as
A B
shown in Figure 7.

RB

RA

0.01 F

To To
common power
ground supply
To CRO
Figure 7: Connecting 555 timer as an astable multivibrator

2. One channel of the CRO is connected between pin 3 and pin 1 to see the
(rectangular) output waveform.
3. Now, connect the other channel of the CRO between pin 6 and pin 1 to
obtain the voltage across the capacitor.

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4. Adjust the positions of the output waveform and the capacitor voltage
waveform by suitably selecting the time/div for both the channels, so as to
obtain them simultaneously on the screen, one below the other.
5. Trace these waveforms on a tracing paper.
6. Note time/div for both channels and measure the charging time t c and
discharging time td for the traces. Enter the data in Table 1.
7. Select a different value of time/div on the CRO and repeat steps 4 to 6.
8. Calculate the time period, frequency and Duty Cycle for both the
observations using Equations (3), (4) and (5) respectively.
9. Take the mean for calculated values of frequency and Duty Cycle.
10. Insert a diode between pins 6 and 7 (which is essential for obtaining a
Duty Cycle 50%) so that now the circuit connections correspond to
Figure 6. A laboratory picture of the circuit is shown in Figure 8. Repeat
steps 4 to 9 for 50% and 30% Duty Cycle with the respective calculated
values of resistances and capacitances and enter the data in Tables 2 and
3, respectively.

Figure 8: 555 timer connected as an astable multivibrator with Duty

Cycle 50%

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Observations

Table1: Duty cycle = 75%, f o = 1 KHz

RA = 7.2 K, RB = 3.6 K, C = 0.1 F

Charging time Discharging time

tc td
(sec) (sec)
Discharging Time Duty
Trace Charging Trace time period Frequency cycle
S. length Time / div time length Time / div td T f0 D
No. (cm) (sec / cm) tc(sec) (cm) (sec / cm) (sec) (sec) (KHz) (%)
1
2

Mean experimental frequency, f0 = KHz.

Mean experimental Duty Cycle, D = %.

Table 2: Duty cycle = 50%, f = 1 KHz

o

RA = RB = 7.25 K, C = 0.1 F

Charging time Discharging time

tc td
(sec) (sec)
Discharging Time Duty
Trace Charging Trace time period Frequency cycle
S. length Time / div time length Time / div td T f0 D
No. (cm) (sec / cm) tc(sec) (cm) (sec / cm) (sec) (sec) (KHz) (%)
1
2
Mean experimental frequency, f0 = KHz.
Mean experimental Duty Cycle, D = %.

Table 3: Duty cycle = 30%, f = 1 KHz

o

RA = 0.87 K, RB = 2.03 K, C = 0.5 F

Charging time Discharging time

tc td
(sec) (sec)
Discharging Time Duty
Trace Charging Trace time period Frequency cycle
S. length Time / div time length Time / div td T f0 D
No. (cm) (sec / cm) tc(sec) (cm) (sec / cm) (sec) (sec) (KHz) (%)
1
2
Mean experimental frequency, f0 = KHz.
Mean experimental Duty Cycle, D = %.

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Result

An astable multivibrator for three different sets of given frequency and Duty
Cycle is designed. A comparison of the experimental values with the given
ones is represented below:

Duty cycle (%) Frequency (KHz)

No. of
sets Theoretical Experimental Theoretical Experimental
value value value value

1
2
3

Post-lab Assessment

Choose the correct answer

(1) For changing the output state of an astable multivibrator

a) no external trigger input is required
b) a positive pulse input is required
c) a negative pulse input is required
d) a high input is required.
(2) To get an astable output whose Duty Cycle is slightly greater than
50%, RA should be
a) much smaller than RB
b) much larger than RB
c) equal to RB
d) smaller than R B.
(3) Can a 555 timer connected in an astable mode be used to generate
rectangular waves with Duty Cycle less than or equal to 50%?
a) Yes, by using a diode and choosing particular values for external
components RA, RB and C.
b) Yes, only by choosing particular values for external components RA,
RB and C.
c) No, it has to be connected in monostable mode.
d) Not possible.
(4) The frequency of oscillation for a 555 timer connected in astable mode,
with RA = RB = 1K and C = 1000 pF, is
a) 725 KHz
b) 483 KHz
c) 966 KHz
d) none of the above.
(5) The Duty Cycle of the waveform generated by an astable multivibrator
is approximately 67% if
a) RA = RB = 1k
b) RA = RB = 2k
c) RA = RB = 3k
d) (a), (b) or (c).

