555 Timer

Homage to a Handmade Chip: The World’s Most Popular Integrated Circuit Turns 50

Homage to a Handmade Chip: The World’s Most Popular Integrated Circuit Turns 50

The most enduringly successful chip in electronics history was created by one man working in a back-alley storefront. His name was Hans Camenzind, the chip was the 555 timer, and this year marks its 50th anniversary. It has outlasted all competitors, is still being manufactured in basically the same design, and has sold billions worldwide. […]

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How to “Decap” and Explore ICs

How to “Decap” and Explore ICs

What do you find when you remove the plastic packages protecting ICs?

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Sit on This, Geeks: Giant 555 Timer

Sit on This, Geeks: Giant 555 Timer

The 555-timer integrated circuit is one of the most famous and popular chips ever invented. Created in 1971, it’s got a near cult following with books, blogs, newsletters, and devoted fans even today. That’s why Imgur user “surfacetension” built this amazing stool in the form of a giant 555 chip! The real 555 timer packs […]

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Play That Funky Tune…with Weekend Projects!

Play That Funky Tune…with Weekend Projects!

The LDR Synth is a light-to-sound noisemaker built with relatively common components. Build it on a breadboard, follow our perfboard design, or come up with your own permanent circuit layout. We’ll show you how-to with Weekend Projects!

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Valentine LED Chaser

Valentine LED Chaser

The object of your desire will not be able to resist this heart shaped kitsch-o-tron, lovingly hand-crafted on perfboard with a CD4017B decade counter and 555 astable. But you probably can’t go wrong with flowers and chocolates as well. Just to be on the safe side.

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Building a Basic 555 Timer Circuit with Mark Frauenfelder

Building a Basic 555 Timer Circuit with Mark Frauenfelder

Mark Frauenfelder teaches a crowd at Engadget Expand how to build a basic circuit. Using a 555 timer, breadboard, and some common components, participants used conductive paint to design a touch-circuit on paper. We’ve captured his presentation and you can follow along at home: Originally published Nov. 10, 2013.  

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