555 timer Clap switch circuit

This 555timer clap switch circuit electronic project is designed using some
common electronic parts . This 555 timer clap switch circuit electronic
project operates from a distance of up to 10 meters from the microphone .
Signal from microphone is amplified by transistors T1, T2 .
T1 and T2 transistorsl amplify the output signal from the microphone and will
trigger the monostable multivibrator based on the 555 timer IC . The output
signal from the 555 timer IC is used as a clock for a 4027 flip flop . For each
successive clap T3 conducts and cuts off relay alternately , resulting and on
of switching for the lamp .
PARTS:1. electric mic

2. transistors BC 548

3. IC NE 555

4. IC CD 4027

5. relay 6V

6. bulb 230 V

Some resistors and capacitors.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Electret mice
How Electret Condenser Microphone works
Transducers are devices which convert energy from one form to other. A
microphone is a transducer which converts sound energy to electrical
signals. It works opposite to a speaker (see how speaker works). Microphones
are available in different shape and sizes. Depending on the application, a
microphone may use different technologies to convert sound to electrical

signals. Here we are going to discuss about the Electret Condenser

Microphone which is widely used in mobile phones, laptops, etc.

Electret Condenser Microphone, as the name suggests is a parallel plate

capacitor and works on the principle of a variable capacitance. It consists of
two plates, one fixed (called the back plate) and the other moveable (called
Diaphragm) with a small gap between them. An electric potential charges
the plate. When sound strikes the diaphragm it starts moving, thereby
changing the capacitance between the plates which in turn results in a
variable electric current to flow.

The above image shows an Electret microphone. These microphones are

widely used in electronic circuits to detect minor sounds or air vibrations
which in turn are converted to electrical signals for further use. The two legs
as shown in the image above are used to make electrical connection with the
circuit.

Transistors

Function
Transistors amplify current, for example they can be used to amplify the
small output current from a logic IC so that it can operate a lamp, relay or
other high current device. In many circuits a resistor is used to convert the
changing current to a changing voltage, so the transistor is being used to
amplify voltage.
A transistor may be used as a switch (either fully on with
maximum current, or fully off with no current) and as an
amplifier (always partly on).

Transistor circuit symbols

The amount of current amplifiTypes of transistor
There are two types of standard transistors, NPN and PNP, with different
circuit symbols. The letters refer to the layers of semiconductor material
used to make the transistor. Most transistors used today are NPN because
this is the easiest type to make from silicon. If you are new to electronics it is
best to start by learning how to use NPN transistors.
The leads are labelled base (B), collector (C) and emitter (E).
These terms refer to the internal operation of a transistor but they are not
much help in understanding how a transistor is used, so just treat them as
labels!
cation is called the current gain, symbol hFE.

Diodes

Example:

Circuit symbol:

Function
Diodes allow electricity to flow in only one direction. The arrow of the circuit
symbol shows the direction in which the current can flow. Diodes are the
electrical version of a valve and early
diodes were actually called valves.
Forward Voltage Drop
Electricity uses up a little energy pushing its
way through the diode, rather like a person
pushing through a door with a spring. This
means that there is a small voltage across a
conducting diode, it is called the forward
voltage drop and is about 0.7V for all
normal diodes which are made from silicon.
The forward voltage drop of a diode is
almost constant whatever the current
passing through the diode so they have a very steep characteristic (currentvoltage graph).

Reverse Voltage
When a reverse voltage is applied a perfect diode does not conduct, but all
real diodes leak a very tiny current of a few A or less. This can be ignored in
most circuits because it will be very much smaller than the current flowing in
the forward direction. However, all diodes have a maximum reverse
voltage (usually 50V or more) and if this is exceeded the diode will fail and
pass a large current in the reverse direction, this is called breakdown.