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(6) The Duty Cycle of the rectangular waveform produced by 555 timer
connected in astable mode
a) increases with increase in the value of capacitance
b) decreases with increase in the value of capacitance
c) decreases with decrease in the value of capacitance
d) is independent of the value of capacitance.
(7) An external trigger is required to change the state of the output of an
astable multivibrator. (True/False)
(8) When a 555 timer is connected in astable mode, the time for which the
output remains in one particular state is determined only by the two
resistors externally connected to the 555 timer. (True/False)
(9) Does the free-running frequency f o of an astable multivibrator depend
on the supply voltage VCC ? (Yes / No)

Answer the following question

(10) If a diode is connected across RB in the astable multivibrator circuit,

what is the condition on RA and RB to achieve a Duty Cycle of 50%?

Answers to Pre-lab Assessment

1. d
2. a
3. c
4. c
5. c
6. c
7. a
8. c
9. True
10. False

Answers to Post lab assessment

1. a
2. a
3. a
4. b
5. d
6. d
7. False
8. False
9. No
10. R A RB

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SECTION B

MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

We now discuss another important application of 555 timer, that is, 555 timer
as a monostable multivibrator. A monostable multivibrator is a pulse-
generating circuit having one stable and one quasi-stable state. Since there is
only one stable state, the circuit is known as monostable multivibrator. The
duration of the output pulse is determined by the RC network connected
externally to the 555 timer. The stable state output is approximately zero or
at logic-low level. An external trigger pulse forces the output to become high
or approximately VCC . After a predetermined length of time, the output
automatically switches back to the stable state and remains low until a trigger
pulse is again applied. The cycle then repeats. That is, each time a trigger
pulse is applied, the circuit produces a single pulse. Hence, it is also called
one-shot multivibrator.

Apparatus

CRO (cathode ray oscilloscope)

power supply (+5V to +18V)
555 timer
resistors
capacitors
connecting wires
connecting leads for CRO
bread board

Theory

A 555 timer connected for monostable operation is shown in Figure 9. The

circuit has an external resistor and capacitor. The voltage across the capacitor
is used for the threshold to pin 6. When the trigger arrives at pin 2, the circuit
produces output pulse at pin 3.

Initially, if the output of the timer is low, that is, the circuit is in a stable state,
transistor Q1 is on and the external capacitor C is shorted to ground. Upon
application of a negative trigger pulse to pin 2, transistor Q 1 is turned off,
which releases the short circuit across the capacitor and as a result, the
output becomes high. The capacitor now starts charging up towards VCC
2
through R A . When the voltage across the capacitor equals VCC , the output
3
of comparator 1 switches from low to high, which in turn, makes the output
low via the output of the flip-flop. Also, the output of the flip-flop turns
transistor Q1 on and hence the capacitor rapidly discharges through the
transistor. The output of the monostable multivibrator remains low until a

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trigger pulse is again applied. The cycle then repeats. Figure 10 shows the
trigger input, output voltage, and capacitor voltage waveforms. As shown, the
pulse width of the trigger input must be smaller than the expected pulse
width of the output waveform. Moreover, the trigger pulse must be a
1
negative-going input signal with an amplitude larger than VCC . The time for
3
which the output remains high is given by
t p 1.1 RAC , (16)
where RA is in ohms, C in farads and tp in seconds. Once the circuit is
triggered, the output will remain high for the time interval t p. It will not
change even if an input trigger is applied during this time interval. In other
words, the circuit is said to be non-retriggerable. However, the timing can be
interrupted by the application of a negative signal at the reset input on pin 4.
A voltage level going from VCC to ground at the reset input will cause the
timer to immediately switch back to its stable state with the output low.

