4/15/2021 What is Voltage Drop?

Advanced Voltage Drop Calculator with Solved Examples

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What is Voltage Drop? Advanced

Voltage Drop Calculator with Solved
Examples
 Electrical Technology  13  6 minutes read

Advanced Voltage Drop Calculator with Solved Examples

& Formulas

Table of Contents 
1. What is allowable Voltage Drop?
2. Voltage Drop Calculator (Advanced)
3. Voltage Drop Formulas and Calculation
3.1. Basic Voltage Drop Formula.
3.2. Voltage Drop Formula for Steel Conduit.
4. Voltage Drop formula for Single Phase and DC Circuits
4.1. When wire length is in feet.
4.2. When Wire length is in meters.
5. Voltage Drop Calculation and Formulas for Three Phase system.
5.1. For 3 Phase 3 Wire system. (Delta Connection)
5.2. For 3 Phase 4 Wire systems. (Star Connection)
6. Wire cross sectional area calculations
6.1. Wire cross sectional area in kcmil (kilo circular mils)
6.2. Wire cross sectional area in square inches (in2).
6.3. Wire cross sectional area in kcmil (kilo circular mils)
7. Wire diameter Calculation
7.1. Wire diameter in Inches formula
7.2. Wire diameter in mm (millimeters) formula
8. Wire Resistance calculations formula
9. Voltage Drop Calculation formula for Circular mils
10. How to calculate voltage drop in copper conductor (1 & 3 phase)?
11. Solved Example on Voltage Drop Calculations

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What is allowable Voltage Drop?

According to the NEC (National Electric Code) [210.19 A (1)] FPN
number 4 and [215.2 A (3)] FPN number 2, the allowable Voltage drop
for feeders is 3% and the acceptable voltage drop for final sub circuit
and branch circuit is 5% for proper and efficient operation.

For example, if the Supply voltage is 110V, then the value of allowable
voltage drop should be;

Allowable Voltage Drop = 110 x (3/100) = 3.3V.

We have already discussed the selection of proper size of cable for

electrical wiring installation in SI and British system with examples.In the
above article, we have also explained the voltage drop calculation and
voltage drop formula as well as online cable size calculator.

Today, we are going to share an Online Advanced Voltage Drop

Calculator and Voltage Drop formulas in detail with solved examples.

Good to know: Read the full description below the voltage drop calculator
for better explanation as there are many voltage drop calculation formulas
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with example. in addition, there is also a very simple method to

calculate the voltage drop.

Also check

Electrical Wire & Cable Size Calculator (Copper & Aluminum)

Wire & Cable Size Calculator in AWG

Voltage Drop Calculator (Advanced)

Enter value and click on calculate. Result will be displayed

Conductor Temp: 20C (68F)

Select Wire Type: Copper

Enter Wire Dia size: 18 AWG

Enter Wire Length: 10 feet

Select Current Type: AC – 1 phase

Enter Voltage in Volts: 120 V

Enter Current in Amps: 1 A

Calculate Clear

Voltage Drop in Volts: V

Percentage of Voltage
%
Drop:

Wire Resistance: Ω

Voltage at the End: Ve

Note: This Calculator is also available in our Free Electrical Technology

Android App

More related Electrical & Electronics Engineering Calculators

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Voltage Drop Formulas and Calculation

Basic Voltage Drop Formula.

The basic electrical Voltage drop formula is;

VD = IR ……. (Ohm’s Law).

Where;

VD = Voltage Drop in Volts.

I = Current in Amperes.
R = Resistance in Ohms (Ω).

But this is not always the case, and we can’t run the wheel of the system
with this basic formula (Why? See below cases as well).

Voltage Drop Formula for Steel Conduit.

This is the approximate voltage drop formula at unity power factor, cabal
temperature 75˚C, and cable conductors in steel conduit.

VD = (2 x k x Q x I x D) / cm for Single Phase.

VD = (1.732 x k x Q x I x D) / cm for Three Phase.

Where;

Cm = the cross sectional area of the conductor in circular mils.

D = the one way distance in feet.
I = the circuit current in amperes.
Q = the ratio of AC resistance and DC resistance (RAC/R/DC) for
conductor larger than 2/0 for skin effect.
k = specific resistivity = 21.2 for Aluminum and 12.9 for Copper.