Zener diodes

Example:

Circuit symbol:
a = anode, k = cathode

Zener diodes are used to maintain a fixed voltage. They are designed to
'breakdown' in a reliable and non-destructive way
so that they can be used in reverse to maintain a
fixed voltage across their terminals. The diagram
shows how they are connected, with a resistor in
series to limit the current.
Zener diodes can be distinguished from ordinary
diodes by their code and breakdown voltage which
are printed on them. Zener diode codes begin
BZX... or BZY... Their breakdown voltage is printed
with V in place of a decimal point, so 4V7 means
4.7V for example.
Zener diodes are rated by their breakdown voltage and maximum power:

The minimum voltage available is 2.4V.

Power ratings of 400mW and 1.3W are common

. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Example:

Circuit symbol:

Function
LEDs emit light when an electric current passes through them.
Connecting and soldering
LEDs must be connected the correct way round, the diagram may be labelled
a or + for anode and k or - for cathode (yes, it really is k, not c, for
cathode!). The cathode is the short lead and there may be a slight flat on the
body of round LEDs. If you can see inside the LED the cathode
is the larger electrode (but this is not an official identification
method).
LEDs can be damaged by heat when soldering, but the risk is
small unless you are very slow. No special precautions are needed for
soldering most LEDs.

Testing an LED
Never connect an LED directly to a battery or power
supply!
It will be destroyed almost instantly because too much
current will pass through and burn it out.
LEDs must have a resistor in series to limit the current to
a safe value, for quick testing purposes a 1k resistor is
suitable for most LEDs if your supply voltage is 12V or
less. Remember to connect the LED the correct way round!
For an accurate value please see Calculating an LED resistor value below.

Colours of LEDs
LEDs are available in red, orange, amber, yellow, green, blue and white. Blue
and white LEDs are much more expensive than the other colours.

The colour of an LED is determined by

the semiconductor material, not by the
colouring of the 'package' (the plastic
body). LEDs of all colours are available
in uncoloured packages which may be
diffused (milky) or clear (often
described as 'water clear'). The
coloured packages are also available as diffused (the standard type) or
transparent.

Tri-colour LEDs
The most popular type of tri-colour LED has a red and a green LED combined
in one package with three leads. They are called tri-colour because mixed
red and green light appears to be yellow and this is produced when both the
red and green LEDs are on.
The diagram shows the construction of a tri-colour LED. Note the
different lengths of the three leads. The centre lead (k) is the
common cathode for both LEDs, the outer leads (a1 and a2) are
the anodes to the LEDs allowing each one to be lit separately, or
both together to give the third colour.
Resistors

Example:

Circuit symbol:

Function
Resistors restrict the flow of electric current, for example a resistor is placed
in series with a light-emitting diode (LED) to limit the current passing through
the LED.
Connecting and soldering
Resistors may be connected either way round. They are not damaged by
heat when soldering.

The Resistor
Colour Code
Colour

Number

Black

Brown

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue

Violet

Grey

White

Resistor values - the resistor colour code

Resistance is measured in ohms, the symbol for ohm is an omega
1 is quite small so resistor values are often given in k and M .
1 k = 1000
1 M = 1000000 .

Resistor values are normally shown using coloured bands.

Each colour represents a number as shown in the table.
Most resistors have 4 bands:

The first band gives the first digit.

The second band gives the second digit.

The third band indicates the number of zeros.

The fourth band is used to shows the tolerance (precision) of the

resistor, this may be ignored for almost all circuits but further details
are given below.

This resistor has red (2), violet (7), yellow (4 zeros) and gold bands.
So its value is 270000 = 270 k .
On circuit diagrams the is usually omitted and the value is written 270K.
Find out how to make your own Resistor Colour Code Calculator

Small value resistors (less than 10 ohm)

The standard colour code cannot show values of less than 10 . To show
these small values two special colours are used for the third band: gold
which means 0.1 and silver which means 0.01. The first and second
bands represent the digits as normal.
For example:
red, violet, gold bands represent 27 0.1 = 2.7
green, blue, silver bands represent 56 0.01 = 0.56
Tolerance of resistors (fourth band of colour code)
The tolerance of a resistor is shown by the fourth band of the colour code.
Tolerance is the precision of the resistor and it is given as a percentage. For
example a 390 resistor with a tolerance of 10% will have a value within
10% of 390 , between 390 - 39 = 351 and 390 + 39 = 429 (39 is 10% of
390).
A special colour code is used for the fourth band tolerance:
silver 10%, gold 5%, red 2%, brown 1%.
If no fourth band is shown the tolerance is 20%.

