This is a very simple -5V supply using one 555, useful for analog blocks using FET Opamps using low power. This circuit came up when i had to design limited by inventory. It worked well for its need. It converts Positive Five Volts to Negative Five Volts to create a dual supply.
This +5 to -5 using a 555 Astable Multivibrator.is not a high efficiency design, in fact it cannot take a heavy load. Circuits having some CMOS Opamps and a A/D convertor is ok. Even very small battery designs must avoid this circuit.
This suits well when you want to power an analog amp which has to measure voltages which swing on either sides of zero. It can be used in a LCD based portable measuring instrument running on a rechargeable 9V battery.
Powering a strain gauge amp may be one use, another may be like a RTD temperature meter for -50 to +150 deg C.