Voltage Drop formula for Single Phase and DC Circuits

When wire length is in feet.

VD= I × R

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VD = I × (2 × L × R / 1000)

Where ;

VD = Voltage Drop in Volts.

I = Wire Current in Amperes.
R = Wire Resistance in Ohms (Ω) [Ω/kft].
L = wire distance in feet.

And;

When Wire length is in meters.

VD = I × (2 × L × R / 1000)

Where;

VD = Voltage Drop in Volts.

I = Wire Current in Amperes.
R = Wire Resistance in Ohms (Ω) [Ω/km].
L = wire distance in meters.

Voltage Drop Calculation and Formulas for Three Phase

system.
For 3 Phase 3 Wire system. (Delta Connection)

VD = 0.866 × I × R

VD = 0.866 × I × 2 × L× R/ 1000

For 3 Phase 4 Wire systems. (Star Connection)

VD = 0.5 × I × R

VD = 0.5 × I × 2 × L× R/ 1000

Where;

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VD = Voltage Drop in Volts.

I = Wire Current in Amperes.
R = Wire Resistance in Ohms (Ω) [Ω/km or] or (Ω/kft).
L = wire distance in meters or feet.

Wire cross sectional area calculations

Wire cross sectional area in kcmil (kilo circular mils)

An = 1000×dn2 = 0.025 × 92(36-n)/19.5

Where;

An = cross sectional area of “n” gauge wire size in kcmil.

kcmil = kilo circular mils.
n = the number of gauge size.
d = wire square diameter in in2.

Wire cross sectional area in square inches (in2).

An = (π/4)×dn2 = 0.000019635 × 92(36–n)/19.5

Where;

An = cross sectional area of “n” gauge wire size in square inches

(in2).
n = the number of gauge size.
d = wire square diameter in in2.

Wire cross sectional area in kcmil (kilo circular mils)

An = (π/4) ×dn2 = 0.012668 × 92(36-n)/19.5

Where;

An = cross sectional area of “n” gauge wire size in square

millimeters (mm2)
n = the number of gauge size.
d = wire square diameter in mm2.

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You may also read: How To Locate Faults In Cables? Cable Faults, Types
& Causes

Wire diameter Calculation

Wire diameter in Inches formula

dn = 0.005 × 92(36-n)/39 …. In inches

Where “n” is number of the gauge size and “d” the wire diameter in
inches.

Wire diameter in mm (millimeters) formula

dn = 0.127 × 92(36-n)/39 …. In millimeters (mm).

Where “n” is number of the gauge size and “d” the wire diameter in mm.

Wire Resistance calculations formula

(1). Rn = 0.3048 × 109 × ρ / (25.42 × An)

Where;

R = Resistance of the wire conductors (in Ω/kft).

n = # of Gauge size.
ρ = rho = resistivity in (Ω·m).
An = the cross sectional area of n #gauge in square inches (in2).

Or;

(2). Rn = 109 × ρ/ An

Where;

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R = Resistance of the wire conductors (in Ω/km).

n = # of Gauge size.
ρ = rho = resistivity in (Ω·m).
An = the cross sectional area of n #gauge in square millimeters
(mm2).

Voltage Drop at the End of the cable formula and calculation.

VEnd = V – VD

Where;

VEnd = Supply voltage at the end of the cable.

V = Supply voltage.
VD = Voltage Drop in the cable conductors.

Voltage Drop Calculation formula for Circular mils

VD = ρ P L I / A

Where;

VD = Voltage drop in volts.

ρ = rho = specific resistivity in (Ω – circular mils/foot).
P = Phase Constant = 2 (for single phase and DC system) and = √3
= 1.732 (for three phase system)
L = wire length in feet.
A = wire area in circular mils.

How to calculate voltage drop in copper conductor (1 & 3

phase)?
The voltage drop in copper conductors can be calculated via the below
simple and easy formula with the help of the following table.

VD = f x I … L = 100 feet

Where;

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f = factor from the table below.

I = Current in amperes.
L = conductor length in feet (100 feet).

(See the solved example below the table for clear understanding)

Table: How to calculate voltage drop by simple voltage drop formula

Solved Example on Voltage Drop Calculations

Example: Suppose, Voltage is 220V single phase, current is 5A,
Conductor length is 100 feet, and Wire gauge (AWG) is #8. Calculate the
voltage drop?