Standard Variable Resistor

Photograph Rapid Electronics
Variable Resistors
Construction
Variable resistors consist of a resistance track with connections at both ends
and a wiper which moves along the track as you turn the spindle. The track
may be made from carbon, cermet (ceramic and metal mixture) or a coil of
wire (for low resistances). The track is usually rotary but straight track
versions, usually called sliders, are also available.
Variable resistors may be used as a rheostat with two connections (the wiper
and just one end of the track) or as a potentiometer with all three
connections in use. Miniature versions called presets are made for setting up
circuits which will not require further adjustment.
Variable resistors are often called potentiometers in books and catalogues.
They are specified by their maximum resistance, linear or logarithmic track,
and their physical size. The standard spindle diameter is 6mm.
The resistance and type of track are marked on the body:
4K7 LIN means 4.7 k linear track.
1M LOG means 1 M logarithmic track.
Some variable resistors are designed to be mounted directly on the circuit
board, but most are for mounting through a hole drilled in the case
containing the circuit with stranded wire connecting their terminals to the
circuit board.

Capacitors
Function
Capacitors store electric charge. They are used with resistors in
timing circuits because it takes time for a capacitor to fill with charge. They
are used to smooth varying DC supplies by acting as a reservoir of charge.
They are also used in filter circuits because capacitors easily pass AC
(changing) signals but they block DC (constant) signals.

Capacitance
This is a measure of a capacitor's ability to store charge. A large capacitance
means that more charge can be stored. Capacitance is measured in farads,
symbol F. However 1F is very large, so prefixes are used to show the smaller
values.
Three prefixes (multipliers) are used, (micro), n (nano) and p (pico):

means 10-6 (millionth), so 1000000F = 1F

n means 10-9 (thousand-millionth), so 1000nF = 1F

p means 10-12 (million-millionth), so 1000pF = 1nF

Capacitor values can be very difficult to find because there are many types
of capacitor with different labelling systems!
There are many types of capacitor but they can be split into two groups,
polarised and unpolarised. Each group has its own circuit symbol.
Polarised capacitor

Examples:

Circuit symbol:

Unpolarised capacitors (small values, up to 1F)

Examples:

Circuit symbol:

Small value capacitors are unpolarised and may be connected either way
round. They are not damaged by heat when soldering, except for one
unusual type (polystyrene). They have high voltage ratings of at least 50V,
usually 250V or so. It can be difficult to find the values of these small
capacitors because there are many types of them and several different
labelling systems!
Many small value capacitors have their value printed but without a
multiplier, so you need to use experience to work out what the multiplier
should be!
For example 0.1 means 0.1F = 100nF.
Sometimes the multiplier is used in place of the decimal point:
For example: 4n7 means 4.7nF.
Capacitor Number Code
A number code is often used on small capacitors where printing is difficult:

the 1st number is the 1st digit,

the 2nd number is the 2nd digit,

the 3rd number is the number of zeros to give the capacitance in pF.

Ignore any letters - they just indicate tolerance and voltage rating.

For example: 102 means 1000pF = 1nF (not 102pF!)

For example: 472J means 4700pF = 4.7nF (J means 5% tolerance).

