DIGITAL SYSTEMS

DESIGN II

EENG 326
LECTURER: LEONARD YOMMIE SESAY
Phone: +23276413865
E-mail: [email protected]
 LECTURE 01
UNDERSTANDING MULTIVIBRATORS:
MONOSTABLE, ASTABLE, BISTABLE &
THE 555 TIMER
 MULTIVIBRATORS
An electronic device that produces a non-sinusoidal waveform as its output is known as a Multivibrator. The
generated non-sinusoidal waveforms are basically a square wave, rectangular wave, a triangular wave, sawtooth
wave, or ramp wave etc.

Multivibrators are sequential logic circuits that operate continuously between two distinct states of HIGH and
LOW.

But for these types of circuits to operate in a “sequential” way, they require the addition of some form of clock
pulse or timing signal to cause them to change their state. Clock pulses are generally continuous square or
rectangular shaped waveform which are produced by a single pulse generator circuit such as a Multivibrator.
The following list are terms commonly associated with a timing pulse or waveform.

▪ Active HIGH: if the state change occurs from a “LOW” to a “HIGH” on the clock’s pulse rising edge or
during the clock width.

▪ Active LOW: if the state change occurs from a “HIGH” to a “LOW” on the clock’s pulses falling edge.

▪ Clock Width: this is the time during which the value of the clock signal is equal to a logic “1”, or HIGH.

▪ Clock Period: this is the time between successive transitions in the same direction, ie, between two rising or
two falling edges.

▪ Duty Cycle: this is the ratio of the clock width to the clock period.

▪ Clock Frequency: the clock frequency is the reciprocal of the clock period, frequency = 1/clock period.
(ƒ = 1/T )
Clock pulse generation circuits can be a combination of analogue and digital circuits that produce a continuous
series of pulses (these are called Astable multivibrators) or a pulse of a specific duration (these are called
Monostable multivibrators).

Combining two or more multivibrator circuit provides generation of a desired pattern of pulses (including pulse
width, time between pulses and frequency of pulses).

There are basically three types of clock pulse generation circuits:

• Astable: A free-running multivibrator that has NO stable states but switches continuously between two
states this action produces a train of square wave pulses at a fixed known frequency.

• Monostable: A one-shot multivibrator that has only ONE stable state as once externally triggered it returns
back to its first stable state.

• Bistable: A flip-flop that has TWO stable states producing a single pulse either HIGH or LOW in value.

NB:

To understand what a stable, Quasi-stable(unstable) state mean; think of a rock in a valley versus on a hilltop:

• Stable state: Rock at the bottom of a valley — it stays there unless pushed.

• Quasi-stable state: Rock pushed up the hill — it stays for a moment, but rolls back down (back to stable).

• Unstable state (astable): Rock bouncing up and down between two hills — never settling.
MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

A monostable multivibrator, also called a one-shot multivibrator, is a circuit that responds to an external trigger by
producing a single pulse with a set duration. A pulse from outside causes this sort of multivibrator to flip from its
stable state to an unstable one.

• The circuit returns to its stable condition after a certain amount of time and generates a single output pulse.

• By altering the values of the resistors and capacitors in the circuit, the output pulse's duration can be
changed.

• In digital circuits, the monostable multivibrator is frequently used for pulse shaping, debouncing, and time
delay functions.

• Other circuits can use it as a trigger as well.

The output of a monostable multivibrator has only one stable state.

 Timing Diagram Explanation

The timing diagram above demonstrates the behavior of a monostable multivibrator, where a trigger pulse
generates a single, timed HIGH output before the system resets to its stable state.

Assumed Component Values (Based on Diagram):

To produce a 3 ms pulse (as shown in your diagram), we use:

• Capacitor (C) = 1 µF
 • Resistor (R) = 2.7 kΩ

Pulse Duration Calculation:

Using the standard monostable formula:

𝑻 = 𝟏. 𝟏 × 𝑹 × 𝑪

𝑻 = 𝟏. 𝟏 × 𝟐. 𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 × 𝟏 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 ≅ 𝟑𝒎𝒔

This timing accurately matches the output pulse shown from 2 ms to 5 ms in the diagram.

Timing Diagram Walkthrough:

1.0ms to 2ms

• The output is LOW (0).

• This is the stable state where the circuit waits for a trigger.