Solution:

The voltage drop can be found by the following formula

VD = f x I … L = 100 feet

Since the factor for #8 AWG conductor is 0.125 (from the above table).
Now, putting the values in the above formula.

VD = 0.125 x 5A x ( for 100 feet)

VD = Voltage drop = 0.625V.

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P.S: The above voltage drop calculator provides approximate values and
we do not guarantee of 100% accurate results as results may change
with different and real cables, conductors, wires and different resistivity of
material, number of strands in wire, temperature and weather condition,
conduit and PVC etc.

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Voltage Drop Calculation Voltage Drop Formula

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Basic Electronics Digital Electronics EE Questions / Answers

Electrical & Electronics Notes and Articles

555 Timer IC- Types, Construction,

Working & Application – Circuit &
Pinout
 Electrical Technology 8  14 minutes read

555 Timer IC – Mode of Operation – Schematic, Internal,

Block Diagram & Applications

Table of Contents 
1. Digital Timers
2. What is 555 Timer IC?
2.1. Features of 555 Timer IC
3. 555 Timer Construction & Block Diagram
4. 555 Timer Pinout Configuration
5. Schematic & Working Principle of 555 Timer IC
5.1. Internal Function Diagram of 555 Timer
5.2. 555 Timer Internal Schematic Diagram
6. Types of 555 Timers & Operating Modes
6.1. Astable Mode:
6.2. Monostable Mode:
6.3. Bi-Stable Mode:
7. 555 Timer Calculator
8. Applications of 555 Timer

Digital Timers
Timers are those circuits, which provide periodic signals to a digital
system which change the state of that system. In other words, those
circuits, which work on the base of multivibrator changes or a device,
which can be used as multivibrator is called Timer.

Related Post: How to Make a Simple LED Flashing Circuit using 555
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e ated ost o to a eaS pe as g C cu t us g 555
Timer IC

What is 555 Timer IC?

555 Timer is a digital monolithic integrated circuit (IC) which may be
used as a clock generator. In other words, 555 Timer is a circuit
which may be connected as a stable or monostable multivibrator. In
more simple words, 555 Timer is a monolithic timing circuit, which can
produce accurate timing pulses with 50% or 100% duty cycle. It was
developed in the year 1970 by Signetic Corporation and designed by
Hans Camenzind in 1971.

555 Timer is a versatile and most usable device in the electronics circuits
and designs which work for both stable and monostable states. It may
provide time delay from microseconds up to many hours.

555 timer is a very cheap IC which works for wide range of potential
difference (typically, from 4.5 to 15V DC) and the different provided input
voltages do not affect the timer output.

555 Timer is a linear device and it can be directly connected to the CMOS
or TTL (Transistor – Transistor Logic) digital circuits due to its
compatibility but, interfacing is must to use 555 timer with other digital
circuits.

Being an integral part of electronics project, 555 Timer IC is very often

used in simple to complex electronics projects. The standard 555 timer IC
is made of 2 diodes, 25 transistors, 15 resistors installed in an 8 pin dual
in-line package.

 Good to know:

This timer is called 555 Timer due to the fact that it contains
three 5 Kilo-Ohm resistors in series to form the voltage
divider pattern.

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Related Post:

Binary Encoder – Construction, Types & Applications

Binary Decoder – Construction, Types & Applications

Features of 555 Timer IC

There are two types of 555 timer based on its nomenclature – NE
555 Timer and SE 555 Timer. While NE 555 timer can be used in
the temperature range from 0 to 70°C, the SE 555 Timer can be
used in the temperature range from -55°C to 125°C and has a
temperature stability of 0.005% per 0C..
it can be operated of different power supplies ranging from 5 Volts
to 18 Volts.
It can be used either as a pulse generator or an oscillator by
operating it in different modes.
The name 555 comes from the fact that it contains three 5 Kilo-Ohm
resistors in series to form the voltage divider pattern.
It can drive both Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) due to its high
output current and CMOS logic circuits.
It has high output current and adjustable duty cycle.
555 timer can be operated in both astable and monostable modes.
The output of 555 timer can source or absorb current up to 200mA
sinking or sourcing current to the load.
It contains 24 transistors, 2 diodes and 17 resistors.
555 timer is available as an 8-Pin Dual in Line Package (DIP), 8-
Pin Metal Can or 14-Pin Dual in Line Package (DIP).

