Description:
A timer circuit with independent mark and space periods.
Notes:
A simple astable timer made with the 555, the mark (on) and
space (off) values may be set independently. The timing
chain consists of resistors Ra, Rb and capacitor Ct. The
capacitor, Ct charges via Ra which is in series with the
1N4148 diode. The discharge path is via Rb into into pin 7
of the IC. Both halves of the timing period can now be set
independently.
The charge time (output high) is calculated by:
T(on) = 0.7 Ra Ct
The discharge time (output low) is calculated by:
T(off) = 0.7 Rb Ct
Please note that the formula for T(on) ignores the series
resistance and forward voltage of the 1N4148 and is
therefore approximate, but T(off) is not affected by D1 and
is therefore precise.
