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Timer

What is a timer?

A timer is an electronic component or circuit that generates time delays, pulses, or periodic signals with precise timing control. It can operate in various modes such as monostable (one-shot) to create single pulses of specific duration, astable (free-running) to generate continuous square waves, or bistable (flip-flop) for memory functions. Common examples include the 555 timer IC, watchdog timers in microcontrollers, and real-time clock (RTC) modules. Timers are essential in applications requiring precise timing control, such as LED blinking, motor control, data sampling, and system timeouts.