Figure 9: Monostable multivibrator

The trigger input may be driven by the output of astable multivibrator with
high Duty Cycle. If the desired pulse width is of the order of seconds, the
output can be seen using a LED and the resistance value used will be of the
order of M. In this case the trigger can be supplied manually by grounding
the trigger input for a fraction of a second.

Designing a monostable multivibrator

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If we want to design a monostable multivibrator for a pulse-width of 1 ms for

a given C 0.5 F , then using Equation (16), we get R A as 1.82 K.

Similarly, for a pulse-width of 5 ms, taking C 0.5 F , Equation (16) gives

RA as 9.1 K.

Pre-lab Assessment

Now to know whether you are ready to carry out the experiment in
the lab, choose the correct answer. If you score at least 80%, you are
ready, otherwise read the preceding text again. (Answers are given at
the end of this experiment.)

(1) The output waveform of a 555 timer is always

a) sinusoidal
b) triangular
c) rectangular
d) square.
(2) A multivibrator circuit having one stable state and other quasi-stable
state is known as
a) monostable multivibrator
b) bistable multivibrator
c) astable multivibrator
d) free-running multivibrator.
(3) A monostable multivibrator is also called a one-shot multivibrator
because
a) each time a trigger pulse is applied, the circuit produces a single
pulse.
b) the circuit has to be triggered only once
c) the output pulse duration is very small
d) none of the above.
(4) The output of a monostable multivibrator remains high
a) while the external capacitor is charging
b) while the external capacitor is discharging
c) while the trigger is held high
d) a and c
(5) The output of a monostable multivibrator remains low
a) while the external capacitor is charging
b) while the external capacitor is discharging
c) while the trigger is held high
d) a and c
(6) When a 555 timer is connected in monostable mode, the voltage
across the external capacitor is used for the threshold to pin 6.
(True/False)
(7) Once the circuit is triggered and the output becomes high, it remains
so for the time interval tp and will not change even if an input trigger is
applied during this time interval. (True / False)
(8) Is it possible to achieve a stable state output within the time interval t p
using a reset terminal? (Yes / No)

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PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL) 555 TIMER

Procedure

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 9 with the calculated values of

R and C .
2. One channel of the CRO is connected between pin 3 and pin 1 to see
the (rectangular) output waveform.
3. Now, connect the other channel of the CRO between pin 6 and pin 1 to
obtain the voltage across the capacitor.
4. Adjust the positions of the output waveform and the capacitor voltage
waveform by suitably selecting the time/div for both the channels, so
as to obtain them simultaneously on the screen, one below the other.
5. Trace these waveforms on a tracing paper.
6. Note time/div for both channels and measure the pulse width t p for the
traces. Enter the data in Table 4.
7. Select a different value of time/div on the CRO and repeat steps 4 to 6.
8. Take the mean for measured values of pulse -width.
9. Repeat steps 4 to 8 for a pulse-width of 5 ms with the respective
calculated values of RA and C and enter the data in Table 5.

Observations

Table 4: Pulse-width = 1 ms

C = 0.5F, RA = 1.82 K

Pulse width
Trace length Time / div
S. No. tp
(cm) (sec / cm)
(ms)
1
2

Mean experimental pulse- width = .. ms.

Table 5: Pulse-width = 5 ms

C = 0.5F, RA = 9.1 K

Pulse width
Trace length Time / div
S. No. tp
(cm) (sec / cm)
(ms)
1
2

Mean experimental pulse -width = .. ms.