2. At 2ms

• A negative trigger pulse occurs (seen in orange).

• The output instantly switches to HIGH (1).

• This marks the beginning of the quasi-stable state.

 3. 2ms to 5ms

• The output remains HIGH for exactly 3ms, as determined by R and C.

• This is the quasi-stable state — a temporary HIGH period.

4. At 5ms

• The output automatically returns to LOW (0).

• The system is now back in the stable state, ready for the next trigger.

Applications Of Monostable multivibrators

1. Used for regenerating weak signals.

2. Used in the pulse generator.

3. Used in memory.
ASTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

An astable multivibrator, also called a free-running multivibrator, is a circuit that continuously produces square
waves or pulses without the use of an external trigger. The term "astable" refers to the absence of a stable state in
this particular type of multivibrator.

• The circuit is built to alternate between two stable states, resulting in a steady oscillation.

• By changing the values of the resistors and capacitors in the circuit, the frequency and duty cycle of the
output waveform can be altered.

• In digital circuits, the astable multivibrator is frequently employed as a clock source. The timing of data
transfers between various components can be synchronized using the frequency of the output waveform.

The output of an astable multivibrator does not have any stable state and it changes its state from high to low and
low to high repeatedly.

Features

1. It is also known as a free-running multivibrator.

2. It has no stable state, hence the name astable.

3. It produces a continuous series of pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle.

4. It is commonly used in oscillator circuits, pulse generators, and clock circuits.

Applications

1. Used in square wave frequency generator.

2. Used as a timing oscillator in the computer system.

3. Used in Clock pulses, LED blinkers,.

Behavior:

• The output continuously toggles between HIGH and LOW.

• There is no stable state — both states are temporary.

• The circuit switches automatically without any trigger.

BISTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

A flip-flop, or bistable multivibrator, is a circuit with two stable states that can alternately exist indefinitely.

• A signal from outside causes it to change from one stable condition to another.

• The circuit will stay in its stable state until another trigger signal enters it.

• A bistable multivibrator typically produces a square wave with two separate voltage levels as its output
waveform.

Digital circuits frequently use bistable multivibrators for memory storage, data transport, and synchronization.
They can also be utilized in shift registers and counters.

The output of a bistable multivibrator has two stable states. We have to apply external inputs in order to change the
existing state of the output.
From the diagram above

• The output remains in a stable state (HIGH or LOW) until changed by an external input.

• SET signal makes the output go HIGH.

• RESET signal makes the output go LOW.

• No automatic switching — it holds its state.

Interpretation of Diagram:

• From 0 ms to 4 ms → Stable LOW

• At 4 ms → SET pulse drops → Output goes HIGH

• From 4 ms to 7 ms → Stable HIGH

• At 7 ms → RESET pulse drops → Output returns LOW

• From 7 ms onward → Stable LOW

Typical Use:

• Latches, memory cells, toggle switches, control systems

 555 TIMER

This is a widely used integrated circuit having considerable versatility. It can be operated as a Monostable or as an
Astable Multivibrator as well as perform many other specific functions.

The principal components of the circuit are:

• 2 voltage comparators,
• A flip flops.
• And a transistor.
How Does a 555 Timer Work?

The 555 timer works by using three 5kΩ resistors to divide the supply voltage in three. Two comparators compare
these voltages to the input voltage, then sets or resets a flip-flop accordingly.

Below is a diagram showing what the 555 timer looks like on the inside:
At the top of the diagram above, you have three 5kΩ transistors between VCC and GND.

These resistors divide the VCC voltage in three.

Below the resistors, there are two triangles. These are comparators. If the comparator input marked with + has a
higher voltage than the one marked with −, the output is high; otherwise, the output is low.

Comparators inside the 555 Timer

The 5k resistors set fixed voltages for each of the comparators: one-third of the VCC voltage goes to the positive
(+) input of comparator 1, and two-thirds of the VCC voltage goes to the negative (–) input of comparator 2.

The green box is an SR Latch. It is a simple memory device with two states: output high and output low.

SR Flip-flop inside the 555 Timer

It has two inputs, set (S) and reset (R). S sets the output (Q) to high and R resets it to low.

𝑄̅ is always the opposite of Q.

