Astable & Monostable

Multivibrator Trainer
NV6507

Learning Material
Ver 1.1

Designed & Manufactured by:

141-B, Electronic Complex, Pardesipura, Indore- 452 010 India, Tel.: 91-731- 4211500,
Telefax: 91-731-4202959, Toll free: 1800-103-5050, E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nvistech.com
NV6507

Astable & Monostable Multivibrator Trainer

NV6507
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 3
2. Features 4
3. Technical Specifications 5
4. Theory 6
5. Experiments
Experiment 1 11
Study of the IC 555 as a Monostable (One - Shot) Multivibrator
Experiment 2 13
Study of the IC 555 as an Astable (Free - Running) Multivibrator
6. Data Sheet 15
7. Warranty 16
8. List of Accessories 18

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Introduction
NV6507 Astable and Monostable Multivibrator Trainer has been designed specifically for the
study of Multivibrator in Astable and Monostable mode using IC NE 555. The board is absolutely
self-contained with in-built supply and pulse generator.
The Monostable Multivibrator, often called one-shot multivibrator, is used for the generation of well
defined pulses. It provides a single pulse of desired duration in response to an external trigger.
Unlike the monostable multivibrator, astable multivibrator circuit does not require an external trigger
to change the state of the output.
The Astable Multivibrator, often called free-running multivibrator, is frequently used as a simple
means of generating square and rectangular wave signal. It has no stable state.

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Features
• In-built +5 V regulated DC power supply
• In-built 1kHz pulse generator for triggering the monostable circuit
• Good quality, reliable sockets and test points are provided
• A low cost training solution
• Learning Material CD
• 2 Year Warranty

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Technical Specifications

Mains Supply : 230 V ±10%, 50Hz

DC Voltage : +5 V

Frequency of Trigger : 1 KHz (approximately)

Pulse Generator

Frequency Range of Astable : 1.2 KHz - 3.2 KHz (approximately)

Multivibrator

Output Voltage : 5Vpp (approximately)

Dimensions (mm) : D 250 × W 150 × H 80

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Theory
The device 555 is a monolithic timing circuit that can produce accurate and highly stable time delays
or oscillations. The 555 timer is reliable, easy to use, and economical. IC 555 has been used in
number of applications, such as monostable and astable multivibrators, DC-DC converters, digital
logic probes, waveform generators, analog frequency meters and tachometers, temperature
measurement and control, infrared transmitters, burglar and toxic gas alarms, voltage regulators, etc.
The timer 555 is available as an 8-pin metal can, an 8-pin mini DIP, or a 14-pin DIP. Figure 1 shows
the functional diagram and the pin configuration of the NE 555 timer. The NE 555 operates over a
temperature range of 0° to 70°C. The important features of the NE 555 timer are as follows:

Functional Diagram
Figure 1
• Operation on + 5 to + 18 V supply voltage in both Astable and Monostable modes.
• Adjustable duty cycle.
• Timing from µ sec. to hours.
• High current output.
• Capacity to source or sink current of 200 mA.
• Output can drive TIL.
• Temperature stability of 50 parts per million (ppm) per °C change in temperature or 0.005%
per °C - Reliable, easy to use, and low cost.
The 555 timer is highly stable device for generating accurate time delay or oscillation.
The device consists of two comparators that drive the set (S) and reset (R) terminals of a flip-flop,
which in turn controls the 'on' and 'off cycles of the discharge transistor Q1. The comparator
reference voltages are fixed at 2/3 Vcc for comparator C1 and Vcc/3 for comparator C2 by means of
the voltage divider made up of three series resistors (R). These reference voltages are required to
control the timing. The timing can be controlled externally by applying voltage to the control
voltage terminal. If no such control is required then the control voltage terminal can be bypassed by
a capacitor to ground. Typically the capacitor is chosen of about 0.01µF.
On a negative transition of pulse applied at the trigger terminal and when the voltage at the trigger
terminal passes through Vcc/3, the output of comparator C2 changes state because its positive input
terminal is fixed at Vcc/3. This change of state sets the flip-flop, so that output of flip-flop, Q, goes

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to low level. On the other hand when the voltage applied at the threshold terminal of comparator C1
goes positive and passes through the reference level 2Vcc/3, the output of the comparator changes
its state. This change of state resets the flip-flop, so that Q is latched into high level. A separate reset
terminal is provided for timer which is used to reset the flip-flop externally. This reset voltage
applied externally would override the effect of the output of lower comparator which sets the flip-
flop. This overriding reset will be in effect whenever the reset input is less than about l0.4Volt.
Normally, when the reset terminal is not used, it should be connected to positive supply (Vcc). The
transistor Q2 acts as a buffer, isolating the reset terminal from the flip-flop and transistor Q1. The
output of flip-flop is Q which is also used as an output terminal taken through an output stage or
buffer. When the flip-flop is reset the output at the output terminal is low and when the flip-flop is
set the output is in high logic state. The buffer is necessary to source current as high as 200mA. A
capacitor is connected between discharge terminal and ground. When Q1 is off the capacitor charges
and when Q1 is on it discharges through Q1.

