Author Topic: 555 timer  (Read 727 times)

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Offline TheDoodTopic starter

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555 timer
« on: September 23, 2019, 05:30:36 am »
I keep seeing people bash on the 555 timer for PWM applications and was wondering if someone could explain why, and/or suggest a cheap, widely used, but more relevant option(s)?

If using batteries to power the cct, are certain timers less needy for power than others?
 

Offline Nusa

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Re: 555 timer
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2019, 07:07:24 am »
The 555 is a jack of all trades type of chip that's extremely versatile in the right hands. PWM is one of the things it can do, but without getting specific about the application, it's hard to say how suitable it is for it.

In todays the digital world, hardware pwm support is common in microcontrollers at all price levels. Software pwm is also practical. Which means anything that already requires a processor typically already has pwm capability on hand.
 
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Offline Zero999

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Re: 555 timer
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2019, 02:54:08 pm »
One of the downsides to the 555 timer doing PWM is it can't go all the way down to 0% or up to 100% duty cycle, which a microcontroller can.

Another solution is to use a comparator IC, such as the LM393, but it requires more components.
 
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