The maximum frequency of operation for the LM555CM is approximately 500 kHz, but it can be pushed to 1 MHz with careful design and component selection.
To ensure stable operation in astable mode, make sure to use a capacitor with a low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and a high-quality timing resistor with a low temperature coefficient. Also, decouple the power supply with a 10uF capacitor and a 100nF capacitor in parallel.
The minimum supply voltage for the LM555CM is 4.5V, and the maximum supply voltage is 16V. However, it's recommended to operate the device between 5V and 15V for optimal performance.
No, the LM555CM is not designed to be used as a voltage regulator. It's a timer IC, and its output is not regulated. If you need a voltage regulator, consider using a dedicated voltage regulator IC like the 78L05 or the TLV703.
To reduce the power consumption of the LM555CM, use a lower supply voltage, reduce the frequency of operation, and use a low-power version of the device if available. You can also consider using a more power-efficient alternative like the TLC555 or the LMC555.
LM555CM datasheet
by Texas Instruments