Relays

Circuit symbol for a relay

Relays
Photographs Rapid Electronics

Relay showing coil and switch contacts

A relay is an electrically operated switch. Current flowing through the coil
of the relay creates a magnetic field which attracts a lever and changes the
switch contacts. The coil current can be on or off so relays have two switch
positions and most have double throw (changeover) switch contacts as
shown in the diagram.
Relays allow one circuit to switch a second circuit which can be completely
separate from the first. For example a low voltage battery circuit can use a
relay to switch a 230V AC mains circuit. There is no electrical connection
inside the relay between the two circuits, the link is magnetic and
mechanical.
The coil of a relay passes a relatively large current, typically 30mA for a 12V
relay, but it can be as much as 100mA for relays designed to operate from
lower voltages. Most ICs (chips) cannot provide this current and a transistor
is usually used to amplify the small IC current to the larger value required for

the relay coil. The maximum output current for the popular 555 timer IC is
200mA so these devices can supply relay coils directly without amplification.
Relays are usuallly SPDT or DPDT but they can have many more sets of
switch contacts, for example relays with 4 sets of changeover contacts are
readily available. For further information about switch contacts and the terms
used to describe them please see the page on switches.
Most relays are designed for PCB mounting but you can solder wires directly
to the pins providing you take care to avoid melting the plastic case of the
relay.
The supplier's catalogue should show you the relay's connections. The coil
will be obvious and it may be connected either way round. Relay coils
produce brief high voltage 'spikes' when they are switched off and this can
destroy transistors and ICs in the circuit. To prevent damage you must
connect a protection diode across the relay coil.

CD4027
CD4027 is a JK flip flop that is generally used for data storing. Two similar or
equal JK flip flops are contained in the IC. Each pair of JK flip flop with IC has
provision of pins J, K, set, reset along with clock and with two output
terminals which are complimentary of each other. JK flip flop can be
employed in the applications like voice register, counters or else as a control
circuit.

K Flip Flop with CD4027 Circuit Diagram:

JK Flip Flop with CD4027 Circuit Description:

CD4027 is a JK flip flop, master slave which is employed in toggle mode. IC is
used to alter the signal by providing control input from one or more input and
get output at one or more output terminal. The value of output not merely
depends on the present input state but also on what is the present state
(also depend on the earlier state). Memory circuit inside the computer
mainly used flip flop.
There are four input pins in JK flip flop named J and K along with set and reset
pin and Q and Q for output. The value of Q and Q are opposite of each
other i.e. if the value of Q is higher than the value of Q being low and the
output at both the terminals depend on in what way input is configured.The
diagram shown below the IC pin configuration.

IC Pin Configuration in CD4027 ElectronicsHub.Org

Logic level present at the input terminal J and K along with internal control is
used to control the stage of flip flop. At every positive going cycle change
occur in the state. Set and reset pin in this is not dependent on clock pulse
and when a high signal is given at any of the input terminals sets and reset
pin initiated.
The circuit described is triggered on the foremost rim of the switch pulse i.e.
when the switch is pressed once its output alter. As shown in the circuit that
both input terminal J and K are set of high value which implies that at each
positive or negative transition the pulse of clock fluctuate between high to
low. This condition of the flip flop is called forbidden state and with the help
of truth table below explains these conditions can be verified.

Working of JK flip flop using CD4027

A small clock pulse will given to the input of IC as soon as you press the
switch as a result of it pin 1 output became high. Till the second pulse will
receive the output remain high. Load or Led attached with output activates.
When the second clock pulse reaches on pin3 IC output turn low and LED or
load attached to it become off.
This circuit works on pressing the switch but if you wish to break the circuit
all you need is to just swap the position of the switch and resistor.

555 and 556 Timer Circuits

Example circuit symbol (above)

Actual pin arrangements (below)

There is more information about

555 timers and their circuits on the
Electronics in Meccano website.
Introduction
The 8-pin 555 timer must be one of the most useful ICs ever made and it is
used in many projects. With just a few external components it can be used to
build many circuits, not all of them involve timing!
A popular version is the NE555 and this is suitable in most cases where a
'555 timer' is specified. The 556 is a dual version of the 555 housed in a 14pin package, the two timers (A and B) share the same power supply pins. The
circuit diagrams on this page show a 555, but they could all be adapted to
use one half of a 556.

