555 timer IC facts for kids

A circuit using a 555 timer. The timer is the black rectangle.

The NE555 is a very popular electronic part called an IC. It was first made in 1972. People use it to make timers, which are circuits that control how long something stays on or off. Many people who enjoy electronics as a hobby love the 555 timer. You can find it in most electronics stores that sell small parts.

What is the 555 Timer Chip?

The 555 timer is a tiny electronic brain. It's called an "integrated circuit" because many small parts like transistors and resistors are all built together on one small piece of silicon. Think of it like a mini-computer chip that specializes in time.

How Does the 555 Timer Work?

The 555 timer can do many cool things with time. It can:

• Make a steady pulse, like a heartbeat for a circuit. This is called an "astable" mode.
• Create a single pulse when you tell it to. This is called a "monostable" mode.
• Change the width of a pulse, which is useful for controlling motors.

You connect a few other parts, like resistors and capacitors, to the 555 timer. These parts help set how long the timer waits or how fast it blinks.

Fun Projects with 555 Timers

Because it's so useful, the 555 timer is found in many simple electronic projects. You can use it to:

• Make blinking LED lights.
• Create sounds for buzzers or alarms.
• Control the speed of small motors.
• Build simple toys that light up or move after a delay.

It's a great chip for learning about electronics because it's easy to use and very versatile.

Images for kids

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  Silicon die of the first 555 chip (1971)

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  Die of a CMOS NXP ICM7555 chip

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  Texas Instruments NE555 in DIP-8 and SO-8 packages

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  555 timer circuit in a solderless breadboard

See also

In Spanish: Circuito integrado 555 para niños