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 555 TIMER PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL)

Result

A monostable multivibrator for two different given pulse-widths is designed. A

comparison of the experimental pulse-widths with the given ones is
mentioned below:

Theoretical Experimental
S. No. value value
1
2

Glossary

555 timer: It is a monolithic timing circuit that basically operates in

monostable (one-shot) or astable (free-running) mode. It can also work as a
bistable multivibrator which is the same as an RS flip-flop. 555 timer is called
so because three 5 K resistors were used in the voltage divider arrangement
within the integrated circuit earlier.
Astable: A mode in which a 555 timer has no stable state and produces a
rectangular wave of predetermined frequency.
Bistable: A mode in which 555 timer has two stable output states and the
output is latched in either of the two states.
Comparator: It is an application of op-amp and is described as a circuit that
compares two analog voltages, an input voltage and a reference voltage also
called the trip point. The output is either a low or a high voltage.
Control voltage: An external voltage which may be applied to change the
threshold as well as the trigger voltage and hence also the pulse-width of the
output waveform.
DIP: It is an acronym for Dual-Inline Package and refers to a type of
integrated circuit packaging that has two rows of external connecting
terminals.
Duty Cycle: It is the ratio of the time tc for which the output of an astable
multivibrator is high to the time period T of the output waveform. It is
generally expressed as a percentage.
Integrated Circuit: A miniaturized electronic circuit consisting mainly of
semiconductor devices, as well as passive components, that has been
manufactured in the surface of a thin substrate of semiconductor material
Monolithic: The common form of chip design or an integrated circuit, in
which the base material (semiconductor substrate) contains the pathways as
well as the active elements that take part in its operation.
Monostable: A mode in which a 555 timer produces a rectangular output
pulse of known pulse-width. It is also called one-shot.
Multivibrator: A two-state circuit with zero, one or two stable output states
depending on whether it is connected in astable, monostable or bistable
mode.
One-shot: Same as monostable.
RS flip-flop: The most fundamental latch or an electronic circuit with two
stable output states, either high or low, always opposite to each other and
controlled by the inputs R and S which stand for reset and set, respectively. It
is basically a kind of bistable multivibrator.
Threshold voltage: The voltage given at the non-inverting input terminal of
the op-amp used as the comparator 1 in the block diagram of 555 timer.
Transistor: An active three-terminal semiconductor device that can be used
either as an amplifier or as a switch. The two basic types are bipolar junction

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PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL) 555 TIMER

transistors (BJTs) and field effect transistors (FETs). A BJT can be either npn
or pnp.
Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL): A class of digital circuits built from
bipolar junction transistors and resistors. It is named so because both the
logic gating function and the amplifying function are performed by transistors.
Trigger: It basically means to initiate an action and refers to a sharp input
pulse of voltage or current used to turn on a switching device.
Trip point: The value of the input reference voltage of a comparator is called
trip point.

Post-lab Assessment

Answer the following question

Choose the correct answer

(1) The output state of a 555 timer connected in a monostable mode with
a high trigger input is
a) low
b) high
c) either high or low
d) not stable.
(2) The pulse-width of the wave generated by a monostable multivibrator
with RA = 68 k and C = 0.1 F is
a) 3.74 ms
b) 7.48 ms
c) 7.48 s
d) none of the above.
(3) The pulse-width of the wave generated by a one-shot multivibrator
decreases when the
a) supply voltage decreases
b) timing resistor increases
c) UTP increases
d) timing capacitance decreases.
(4) For the proper functioning of a monostable multivibrator, what must be
the relative magnitude of the pulse-width of the trigger input in
comparison to the expected pulse-width of the output waveform?
a) It must be smaller
b) It must be larger
c) It must be the same
d) It can have any magnitude.
(5) The trigger input may be
a) driven by the output of astable multivibrator with high Duty Cycle.
b) supplied manually by grounding the trigger input for a fraction of a
second.
c) both a and b
d) only a.

(6) Once the output of the monostable multivibrator has switched to the
stable low state, it remains low until a trigger pulse is again applied.
(True / False)

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 555 TIMER PHYSICS (LAB MANUAL)

(7) For the proper functioning of a monostable multivibrator, the trigger

pulse must be a negative-going input signal with an amplitude larger
2
than VCC . (True/False)
3
(8) What is the time for which the output remains high?

Answers to Pre-lab Assessment

1. c
2. a
3. a
4. a
5. c
6. True
7. True
8. Yes

Answers to Post-lab Assessment

1. a
2. b
3. d
4. a
5. c
6. True
7. False
8. t p 1.1 RAC

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