Comparator 1 checks if the voltage on the Trigger pin is below 1/3 of VCC. If it is, it sets the flip-flop so that
the Output pin becomes high.

Comparator 2 checks if the voltage on the Threshold pin is above 2/3 of VCC. If it is, it resets the flip-flop so that
the Output pin becomes low.

The flip-flop also controls a transistor that connects the Discharge pin to ground when the output is low.

Transistor inside 555 timer

SUMMARY

The pins responsible for making the Output (pin 3) go high or low are the Trigger (pin 2) and the Threshold (pin
6). The Trigger pin is responsible for setting the output high. When the voltage on the trigger pin goes lower than
one-third of VCC, comparator 1 outputs high and sets the flip-flop high, which in turn sets the Output pin high.

Pin 6 is labeled Threshold; when its voltage exceeds two-thirds of the VCC, it is responsible for resetting the
Output back to low.

Recall that A comparator is a circuit that compares two input voltages or currents and produces a digital output
indicating which input is larger. The output is typically a binary signal, either high (logic 1) or low (logic 0),
depending on the comparison result.
 555 TIMER AS AN ASTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

Understanding 555 Timer as an Astable Multivibrator

In astable mode, the 555 timer repeats a HIGH and LOW output continuously — like a square wave signal. No
external trigger is needed once powered on.

It is called "astable" because it has no stable state — the output is always toggling between HIGH and LOW.
 How It Works – Step-by-Step Breakdown

Section 1: Voltage Divider & Comparator Reference Levels

• Inside the 555, three equal resistors (5 kΩ each) divide Vcc into:

o 2/3 Vcc (upper threshold)

o 1/3 Vcc (lower threshold)

These two voltage levels are used by the comparators to decide when the capacitor voltage has reached a
switching point.

Section 2: The Timing Capacitor (C) and Resistors 𝑹𝑨 , 𝑹𝑩

• The capacitor charges through both 𝑹𝑨 and 𝑹𝑩

• It discharges only through 𝑹𝑩 and the internal transistor Qd.

• The voltage across this capacitor is connected to:

o Pin 6 (Threshold)
 o Pin 2 (Trigger)

Important to Understand:

• Pins 2 and 6 do not receive Vcc directly.

• They monitor the capacitor voltage, which varies between 1/3 Vcc and 2/3 Vcc.

Section 3: Comparators and Flip-Flop Logic

There are two comparators:

• Comparator 1 compares the capacitor voltage (at Pin 6) with 2/3 Vcc.

• Comparator 2 compares the capacitor voltage (at Pin 2) with 1/3 Vcc.

These comparators control the S-R flip-flop:

• If the capacitor voltage rises above 2/3 Vcc, Comparator 1 resets the flip-flop.

• If the capacitor voltage drops below 1/3 Vcc, Comparator 2 sets the flip-flop.
This flip-flop controls:

• Pin 3 (Output) – the final square wave signal.

• Q̅ (Q bar) output – which drives the discharge transistor Qd.

Section 4: The Discharge Transistor (Qd)

• When Q̅ is HIGH, transistor Qd turns ON → it gets saturated (fully conducts).

• This connects Pin 7 to GND and allows the capacitor to discharge quickly through RB.

• When Q̅ is LOW, transistor Qd turns OFF → capacitor starts charging again.

Cycle of Operation (Charging and Discharging)

Let’s go through the full repeating cycle:

1. Capacitor Charging (Output HIGH):

• The capacitor charges from 1/3 Vcc up to 2/3 Vcc through RA and RB.

• During this time, the output (Pin 3) is HIGH.

• Trigger < 1/3 Vcc has no effect now since we’re in the HIGH phase.
 2. Threshold Reached – Comparator 1 Triggers:

• When capacitor voltage > 2/3 Vcc, Comparator 1 resets the flip-flop.

• Output (Pin 3) goes LOW.

• Transistor Qd turns ON, and capacitor starts discharging through RB only.

3. Capacitor Discharging (Output LOW):

• Capacitor discharges from 2/3 Vcc to 1/3 Vcc through RB and Qd.

• Output stays LOW during this time.

4. Trigger Reached – Comparator 2 Triggers:

• When capacitor voltage < 1/3 Vcc, Comparator 2 sets the flip-flop.

• Output goes HIGH again.

• Transistor Qd turns OFF → capacitor starts charging again.

