555 Timer ICs

<P>The <STRONG>555</STRONG> timer is a highly stable controller capable of producing accurate time delays or oscillation. The <STRONG>556</STRONG> timer combines two 555 timers on a single chip.</P><P>The 555 can be used in countless applications and has three recognised operating modes. In monostable mode the 555 functions as a one-shot or pulse stretcher. Applications include timers, missing pulse detection and bouncefree switches.</P><P>In astable mode the 555 can operate as an oscillator. Applications include LED and lamp flashers, pulse generation, logic clocks, tone generation, security alarms and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).</P><P>In bistable mode the 555 can operate as a flip-flop or changeover. Applications include bouncefree latched switches.</P><P>The <STRONG>ICM7555</STRONG> and <STRONG>ICM7556</STRONG> are improved versions including lower supply current and a wide supply voltage range.</P>