MitchElectronics

555 Astable

£5.99
20 items in stock
555 astable electronics kit with a potentiometer for variable frequency, LED for indication, and external contact pad for use in other circuits. RoHS compliant, REACH compliant, and perfect for beginners!
Product Code
555ASTABLE
Manufacturer
MitchElectronics
Manufacturer Part Number
555ASTABLE
Category
Blue Kits
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
RoHS: YesREACH: YesCE: YesUKCA: Yes
Overview

Product Description

The 555 timer is arguably the most famous integrated circuit ever invented. Created by Hans Camenzind in 1971 for Signetics (now NXP), the 555 timer is still widely used and in production. These devices are so common that over 1 billion are made each year. But what makes the 555 timer so useful? Why is this tiny little 8-pin device still being mass-produced despite being over 40 years old? In this kit, you will be making a 555 astable circuit which is one of the most common uses for this chip.
Resources

Instructions & Documentation

Technical

Product Specifications

Assembly
Kit form
Prebuilt

No

Battery Type
9V PP3
PCB Dimensions
32mm x 30mm
Mounting Holes

No

Output Current
Up to 150mA
Output Voltage
0V to VIN
Battery Powered

Yes

Component Count
10
Battery Included

No

Operating Voltage
5V to 16V
Operating Frequency
0.7Hz to 144Hz
In the box

Included With This Product

NameQuantityReference
8-pin DIP socket1IC1
555 timer IC1IC1
100nF ceramic capacitor1C1
10uF electrolytic capacitor1C2
1K resistor2R1, R2
100K linear potentiometer1RV1
3mm red LED1D1
PP3 battery connector1
555 Astable PCB1
More information

Applications

  • Electronics education and training – Ideal for teaching the operation of the 555 timer in astable mode, including RC timing, frequency control, capacitor charge and discharge cycles, and practical through-hole soldering skills.
  • Clock and signal generation – The adjustable square-wave output can be used as a clock source for counters, sequencers, logic circuits, and other digital electronics projects that require a simple variable-frequency timing signal.
  • Visual and audio projects – Suitable for flashing LED indicators, simulated alarm lights, light chasers, tone generators, and simple synthesiser circuits where an adjustable repeating output signal is required.
More information

Notes

  • Operating frequency values are approximate and may vary due to component tolerances.
  • The supplied potentiometer controls the oscillator frequency.
  • The LED may be mounted remotely from the PCB using suitable connecting wires.
  • The potentiometer can be panel-mounted using its supplied mounting hardware.
  • Alternative resistor and capacitor values can be used to produce different oscillator frequency ranges.
  • A 9V PP3 battery is not included with the kit.