Multivibrators Lecture Notes
Multivibrators Lecture Notes
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).
• 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.
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.
• Capacitor (C) = 1 µF
• Resistor (R) = 2.7 kΩ
𝑻 = 𝟏. 𝟏 × 𝑹 × 𝑪
This timing accurately matches the output pulse shown from 2 ms to 5 ms in the diagram.
1.0ms to 2ms
• This is the stable state where the circuit waits for a trigger.
2. At 2ms
4. At 5ms
• The system is now back in the stable state, ready for the next trigger.
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
3. It produces a continuous series of pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle.
Behavior:
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.
Interpretation of Diagram:
Typical Use:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
• Inside the 555, three equal resistors (5 kΩ each) divide Vcc into:
These two voltage levels are used by the comparators to decide when the capacitor voltage has reached a
switching point.
o Pin 6 (Threshold)
o Pin 2 (Trigger)
Important to Understand:
• They monitor the capacitor voltage, which varies between 1/3 Vcc and 2/3 Vcc.
• 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.
• 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:
• This connects Pin 7 to GND and allows the capacitor to discharge quickly through RB.
• The capacitor charges from 1/3 Vcc up to 2/3 Vcc through RA and RB.
• 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.
• Capacitor discharges from 2/3 Vcc to 1/3 Vcc through RB and Qd.
The charging time for the capacitor is given by 𝑻𝒄 /𝑻𝒐𝒏 = 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝑹𝑩 )𝑪
𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝑹𝑩 )𝑪 + 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑𝑹𝑩 𝑪
𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑(𝑹𝑨 + 𝟐𝑹𝑩 )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
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
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
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
• Just like in astable mode, three internal 5 kΩ resistors divide Vcc into:
• These are fixed reference voltages used to compare the capacitor voltage at pins 6 (Threshold) and 2
(Trigger).
• When Pin 2 drops below 1/3 Vcc, Comparator 2 output goes HIGH.
o Q becomes LOW
o Q̅ becomes HIGH
• 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.
• Once capacitor voltage > 2/3 Vcc, Comparator 1 output goes HIGH.
o Q becomes HIGH
o Q̅ becomes LOW
• This:
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.
So:
Component Role
Trigger (Pin 2) Starts the pulse when voltage < 1/3 Vcc
Threshold (Pin 6) Ends the pulse when voltage > 2/3 Vcc
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 ends the pulse? Capacitor voltage rising > 2/3 Vcc
Can I retrigger during a pulse? No, unless the capacitor discharges completely again
2. Trigger LOW (< 1/3 Vcc) → Output goes HIGH, C starts charging
Objective: Simulate a monostable 555 timer that outputs a 1-second pulse when triggered.
Instructions:
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:
Instructions:
o C = 1 µF
o C = 100 µF
• Keep R fixed.
• Measure the new pulse durations and compare them.
Questions:
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.
Questions:
Instructions:
• Measure:
Questions:
Instructions:
• While the output is HIGH, press the trigger again (before the 1.1RC delay finishes).
Questions:
Instructions:
• 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:
Real-Life Analogy
Action Like...
Summary Table
Pin Function Triggered by
Objective: Construct a 555-based bistable flip-flop that turns ON and OFF with two push buttons.
Instructions:
• Drive an LED (or buzzer) from Pin 3 (Output) through a 1kΩ resistor.
Expected Behavior:
Objective: Use a virtual oscilloscope to observe the change in output voltage at Pin 3.
Instructions:
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 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:
Expected Result:
Instructions:
Expected Result:
Scenario: