The 555 and How It Got That Way

#1

Post by sohkamyung » Thu, Oct 11, 2018, 3:16 AM UTC

The 555 and How It Got That Way
hackaday.com

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#2

Post by captain_perl » Thu, Oct 11, 2018, 7:39 PM UTC

Anybody know if he got any royalties from Signetics?

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#3

Post by swiley » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 12:49 AM UTC

Does anyone know what font that is (on the blue image)? It reminds me of the one used on a Z80 book I have and I really like it.

EDIT: Found it! it looks like the bold parts are "microgramma" and the less bold looking parts are "eurostile."

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#4

Post by klodolph » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 1:01 AM UTC

Note that while the 555 is definitely a classic, definitely an amazing and useful chip, it puts large current spikes on the power supply and you would probably want to use something else in new designs unless you’re feeling nostalgic.

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#5

Post by Stratoscope » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 1:01 AM UTC

If you're interested in these classic chips and know how to solder, you owe it to yourself to build a Three Fives Kit:

https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/652

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#6

Post by kw71 » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 1:12 AM UTC

swiley wrote: post #3

Does anyone know what font that is (on the blue image)? It reminds me of the one used on a Z80 book I have and I really like it. EDIT: Found it! it looks like the bold parts are "microgramma" and the less bold looking parts are "eurostile."

I think it's all eurostile but different widths and weights?

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#7

Post by PopePompus » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 1:31 AM UTC

This was the first IC I ever saw, when I was pulling apart busted electronics equipment in the early 1970s. I understood why transistors had three leads, but what the heck could possibly need eight leads?!?!?

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#8

Post by gumby » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 1:33 AM UTC

I loved this part. It was the second chip my dad let me use as a kid (after the 741) and IMHO he should have given them to me in the opposite order since the 555 seemed more magical and fascinating for a child.

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#9

Post by kqr2 » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 1:39 AM UTC

Direct link to Hans Camenzind's (designer of 555 timer) free to download book "Designing Analog Chips"

http://www.designinganalogchips.com/

Re: The 555 and How It Got That Way

#10

Post by fipple » Fri, Oct 12, 2018, 1:54 AM UTC

klodolph wrote: post #4

Note that while the 555 is definitely a classic, definitely an amazing and useful chip, it puts large current spikes on the power supply and you would probably want to use something else in new designs unless you’re feeling nostalgic.

What’s the alternative? Is the Ne555 or is there better?