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Application
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555 Timer Construction & Block Diagram

There are lots of manufacturers who manufacture 555 timer which
included the number 555 e.g. NE555, CA555, SE555, MC14 555 etc.
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typically, two 555 timers sandwiched inside a single chip which is called
556. Nowadays, chips are available with four 555 timers in it. These
devices are available in circular IC with eight (8), DIP (Dual inline
Package) with 8 pins or DIP with 14 pins.

Below is the pin diagram of DIP (Dual inline Package) 555 timer with
8 pins.

Fig 1: 555 Timer IC Construction & Pinouts

A simple 555 timer circuit is shown above in fig 3 which shows the
internal construction of 555 timer. According to fig 1 & 3, the timer
contains on two comparators, an RS flip flop, an Output stitch (output
buffer) and a Discharge Transistor Q1.

In addition, there are three 5kΩ resistors are connected in series with 5kΩ
resistor which first end is connected with Vcc (Pin 8 = Supply voltage)
and the other end is connected with ground (GND = Pin 1).

In above fig 1 and (as well as below fig 2 & 3), As given in the block
diagram, heart of the IC lies in the two comparator circuits. While inverting
terminal of the upper comparator is connected to a point with DC potential
of 2/3 VCC (where VCC can be +5V to +18V), the non-inverting terminal
is connected to the threshold pin.

The inverting terminal of the lower comparator is connected to the

external trigger input pin whereas the non-inverting terminal is connected
to the point with DC potential of 1/3 VCC The three 5 Kilo-Ohm resistors
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to the point with DC potential of 1/3 VCC. The three 5 Kilo-Ohm resistors
are connected in series to form voltage divider circuit. Output from both
the comparators is given to the R-S Flip Flop whose state depends on the
output from the two comparators.

Output from the R-S Flip-Flop is connected to the two transistors – Q1

and Q2. Q1 is the discharge transistor and provides discharge path to the
external capacitor, when saturated. Q2 is the reset transistor, where a
pulse applied will reset the whole timing circuit. The output from the flip-
flop is amplified by the power amplifier block.

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DEMUX – Demultiplexer | Types, Construction & Applications

555 Timer Pinout Configuration

555 Timer IC Pinout

PIN Number Name Purpose

1 GND Ground reference(0V)

2 TRIG To give external trigger voltage

3 OUT 1.7V below +Vcc or to GND

4 RESET To reset timing interval

Provides control access to internal

5 CTRL
voltage divider

6 THR Threshold voltage

7 DIS In phase with output

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8 Vcc Positive voltage supply

Here is the simple explanation of the 8 pins of 555 Timer IC (Fig 1 &
2). Let’s understand this IC with its pin configuration and circuit diagram.

Fig 2 – 555 Timer IC Pin Diagram

1. Ground (GND)

It’s the common ground point of the circuit. The ground terminal of
external circuit as well as power supply (Vcc) ground terminal is
connected to the GND (Ground) terminal of 555 timer.

This pin is either grounded or connected to the negative rail. Connection

using a resistor is not recommended to avoid heating up of the IC
because of the stray voltage accumulated inside it.

2. Trigger

When Trigger terminal gets one –third (1/3) of the supply voltage i.e.
Vcc/3 equal amplitude’s negative trigger pulse, then the circuit output
changes form Low to High.

This pin is the input trigger pin to the IC and activates the timing cycle. A
low signal at this pin triggers the Timer. Required current at this pin is 0.5
uA for a period of 0.1 uS. To avoid false triggering due to noise, the pin
requires a pull up connection. Voltage at this pin is 1.67 Volts for a supply
voltage of 5 Volts and 5 Volts for a supply voltage of 15 Volts
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voltage of 5 Volts and 5 Volts for a supply voltage of 15 Volts.

3. Output

This terminal is used for getting output and connected with load. At any
instant, its value is low or high. i.e. This is the output pin of the
Timer. Output of the Timer depends on the duration of timing cycle of the
input pulse. The output can either sink or source current, at maximum
200mA.For LOW output, it sinks current, voltage being slightly greater
than zero and for HIGH output, it sources current, voltage being less than
Vcc.

