MIC1555/1557

IttyBitty™ RC Timer / Oscillator

General Description Features

The MIC1555 IttyBitty™ CMOS RC timer/oscillator and • +2.7V to +18V operation
MIC1557 IttyBitty CMOS RC oscillator are designed to • Low current
provide rail-to-rail pulses for precise time delay or <1µA typical shutdown mode (MIC1557)
frequency generation. 200µA typical (TRG and THR low) at 3V supply
The devices are similar in function to the industry standard • Timing from microseconds to hours
“555”, without a frequency control (FC) pin or an open- • “Zero” leakage trigger and threshold inputs
collector discharge (D) pin. The threshold pin (TH) has
• 50% square wave with one Resistor, one Capacitor
precedence over the trigger (TR) input, ensuring that the
BiCMOS output is off when TR is high. • Threshold input precedence over trigger input
The MIC1555 may be used as an astable (oscillator) or • <15Ω output on resistance
monostable (one-shot) with separate threshold and trigger • No output cross-conduction current spikes
inputs. In the one-shot mode, the output pulse width is • <0.005%/°C temperature stability
precisely controlled by an external resistor and a capacitor. • <0.055%/V supply stability
Time delays may be accurately controlled from micro- • Small SOT-23-5 surface mount package
seconds to hours. In the oscillator mode, the output is
used to provide precise feedback, with a minimum of one Applications
resistor and one capacitor producing a 50% duty cycle
square wave. • Precision timer
The MIC1557 is designed for astable (oscillator) operation • Pulse generation
only, with a chip select/reset (CS) input for low power shut- • Sequential timing
down. One resistor and one capacitor provide a 50% duty • Time-delay generation
cycle square wave. Other duty-cycle ratios may be • Missing pulse detector
produced using two diodes and two resistors.
• Micropower oscillator to 5MHz
The MIC1555/7 is powered from a +2.7V to +18V supply
• Charge-pump driver
voltage.
• LED blinker
The MIC1555/7 is available in the SOT-23-5 5-pin
package, and is rated for –40°C to +85°C ambient • Voltage converter
temperature range • Linear sweep generator
• Variable frequency and duty cycle oscillator
• Isolated feedback for power supplies

Typical Application
+5V 100µs +5V
8kHz
MIC1555 MIC1557
1 3 4 5
VS OUT Output VS OUT Output
Standby 4 Enabled 3
Trigger TRG 1k Disabled CS 1k
2 5 2 1
GND THR GND T/T
0.1µF 0.1µF

Monostable (One-Shot) Astable (Oscillator)

IttyBitty is a trademark of Micrel, Inc.

Micrel Inc. • 2180 Fortune Drive • San Jose, CA 95131 • USA • tel +1 (408) 944-0800 • fax + 1 (408) 474-1000 • http://www.micrel.com
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Micrel, Inc. MIC1555/1557

Ordering Information
Part Number Marking
Temperature Range Package
Standard Pb-Free Standard Pb-Free
MIC1555BM5 MIC1555YM5 T10 T10 –40° to +85°C 5-Pin SOT-23
MIC1557BM5 MIC1557YM5 T11 T11 –40° to +85°C 5-Pin SOT-23
Note:
Under bar ( __ ) may not be to scale.

Pin Configuration

OUT GND VS CS GND T/T

3 2 1 3 2 1
Part Part
Identification Identification
T10 T11
4 5 4 5
TRG THR VS OUT

MIC1555 MIC15557
5-Pin SOT-23 (M) 5-Pin SOT-23 (M)

Pin Description
Pin Number Pin Number Pin Name Pin Name
MIC1555 MIC1557
1 4 VS Supply (Input): +2.7 to +18V supply.
2 2 GND Ground: Supply return.
3 CS Chip Select/Reset (Input): Active high at >2/3VS. Output off
when low at<1/3VS.
3 5 OUT Output: CMOS totem-pole output.
4 TRG Trigger (Input): Sets output high. Active low (at ≤ 2/3VS
nominal).
5 THR Threshold (Dominant Input): Sets output low. Active high (at
≥ 2/3VS nominal).
1 T/T Trigger/Threshold (Input): Internally connected to both
threshold and trigger functions. See TRG and THR.