• The cycle repeats endlessly.

The waveforms of Astable Multivibrator using 555 Timer IC are shown in the Fig below

Duty Cycle of Astable Multivibrator:

Generally, the charging time constant is greater than the discharging time constant. Hence at the output, the
waveform is not symmetric. The high output remains for longer period than low output. The ratio of high output
period and low output period is given by a mathematical parameter called duty cycle. It is defined as the ratio of
ON time i.e. high output to the total time of one cycle. As shown in the figure above

𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑛(𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ) = 𝑇𝑂𝑁

 𝑇 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒
𝑾 𝑾
𝑫 = 𝑫𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒄𝒚𝒍𝒆 = %𝑫= × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑻 𝑻

The charging time for the capacitor is given by 𝑻𝒄 /𝑻𝒐𝒏 = 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝑹𝑩 )𝑪

While the discharge time is given as 𝑻𝒅 /𝑻𝒐𝒇𝒇 = 𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑𝑹𝑩 𝑪

Hence the time for one cycle is 𝑻 = 𝑻𝒐𝒏 + 𝑻𝒐𝒇𝒇

𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝑹𝑩 )𝑪 + 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑𝑹𝑩 𝑪

𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝟐𝑹𝑩 )𝑪

While 𝑤 = 𝑻𝒐𝒏 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝑹𝑩 )𝑪

𝑾 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝑹𝑩 )𝑪
∴ %𝑫= × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑻 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝟐𝑹𝑩 )𝑪
(𝑹𝑨 + 𝑹𝑩 )𝑪
𝑯𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, % 𝑫 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
(𝑹𝑨 + 𝟐𝑹𝑩 )𝑪
𝟏
While the frequency of oscillation is given by 𝑭 =
𝑻

𝟏
𝑭=
𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝟐𝑹𝑩 )𝑪
 𝟏. 𝟒𝟒
∴ 𝑭=
(𝑹𝑨 + 𝟐𝑹𝑩 )𝑪
NOTE:
If R1 is much smaller than RB, duty cycle approaches to 50% and output waveform approaches to square wave.
Duty cycle must always be greater than 0.5 because the capacitor takes longer to charge and discharge.

Important Clarifications

Concept Clarification

Are Pins 2 & 6 powered? No — they only sense capacitor voltage.

What charges the capacitor? Vcc through RA + RB

What discharges the capacitor? Through RB and the internal Qd

What switches the output? Comparators + Flip-Flop logic

Why does the transistor Because it receives a HIGH signal from Q̅ → acts as a short → capacitor
“saturate”? discharges fast
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF 555 TIMER ASTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

The Fig. above shows only the external components RA, RB and C. The pin 4 is tied to pin 8 and pin 5 is
grounded through a small capacitor.
Pin 2 Trigger
When this pin goes low (less than one-third of VCC), the output goes high.
Pin 3 Output
The output voltage from the chip is around 1.5 V lower than VCC when high and around 0 V when low. A 555
timer can give out only 100 to 200 mA in total.
Pin 5 Control Voltage
This pin is used to control the threshold voltage of the Threshold pin. This can be useful when you want to adjust
the frequency of the circuit without changing the values of R1, R2, and C1. Sometimes you’ll see this pin
connected with a capacitor (0.01µF/10nF) to ground; this is a way to keep any noise on it from influencing the
frequency. Sometimes you’ll see it disconnected.
Pin 6 Threshold
This pin sets the output back to low when the voltage goes high (above two-thirds of VCC).
 Multisim Simulation Tasks – 555 Timer Astable Circuits

1. Astable Multivibrator Simulation & Analysis

a. Using Multisim, design and simulate an Astable 555 Timer Circuit that generates a 20 kHz waveform with a
75% duty cycle. Select suitable resistor and capacitor values to achieve this and justify your component choice.

b. Run the simulation and capture the waveform output using the virtual oscilloscope. Clearly label the time
axis and indicate Ton, Toff, and T.

c. In Multisim, interchange the resistor values (R1 and R2) and observe the new waveform. Record the new
frequency and duty cycle.

2. Design with Frequency Constraint

Task: In Multisim, design an astable multivibrator using a 0.1 µF capacitor that produces a 1.5 kHz frequency
and has a duty cycle of 3:4.

• Choose suitable R1 and R2 values.