Low power versions of the 555 are made, such as the ICM7555, but these
should only be used when specified (to increase battery life) because their
maximum output current of about 20mA (with a 9V supply) is too low for
many standard 555 circuits. The ICM7555 has the same pin arrangement as
a standard 555.
The circuit symbol for a 555 (and 556) is a box with the pins arranged to suit
the circuit diagram: for example 555 pin 8 at the top for the +Vs supply, 555
pin 3 output on the right. Usually just the pin numbers are used and they are
not labelled with their function.
The 555 and 556 can be used with a supply voltage (Vs) in the range 4.5 to
15V (18V absolute maximum).
Standard 555 and 556 ICs create a significant 'glitch' on the supply when
their output changes state. This is rarely a problem in simple circuits with no
other ICs, but in more complex circuits a smoothing capacitor (eg 100F)
should be connected across the +Vs and 0V supply near the 555 or 556.
The input and output pin functions are described briefly below and there are
fuller explanations covering the various circuits:

Astable - producing a square wave

Monostable - producing a single pulse when triggered

Bistable - a simple memory which can be set and reset

Buffer - an inverting buffer (Schmitt trigger)

Inputs of 555/556
Trigger input: when < 1/3 Vs ('active low') this makes the output high (+Vs).
It monitors the discharging of the timing capacitor in an astable circuit. It has
a high input impedance > 2M .

Threshold input: when > 2/3 Vs ('active high')

this makes the output low (0V)*. It monitors the
charging of the timing capacitor in astable and
monostable circuits. It has a high input
impedance > 10M .
* providing the trigger input is > 1/3 Vs,
otherwise the trigger input will override the
threshold input and hold the output high (+Vs).
Reset input: when less than about 0.7V ('active low') this makes the output
low (0V), overriding other inputs. When not required it should be connected
to +Vs. It has an input impedance of about 10k .
Control input: this can be used to adjust the threshold voltage which is set
internally to be 2/3 Vs. Usually this function is not required and the control
input is connected to 0V with a 0.01F capacitor to eliminate electrical noise.
It can be left unconnected if noise is not a problem.
The discharge pin is not an input, but it is listed here for convenience. It is
connected to 0V when the timer output is low and is used to discharge the
timing capacitor in astable and monostable circuits.

Output of 555/556
The output of a standard 555 or 556 can sink and source up to 200mA. This
is more than most ICs and it is sufficient to supply many output transducers
directly, including LEDs (with a resistor in series), low current lamps, piezo
transducers, loudspeakers (with a capacitor in series), relay coils (with diode
protection) and some motors (with diode protection). The output voltage
does not quite reach 0V and +Vs, especially if a large current is flowing.
To switch larger currents you can connect a transistor.
The ability to both sink and source current means that two devices can be
connected to the output so that one is on when the output is low and the
other is on when the output is high. The top diagram shows two LEDs
connected in this way. This arrangement is used in the Level Crossing project
to make the red LEDs flash alternately.

Loudspeakers
A loudspeaker (minimum resistance 64 ) may be connected to the output of
a 555 or 556 astable circuit but a capacitor (about 100F) must be
connected in series. The output is equivalent to a steady DC of about Vs
combined with a square wave AC (audio) signal. The capacitor blocks the DC,
but allows the AC to pass as explained in capacitor coupling.
Piezo transducers may be connected directly to the output and do not
require a capacitor in series.
Relay coils and other inductive loads
Like all ICs, the 555 and 556 must be protected from the brief high voltage
'spike' produced when an inductive load such as a relay coil is switched off.
The standard protection diode must be connected 'backwards' across the the
relay coil as shown in the diagram.
However, the 555 and 556 require an extra diode connected in series
with the coil to ensure that a small 'glitch' cannot be fed back into the IC.
Without this extra diode monostable circuits may re-trigger themselves as
the coil is switched off! The coil current passes through the extra diode so it
must be a 1N4001 or similar rectifier diode capable of passing the current, a
signal diode such as a 1N4148 is usually not suitable.

