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1.2.5.AK Clock Signals - The555Timer
1.2.5.AK Clock Signals - The555Timer
The 555 Timer oscillator is one of the most common circuits used in introductory electronics.
It is a favorite among beginners because of its low cost and ease of design. These are
precisely the same reasons the 555 Timer is used in the Random Number Generator design.
In this activity you will simulate and create a 555 Timer oscillator. You will observe the effect
that varying the value of its resistor and capacitor values has on the oscillation frequency and
duty cycle.
Procedure
1. For the 555 Timer oscillator circuit shown below, calculate the frequency and duty
cycle of the output signal based on the component values shown.
ƒ= 1 ÷ .0151s = 66.2Hz
2. Use the CDS to enter and simulate the 555 Timer oscillator circuit. Use the
oscilloscope’s markers to make the necessary measurements. Determine the
The difference between Marker 1 and Marker 2 in the figure above shows a period of
15.1ms.
ƒ = 1 ÷ 15.1ms = 1 ÷ .0151s = 66.2Hz
The difference between Marker 1 and Marker 2 in the figure above shows a Time High
of 10.1ms. Recall that the period was 15.1ms.
How do these values compare to the calculated values? Should be the same.
3. Repeat steps (1) and (2) for each set of component values in the table shown below.
Note that the shaded areas are the values that were measured from the original circuit.
© 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.2.5 The 555 Timer – Page 2
RA RB C2 Period(T Frequency(ƒ) tH tL Duty
) Cycle
100 330 22 F 11.6ms 86.2Hz 6.6ms 5ms 57%
10.1m
330 330 22 F 15.1ms 66.2Hz 5ms 67%
s
13.6m
560 330 22 F 18.6ms 53.8Hz 5ms 73%
s
330 100 22 F 8.1ms 123.5Hz 6.5ms 1.6ms 80%
10.1m
330 330 22 F 15.1ms 66.2Hz 5ms 67%
s
13.6m
330 560 22 F 22.2ms 45.1Hz 8.6ms 61%
s
330 330 10 F 6.9ms 144.9Hz 4.6ms 2.3ms 67%
10.1m
330 330 22 F 15.1ms 66.2Hz 5ms 67%
s
21.5m 10.8m
330 330 47 F 32.3ms 31Hz 67%
s s
4. Review the results of the data collected in step (3) of the procedure.
What effect did varying the RA have on the frequency and duty cycle?
As the resistor value for RA increases; frequency (ƒ) decreases and Duty Cycle
(DC) increases.
What effect did varying the RB have on the frequency and duty cycle?
As the resistor value for RB increases, frequency (ƒ) decreases and Duty Cycle
(DC) decreases.
What effect did varying the C2 have on the frequency and duty cycle?
As the capacitor value for C increases, frequency (ƒ) decreases and Duty Cycle
(DC) remains constant.
Simulation
5. Using the Circuit Design Software (CDS) use the clock signal of the 555 Timer to
trigger the 4-bit binary counter you created previously.
Breadboard
6. Create the circuit on your breadboard. (Remember you may need to use different
resistor and capacitor values to find a clock signal rate you are comfortable with.