It’s back! The 555 timer contest wants to see you do something cool with the 555 timer chip. At stake is the adulation of electronics geeks everywhere. Three top winners will be awarded a $150 ...

The function of the 555 timer is mainly determined by two comparators. The output voltage of the them controls the state of the RS flip-flop and the discharge tube. It also contains 3 working states.

Sometimes the best inspiration is limitation. The 555 timer does “one thing” — compares a voltage to a couple thresholds and outputs a signal accordingly. It’s two comparators, a voltage ladder, and a ...