555 astable output, a square wave

(Tm and Ts may be different)

555 astable circuit

555/556 Astable
An astable circuit produces a 'square wave', this is a digital waveform with
sharp transitions between low (0V) and high (+Vs). Note that the durations of
the low and high states may be different. The circuit is called an astable
because it is not stable in any state: the output is continually changing
between 'low' and 'high'.
The time period (T) of the square wave is the time for one complete cycle,
but it is usually better to consider frequency (f) which is the number of cycles
per second.

T = 0.7 (R1 + 2R2) C1 and f =

1.4
(R1 + 2R2) C1

T = time period in seconds (s)

f = frequency in hertz (Hz)
R1 = resistance in ohms ( )
R2 = resistance in ohms ( )
C1 = capacitance in farads (F)
The time period can be split into two parts: T = Tm + Ts
Mark time (output high): Tm = 0.7 (R1 + R2) C1
Space time (output low): Ts = 0.7 R2 C1

Many circuits require Tm and Ts to be almost equal; this is achieved if R2 is

much larger than R1.
For a standard astable circuit Tm cannot be less than Ts, but this is not too
restricting because the output can both sink and source current. For example
an LED can be made to flash briefly with long gaps by connecting it (with its
555 astable frequencies
C1

R2 = 10k
R1 = 1k

R2 = 100k
R1 = 10k

R2 = 1M
R1 = 100k

0.001F

68kHz

6.8kHz

680Hz

0.01F

6.8kHz

680Hz

68Hz

0.1F

680Hz

68Hz

6.8Hz

1F

68Hz

6.8Hz

0.68Hz

10F

6.8Hz

0.68Hz
(41 per min.)

0.068Hz
(4 per min.)

resistor) between +Vs and the output. This way the LED is on during Ts, so
brief flashes are achieved with R1 larger than R2, making Ts short and Tm
long. If Tm must be less than Ts a diode can be added to the circuit as
explained under duty cycle below.

Choosing R1, R2 and C1

R1 and R2 should be in the range 1k to 1M . It is best to choose C1 first
because capacitors are available in just a few values.

Choose C1 to suit the frequency range you require (use the table as a
guide).

Choose R2 to give the frequency (f) you require. Assume that R1 is

much smaller than R2 (so that Tm and Ts are almost equal), then you
can use:
R2 =

0.7
f C1

Choose R1 to be about a tenth of R2 (1k min.) unless you want the

mark time Tm to be significantly longer than the space time Ts.

If you wish to use a variable resistor it is best to make it R2.

If R1 is variable it must have a fixed resistor of at least 1k

(this is not required for R2 if it is variable).

in series

Astable operation
With the output high (+Vs) the capacitor C1 is charged by current flowing
through R1 and R2. The threshold and trigger inputs monitor the capacitor
voltage and when it
reaches 2/3Vs
(threshold voltage)
the output becomes
low and the
discharge pin is
connected to 0V.
The capacitor now
discharges with
current flowing through R2 into the discharge pin. When the voltage falls to
1
/3Vs (trigger voltage) the output becomes high again and the discharge pin
is disconnected, allowing the capacitor to start charging again.
This cycle repeats continuously unless the reset input is connected to 0V
which forces the output low while reset is 0V.
An astable can be used to provide the clock signal for circuits such as
counters.
A low frequency astable (< 10Hz) can be used to flash an LED on and off,
higher frequency flashes are too fast to be seen clearly. Driving a
loudspeaker or piezo transducer with a low frequency of less than 20Hz will
produce a series of 'clicks' (one for each low/high transition) and this can be
used to make a simple metronome.
An audio frequency astable (20Hz to 20kHz) can be used to produce a
sound from a loudspeaker or piezo transducer. The sound is suitable for

buzzes and beeps. The natural (resonant) frequency of most piezo

transducers is about 3kHz and this will make them produce a particularly
loud sound.

