Using 555 Oscillator for Measurement: Experiences & Ideas

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on using a 555 relaxation oscillator for measurement applications, particularly focusing on its output frequency stability at low frequencies. Participants inquire about the stability achievable with high-quality capacitors and temperature-stable resistors, as well as the potential for measuring a sigma tau diagram. Concerns are raised about jitter caused by voltage noise, especially with low amplitude signals, and the need for design strategies to mitigate this issue. The importance of consulting the spec sheet for detailed oscillator performance is also emphasized. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenges and considerations in utilizing 555 oscillators for precise measurements.
0xDEADBEEF
Messages
815
Reaction score
1
I am thinking of using the output frequency of a 555 relaxation oscillator for measurement purposes. The frequency would be related to my measurement signal.

How stable are these oscillators at low frequencies?
Any personal experiences would help.

How stable can you get then with good capacitors and low temp constant resistances?
Did anyone measure a sigma tau diagram on these things?

My experiment would have some build up time and when the 555 triggers some decay time. (actually not due to capacitors) The smaller the amplitude the better, but I am worried about the jitter due to voltage noise on the wire. Does anyone have design ideas?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
0xDEADBEEF said:
How stable are these oscillators at low frequencies?
Have you checked out the spec sheet?
 

Thread 'What happens if shielded cable has short to the shield?'

While I was rolling out a shielded cable, a though came to my mind - what happens to the current flow in the cable if there came a short between the wire and the shield in both ends of the cable? For simplicity, lets assume a 1-wire copper wire wrapped in an aluminum shield. The wire and the shield has the same cross section area. There are insulating material between them, and in both ends there is a short between them. My first thought, the total resistance of the cable would be reduced...
View full post »

Thread 'Underwater piezoelectric sensor array receive sensitivity'

Hi all I have some confusion about piezoelectrical sensors combination. If i have three acoustic piezoelectrical sensors (with same receive sensitivity in dB ref V/1uPa) placed at specific distance, these sensors receive acoustic signal from a sound source placed at far field distance (Plane Wave) and from broadside. I receive output of these sensors through individual preamplifiers, add them through hardware like summer circuit adder or in software after digitization and in this way got an...
View full post »

Thread 'Question about bonding ground and neutral'

I am not an electrical engineering student, but a lowly apprentice electrician. I learn both on the job and also take classes for my apprenticeship. I recently wired my first transformer and I understand that the neutral and ground are bonded together in the transformer or in the service. What I don't understand is, if the neutral is a current carrying conductor, which is then bonded to the ground conductor, why does current only flow back to its source and not on the ground path...
View full post »

Similar threads

555 timer, 50% duty cycle astable, run from 5V
Replies
38
Views
22K
How to Measure PCB Impedance and Component Coupling?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Finding the resonant frequency of this "discriminator" demod circuit.
Replies
2
Views
2K
Vacuum tubes and electronic oscillators
Replies
25
Views
5K
A Measurement uncertainty due to thermal noise
Replies
4
Views
2K
A Confused about noise power spectral density measurement
Replies
0
Views
2K
Can I do this with an oscilloscope?
Replies
34
Views
7K
Can Two Cheap SDR Radios Accurately Measure RF Noise Correlation?
Replies
26
Views
3K
Trying to buy a quality EM meter for low frequency measurements
Replies
4
Views
2K
Revolutionizing SMPS Efficiency with Innovative Pulsed Operation Technique
Replies
19
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top