Astable Multivibrator
In the case of an Astable Multivibrator, it is a free-running oscillator that
oscillates between two states, continually producing two square wave output
waveforms. This device is a two-stage amplifier with positive feedback from
one amplifier to the other. As a result of this feedback, the transistor on one
end of the circuit is driven to saturation (On state), and the transistor on the
other ends up in cut-off(OFF state). After a certain amount of time, the circuit
conditions reverse, with the saturated transistor turning off and the cut-off
transistor turning on.
Astable Multivibrator Diagram
Design and Working of Astable Multivibrator
There are two symmetrical CE amplifier stages, each providing feedback to
the other. Because each stage has a 180º phase shift, the feedback ratio
between the two is positive and unity. In case, R2C1=R3C2 is the collector
load, and R2=R3 is the biasing resistor.
The output of the transistor further increases the input of transistor Q2 and the
output of transistor Q2 into transistor Q1. Q1 and Q1 supply the square wave
output by driving the transistors to saturation or cut-off.
Circuit Diagram of Astable Multivibrator
There are two switching transistors, a cross-coupled feedback network, and
two time-delay capacitors in the stable circuit so that the state can change
without external triggering.
With this circuit, one stage conducts "fully-ON" (saturation). At the same time,
the other is switched "fully-OFF"(cut-off), which creates an extremely high
level of mutual amplification between the two transistors. The conductivity is
transferred from one stage to another through the discharging action of a
capacitor through a resistor.
Operation in Astable Multivibrator
In applying Vcc to Q1 and Q2, collector current starts flowing in both transistors
simultaneously. Additionally, the coupling capacitors C1 and C2 also start
charging up. As Q1's collector current rises, its positive output is applied to
C1's base, creating a reverse bias on Q2, thereby decreasing its collector
current. In the presence of C2, the collector of Q2 connects to the base of Q1,
resulting in Q1 becoming more forward-biased, further increasing the collector
current in Q2. In this way, the circuit continues to drive Q1 until saturation
occurs, and Q2 is cut-off. Consequently, Vcc appears across R2C1 and
R3C2appears to be at no voltage. In Q1 and Q2, the charges developed across
C1 and C2 suffice to maintain saturation and cut-off conditions.
These conditions are represented by the time interval 'bc' in the below figure.
Despite this, tAs a result, the capacitor will not retain the charges forever;
instead, they will discharge through respective circuit paths. Where C2 and
R3 determine the duration determines the time when the forward bias at Q2 is
re-established after C1 discharges, causing the collector current to start at Q2.
As a result, Q2 will be driven to saturation quickly due to the increasing
positive potential at the collector of Q2. This is done through capacitor C2.
Therefore, the base of Q1 will become more positive than Q2. As a result,
Q2 will remain in saturation for a period of time, and Q1 will remain at the
cut-off. C2 R3 and determine the duration.
Waveform of Astable Multivibrator
A pair of cross-coupled grounded emitter transistors produces the square
wave output of an astable multivibrator. As a common emitter amplifier in the
multivibrator, both transistors, NPN and PNP, have a bias for the linear
operation and are 100% positive feedback transistors.
Frequency and Time Calculations of Astable
Multivibrator
At each collector, the circuit keeps changing states in this way, producing a
square wave. Since the relevant capacitor takes approximately 0.69CR to
charge enough for a state to occur, the frequency of oscillation can be
calculated as follows:
T=0.69(R2C1+R3C2)
When C1=C2=C and R1=R2=C, the mark-to-space ratio will be 1:1, and the
frequency of oscillation will be:
f0 = 1/(1.4 RC)
Duty Cycle
It is the ratio of time Tc during which the output is high to the total time period
T of the cycle.
Based on this output rate, Duty Cycle = TON/(TOFF+TON) when the transistor
has a collector output.
Applications of Astable Multivibrator
Astable multivibrators can be used for many applications, such as pulse
position modulation, frequency modulation, etc. because they are simple,
reliable, and easy to build.
• We use the astable multivibrator to generate waves.
• It is used to convert voltage to frequency.
• Synchronization of pulses is achieved using it.
• Due to its square wave production, it produces harmonic frequencies of
higher order.
• This multivibrator is used in the construction of voltmeters and SMPS.
• In addition to operating at a wide range of frequencies, an astable
multivibrator can also function as an oscillator.
