23 Sep
2010
23 Sep
'10
7:06 a.m.
On 9/23/10 12:26 AM, Brent Hilpert wrote:
While looking around for a little about the 8-pin DIP
package, I checked
into the 555, as it was introduced about the same time as the 8-pin DIP
appeared. This site (albeit a 2nd-source, not direct ref) says the 555
in 8-pin DIP was introduced in 1971 (page 2):
http://semiconductormuseum.com/Transistors/LectureHall/Camenzind/Camenzind_…
But what I was surprised about was the statement about the 555 still
selling a billion units in 2003. I thought it had faded from popularity
since the '70/'80's as I can't recall seeing one in a new product in
many years. Apparently I'm not looking hard enough. Where are all these
555's going?
A common use of 555s is as a PWM generator for large battery-powered
tools such as drills, power screwdrivers, and saws. These alone account
for quite a few 555s.
There was also one in my recently-replaced dishwasher (built around
2000) that timed one of the cycles. I think this was one of the few
times I actually saw a 555 used as a "timer". ;)
I designed 555s into a commercial product in 2002 and again in 2004.
I needed a ~455KHz carrier generator for an IR data transmitter, and a
555 was the easiest way to do it.
-Dave
--
Dave McGuire
Port Charlotte, FL