Astable Multivibrator
An Astable Multivibrator is an electronic circuit that continuously switches
between two states without needing an external trigger. It acts as a free-running
oscillator, generating a square wave output because it has no stable state.
The circuit consists of two Common Emitter (CE) Amplifier that have positive
feedback making one transistor turn on (saturation) while the other turn off
(cutoff). After a certain time they switch states automatically. This switching
happens repeatedly, creating square wave output.
Construction:
Two Transistors Q1 and Q2 act as switches, turning ON and OFF
alternately. These transistors are cross-coupled through capacitors.
The resistors R1 and R4 act as collector resistors, while R2 and R3 are
biasing resistors. R1,R4 < R2, R3 .
Two Capacitors C1 and C2 charge and discharge, determining how long
each transistor stays in its state.
Power Supply Vcc provides the required voltage to operate the circuit.
Working:
• When power is applied, both transistors try to conduct but due to small
manufacturing variations in circuit elements, one turns ON slightly faster
than other.
• Suppose Q1 turns ON first, its collector voltage drops (Vo), making the
capacitor C1 charge and send a negative pulse to the base of Q2 and turning
it OFF.
• Since Q2 is OFF, its collector voltage increases (Vcc), charging C2 which
sends a positive pulse to the base of Q1 and keeping it ON.
• After some time, C1 discharges and Q2 starts conducting and turning Q1
OFF.
• This switching process repeats continuously, creating an alternating HIGH
and LOW output, forming a square wave.
Time Period:
The total time period (T) of one full cycle (both ON and OFF states) is given by:
T1 = 0.69 R2C1
T2 = 0.69 R3C2
T = T1 + T2
T = 0.69 (R2C1 + R3C2)
If C1 = C2 = C and R2 = R3 = R, then:
T = 1.4 RC
Frequency:
The frequency of oscillation (f) is the reciprocal of the time period:
f = 1/T = 1/1.4 RC
The time period and frequency of output waveform depend on the resistor and
capacitor values.
Uses:
• It is used to generate square wave signals.
• Helps in pulse position modulation (PPM) and frequency modulation
(FM).
• Used in LED and light-flashing circuits.
• Converts voltage to frequency.
• Used for synchronizing pulses.
• Produces higher-order harmonic frequencies.
• Used in voltmeters and Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS).
• Functions as an oscillator over a wide frequency range.
