Institute for Excellence in Higher Education

Bhopal (M.P.)
SESSION : 2023-
2024

PROJE
TEACHER GUIDE – DR. AMIT JAIN SIR
CT
IEHE BHOPAL
SUBMITTED BY :

Kratika Atulkar
Sakshi Shukla
Tanu Thakur
Yamini Rana
Square wave
generator
using 555 Timer IC
I n d e x 1. Introduction
2. Components
3. Use of each component
4. Circuit diagram
5.Calculations
6.Learning
7.Drawbacks
8.Conclusion
 Introduction
The 555 timer IC is a versatile integrated circuit widely
used in
electronic projects for generating precise and stable timing
Square Wave Generator signals.
One of its common applications is as a square wave
generator. In this
project, we explore the implementation of a 555 timer IC
square
wave generator using a breadboard. The square wave
generator
circuit utilizing the 555 timer IC provides a square wave
Circuit output with
adjustable frequency, making it suitable for various
Components
• 555 Timer IC
• Breadboard
• Resistor
• Capacitor
• LED
• Jumper wire
 It regulates the timing and oscillation of the circuit, ensuring the
555 Timer IC consistent production of square waves

These resistors, along with the capacitor, determine the frequency and duty
Breadboard cycle of the square wave.
components

Resistors are used to set the timing parameters of the square wave, including
the frequency and duty cycle. They help determine the charging and
Uses of

Resistor discharging rates of the capacitors in the 555 timer IC circuit

It work in conjunction with resistors to set the timing parameters of the square wave.

Capacitor They store and release electrical energy, affecting the oscillation frequency and duty
cycle of the square wave.

(Light Emitting Diode) in this project can serve as a visual indicator of the
LED square wave output generated by the 555 timer IC circuit.

Used to make connections between the components on the breadboard. They

Jumper wire provide electrical connectivity between different points in the circuit.
 : Resistor : 555 Timer IC

capacitor : 10 nf
capacitor : 10 uf
CIRCUIT
DIAGRAM
 555 TIMER
IC
PIN DIAGRAM
The 555 timer IC typically has eight pins. Here's a brief explanation of each:

1. Ground (GND) : Connects to the ground of the circuit.

2. Trigger (TRIG) : Used to trigger the timing cycle. When this pin receives a voltage lower than 1/3 of
the supply voltage, it triggers the output.
3. Output (OUT) : This pin provides the timer's output signal.
4. Reset (RESET) : When this pin receives a low signal, it resets the timer's internal flip-flop.
5. Control Voltage (CONT) : Used to override the timing resistor, allowing for external control of timing.
6. Threshold (THRES) : This pin monitors the voltage across the timing capacitor. When it reaches 2/3 of
the supply voltage, the output is switched off.
7. Discharge (DISCH) : This pin is connected to the open collector of an NPN transistor, which is used to
discharge the timing capacitor when the output is low.
8. Voltage Supply (VCC) : Connects to the positive supply voltage.
 How to calculate output voltage frequency
The frequency is the number of pulses per second . The formula to calculate the frequency of
the output voltage :

where ,
R1 = 10 kΩ
R2 = 10 kΩ
C = 10 uf
putting all the values in above equation, we get
the frequency 4800 Hz
The period is the time covered for one pulse. This is just the reciprocal of the
frequency:

T=1 = 1
f 4.800
T = 0.2083 ms
The high time (T1) and low time (To) can be calculated using the formulas below.
Note that the period is the sum of the high time and the low time.
T1 = 0.694 ( R1+R2 )C
T1 = 138.8 ms
To = 0.694 * R2 * C
To = 69.40 ms
The duty cycle is more commonly used than the mark space ratio. The formula for the
duty cycle is:

= 138.8 x 100
0.2083
= 66.67%
 WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THIS PROJECT :
1. Understanding of 555 Timer IC : we gained a deep understanding of how the 555 timer IC works, including its pin configuration,
internal block diagram, and various operating modes.

2. Circuit Design : Designing the circuit for the square wave generator have taught us about selecting components such as resistors and
capacitors to achieve the desired frequency and duty cycle.

3. Breadboarding Skills : Working with a breadboard helps improve our skills in prototyping and testing electronic circuits without
soldering.

4. Component Testing : Testing individual components and verifying their values with a multimeter have improved our skills in
component evaluation and troubleshooting.

5. Troubleshooting : Troubleshooting the circuit for any issues, such as incorrect connections or component values, have improved our
problem-solving skills.

6. Hands-on Experience : Overall, the project would have provided you with valuable hands-on experience in electronics, which can
be applied to future projects and learning endeavors.
 • LIMITED FREQUENCY RANGE : THE FREQUENCY RANGE OF THE SQUARE WAVE
GENERATED MAY BE LIMITED DUE TO THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 555 TIMER
IC.

W B A C K S
D R A • Accuracy : The square wave generated may not be highly accurate, especially at higher
r o j e c t : frequencies, due to variations in component values and temperature.
f ie l d p
• Component Tolerance : The accuracy of the output waveform depends on the tolerance of the
components used in the circuit. Variations in component tolerance can affect the output waveform.

• SIGNAL DISTORTION : AT HIGHER FREQUENCIES, SIGNAL DISTORTION CAN OCCUR

DUE TO LIMITATIONS IN THE 555 TIMER IC AND THE BREADBOARD CONNECTIONS.

• NOISE : BREADBOARDS CAN INTRODUCE NOISE INTO THE CIRCUIT, AFFECTING

THE QUALITY OF THE SQUARE WAVE GENERATED.

• TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY: THE OPERATION OF THE 555 TIMER IC CAN BE

SENSITIVE TO TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS, WHICH MAY AFFECT THE STABILITY OF
THE GENERATED SQUARE WAVE.
 CONC L U S I O N S

In conclusion, while a square wave generator using a 555 timer IC on a breadboard is a simple and
cost-effective solution for generating square wave signals, it comes with limitations such as frequency
range, accuracy, component tolerance, signal distortion, noise, and temperature sensitivity. Depending
on the application requirements, these drawbacks may need to be carefully considered when choosing
this method of waveform generation. Alternative solutions or additional circuitry may be necessary to
mitigate these limitations and achieve the desired performance.
THAN
K