• Simulate the circuit.

• Use waveform tools to confirm frequency and duty cycle match the requirement.
3. Given Circuit Simulation and Parameter Measurement
Given the circuit below with the following components
R1 = 50kΩ, R2 = 10kΩ, C = 0.001µF, Vcc = 6V

a. Build the circuit in Multisim and measure the on-time (Ton) using the oscilloscope.

b. Measure the off-time (Toff) of the output signal.

c. Use the measured Ton and Toff to calculate and verify the frequency and period of the multivibrator.

d. In your report, derive an analytical expression for the duty cycle in terms of R1 and R2 (do not substitute
values). Explain how your Multisim result supports this formula.
e. Using Multisim:

• i. Set R1 >> R2. Measure and record the duty cycle from the waveform.

• ii. Set R1 = R2. Observe how the duty cycle changes.

• iii. Set R1 << R2. Measure the new duty cycle.

Compare all three cases and analyze the effects of R1 and R2 ratio.

f. Use a voltage probe across the capacitor. Record the minimum and maximum voltages during the simulation.

g. Propose two modifications to the resistor and capacitor values that would double the frequency. Modify your
circuit accordingly in Multisim and prove the frequency has doubled using oscilloscope or frequency counter.

h. Increase Vcc from 6V to 9V and simulate again. Does the charge time change? Explain based on your observed
capacitor waveform.

i. Analyze how the output frequency behaves when Vcc is increased. Support your conclusion with waveform
data.
555 TIMER AS A MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
Working Explained Step-by-Step Using the Diagram

Section 1: Voltage Divider & Comparator Setup

• Just like in astable mode, three internal 5 kΩ resistors divide Vcc into:

o 2/3 Vcc → used by Comparator 1

o 1/3 Vcc → used by Comparator 2

• These are fixed reference voltages used to compare the capacitor voltage at pins 6 (Threshold) and 2
(Trigger).

Section 2: Initial State (Before Trigger)

• Flip-Flop is SET (Q = HIGH), which:

o Turns ON the internal transistor Qd

o This connects Pin 7 to GND, so the capacitor C is fully discharged

o Voltage across the capacitor = ~0V

• Because Q is HIGH, Q̅ is LOW, so:

 o Pin 3 (Vout) is LOW.

The 555 is now waiting for a trigger.

Section 3: Applying the Trigger Pulse

• A falling edge (LOW pulse) is applied to Pin 2.

• When Pin 2 drops below 1/3 Vcc, Comparator 2 output goes HIGH.

• This resets the flip-flop:

o Q becomes LOW

o Q̅ becomes HIGH

• This turns OFF transistor Qd, so:

o Capacitor C begins to charge through resistor R.

Also at this moment:

• Pin 3 (Vout) goes HIGH — this is the start of the output pulse.
Section 4: Capacitor Charging Phase

• With the discharge path cut off, C charges from Vcc through R.

• The voltage across the capacitor gradually rises.

Pin 6 (Threshold) is connected to the capacitor, so it "watches" this voltage rise.

Section 5: Threshold Detection (End of Pulse)

• Once capacitor voltage > 2/3 Vcc, Comparator 1 output goes HIGH.

• This sets the flip-flop again:

o Q becomes HIGH

o Q̅ becomes LOW

• This:

o Turns ON transistor Qd → capacitor discharges quickly.

o Pin 3 (Vout) returns to LOW.

The circuit returns to its original state, waiting for the next trigger.
 Pulse Width Formula

The output pulse stays HIGH during the capacitor charging time.

𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝑾𝒊𝒅𝒕𝒉 (𝑾) = 𝟏. 𝟏 × 𝑹 × 𝑪

So:

• Increasing R or C will increase the pulse duration.

• The timing capacitor C charges only once per trigger event.