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Absolute Maximum Ratings Operating Ratings

Supply Voltage (VS)......................................................+22V Supply voltage (VS) ....................................... +2.7V to +18V
Threshold Voltage (VTHR, VT/T). ....................................+22V Ambient Temperature (TA) .......................... –40°C to +85°C
Trigger Voltage (VTGR, VT/T) ..........................................+22V Package Thermal Resistance
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10sec.)....................... 300°C (θJA) .................................................................220°C/W
(θJC) .................................................................130°C/W

Electrical Characteristics
TA = 25°C, bold values indicate –40°C< TA < +85°C, unless noted.
Parameter Condition Min Typ Max Units
Supply current VS = 5V 240 300 µA
VS = 15V 350 400 µA
Monostable Timing Accuracy RA = 10k, C =0.1µF, VS = 5V 2 %
RA = 10k, C =0.1µF, VS = 5V 858 1161 µs
Monostable Drift over Temp VS = 5V, –55 ≤ TA ≤ +125°C, Note 1 100 ppm/°C
VS = 10V, –55 ≤ TA ≤ +125°C, Note 1 150 ppm/°C
VS = 15V, –55 ≤ TA ≤ +125°C, Note 1 200 ppm/°C
Monostable Drift over Supply VS = 5V to 15V, Note 1 0.5 %/V
Astable Timing Accuracy RA = RB = 10k, C = 0.1µF, VS = 5V 2 %
RA = RB = 10k, C = 0.1µF, VS = 5V 1717 2323 µs
Maximum Astable Frequency RT = 1k, CT = 47pF, VS = 8V 5 MHz
Astable Drift over Temp VS = 5V, –55 ≤ TA ≤ +125°C, Note 1 100 ppm/°C
VS = 10V, –55 ≤ TA ≤ +125°C, Note 1 150 ppm/°C
VS = 15V, –55 ≤ TA ≤ +125°C, Note 1 200 ppm/°C
Astable Drift over Supply VS = 5V to 15V, Note 1 0.5 %/V
Threshold Voltage VS = 15V 61 67 72 %/VS
Trigger Voltage VS = 15V 27 32 37 %/VS
Trigger Current VS = 15V 50 nA
Threshold Current VS = 15V 50 nA
Chip Select on > 2/3 VS 50 67 72 %/VS
off > 1/3 VS 28 33 50 %/VS
Output Voltage Drop VS = 15V, ISINK = 20mA 0.3 1.25 V
VS = 5V, ISINK = 3.2mA 0.08 0.5 V
VS = 15V, ISOURCE = 20mA 14.1 14.7 V
VS = 5V, ISOURCE = 3.2mA 3.8 4.7 V
Supply Voltage functional operation, Note 1 2.7 18 V
Output Rise Time RL = 10M, CL = 10pF, VS = 5V, Note 1 15 ns
Output Fall Time RL = 10M, CL = 10pF, VS = 5V, Note 1 15 ns
General Note: Devices are ESD protected, however handling precautions recommended.
Note 1. Not tested.

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Typical Characteristics (TA = 25°C, VIN = +5)

On Resistance
vs. Temperature
70

60
ON RESISTANCE ( )

50

40
30

20

10

0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE °C)
(

k Factors MIC1557 Chip Select

Times RC vs. Supply Voltage
2.0 14
1.9
CHIP SELECT VOLTAGE (V)

12
1.8
1.7 10 ON
k FACTOR

1.6 f=1k1 RC 8
1.5
1.4 6
1.3 4
t=k2 RC
1.2
2 OFF
1.1
1.0 0
10 100 1000 3 6 9 12 15 18
RC (µs) SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

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Functional Diagram

VS U P P L Y
VS
MIC1555

Bias

THR

100µs
S
Q
OUT Output
R

Standby
Trigger

<100µs T R G

GND 1k

0.1µF

MIC1555 Block Diagram with External Components

(Monostable Configuration)

VS U P P L Y

VS

1M MIC1557

CS Bias

8kHz
S
Q
OUT Output
R

T/T

GND 1k

0.1µF

MIC1557 Block Diagram with External Components

(Astable Configuration)

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Functional Description Trigger Comparator