4. Reset

Without taking into account the previous state of output, by providing a

trigger pulse to this terminal resets the device. I.e. Its output becomes
low.

The reset pin is either not connected or connected to the positive rail. A
logic LOW signal at this pin resets the Timer regardless of its input. The
required reset voltage is 0.7 Volts, at current of 0.1mA

5. Control Voltage

There are two third positive voltages of the total Supply voltages (Vcc) at
control voltage terminal. Thus, it becomes a part of the comparator circuit.
Generally, a capacitor is connected between ground and voltage control
terminals.

This is also a generally non-connected pin or connected to ground

through a 0.01uF capacitor. For some applications, this pin is required to
control the threshold voltage at the upper comparator and is connected to
an external DC signal, to change the duty cycle.

6. Threshold Voltage

Threshold voltage and control voltage is the two inputs of comparator

circuit. The circuit compares the available voltage at threshold voltage
terminal to the available reference voltage at control terminal.
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terminal to the available reference voltage at control terminal.

If the available voltage at threshold terminal (Pin 6) is greater than the

control voltage i.e. two-third of Vcc, then the output would be low,
otherwise, it would be high.

This pin provides threshold voltage to the upper comparator. When

voltage at this pin is greater than 2/3 Vcc, the duty cycle is changed. It is
connected to non-inverting terminal of the upper comparator. Required
current is 0.1 mA, with pulse duration of 0.1 uS.

7. Discharge

When output is low, then Discharge terminal provides a low resistance

discharge path to the externally connected capacitor. However, it acts an
open circuit, when output is high.

This pin provides a discharge path for the timing capacitor through the
NPN transistor. A discharge current less than 50 mA is required to avoid
damage. It can also be used as open collector output.

8. +Vcc (Supply Voltage Terminal)

Supply voltage is provided at this terminal for timer operation. This pin is
connected to positive rail of the Power supply and is also known as Vcc.
The supply voltage can vary from +5 Volts to +18 Volts.

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pp y y

Schematic & Working Principle of 555 Timer IC

In the 555 Timer block or functional diagram, comparators are those
devices which output is high, when their positive input voltage is greater
than their negative input voltage and vise versa.

Internal Function Diagram of 555 Timer

Internal Function Diagram of 555 Timer

The voltage divider in the circuit (which contains on three series

connected 5kΩ resistors), which provides the trigger level of one-third of
Vcc (Vcc/3) and two-third (2/3) of threshold voltage. To understand this
point, suppose the input value is 15V. In this case, the value of trigger
level would be 5V as (Vcc/3 = 15V/3 = 5V). And the value of threshold
level would be 10V as (Vcc x 2/3 = 15V x (2/3)) = 10V.

When needed, the trigger level and threshold can be adjusted by using
the Control Voltage terminal (Pin 5) i.e. by changing the control voltage at
Pin 5, we may change the trigger level and threshold voltage according to
the required specification. However, in this case, the value of trigger and
threshold would be remain equal to 1/3 Vcc and 2/3 Vcc respectively.

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Coming to the working part of 555 Timer IC, this circuit generally operates
in three different modes namely A-stable, Mono-stable and Bi-stable
modes. For a better understanding of 555 Timer IC and its different
states, check the below circuit diagram.

You may also read: Counter and Types of Electronic Counters

555 Timer Internal Schematic Diagram

Fig 3: Fig: 555 Timer Internal Schematic Diagram

When the normal high trigger input value instantaneously reduce then the
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g gg p y
1/3 Vcc, Then the output of Comparator B becomes High from Low, as a
result, RS latch or RS Flip flop goes to “set”. When flip flop goes to set,
then Output (at Point 3) becomes high. Simultaneously, the discharge
transistor Q1 gets off and The output remains high until the value of
normally low threshold input does not increase then the 2/3 Vcc.

As soon as the threshold input increase than the 2/3Vcc, then the output
of comparator A becomes Low, as a result, RS flip flop get reset (because
the output of comparator is directly connected to the RS flip flop’s input R
as shown in the fig). When flip flop gets reset, output becomes low and
discharge transistor Q1 goes to on.

