Integrated circuits

An integrated circuit (IC) packs many transistors onto a single chip. 555 produces timing, an op-amp amplifies or compares signals, logic gates decide using 0 and 1, a regulator provides a steady supply. On DIP packages the pins are numbered counter-clockwise starting from the notch.

4 types3 groupsSymbol IEC

Timing and analog

NE555P (DIP-8)

555 timerCreating time delays, blinking and tones

Power supply: 4.5–16 V
Output: ≤ 200 mA
Package: DIP-8

LM358N (DIP-8)

Op-amp (LM358)Amplifying a signal or comparing two voltages, on a single supply

Power supply: 3–32 V
Contents: 2 op-amp
GBW: ≈1 MHz

Logic

74HC00N (DIP-14)

Logic gate (74HC00)Building logic circuits, deriving other gates from NAND

Power supply: 2–6 V
Contents: 4 × NAND
Package: DIP-14

Power supply

L7805CV (TO-220)

Voltage regulator (7805)Getting a fixed 5 V from an input between 7–35 V

Output: 5 V
Current: ≤ 1 A
Input: 7–35 V

Which one should I choose?

To blink an LED or generate a tone

555 timer

Runs like a clock with a few resistors and capacitors.

If you'll compare two voltages or amplify a sensor signal

Op-amp (LM358)

Works from a single supply, and its input range includes 0 V.

If you will learn logic gates or build simple logic

Logic gate (74HC00)

All gates can be derived from NAND.

If you want a stable 5 V from 9–12 V

Voltage regulator (7805)

A fixed 5 V with three legs and two capacitors.

Compare4 types · 4 features

Type	Power supply	Package	What it does	Typical use
555 timer	4.5–16 V	DIP-8	Timing, pulses	Flasher, tone, delay
Op-amp (LM358)	3–32 V	DIP-8	Two op-amps	Sensor, comparator
Logic gate (74HC00)	2–6 V	DIP-14	Four NAND gates	Logic circuits
Voltage regulator (7805)	Input 7–35 V	TO-220	Fixed 5 V output	5 V supply

Datasheet values; parts with the same number differ slightly by manufacturer.