IC 555 Pin Out

Figure 2
Pin 1 (Ground) : The ground (or common) pin is the most-negative supply potential of the device,
which is normally connected to circuit common (ground) when operated from positive supply
voltages.
Pin 2 (Trigger) : The output of the timer depends on the amplitude of the external trigger pulse
applied to this pin. The output is low if the voltage at this pin is greater than 2/3 VCC. However,
when a negative going pulse of amplitude larger than 1/3 VCC is applied to this pin, the comparator 2
outputs goes low, which in turn switches the output to the timer high. The output remains high as
long as the trigger terminal is held at a low voltage.
Pin 3 (Output) : There are two ways a load can be connected to the output terminal - either between
pin 3 and ground (pin 1) called as normally off load or between pin 3 and supply voltage + VCC (pin
8) called as normally on load.
Pin 4 (Reset) : This pin is also used to reset the latch and return the output to a low state. The reset
pin will force the output to go low no matter what state the other inputs to the flip-flop are in. When
not used, it is recommended that the reset input be tied to V+ to avoid any possibility of false
resetting.
Pin 5 (Control Voltage) : An external voltage applied to this terminal changes the threshold as well
as the trigger voltage. In other words, by imposing a voltage on this pin or connecting a pot between
this pin and ground, the pulse width of the output waveform can be varied. When not used, the
control pin should be bypassed to ground with a 0.01µF capacitor to prevent any noise problems.
Pin 6 (Threshold) : This is the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 1, which monitors the
voltage across the external capacitor. When the voltage at this pin is greater or equal to the threshold
voltage 2/3 VCC, the output of comparator 1 goes high, which in turn switches the output of the timer
low.

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Pin 7 (Discharge) : This pin is connected internally to the collector of transistor T1, as shown in
figure 3. When the output is high, T1 is off and acts as an open circuit to the external capacitor C
connected across it. On the other hand, when the output is low, T1 is saturated and acts as a short
circuit, shorting out the external capacitor C to ground.
Pin 8 (V+) : The V+ pin (also referred to as VCC) is the positive supply voltage terminal of the 555
timer IC. Supply-voltage operating range for the 555 is +4.5 volts (minimum) to +16 volts
(maximum), and it is specified for operation between +5 volts and +15 volts.
IC 555 as Monostable Multivibrator :

IC 555 as Monostable Multivibrator (a) Functional Diagram (b) Waveform at various points
(c) External Connection Diagram
Figure 3
The resistance R and the capacitor C are external to the chip, and their values determine the output
pulse width. Before the application of the trigger pulse vt , the voltage at the trigger input pin is high
which is equal to Vcc [say V (1)]. With this high trigger input, the output of comparator C2 will be
low [say V (0)], causing the flip-flop output Q to be high, i.e. Q = V (1) and Vo = V (0) = 0 (due to
inverter circuit). With Q = V (1), the discharge transistor Q1 will be saturated and the voltage across
the timing capacitor C will be essentially zero, i.e. Vx = O. The output Va = 0 V is the quiescent
state of the timer device.
At t = 0, application of trigger vt, (negative going pulse shown in [figure 3(b)] less than Vcc/3 causes
the output of comparator C2 to be high, i.e. V (1). This will set the flip-flop with Q now low. i.e., Q
= V (0). This makes Vo = V (1). Due to Q = V (0), discharge transistor will be turned 'off’. Note that
after termination of the trigger pulse the flip-flop will remain in the Q = V (0) state. Now, the timing
capacitor charges up toward Vcc via resistor R, with a time constant t = RC. The charging up
expression is
-t/RC
Vx = Vcc (1-e ) ………………….. (1)

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Where vx is the voltage across C at any time t

When vx reaches the threshold voltage level of 2Vcc/3, comparator C1 will switch states and its
output voltage will now be high. This causes the flip-flop to reset so that Q will go high. i.e. V (1),
and Vo returns to original level V (0). The high value of Q turns on the discharge transistor Q1. The
low saturation resistance of Q1 discharges C quickly.
The end of the output pulse occurs at time T1, at which point vx =2 Vcc/3. Thus the pulse width T1 is
determined by the time required for the capacitor voltage vx to charge from zero to 2Vcc/3. This
period can be obtained by putting vx = 2Vcc/3 at t= T, Thus from equation 1
-T /RC
2Vcc/3=Vcc (1-e 1 )
Vcc
T1 = RC In 2
…………(2)
Vcc- Vcc
3
T1 ≅ 1.1 RC