The flip flop can be reset by applying external input reset without
threshold circuit. Note that, the trigger and threshold inputs (Pin 2 and Pin
6) are controlled by externally components and the 555 timer can be used
as stable , monostable or bi-stable operation by controlling the trigger
and threshold inputs with the help of those external components.

You may also read: Digital Logic AND Gate

Types of 555 Timers & Operating Modes

There are three basic types of 555 Timer with respect to mode of function
and operation.

1. 555 Timer as Astable Multivibrator

2. 555 Timer as Monostable Multivibrator
3. 555 Timer as Bi-Stable Mode

555 Timer can be operated in three modes – Monostable Mode, Bi-

Stable Mode and Astable Mode.

Astable Mode:
In this mode, there will be no stable level at the output and the output will
keep swinging between high and low. i.e.- It doesn’t have any stable state
and keeps switching between high and low without application of any
external trigger.

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Working of 555 timer in A-stable mode:

The trigger and threshold pin are connected together so, there is no need
of external trigger pulse. The comparator will output 1 while charging the
trigger because the input voltage at trigger pin is still lower than 1/3 of
supplied voltage. This time, the output of timer is high. Once the voltage
across reaches 1/3 of the supplied voltage, the trigger comparator will
output 0,keeping the situation unchanged as both R and S input of flip
flop are 0.Once the voltage across the capacitor reaches 3/7 of applied
voltage, the threshold comparator will output 1 to R input of the flip-flop.
Now, the capacitor will start discharging through resistor R2 and
discharging transistor. The output of 555 Timer is low at this point. Once
the voltage across capacitor drops to 1/3 of the supplied voltage, the
trigger comparator will output 1.

You can easily calculate the output of this configuration using the below
mentioned formula. The high time depend on resistors R1, R2 and
capacitor. On the other hand, low time depends only on resistor R2 and
capacitor.

High Time:

TH = 0.693 x (R1 x R2) XC1

Low Time:

TL = 0.693 x (R2) X (C1)

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Period for one cycle:

T = TH +TL x (R1+ 2R2) C1

Frequency:

f =1.44 / (R1 + R2) C1) HZ

It is also known as self-triggering mode, the Timer is used in this mode as

clock pulse generator or oscillator. The Timer switches between two
quasi stable states and without any external trigger input.

Given below is 555 Timer circuit in Astable mode.

Fig 5: 555 Timer Astable Mode

(Ref Fig 2 as well) As the Timer is switched ON, i.e. the output is HIGH,
the transistor Q2 will be in cut off region on receiving a LOW input signal.
The capacitor charges through both the resistors R1 and R2 toward Vcc.
The capacitor charging time being

τ1 = 0.693 (R1 + R2)*C.

This capacitor voltage is the threshold voltage to the upper comparator.

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As the voltage exceeds 2/3 Vcc, the upper comparator output resets the
Flip-Flop, which turns the Timer output to OFF state (provided reset pin is
in LOW state) The transistor τ will in saturation region, i.e. will be turned
ON, providing a discharge path for the capacitor through resistor R2, the
discharge time being – 0.693 R2*C.

As the capacitor voltage falls below -1/3Vcc, the second comparator

output sets the Flip-Flop, which makes the Timer output LOW and the
whole process starts again. Thus the Timer output oscillates between
HIGH and LOW state, generating oscillations.

You may also read:

Digital Logic OR Gate

NOR and NAND Implementation

Monostable Mode:
This configuration consists of one stable and unstable state. If the stable
output is set at high then the output of timer is high.

Working Of 555 Timer In Mono-Stable Mode-

The trigger input is held high by connecting it to VCC through resistor.

Threshold pin is low making the threshold comparator out 0. IN result,
voltage coming from source is going to ground through the transistor.
Press the pushbutton on trigger to change the 555 timer output to high. At
the same time, capacitor C1 will start charging through resistor R1. The
555 timer will remain in this position until the voltage across capacitor
reaches 2/3 of the supplied voltage. Comparator will output 1 to R input of
the flip flop bringing the circuit into initial state. The amount of time the
timer output will remain high; depend entirely on value of both the
capacitor C1 and resistor R1.

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To calculate the time, use the below formula:

T = 1.1 * C1 * R1

It is also known as single shot mode or pulse generating mode. In this

state, the 555 Timer is normally in a stable state until triggered, after
which it jumps to the quasi stable state.