Summary of Key Points

Component Role

Trigger (Pin 2) Starts the pulse when voltage < 1/3 Vcc

Threshold (Pin 6) Ends the pulse when voltage > 2/3 Vcc

Qd (internal transistor) Discharges the capacitor when ON

Capacitor C Charges and controls how long the output stays HIGH

Output (Pin 3) Goes HIGH during the pulse, then LOW again
Clarifications

Question Answer

Does Pin 2 or Pin 6 receive Vcc No — they monitor capacitor voltage, which is powered via Vcc →
directly? R→C

What causes output to go HIGH? Trigger < 1/3 Vcc

What ends the pulse? Capacitor voltage rising > 2/3 Vcc

What discharges the capacitor? The internal saturated transistor Qd

Can I retrigger during a pulse? No, unless the capacitor discharges completely again

Final Visual Flow

1. Idle state → Output LOW, C = 0V

2. Trigger LOW (< 1/3 Vcc) → Output goes HIGH, C starts charging

3. C reaches 2/3 Vcc → Output goes LOW, C discharges

4. Ready for next trigger

SIMULATED OUTPUT OF A 555 MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF A 555 TIMER MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
 Multisim Simulation Tasks – 555 Timer Astable Circuits

Task 1: Building a Basic Monostable Circuit

Objective: Simulate a monostable 555 timer that outputs a 1-second pulse when triggered.

Instructions:

• Use R = 91kΩ and C = 10µF.

• Build the monostable circuit in Multisim.

• Add a push-button switch to trigger the circuit (connect it to Pin 2).

• Use a virtual oscilloscope to observe the output pulse at Pin 3.

Expected Output:

• The LED turns ON when the button is pressed and stays ON for ~1 second before turning OFF.
 Task 2: Measure the Pulse Duration

Objective: Confirm that the output HIGH duration matches the theoretical value.

Instructions:

• After simulating the circuit, use the oscilloscope’s cursor tool to:

o Measure Ton (output HIGH time).

o Compare with the theoretical pulse width: 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝑾𝒊𝒅𝒕𝒉 (𝑾) = 𝟏. 𝟏 × 𝑹 × 𝑪

o Record any difference between simulation and theory.

Task 3: Varying the Capacitance

Objective: Observe how capacitor value affects the pulse width.

Instructions:

• Repeat Task 1 with different capacitor values:

o C = 1 µF

o C = 100 µF

• Keep R fixed.
 • Measure the new pulse durations and compare them.

Questions:

• What trend do you observe as the capacitor increases?

• How would this be useful in a real-world application (e.g., delay timer)?

Task 4: Observe Capacitor Charging Behavior

Objective: Monitor how the capacitor voltage changes during the output pulse.

Instructions:

• Connect Channel B of the oscilloscope to the junction of Pin 6 (Threshold) and the capacitor.

• Simulate a trigger.

• Observe the exponential rise of voltage from 0V to 2/3 Vcc.

Questions:

• At what voltage does the output fall LOW?

• Does the capacitor fully charge to Vcc?

 Task 5: Vary the Supply Voltage

Objective: Examine how Vcc affects capacitor behavior and output.

Instructions:

• Simulate the circuit with Vcc = 6V, 9V, and 12V.

• Measure:

o Maximum capacitor voltage

o Threshold point for reset (2/3 Vcc)

• Compare output behavior across different Vcc values.

Questions:

• Does increasing Vcc change the pulse duration?

• Why or why not?

 Task 6: Create a Retriggering Scenario

Objective: Attempt to retrigger the timer before the pulse ends.

Instructions:

• While the output is HIGH, press the trigger again (before the 1.1RC delay finishes).

• Observe whether the timer restarts or ignores the second pulse.

Questions:

• Can a second trigger interrupt an ongoing pulse?

• What real-life timing problems could this prevent?

Task 7: Use an LED Indicator

Objective: Build a visually responsive monostable circuit.

Instructions:

• Connect an LED and current-limiting resistor to the output (Pin 3).

• Use the trigger button to light the LED for the duration of the pulse.

• Try different R and C values to make it flash for 0.5s, 1s, and 3s.
 Bonus Challenge Task

Design Task:

• Design a doorbell circuit using a 555 timer in monostable mode.

• The button acts as the bell trigger.

• The sound (or LED) remains ON for ~2 seconds per press.

