555 timer as A/D converter

[raviram87]

is it possible to configure the simple 555 timer as an A/D converter ?

i came across this on one of the websites.. how can this be done? are they talking about the schmitt trigger here?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Almost certainly not, usually it's used for converting a resistance (as in a joystick) to a frequency - this is how the joystick ports in a PC work.

You can use a voltage to modify the output of a 555, but it's a far more limited range.

 

[raviram87]

i wonder whether it is similar to a voltage to frequency converter ?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

i wonder whether it is similar to a voltage to frequency converter ?

Yes it is, just limited in range though and not linear.

 

[crutschow]

i wonder whether it is similar to a voltage to frequency converter ?

Without seeing the circuit, I would guess yes.