Given below is 555 Timer circuit in a monostable mode.

Fig 4: 555 Timer in Monostable Mode

(Ref Fig 2 as well). Initially the Timer output is LOW and the transistor Q2
is in saturation mode, i.e. Fully ON. As a negative trigger pulse, more
negative than -1/3 Vcc, is applied to the second comparator, the Flip Flop
sets to HIGH, turning the Timer output to HIGH state and the Transistor τ
is turned OFF.

The output remains HIGH for time Tout i.e τ = 1.1 RC, i.e. the time taken
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for Capacitor C to charge (Also known as Time Constant RC). As

Capacitor voltage exceeds 2/3 Vcc, output from the upper comparator
resets the Flip-Flop to zero and the discharge transistor Q2 gets again
saturated, providing a discharge path to the capacitor. As the capacitor
voltage comes back to zero volts, the circuit comes back to its normal
state.

Two-Level Logic Implementation

Bi-Stable Mode:
In this configuration, both the output states are stable. At each interrupt,
the output changes from low to high and vice-versa If we have a high
output, it will go low once it receives an interrupt and stays low until the
next interrupts changes the status.

Working of 555 Timer in Bi-stable mode:

The Trigger and the Reset pins of the 555 Timer IC are connected to VCC
through the two resistors. To keep the input state low while holding them
pushed, connect the two pushbuttons between these pins and ground.

After pressing the trigger button, the trigger input state will become low.
Consequently the comparator will output High and that will make flip-flip
Q-bar output go Low. The final state of the timer state will be high .The
output will remain high even when the trigger pushbutton is not pushed
because in that case the R and S input of flip-flop will be 0 which means
that the flip-flop won’t change the initial state. To make the output low, we
need to reset the pushbutton which eventually Resets the entire 555
Ti IC
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4/15/2021 What is Voltage Drop? Advanced Voltage Drop Calculator with Solved Examples
Timer IC.

This is also known as Flip-Flop mode and the Timer remains in two stable
states in this mode. It does not require any external timing circuit as the
time delay between two states depends upon the timing of application of
external pulses.

Related Project: PCB Design of LED Flasher Circuit using 555

Timer. Step by Step

Given below is 555 Timer circuit in Bi-Stable mode.

Fig 6: 555 Timer Bistable Mode

Two switches are connected as such that while Switch S1 is connected to

reset pin with Vcc, switch S2 is connected to trigger pin with ground. A
negative going pulse, at the trigger input, at voltage more negative than
-1/3Vcc, triggers the lower comparator output to set the Flip-Flop and
thus the Timer output to be HIGH. As the threshold pin is grounded, a
positive going pulse at the reset pin triggers the

Since the Timer remains in one stable state until an external pulse is
applied and then changes to another stable state, this mode is termed as
Bi-stable mode. An important application is the Schmitt Trigger circuit.

555 Timer Calculator

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The calculator can see under the title “555 Timer Calculator with
formula & Equations“

Applications of 555 Timer

555 timer is most important integrated circuit (chip) used widely in digital
electronics. Some common uses and application of 555 timer IC are as
follow:

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) & PPM (Pulse Position Modulation)

Duty Cycle Oscillator
Lamp Dimmer
To provide Accurate time delays
As a flip-flop element
Digital logic probes
Analog frequency meters
Quad Timer applications
Pulse, Waveform, and square wave generation
Stepped tone & tone burst generator & linear ramp generation
Tachometers & temperature measurement
It can be used as monostable multivibrator and astable multivibrator
DC to DC Converters
DC Voltage Regulators
Voltage to Frequency Converter
Frequency Divider
Schmitt trigger
Cable tester
Pulse detector
Wiper speed control
Timer Switch
Time delay generation, precision timing and sequential timing
The 555 Timer IC are widely used in most of interesting electronic
circuits and project like Traffic Light Circuit using 555 Timer, LED
Flashing circuits, police siren, LED dice, Music Box, Metal detector,
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g ,p , , , ,
Joystick and game paddles, & low cost line receiver, Clap switch
activated circuit and lots of other projects and circuits designs.

This is the basic tutorial about 555 Timer IC. Any other information
di 555 Ti i l i th t ti W h th t

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