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Operational Amplifier as astable multivibrator

Aim :- To construct an astable multivibrator using operational amplifier 741 for getting square
wave and to determine the frequency of oscillation and comparing it with that of theoretical
value.

Apparatus :- Operational amplifier ( IC 741 ), C.R.O., two power supplies to the operational
amplifier, two non inductive fixed resistors (R1 and R2 ), one non-inductive variable resistor(R),
capacitor and connecting terminals.

Formula :- Time period of the square wave

 

 2 x 2.303 RC log   Sec


Where R, R1 and R2 = Resistances (Ω)

C = Capacitance (μF)


∴ Frequency of the square wave f = Hz


Fig - 1
P.S. Brahma Chary
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Description :- An astable multi vibrator or free running multi vibrator generates square waves of
its own i.e. without any external excitation. It has no stable state but has only two quasi stable
(half stable) states between which it keeps on oscillating on its own accord.

Fig-1 is the circuit of the astable multi vibrator. A capacitor C is connected to the
inverting terminal (2) of the operational amplifier from the ground. Similarly a resistance R1 is
connected to the non-inverting terminal (3) of the operational amplifier from the ground. The
output terminal (6) of the amplifier is fed back to inverting and non-inverting terminals of
operational amplifier through resistors R and R2 respectively. Here R2 is fixed resistor and R is
variable resistor. To observe the out put wave form, the out put terminal (6) is connected to CRO
Y- Plates phase terminal and the other terminal of CRO is grounded. The terminals (7) and (4) of
the op. amp. are connected to +12 V and -12 V of the D.C. power supplies separately. The out
put terminal (6) is also grounded through a series combination of two zener diodes connected in
reverse order as shown in the fig-1.

Theory :- First the inverting terminal (2) is at zero potential (V2 = 0, the inverting terminal 2 is
virtually grounded) and the input at the non-inverting terminal (3) has some potential V1 i.e the
voltage across R1. This occurs due to the power supply of the operational amplifier. The potential
difference between the two input terminals (inverting and non-inverting terminals) is

Vi = V1 - V2
= V1 - 0
= V1 Here V1 is +ve. ( ∵ V2 = 0)

This ‘+ ve’ voltage drives the output of operational amplifier into ‘+ ve’ saturation
voltage (+Vsat). This large saturation voltage is due to the high gain of the operational amplifier
i.e. the comparator character of the amplifier. When the + Vsat is fed back to the inverting
terminal (2) through the resistor R, the capacitor C gets charged and the potential of the right side
plate of the capacitor gradually rises (or) the V2 value rises (Even though the inverting terminal 2
is virtually grounded but it is not mechanically grounded). When V2 becomes slightly more than
V1, the in put ( Vi = V1 – V2 ) becomes ‘–ve' and immediately this ‘–ve’ voltage drives the out
put of the operational amplifier in to ‘–ve’ saturation voltage (- Vsat).

P.S. Brahma Chary

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Now the capacitor discharges gradually. When V2 becomes less than V1 and (V1 – V2)
becomes ‘+ve’ and the out put drives to +Vsat. The same process is repeated and the out put of
the operational amplifier swings between two saturation voltages i.e. between + Vsat and - Vsat.
The out put eo of the operational amplifier is square wave. So, operational amplifier can function
as a square wave generator. The wave shape is as shown in Fig-2.

The duration of saturation is

1!β
  RC log    Sec
2 1# β

$%
Where β=
$%!$&
 = Feed back factor

  
Then t= = RC log    Sec
 

(OR)

2R ! R 

 2 x 2.303 RC log    Sec
R

( Note : If R1 = R2 then T = 2.1976 RC )


From this the frequency of oscillation f= Hz can be calculated.


Fig -2

P.S. Brahma Chary

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Procedure :- Connect the circuit as shown in the Fig-1. Take the R1 = R2 = 1KΩ, C = 0.1µFand
R = 10KΩ (variable resistance) or any convenient values. Apply the DC power supplies to the
terminals (7) and (4) of the operational amplifier. Keep the R2 value at a convenient value. Set
the voltage sensitivity band switch of the Y- plate and time base band switch of C.R.O. to the
convenient positions such that at least two or more complete square wave forms are observed on
the screen of CRO. Now measure the horizontal length (l) of one complete wave form as shown
in the Fig-2. Also note the time base value (m) in the table. From this calculate the time period
and frequency of the square wave as per the table. This is the experimental frequency. Similarly
the theoretical frequency can also be calculated by substituting the values of R, R1, R2 and C in
the above given equation.

Now the experiment is repeated for different values of R by increasing its value in equal
steps ( Multiples of 100 Ω ).

Precautions :- 1. Check the continuity of the connecting terminals before connecting them.
2. Keep the band switches of the C.R.O. such that steady wave forms are observed on the screen.
3. Observe the out put square wave on the screen of CRO and measure the horizontal length
accurately.
Results :- It is found that the observed frequency and calculated frequency are equal.

P.S. Brahma Chary

 R1 = Ω R2 = Ω C= µF

Theoretical frequency
Frequency of the Square wave (Experimental)

Resistance
S. No. Horizontal Time base Time Frequency Time period Frequency
R (Ω)
   
length (Sec/Div) period f =  (Hz) T = 2 x 2.303 RC log   f =  (Hz)
(Divisions) (m) T=mxl 
(l) (Sec) (Sec)
Table

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P.S. Brahma Chary