I have a design that I need help and advice with. I have a sensor that is triggered when a physical action happens (a bit like a jack in the box) and the output remains high until it is reset by replacing the moving part back into its "loaded" position. However, I would like to use circuitry to get a short pulse (maybe ~50ms or so) when the rising edge of the sensor is detected.
555 timers are commonly used as a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) but for your requirement of a positive edge-triggered circuit with a long duration trigger, the CD4047 would give a simpler circuit (just one external R and C required).
If the trigger pulse has a ratty edge then you may need a Schmitt trigger such as a CD4106 to clean up the signal. You can experimentally determine the need for that by first trying the one-shot without it.
Thanks guys for all the input, some really good ideas and advice here!!!
To kripacharya, I just need a pulse that is long enough to be picked up as an input by an Arduino digital input pin. I thought 30-50ms would be a nice long pulse to ensure the Arduino got it!