Duty cycle
The duty cycle of an astable circuit is the
proportion of the complete cycle for which the
output is high (the mark time). It is usually given
as a percentage.
For a standard 555/556 astable circuit the mark
time (Tm) must be greater than the space time (Ts), so the duty cycle must
be at least 50%:

Duty cycle =

Tm
Tm + Ts

R1 + R2

R1 + 2R2

To achieve a duty cycle of less than 50% a diode can be added in

parallel with R2 as shown in the diagram. This bypasses R2 during the
charging (mark) part of the cycle so that Tm depends only on R1 and C1:
Tm = 0.7 R1 C1 (ignoring 0.7V across diode)
Ts = 0.7 R2 C1 (unchanged)

Duty cycle with diode =

Tm
Tm + Ts

R1
R1 + R2

Monostable operation
The timing period is triggered (started) when the trigger input (555 pin 2) is
less than 1/3 Vs, this makes the output high (+Vs) and the capacitor C1
starts to charge through resistor R1. Once the time period has started further

trigger pulses are

ignored.
The threshold
input (555 pin 6)
monitors the
voltage across C1
and when this
reaches 2/3 Vs the
time period is over
and the output
becomes low. At
the same time
discharge (555
pin 7) is connected to 0V, discharging the capacitor ready for the next
trigger.
The reset input (555 pin 4) overrides all other inputs and the timing may be

Power-on reset or
trigger circuit
cancelled at any time by connecting reset to 0V, this instantly makes the
output low and discharges the capacitor. If the reset function is not required
the reset pin should be connected to +Vs.

Power-on reset or trigger

It may be useful to ensure that a monostable circuit is reset or triggered
automatically when the power supply is connected or switched on. This is
achieved by using a capacitor instead of (or in addition to) a push switch as
shown in the diagram.

The capacitor takes a short time to charge, briefly holding the input close to
0V when the circuit is switched on. A switch may be connected in parallel
with the capacitor if manual operation is also required.

edge-triggering circuit
This arrangement is used for the trigger in the Timer Project.

Edge-triggering
If the trigger input is still less than 1/3 Vs at the end of the time period the
output will remain high until the trigger is greater than 1/3 Vs. This situation
can occur if the input signal is from an on-off switch or sensor.
The monostable can be made edge triggered, responding only to changes
of an input signal, by connecting the trigger signal through a capacitor to the
trigger input. The capacitor passes sudden changes (AC) but blocks a
constant (DC) signal. For further information please see the page on
capacitance. The circuit is 'negative edge triggered' because it responds to a
sudden fall in the input signal.
The resistor between the trigger (555 pin 2) and +Vs ensures that the trigger
is normally high (+Vs).

555 bistable circuit

555/556 Bistable (flip-flop) - a memory circuit
The circuit is called a bistable because it is stable in two states: output high
and output low. It is also known as a 'flip-flop'.
It has two inputs:

Trigger (555 pin 2) makes the output high.

Trigger is 'active low', it functions when < 1/3 Vs.

Reset (555 pin 4) makes the output low.

Reset is 'active low', it resets when < 0.7V.

The power-on reset, power-on trigger and edge-triggering circuits can all be
used as described above for the monostable.

555 inverting buffer circuit

(a NOT gate)

NOT gate symbol

555/556 Inverting Buffer (Schmitt trigger) or NOT gate
The buffer circuit's input has a very high impedance (about 1M ) so it
requires only a few A, but the output can sink or source up to 200mA. This
enables a high impedance signal source (such as an LDR) to switch a low
impedance output transducer (such as a lamp).
It is an inverting buffer or NOT gate because the output logic state
(low/high) is the inverse of the input state:

Input low (< 1/3 Vs) makes output high, +Vs

Input high (> 2/3 Vs) makes output low, 0V

When the input voltage is between 1/3 and 2/3 Vs the output remains in its
present state. This intermediate input region is a deadspace where there is
no response, a property called hysteresis, it is like backlash in a mechanical
linkage. This type of circuit is called a Schmitt trigger.
If high sensitivity is required the hysteresis is a problem, but in many circuits
it is a helpful property. It gives the input a high immunity to noise because
once the circuit output has switched high or low the input must change back
by at least 1/3 Vs to make the output switch back.