This is a pulse generator circuit or standard Astable Multivibrator oscillator or free-running circuit using IC555 timer, NE555, LM555. We use it for digital Logic circuits. IC-555 is a popular easy-to-use small size with 8 pins. It is combining analog and digital chips. Basic using it needs the voltage supply of 5V to 15V, a Maximum supply voltage of 16v – 18v, Current consumption of about 10mA, and Maximum Output Current is 200mA. The maximum frequency output is 500kHz.
There are many ways to use the IC555. We can use them in three different types of oscillators:
(1)Astable Multivibrator oscillator
If frequencies are more than 1 cycle per second, it is an oscillator (pulse generator or square wave oscillator).
But frequencies lower than 1 cycle per second it is TIME DELAY.
(2) Monostable (ONE-SHOT) changes state only once per trigger pulse
(3) Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
Now we will learn about pulse generators with IC-555 below the basic circuit.
Simple 555 timer astable oscillator circuit
In the circuit above. First of all the current from the power supply flow to the capacitor-C1 charges via the Resistor-R1 and R2, then the voltage in the capacitor reaches 2/3 of the supply voltage, pin 6 detects this voltage, cause pin 7 cut off this voltage to Ground(0v).
Thus the capacitor-C1 discharges through the resistor-R2 until its voltage is 1/3 of the supply and pin 2 detects this voltage and pin 7 not connect (turns off). The C1 will charge and voltage across it grow up again to repeat the cycle.
The top resistor prevent pin 7 may damage as it shorts to 0v when pin 6 detects 2/3 supply voltage.
Its resistance is smaller than R2 and does not come into the timing of the oscillator.
The output frequency will be approximately 1kHz and the duty cycle 50-50,
The Frequency output (F) = 1/{(R1+2R2)*C1}.
The values units in the formula in ohms, farads, seconds and hertz. This formula is much simpler than that of the previous circuit.
Suppose R1 = 1k, R2 = 10k and C = 0.1uF The result is approx 900Hz
Parts you will need
R1: 100K 1/4W Resistors tolerance: 5%
VR1: 1M Potmeter
C1,C2: 0.01uF 50V Ceramic Capacitors
IC1: NE555 Timer
We use simple 555 pulse generator idea to builds many circuits for example below
High Power 555 Pulse Generator
If you are looking for a pulse oscillator in high current. This is a high power pulse generator circuit that you may like it.
Which the main component is IC-555 timer as the oscillator, and the LM350T provides a high current up to 3A max.
How it works
As you see in Simple Pulse Generator. Which it has a normal current of 200mA maximum only.
However, you can increase the current output up to 3A.
In the first time, we think to use the power transistor-2N3055 (popular coponent in all time) to increase current up.
But we have the better choice, to use other IC, LM350T. It is DC regulator at 3A current, so higher performance than 2N3055 exactly.
In the figure below, we still use the NE555 as the integrated circuit to generate a Square wave Oscillator.
Which we can adjust the frequency output with rotate a VR1-100K. Then, the signal comes out of the output pin go to the pre-driver, transistor-2N2222. To control adj lead of IC LM350T works.
While there is the high voltage comes out of the output, in high current pulse about 3A.
Thus, friends change the value of R5 for controlling the level voltage output in minimum 1.25V to high voltage at around 15V.
Because of this circuit uses input (voltage of power supply about 5V – 15V)
The other ideas, if you want the current just only 1A output. You can use LM317T that it is cheaper than LM350T.
Pulse generator control frequency using digital IC
This circuit make pulse signal in continuity. We call it that Astable Multi Vibrator circuit. The 555 timer-IC1 is working with VR1, R1, R2, and CT. The value of CT in the selection of the electronic switch circuit IC2 number 4066.Electronic switch with 4 built-in IC 2.
The control the electrical contact switches (ON), The input voltage is positive or logic “1” to the control pin. The pin 13, 5, 6 or 12.
If the control pin to ground. Switch is turned off (OFF). Switches each, to separate the work independently, not be sorted.
And incoming (IN) and output (OUT) can be interchangeable.
It is therefore reasonable to switch the value of C values.With the input signal to the logic of digital circuits,The binary code is “0” to “1”.
When I switch on the control of either a logic “1”, the electrical contact of the switch, then tap it. A capacitor connected to the pin switch is connected to pins 2 and 6 of IC1. To determine the frequency with VR1, R1 and R2.