The trigger comparator is connected to R (reset) on the
Refer to the block diagrams.
RS flip-flop. When TRG (trigger) goes below the trigger
The MIC1555/7 provides the logic for creating simple RC voltage (1/3VS), the flip-flop resets, making the output
timer or oscillator circuits. high.
The MIC1555 has separate THR (threshold) and TRG
(trigger) connections for monostable (one-shot) or Flip-Flop and Output
astable (oscillator) operation. A reset signal causes Q to go low, turning on the P-
The MIC1557 has a single T/T (threshold and trigger) channel MOSFET and turning off the N-channel
connection for astable (oscillator) operation only. The MOSFET. This makes the output rise to nearly VS.
MIC1557 includes a CS (chip select/reset) control. A set signal causes Q to go high, turning off the P-
channel MOSFET, and turning on the N-channel
Supply MOSFET, grounding OUT.
VS (supply) is rated for +2.7V to +18V. An external
capacitor is recommended to decouple noise. Basic Monostable Operation
Refer to the MIC1555 functional diagram.
Resistive Divider
A momentary low signal applied to TRG causes the
The resistive voltage divider is constructed of three output to go high. The external capacitor charges slowly
equal value resistors to produce 1/3VS and 2/3VS voltage through the external resistor. When VTHR (threshold
for trigger and threshold reference voltages. voltage) reaches 2/3VS, the output is switched off,
discharging the capacitor. During power-on, a single
Chip Select/Reset (MIC1557 only)
pulse may be generated.
CS (chip select/reset) controls the bias supply to the
oscillator’s internal circuitry. CS must be connected to Basic Astable Operation
CMOS logic-high or logic-low levels. Floating CS will Refer to the MIC1557 functional diagram.
result in unpredictable operation. When the chip is
The MIC1557 starts with T/T low, causing the output to
deselected, the supply current is less than 1µA. Forcing
go high. The external capacitor charges slowly through
CS low resets the MIC1557 by setting the flip flop,
the external resistor. When VT/T reaches 2/3VS
forcing the output low.
(threshold voltage), the output is switched off, slowly
Threshold Comparator discharging the capacitor. When VT/T decreases to
1/3VS (trigger voltage), the output is switched on,
The threshold comparator is connected to S (set) on the
causing VT/T to rise again, repeating the cycle.
RS flip-flop. When the threshold voltage (2/3VS) is
reached, the flip-flop is set, making the output low. THR
is dominant over TRG.

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Application Information Basic Astable (Oscillator) Circuits

An astable oscillator switches between two states, “on”
Basic Monostable (One-Shot) Circuit
and “off”, producing a continuous square wave. The
A monostable oscillator produces a single pulse each IttyBitty MIC1557 is optimized for this function, with the
time that it is triggered, and is often referred to as a two comparator inputs, threshold and trigger (T/T), tied
“one-shot”. The pulse width is constant, while the time together internally. Chip select (CS) is brought out to
between pulses depends on the trigger input. One-shots allow on-off control of the oscillator.
are generally used to “stretch” incoming pulses, of
The MIC1555 may also be used as an astable oscillator
varying widths, to a fixed width. The IttyBitty MIC1555 is
by tying the threshold and trigger pins together, forming
designed for monostable operation, but may also be
a T/T pin. If a resistor (RT) is connected from the output
connected to provide astable oscillations. The pulse
to a grounded timing capacitor, (CT) the voltage at their
width is determined by the time it takes to charge a
junction will ramp up from ground when the output goes
capacitor from ground to a comparator trip point. If the
high. If the T/T pin is connected to this junction, the
capacitor (CT) is charged through a resistor (RT)
output will switch low when the ramp exceeds 2/3 of the
connected to the output of an MIC1555, the trip point is
input voltage. The junction's voltage ramps down toward
approximately 1.1RCT (the same time as the initial
ground while the output is low. When the ramp is below
power-on cycle of an astable circuit.) If the trigger pulse
1/3 of the input voltage, the output switches to high, and
of an MIC1555 remains low longer than the output pulse
the junction ramps up again. The continuing frequency of
width, short oscillations may be seen in the output of a
an MIC1555/7 astable oscillator depends on the RC time
one-shot circuit, since the threshold pin has precedence
constant, and is approximately 0.7/RC below 1MHz. At
over the trigger pin. These occur since the output goes
frequencies above 1MHz the RC multiplier increases as
low when the threshold is exceeded, and then goes high
capacitance is decreased, and propagation delay
again as the trigger function is asserted. AC coupling the
becomes dominant. Non-symmetrical oscillator operation
input with a series capacitor and a pull-up resistor, with
is possible at frequencies up to 5MHz.
an RC time constant less than the pulse width, will
prevent these short oscillations. A diode (DT) in parallel If a duty cycle other than 50% is desired, a low-power
with (RT) resets the one-shot quickly. signal diode may be connected in series with the timing
2.7V to 18V resistor (RA), and a second resistor (RB) in series with an
opposite facing diode connected in parallel. The
RT frequency is then made up of two components, the
charging time (tA) and the discharging time (tB) tA=
0.7RAC and tB= 0.7RBC. The frequency is the reciprocal
DT VS 1
of the sum of the two times tA + tB, so the total time is
1.4RTCT. The first half-cycle of an astable, after power-
RP U on or CS enable, is lengthened since the capacitor is
THR tON = 1.1RT CT
5 CS charging from ground instead of the 1/3 input trigger trip
voltage, to 1.1RC, the same as a monostable pulse.
CIN 2.7V to 18V
Trigger TRG OUT
OUT 3
1 3V 4
S
CT CB