 555 TIMER AS A BISTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

• A bistable multivibrator has two stable states:

o Output HIGH
o Output LOW
• It stays in one state until externally triggered to switch to the other.
• Think of it like a latch or flip-flop.
 Circuit Breakdown
Label Description

S1 (ON) Pushbutton to trigger the 555 (Pin 2) – sets output HIGH

S2 (OFF) Pushbutton to reset the 555 (Pin 4) – forces output LOW

R1 Pull-down resistor for S1 to ensure clean LOW trigger

R2 Pull-up resistor for S2 to ensure clean HIGH reset

R3 Limits current to LED

LED1 Visual indicator of output (ON = HIGH)

How It Works – Step by Step

1. At Power-On (Initial State)

• Pin 4 (Reset) is HIGH (via R2) → 555 is active.
• Pin 2 (Trigger) is HIGH (via internal pull-up) → output is LOW.
• Output (Pin 3) is LOW → LED is OFF.
2. Pressing ON Button (S1)
• Pin 2 (Trigger) is pulled LOW.
• This triggers the 555 timer:
o Comparator 2 output goes HIGH
o Flip-flop is RESET
o Output (Pin 3) goes HIGH
• LED turns ON.
• Output remains HIGH even after releasing the button.

The circuit is now in the HIGH state.

3. Pressing OFF Button (S2)

• Pin 4 (RESET) is pulled LOW.
• This disables the 555 timer:
o Output (Pin 3) goes LOW immediately
o LED turns OFF
• Once released, Pin 4 is pulled back HIGH by R2, so the 555 is ready again.

The circuit is now in the LOW state.

 It’s Called Bistable Because:
• It has two stable states:
o Press ON → stays ON
o Press OFF → stays OFF
• The state is held indefinitely until manually changed.

Real-Life Analogy
Action Like...

Pressing S1 Switching ON a light and it stays on

Pressing S2 Switching OFF the light manually

Summary Table
Pin Function Triggered by

Pin 2 Trigger (active LOW) – sets output HIGH S1

Pin 4 Reset (active LOW) – forces output LOW S2
Pin 3 Output – drives LED --
 Multisim and Tinkercard Simulation Tasks – 555 Timer in Bistable Mode

Task 1: Build a Basic Bistable 555 Circuit

Objective: Construct a 555-based bistable flip-flop that turns ON and OFF with two push buttons.

Instructions:

• Connect S1 (ON button) to Pin 2 (Trigger) through a 10kΩ pull-down resistor.

• Connect S2 (OFF button) to Pin 4 (Reset) through a 10kΩ pull-up resistor.

• Drive an LED (or buzzer) from Pin 3 (Output) through a 1kΩ resistor.

Expected Behavior:

• Pressing S1 turns the LED ON.

• Pressing S2 turns the LED OFF.

 Task 2: Observe Output Transitions

Objective: Use a virtual oscilloscope to observe the change in output voltage at Pin 3.

Instructions:

• Connect an oscilloscope probe to Pin 3.

• Press S1 → Observe the jump to 9V (Vcc).

• Press S2 → Observe the drop back to 0V.

Expected Results:

• A square pulse with no time decay (remains HIGH or LOW until next event).
 Task 3: Add a Buzzer Instead of LED

Objective: Replace the LED with a buzzer and simulate a toggle-based sound indicator.

Instructions:

• Connect a buzzer (200 Hz simulated) between Pin 3 and GND, with a 1kΩ resistor.

• Test that:

o S1 activates the buzzer

o S2 turns it OFF

Optional: Add a 470µF capacitor across the buzzer to simulate delay fade.
 Task 4: Latching Relay Circuit

Objective: Simulate using the bistable circuit to control a relay that toggles a lamp.

Instructions:

• Connect a virtual relay to Pin 3.

• Lamp is connected to relay output.

• Use S1 to turn ON the lamp, S2 to turn it OFF.

Expected Result:

• Relay coil activates when output is HIGH, turning lamp ON.

• Deactivates when output is LOW.

 Task 5: Add Noise Filtering

Objective: Demonstrate the importance of filtering bounces on push buttons.

Instructions:

• Add a 100nF capacitor across each button to debounce.

• Use oscilloscope on Pin 2 and 4 to observe stable voltage levels.

Expected Result:

• No multiple triggers when a button is pressed once.

• Output only changes once per press.

Task 6: Button-Controlled Lock System

Objective: Simulate a basic ON/OFF lock indicator using bistable logic.

Scenario:

• Press S1 to “lock” (turn ON LED).

• Press S2 to “unlock” (turn OFF LED).

 END OF LECTURE 01
PRESENTATION AND DEMO OF
TERM PROJECTS
DURING THE NEXT CLASS!!