An Integrated Circuit (IC) is a modern device filled with miniaturized electronic components. ICs are found in automobiles, hospital equipment, robots on mars, video games and computers. Most modern electronic devices use Integrated Circuits.
The electronic components in an IC are sealed inside on a tiny "micro-chip". Fine wires connect the microchip to metal pins along the edge of the IC. These pins are numbered as shown in the image below.
Use the following circuit diagram to construct a circuit using an IC.
If you need help with reading a circuit diagram, jump to the Introduction Page and check out the suggested reading.
- R1 - 100K Ohms
- R2 - 33k Ohms
- R3 - 330 Ohms
- C1 - 10 uF
- IC1 - 555 Timer
- +V 4.8 volts
To avoid overheating of wires and damage to components we suggest using a resistor in series with your power supply. At Hila we use four AA rechargeable Nickel Cadmium batteries with a 56 Ohm, 5 watt resistor. This configuration delivers enough current to drive any of these projects but limits current in case of a short circuit.
Project from the Hila Research Centre - http://fox.nstn.ca/~hila