MIC1555 VS 4

GND 2
RE

Figure 1. One-Shot Diagram T/T

CS
1 CS 3
The period of a monostable circuit is: t
t = k2 RC OUT
OUT
5
where: t = 0.7(RA+RB)CT
t = period (s)
MIC1557
k2 = constant [from Typical Characteristics RA GND 2

graph]
1k to 1M
R = resistance (Ω)
RB
C = capacitance (F) CT
100pF to 10µF

Figure 2. Oscillator Diagram

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The MIC1555 or MIC1557 can be used to construct an Rising-Edge Triggered Monostable Circuit
oscillator. The MIC1555 may be triggered by an ac-coupled rising-
The frequency of an astable oscillator is: edge, as shown in figure 6. The pulse begins when the
1 ac-coupled input rises, and a diode from the output holds
f = the THR input low until TRG discharges to 1/3VS. This
k 1RC circuit provides a low-going output pulse.
where: +5V
100µs
MIC1555
f = frequency (Hz) 1 3
VS OUT Output
k1 = constant [from Typical Characteristics 4
TRG 1k 1N4148
graph]
2 5
R = resistance (Ω) GND THR Input

C = capacitance (F)
To use the MIC1555 as an oscillator, connect TRG to 0.1µF
THR.
+5V Figure 6. Rising-Edge Trigger Configuration
8kHz
MIC1555
1 3 Accuracy
VS OUT Output
4
The two comparators in the MIC1555/7 use a resistor
TRG 1k voltage divider to set the threshold and trigger trip points
2
GND THR
5
to approximately 2/3 and 1/3 of the input voltage,
0.1µF respectively. Since the charge and discharge rates of an
RC circuit are dependent on the applied voltage, the
Figure 3. MIC1555 Oscillator Configuration timing remains constant if the input voltage varies. If a
duty cycle of exactly 50% (or any other value from 1 to
The MIC1557 features a CS input. When logic-low, CS 99%), two resistors (or a variable resistor) and two
places the MIC1557 into a <1µA shutdown state. If diodes are needed to vary the charge and discharge
unused, the MIC1557 CS input on must be pulled up. times. The forward voltage of diodes varies with
+5V temperature, so some change in frequency will be seen
8kHz
MIC1557
with temperature extremes, but the duty cycle should
4 5 track. For absolute timing accuracy, the MIC1555/7
VS OUT Output
1M 3 output could be used to control constant current sources
CS 1k to linearly charge and discharge the capacitor, at the
2
GND T/T
1 expense of added components and board space.
0.1µF
Long Time Delays
Figure 4. MIC1557 Oscillator Configuration Timing resistors larger than 1MΩ or capacitors larger
than 10µF are not recommended due to leakage current
Falling-Edge Triggered Monostable Circuit inaccuracies. Time delays greater than 10 seconds are
more accurately produced by dividing the output of an
The MIC1555 may be triggered by an ac-coupled falling-
oscillator by a chain of flip-flop counter stages. To
edge, as shown in figure 5. The RC time constant of the
produce an accurate one-hour delay, for example, divide
input capacitor and pull-up resistor should be less than
an 4.55Hz MIC1557 oscillator by 16,384 (4000hex, 214)
the output pulse time, to prevent multiple output pulses.
using a CD4020 CMOS divider. 4.5Hz may be generated
A diode across the timing resistor provides a fast reset at
with a 1µF CT and approximately 156kΩ.
the end of the positive timing pulse.
+5V 100µs Inverting Schmitt Trigger
MIC1555 Refer to figure 7. The trip points of the MIC1555/7 are
1M 1 3
VS OUT Output defined as 1/3 and 2/3VS, which allows either device to
Input
4
TRG 1k 1N4148 be used as a signal conditioning inverter, with
2 5 hysteresis. A slowly changing input on T/T will be
GND THR
0.1µF
converted to a fast rise or fall-time opposite direction rail-
to-rail output voltage. This output maybe used to directly
drive the gate of a logic-level P-channel MOSFET with a
Figure 5. Falling-Edge Trigger Configuration
gate pull-up resistor. This is an inverted logic low-side
logic level MOSFET driver. A standard N-channel

