555/556 Timer - NE556N

The NE556N is a dual timer IC containing two independent 555 timers in a single PDIP-14 package. Both timers share common power and ground pins but operate completely independently, making it ideal for circuits that need two timing or oscillation functions without the board space of two separate 555 chips.

Each timer supports the same operating modes as the classic 555 — astable (oscillator), monostable (one-shot), bistable, and inverting buffer — controlled by external resistors and capacitors.

Key Features

• Dual Independent Timers – Two complete 555 timers in one 14-pin DIP package
• Multiple Operating Modes – Astable, monostable, bistable, and inverting buffer per timer
• Wide Supply Range – 4.5V to 16V operation
• 150mA Output Current – Source or sink per timer output
• Breadboard Friendly – Standard PDIP-14 package

Operating Modes (per timer)

• Astable – Generates a square wave of configurable frequency
• Monostable – Produces a single pulse of configurable duration on trigger
• Bistable – Output depends on two input states (flip-flop)
• Inverting Buffer – Output is the inverse of the input

Specifications

• Supply Voltage: 4.5–16V
• Max Frequency: 100kHz
• Supply Current: 4mA (total for both timers)
• Output Current: 150mA source/sink per timer
• Package: PDIP-14
• Timers: 2× independent

Ideal For

• Circuits requiring two independent timing functions
• Sequential timing and pulse generation
• Dual oscillator and tone generation
• Space-constrained designs needing two 555 functions

Resources

• NE556N Datasheet (PDF)