Figure 1 This classic 555-based timer is valid only for duty cycles greater than 50%. Figure 2 The simple addition of a bypass diode makes this timer circuit valid for low duty cycles. Diode forward ...

This article is part of the 2022 April 1st series in the Humor topic within our Series Library. The ubiquitous 1971 digital miracle—the 555 Timer—is important, replete with 25 transistors, 15 ...