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MOSFET may be driven by a second MIC1555/7, +12V

powered by 12V to 15V, to level-shift the input. N-Channel

MO S F E T RL
+5V +12V TTL High = ON (IRF540)

+5V 15V
O F F 3.3V MIC1555 MIC1557
5 1 4 3
THR VS RL VS CS
1
4 T/T
ON 1.6V TRG 5
2
C1 GND OUT
2
GND OUT 3 100pF RE
to 10µF 100k
RT 1k to 1M
Figure 7. Schmitter Trigger Figure 8. Charge-Pump
Charge-Pump Low-Side MOSFET Drivers Audible Voltmeter
A standard MOSFET requires approximately 15V to fully If an additional charge or discharge source is connected
enhance the gate for minimum RDS(on). Substituting a to the timing capacitor, the frequency may be shifted by
logic-level MOSFET reduces the required gate voltage, turning the source on or off. An MIC1555 oscillator,
allowing an MIC1557 to be used as an inverting Schmitt powered by the circuit under test, may be used to drive a
Trigger, described above. An MIC1557 may be small loud speaker or piezo-electric transducer to
configured as a voltage quadrupler to boost a 5V input to provide a medium frequency for an open or high
over 15V to fully enhance an N-channel MOSFET which impedance state at the probe. A high tone is generated
may have its drain connected to a higher voltage, for a high level, and a lower frequency for a logic low on
through a high-side load. ATTL high signal applied to CS the probe.
enables a 10kHz oscillator, which quickly develops 15V RT 10k +5V to +18V
at the gate of the MOSFET, clamped by a zener diode. A
resistor from the gate to ground ensures that the FET MIC1555
1N914 5 1
will turn off quickly when the MIC1557 is turned off. THR VS
47k 4 0.001µF
TRG
10k 2 3 10k
CT GND OUT
0.01µF
100

Figure 9. Audible Voltmeter

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Package Information

5-Pin SOT-23 (M)

MICREL, INC. 2180 FORTUNE DRIVE SAN JOSE, CA 95131 USA

TEL +1 (408) 944-0800 FAX +1 (408) 474-1000 WEB http:/www.micrel.com

The information furnished by Micrel in this data sheet is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Micrel for its
use. Micrel reserves the right to change circuitry and specifications at any time without notification to the customer.

Micrel Products are not designed or authorized for use as components in life support appliances, devices or systems where malfunction of a product
can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems that (a) are intended for surgical implant
into the body or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result in a significant injury to the user. A
Purchaser’s use or sale of Micrel Products for use in life support appliances, devices or systems is a Purchaser’s own risk and Purchaser agrees to fully
indemnify Micrel for any damages resulting from such use or sale.

© 2004 Micrel, Incorporated.

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