What is the 555 timer used for?

Question

What is the 555 timer used for?

Answer 1

The 555 has three operating modes:

Monostable mode: in this mode, the 555 functions as a "one-shot". Applications include timers, missing pulse detection, bouncefree switches, touch switches, Frequency Divider,Capacitance Measurement, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) etc

Astable - Free Running mode: the 555 can operate as an oscillator. Uses include LED and lamp flashers, pulse generation, logic clocks, tone generation, security alarms, pulse position modulation, etc.

Bistable mode or Schmitt trigger: the 555 can operate as a flip-flop, if the DIS pin is not connected and no capacitor is used. Uses include bouncefree latched switches, etc.

Answer 2

Creating different clock rates.

Answer 3

Loads of things in addition to timing, mono-stables, and bi-stables

It's almost an informal "rite of passage" for an electronics buff to find yet annother use for them!

heres a few of the uses

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/LM555.h...

http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/555timer.htm

Answer 4

Honestly its easier to so what it's not used for, a fantastic little chip, full of wonders. everyone should own one