Note that the pulse duration is independent of the supply voltage Vcc. The trigger pulse width must
be shorter in duration than T1 for proper operation of the timer. In Equation 2 we have assumed V (0)
= 0.
The timing cycle may be interrupted by connecting the reset terminal (pin 4). This turns on transistor
Q1 and the capacitor is prevented from charging.
IC 555 as Astable Multivibrator :

Astable Multivibrator (a) Fnctional Diagram (b) Waveform at various points (c) External
Connection Diagram
Figure 4

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In this mode of operation, the timing capacitor charges up toward Vcc (assuming VO is high initially)
through (RA + RB) until the voltage across the capacitor reaches the threshold level of 2 Vcc/3. At this
point comparator C1 switches state causing the flip-flop output Q to go high i.e., Q = V (1). This
turns on the discharge transistor Q1 and the timing capacitor C then discharges through RB and Q1
(pin 7). The discharging continues until the capacitance voltage drops to Vcc/3, at which point
comparator C2 switches states causing the flip-flop output Q to go low, i.e., Q = V(0), turning off the
discharge transistor Q1. At this point the capacitor starts to charge again, thus completing the cycle.
The output voltage and capacitor voltage waveforms are shown in figure 4(b) As shown here, the
capacitor is periodically charged and discharged between 2 Vcc/3 and Vcc/3, respectively.
The charging time is given by,
Tc = (RA + RB) C In 2
= 0.693 (RA + RB) C
The discharging time is given by,
TD = RB C In 2
= 0.639 RB C
The total period T = TC +TD
T = 0.693 (RA + 2RB) C
And the frequency of oscillations will be
1 1
f0 = =
T 0.693 (R A +2R B ) C
1 1.45
f0 = =
T (R A +2R B ) C

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Experiment 1
Objective:
Study of IC 555 as a Monostable (One-Shot) Multivibrator
Equipments Needed:
1. Oscilloscope
2. Digital Multimeter (DMM)

Circuit Diagram:

Figure 5
Procedure:
1. Connect +5V DC supply to point ‘i’ and Gnd to point ‘j’.
2. Connect point ‘a’ to point ‘b’.
3. Connect point ‘c’ to point ‘d’ or ‘e’.
4. Keep the pot R2 to fully clockwise direction.
5. Apply trigger input at pin 2 of IC 555 by connecting point ‘h’ to point ‘f’.

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6. Connect the mains cord to the trainer and switch ‘ON’ the power supply.

7. Observe on the Oscilloscope the output signal at pin 3 of IC555 by connecting Oscilloscope
test probe between Output & Gnd terminal.

8. Vary the potentiometer R2 towards anticlockwise direction and observe the variation of output
pulse “On Time” with the change in resistance R (where, R=R1+R2).

9. Now measuring the theoretical value, set resistance R at 80 KΩ or greater than 80 KΩ

Note: In monostable operation, the trigger should be driven high before end of the timing cycle at
least 10µs, then the value of R should be greater than 80 KΩ.

10. Calculate the same by following equation for theoretically calculating the output pulse ‘On Time’.

tp = 1.1 × R × C1

Note: For calculating the value of R, disconnect the +5V supply by removing patch cords from
point ‘i’ and point ‘j’ and also disconnect connection between point ‘a’ and ‘b’. Set the
knob of DMM at resistance position and connect DMM between point ‘a’ and TP1 and
measure the value of R.

11. Verify theoretical and practical values of tp.

12. Repeat above procedure for different values of R.

Note: At the maximum position of resistance R, output pulse ‘On Time’ will be 99%. You can see
it on Oscilloscope by pressing the Auto / Level switch.

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Experiment 2
Objective:
Study of IC 555 as an Astable (Free-Running) Multivibrator
Equipments Needed:
1. Oscilloscope
2. Digital Multimeter (DMM)
Circuit Diagram:

Figure 6
Procedure:
1. Connect +5V DC supply to point ‘i’ and Gnd to point ‘j’.