Sometimes it may be the control logic “1” rather than a pin. Makes the capacitor is connected in parallel, rather than an option. The capacity will be increased. The introduction of the C together. Circuit can reduce or increase the value of R1, R2. Or for convenience, you can adjust the resistance of VR1 at all. Signal pulse is sent out to pin 3 of IC1’s output signal. To enter the circuit, such as count circuit, divide, or be connected to the speaker. To make a sound or signal.
The danger beep circuit using IC-555
Tone Burst Generator using LM555
Annoying high pitch noise generator using IC-555
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very nice & good service i hope people will happy with service
Hi, abdul
Thanks you.
I need a 555 circuit that must be triggered on by a switch and stay on for about 20 seconds.
Will you email me a diagram how to do that?
I need a sch. of an astable 555 with an on time of .75sec., a dwn time of 5sec, or there abouts. All I need is values of r1, r2 and c1. Can you help me?
I would greatly appreciate it.
Bob W.
special thanks!
very very nice sit!
i need clock pulse for counter circuit for increment by one counter ic 74hc393 so please tell me how can i do……
I want a pulse generator. That must be get more output pulse .Please help me.
I need a 555 circuit that must be triggered on by a switch and stay on for about 20 seconds.
Will you email me a diagram how to do that?
Your site and projects are awesome.You are teaching me electronics the no one could.
Thanks
Paul Perold
Cape town
South Africa
which is R1?
Hi,
I am sorry for late answer you.
R1 = VR1
This is simple circuit.
Hi,Paul
Thanks for your feedback.
each time i used to read smaller posts that as well clear their motive, and that is also
happening with this post which I am reading at this time.
I want a pulse generator for time period of about 0.5sec please mail me the circuit. And further details of it
i want to replace ic mm 5369 with ic 555 in my digital clock using mm 5387 clock chip.please give me a circuit for this purpose.Presently it runs on 12v dc.the ic mm 5369 is not available so please help me.
hi what values should I use to make a 8hz oscillator somewhere near schumann resonance?
some componet failure any iam don’t identify
2 qustin
1. duplicate component
2. Circuit wrong connected
Hi Solo
Thanks for your feedback.
This circuit is correct.
What cap did you used? Ceramic or mylar? Thanks btw
Hi Masterlogic,
Thanks for your feedback.
You can use both ceramic and mylar capacitor. or MKP or MKT that good capacitor which is expensive type.
momename, can you create a variable frequency clock pulse that varies from 1Hz to 60Hz. Can you send it to my email? I badly need it. Thanks and more power. 😀
Hi MasterLogic,
Thanks your feedback.
This circuit can also be used to create a variable frequency clock pulse as you need.
or https://www.eleccircuit.com/time-based-clock-generator-using-crystal-for-digital/
Thank you man! I really appreciate it. More power 🙂
You are welcome.
Looking for a simple pulse generator to build or buy for experimental work.please advise on who can assist, Regards
If the circuit is implemented without using 555 timer ic; then we need to use comparators, SR latch and transistor. So how would the two circuits differ if SR latch is implemented using NAND gates or NOR gates?
hi,
I would like to know explanation about this circuit.
what is the maximum range of frequency can we generate using this circuit?
Is it possible to generate 4.3MHZ?
i have 2 firing circuit for mosfet which is generated by ic 555,how i can obtained ac output from this
There is a huge fault in this circuit. don’t post circuit that you have not built.
Is it possible to place a potentiometer instead of the resistor to make a variable frequency? How would one go about varying the power in this circuit?
Hi Felix
Thanks for your question.
You can use them.
Hi there,I log on to your new stuff named “Simple Pulse Generator circuit by IC 555 Timer” like every week.Your writing style is awesome, keep up the good work! And you can look our website about proxy list.
OBJECTIVE
Drive an ignition coil at 60Hz from a 12V lead acid battery.
IDEA
I have built the 60Hz calibration frequency standards for digital clock by MM5369 (fig.1) circuit and found that it only put out 5.3V at 250mA but the trigger for the Cdi needs 12V now I understand why the LM350 circuit was recommend (I’m a little thick sometimes lol but I did learn).
What I am wondering is could I substitute the digital clock MM5369 (fig.1) for the 555 timer in high power 555 pulse generator (fig.2)? Some considerations I am wondering about are – in fig.2 I imagine I will still need C2 -1uF and R2 -1K but what would I need to do to get the output voltage (R3 but referred to as R5?) to 12V?
I am hoping to be able to send the signal at 12V 1 amp. with LM317T to the Cdi and be able to tune the circuit to 60Hz if deviation occurs.
Thank you for your time and any insight would be greatly appreciated.