The 555 timer IC has been reinvented—again. Signetics introduced the enormously popular chip back in 1971, and it quickly became a big hit. ... An evaluation kit is available as well.

One way to understand how the 555 timer works and how to use it is by learning what the pins mean and what to connect to them. A far more enjoyable, and arguably a more useful way to learn is by lo… ...

In a PWM circuit, the 555 timer will output a logic signal “high” and “low” depending on a ratio derived by the value of a few components connected.

Then again, you could also do it with a 555 timer. The reason [Jarunzel] couldn’t use any of the fancy hackertools for this build is because the system wouldn’t accept two mouse devices.

This circuit avoids the use of the 555 pin 4 reset feature that often causes more problems than it solves – this anomaly was previously documented in this article: Quirky 555 Timer Reset Function.

He used a 555 timer that outputs a clock to the LEDs on the biz card, and placing a nine-volt battery on the terminals sets off the mini light show. See for yourself in the video below.

Its design, based on a 555 timer chip, has proven itself durable enough to withstand the pressure of the heaviest feet around. Building the Chip Footstool The build started with plywood in great ...

Ever wanted a 555 timer with complementary non-overlapping outputs. The XTR651 from X-Rel Semiconductor is just such a thing. Very similar to the good old 555, it includes a built-in 200pF timing ...

Using a CMOS 555 timer and a single NPN transistor, you can drive as many as seven LEDs using a minimal amount of voltage and power from a single NiMH (nickel-metal-hydride) AA cell. The circuit works ...