2. Connect point ‘a’ to point ‘b’ or ‘c’.

3. Connect point‘d’ to point ‘f’ or ‘g’.

4. Keep the pot (R2) to fully clockwise direction.

5. Connect the mains cord to the trainer and switch on the power supply.

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6. Observe on the Oscilloscope the output signal at pin 3 of IC555 by connecting Oscilloscope
test probe between Output & Gnd terminal.
7. Vary the potentiometer R2 towards anticlockwise direction and observe the variation of
frequency of output signal with the change in resistance R (where, R=R1+R2).
8. To verify the above calculate the frequency of output signal using following equation

1.45
fout =
(R+2R3) C1

Note: For calculating the value of R, disconnect the +5V supply by removing patch cords from
point ‘i’ and point ‘j’ and also disconnect connection between point ‘a’ and ‘b’. Set the
knob of DMM at resistance position and connect DMM between point ‘a’ and TP1 to
measure the value of R.
9. Trace the waveforms of the voltage across capacitor C1 and ground.
10. Repeat above procedure for different values of R.

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Data Sheet

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Warranty
1) We guarantee the product against all manufacturing defects for 24 months from the date of sale
by us or through our dealers. Consumables like dry cell etc. are not covered under warranty.
2) The guarantee will become void, if
a) The product is not operated as per the instruction given in the learning material.
b) The agreed payment terms and other conditions of sale are not followed.
c) The customer resells the instrument to another party.
d) Any attempt is made to service and modify the instrument.
3) The non-working of the product is to be communicated to us immediately giving full details of
the complaints and defects noticed specifically mentioning the type, serial number of the product
and date of purchase etc.
4) The repair work will be carried out, provided the product is dispatched securely packed and
insured. The transportation charges shall be borne by the customer.

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List of Service Center

Baroda Guwahati Indore

Flat No. A/1, Mudra Complex, Avijit Roy Building, A.K. Dev 94, Electronic Complex,
Behind Sudha Hotel, Ellora Park, Road, Fatashil Ambari, Near Pardesipura, Indore-452 010
Baroda-390023 (Gujarat) jalaram Mandir, Tel: 91-731-2570301/02,
Tel: +91-0265-3089505 Guwahati-25 Assam 4211100,
Fax : +91- 0265-3089506 Mobile: 09435144068 Fax: 91-731-2555643
email : [email protected] email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
New Delhi Bangalore Kolkata
First Floor, C-19, F.I.E., 202/19, 4th Main Street, AC-101, Prafullla Kanan, Near
Patparganj Industrial Area, Ganganagar, Kestopur Bus Stop, Krishnapur,
Delhi-110092 (INDIA) Bangalore - 560032 Kolkata- 700059 (West Bengal)
Ph: 011- 22157370, 22157371, Ph.: +91-080-41285011 Tel: +91 33-65266800
Fax: +91-011-22157369 T.Fax: +91-080-41285022 Mob: 9433029888
email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Mumbai Jaipur Lucknow
E Type, Bldg No. 5/1/3, Sector Flat No. G-2, S-101, Bhagat First Floor, 279/54/20/A,
1,Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400703 Vatika North, Civil Lines, Chuhar Singh Colony, Pan
Ph: +91-022-27826616, Jaipur - 302006 (Raj.) Dariba, Lucknow (U.P.)
65266616 Mobile: 097998-10236 Mobile: 09918670737
email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Hyderabad Cochin/Kochi Chandigarh
Plot No. 24, Flat no. 203, Laxmi C/o Pragalbha 201, 2nd floor KMB Hospitality
Residency, Chandragiri Valsan,Poriyamadathil house, Services, SCO 19, Near Kabir
Housing Society, Trimulgherry ABMS Lane, Asoka Road, Petrol Pump, Ambala-Zirakpur
Secunderabad- 500015. Near Mathrubhumi, Kaloor, Highway Zirakpur,
Ph:040-27740147,9247712763 Kochi - 682 017 Mohali - 140603
email: [email protected] Ph: 0484-2409441 Ph.: 0172-6530329
email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Pune Chennai Orissa
105/106, 1st floor, Ajinkyatara, Flat C, 1st Floor, Old No. 49 Plot No-67 (1st Floor) Aerodrom
Ganesh Mala, Sinhgad Road, New No. 64, Bajanai Koil Area,Vimpur mouza Near
Pune - 411030 Street, Sriram Nagar Extention, Vimpur Primary School
Ph.: +91-020-24254244/55 Pallipattu, Chennai-600113 Bhubaneswar- 751020
Fax: +91-020-24254244 Tel: 044-43514212, 43514213 Mobile: 09238307873
email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

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List of Accessories
1. Mains Cord………………………………………………………………………1 No.

2. 2mm Patch Cord 8” ……. ………………………………………………………10 Nos.

3. Learning Material CD……………………………………………………………1 No.

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