EXPERIMENT #3: Monostable and Astable Multivibrators
1. INTRODUCTION
In this experiment we will study the characteristics of two-timing circuits, the monostable and the
astable multivibrators. Monostable Multivibrators have only one stable state (but the other state is
unstable) and produce a single output pulse when it is triggered. The trigger causes the circuit to
enter the unstable state and then return to the stable state after t=T. Astable multivibrator, which
operates as digital oscillator, is not stable in either state —it continually switches from one state to
the other. Multivibrators are frequently used in applications where square waves or timed intervals
are required.
2. PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Monostable multivibrators are frequently used as delay and timing circuits, and digital
circuits. Astable or free running multivibrator is used as a square wave frequency generator,
pulse position modulation, frequency modulation, etc.
3. OBJECTIVE
• To experimentally study discrete monostable and astable multivibrators
4. METHOD
In this experiment, the circuit will be constructed on the breadboard and biased by a DC
power supply. The output will be measured by using oscilloscope.
5. EQUIPMENT
Equipment required to carry out this experiment is the following:
• DC power supply
• Dual-Trace oscilloscope,
• Multifunction generator
• two silicon 2N3904 npn transistors
• two 1k , two 22k resistors and 10k resistors
• Two Resistance Decade Box
• Two diodes
• Two 0.1F capacitors and 0.001F capacitor
6. THEORY
A monostable MV is shown in Fig. 3-1. At steady state (and no trigger), the circuit is in its
stable state. A trigger input pulse is applied to switch it into the unstable state. After the trigger
pulse has disappeared and a certain amount of time (p) has elapsed, the circuit comes back to its
stable state on its own. is approximately given by
T p = 0.693 Rx C (1)
Where Rx is equal to 22k plus the value of the series potentiometer.
A free-running MV, which unstable in both states., is shown in Fig. 3-2. It continuously
flips back and forth between the two states on its own without trigger. The period of oscillation is
equal to
T = t p1 + t p 2 (2)
where
t p1 = 0.693 R1C1 (3)
and
t p 2 = 0.693 R2C 2 (4)
The frequency of oscillation is
1 1
f = = (5)
t p1 + t p 2 0.693(R1C1 + R2C2 )
Duty cycle is given by
ON Periode
D= (6)
Total Periode
7. PROCEDURE
1-Connect the monostable circuit shown in Fig. 3-1 with RL=1K, R1=10k, R2 =10K,
R=22K+ 50k potentiometer. C1 =0.1F, C2=.00lF, VCC= 12V.
2- Set the potentiometer to 0 position, apply a 1KHz square wave of 2VP-P and 20% duty cycle at
Vi. Observe the oscilloscope and record the voltage waveform appearing at the two bases and the
two collectors (output).
3- Increase the potentiometer's resistance slowly.
Observe and record its effect on the output wave form specially the pulse width (Tp). Measure and
record the maximum and minimum values of Tp obtainable from this circuit and compare it with
the theoretical values.
potentiometer 5k 20k 50k
resistance
Tp
4- Connect the free-running MV circuit shown in Fig. 3-2 with RL=1k R1= R2= 22k + 50k
potentiometer. C1=C2 =0.lF, VCC =12 V.
5- Set the two potentiometers to 0 positions. Observe and record the voltage wave forms
appearing at the two bases and two collectors.
Plot VB1, VB2, VC1 and VC2 versus time
6- Measure the peek-to peak amplitude of the output waveforms and the time durations tp1 and
tp2.
7- Vary the resistance of the potentiometers, one at a time and record the effect on the output
wave forms. Measure and record the minimum and maximum output frequency obtainable from
this circuit and compare with theoretical values.
potentiometer 0k 20k 50k
resistance
output
frequency
8- Connect the monostable IC circuit (74121) as shown in Fig. 3-3 with R= 22K+ 50k
potentiometer and C=0.01F. Apply a 1KHZ square wave of 5VP-P and 20% duty cycle at pin5 of
the IC. See Fig. 3-4 for details.
9- Vary the potentiometer resistance and record the effect on the output, waveforms. Measure
and record the maximum and minimum values of pulse width (tp) obtained from this circuit and
compare it with the theoretical values.
potentiometer 0k 20k 50k
resistance
Pulse width
Fig. 3-1 Monostable multivibrator
Fig. 3-2 Astable multivibrator
Fig. 3-3 Monostable Pulse Generator
Fig. 3-4 Truth Table of 74121 Chip
8. REPORT
Use the template provided to prepare your lab report for this experiment. Your report should
include all data, tables, and figures. Also, you should explain all output results. Also, you should
compare your measurements with expected theoretical values.
REFERENCES
D. Neamen, Microelectronics Circuits Analysis and Design, Fourth edition, McGraw-
Hill, 2007.
