Sears think[box] will launch its first lecture/creative conversation series today (April 25) at 6 p.m. on the first floor in the auditorium. This series will provide space for speakers to talk about interesting projects or topics in their practices.
The series will kick off with an exploration into the 555 timer with Larry Sears (CIT ’69), founder of Hexagram Inc. and retired adjunct professor at Case School of Engineering.
Designed more than half a century ago, the 555 timer is reputed to be the most popular integrated circuit ever made, with billions of parts produced. This was the first integrated circuit that combined analog, digital and power circuitry on one chip, and it represents a milestone in the history of semiconductor technology.
In the talk, titled “The Fabled, Fascinating 555,” Larry Sears will briefly cover the commercial considerations and technical limitations that guided the design of the part, and the features that made it so successful. He will then discuss the operation and numerous applications of this versatile and popular part.
A basic knowledge of electronic circuits is suggested for those who attend, but not required. This event is free and open to everyone.
The series will resume in September.