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The PIC Chip introduced some years back has the brilliant capability of being able "programmed" just like a small CPU
and to be custom tailored via very small and byte efficient programs to execute a myriad of unique functions, from sirens,
monitoring etc. to very accurate timers. In this article (only this page) we will deal solely with the "NE - 555" applications
and the easy to setup usefulness of this chip [ 1971- 1996 ]. Although these days, the C.M.O.S. version of this IC, like the
Motorola MC1455, is mostly used, the regular type ( non C.M.O.S. ) is still very much available and used often today, it is
still in great demand due to the simplicity in its design, efficient switching characteristics and its very low cost.
There have been many improvements and variations in the "internal" circuitry since 1971, too many to list here, however,
we invite you to check out our NE-555 PDFs covering many package versions of this rather unique and special chip.
With all these "hidden" improvements within the various NE-555's manufactured, the main NE-555 package is still very much
virtually pin-for-pin compatible with every other NE-555 on the market today, this also includes the NE-7555 a later marketed
CMOS version of the NE-555.
The aim within this simple tutorial is to show in some easy to comprehend detail, exactly how the NE-555 timer is correctly used.
The standard NE-555 can be a stand-alone compact device, yet powerful enough to perform basic timing functions or as a versatile
timer or even as a simple oscillator to create tones of various pitches up to the ultrasonics of 200KHz. The NE - 555 can be easily
combined with other ancillary circuitry employing gates or transistors for current switching or with other solid state devices without
the mandatory requirement of an electronics engineering degree. How good is that ? It does not get any better!
This brilliant timer uses about 25 transistors to perform the tasks and is coupled with various diodes and resistors all on the
NE-555's substrate "die" to do their bit in switching and timing and for this task, it is done with the minimum of external passive
components.