Multivibrators

A multivibrator circuit is nothing but a switching circuit. It generates non-sinusoidal waves

such as Square waves, Rectangular waves and Saw tooth waves etc. Multivibrators are used as
frequency generators, frequency dividers and generators of time delays and also as memory
elements in computers etc.
A Transistor basically functions as an amplifier in its linear region. If a transistor amplifier
output stage is joined with the previous amplifier stage, such a connection is said to be coupled.
If a resistor is used in coupling two stages of such an amplifier circuit, it is called as Resistance
coupled amplifier. For more details, refer to the AMPLIFIERS tutorial.
Types of Multivibrators
There are two possible states of a Multivibrator. In first stage, the transistor Q 1 turns ON while
the transistor Q2 turns OFF. In second stage, the transistor Q1 turns OFF while the transistor
Q2 turns ON. These two states are interchanged for certain time periods depending upon the
circuit conditions.
Depending upon the manner in which these two states are interchanged, the Multivibrators are
classified into three types. They are
Astable Multivibrator
An Astable Multivibrator is such a circuit that it automatically switches between the two states
continuously without the application of any external pulse for its operation. As this produces a
continuous square wave output, it is called as a Free-running Multivibrator. The dc power
source is a common requirement.
The time period of these states depends upon the time constants of the components used. As
the Multivibrator keeps on switching, these states are known as quasi-stable or halfstable states.
Hence there are two quasi-stable states for an Astable Multivibrator.
Monostable Multivibrator
A Monostable Multivibrator has a stable state and a quasi-stable state. This has a trigger
input to one transistor. So, one transistor changes its state automatically, while the other one
needs a trigger input to change its state.
As this Multivibrator produces a single output for each trigger pulse, this is known as One-
shot Multivibrator. This Multivibrator cannot stay in quasi-stable state for a longer period
while it stays in stable state until the trigger pulse is received.
Bistable Multivibrator
A Bistable Multivibrator has both the two states stable. It requires two trigger pulses to be
applied to change the states. Until the trigger input is given, this Multivibrator cannot change
its state. Its also known as flip-flop multivibrator.
As the trigger pulse sets or resets the output, and as some data, i.e., either high or low is stored
until it is disturbed, this Multivibrator can be called as a Flip-flop.
Astable Multivibrator
An astable multivibrator has no stable states. Once the Multivibrator is ON, it just changes its
states on its own after a certain time period which is determined by the R C time constants. A dc
power supply or Vcc is given to the circuit for its operation.
Construction of Astable Multivibrator
Two transistors named Q1 and Q2 are connected in feedback to one another. The collector of
transistor Q1 is connected to the base of transistor Q2 through the capacitor C1 and vice versa.
The emitters of both the transistors are connected to the ground. The collector load resistors
R1 and R4 and the biasing resistors R2 and R3 are of equal values. The capacitors C1 and C2 are
of equal values. The following figure shows the circuit diagram for Astable Multivibrator.

Operation of Astable Multivibrator

When Vcc is applied, the collector current of the transistors increase. As the collector current
depends upon the base current,
Ic=βIBIc=βIB
As no transistor characteristics are alike, one of the two transistors say Q 1 has its collector
current increase and thus conducts. The collector of Q1 is applied to the base of Q2 through C1.
This connection lets the increased negative voltage at the collector of Q 1 to get applied at the
base of Q2 and its collector current decreases. This continuous action makes the collector
current of Q2 to decrease further. This current when applied to the base of Q1 makes it more
negative and with the cumulative actions Q1 gets into saturation and Q2 to cut off. Thus the
output voltage of Q1 will be VCE (sat) and Q2 will be equal to VCC.
The capacitor C1 charges through R1 and when the voltage across C1 reaches 0.7v, this is enough to
turn the transistor Q2 to satura on. As this voltage is applied to the base of Q2, it gets into satura on,
decreasing its collector current. This reduc on of voltage at point B is applied to the base of
transistor Q1 through C2 which makes the Q1 reverse bias. A series of these ac ons turn the transistor
Q1 to cut off and transistor Q2 to satura on. Now point A has the poten al VCC. The capacitor
C2 charges through R2. The voltage across this capacitor C2 when gets to 0.7v, turns on the transistor
Q1 to satura on.

Hence the output voltage and the output waveform are formed by the alternate switching of the
transistors Q1 and Q2. The me period of these ON/OFF states depends upon the values of biasing
resistors and capacitors used, i.e., on the RC values used. As both the transistors are operated
alternately, the output is a square waveform, with the peak amplitude of VCC.

Waveforms

The output waveforms at the collectors of Q1 and Q2 are shown in the following figures.

The output waveforms at the collectors of Q1 and Q2 are shown in the following figures.

Frequency of Oscilla ons

The ON me of transistor Q1 or the OFF me of transistor Q2 is given by

t1 = 0.69R1C1

Similarly, the OFF me of transistor Q1 or ON me of transistor Q2 is given by

t2 = 0.69R2C2

Hence, total me period of square wave

t = t1 + t2 = 0.69(R1C1 + R2C2)
As R1 = R2 = R and C1 = C2 = C, the frequency of square wave will be
f=1t=11.38RC=0.7RCf=1t=11.38RC=0.7RC
Advantages
The advantages of using an astable multivibrator are as follows −
 No external triggering required.
 Circuit design is simple
 Inexpensive
 Can function continuously
Disadvantages
The drawbacks of using an astable multivibrator are as follows −
 Energy absorption is more within the circuit.
 Output signal is of low energy.
 Duty cycle less than or equal to 50% cant be achieved.
Bistable Multivibrator
A Bistable Multivibrator has two stable states. The circuit stays in any one of the two stable
states. It continues in that state, unless an external trigger pulse is given. This Multivibrator is
also known as Flip-flop. This circuit is simply called as Binary.
There are few types in Bistable Multivibrators. They are as shown in the following figure.
Construc on of Bistable Mul vibrator
Two similar transistors Q1 and Q2 with load resistors RL1 and RL2 are connected in feedback to
one another. The base resistors R3 and R4 are joined to a common source VBB. The feedback
resistors R1 and R2 are shunted by capacitors C1 and C2 known as Commutating Capacitors.
The transistor Q1 is given a trigger input at the base through the capacitor C 3 and the transistor
Q2 is given a trigger input at its base through the capacitor C 4.
The capacitors C1 and C2 are also known as Speed-up Capacitors, as they reduce
the transition time, which means the time taken for the transfer of conduction from one
transistor to the other.
The following figure shows the circuit diagram of a self-biased Bistable Multivibrator.

Operation of Bistable Multivibrator

When the circuit is switched ON, due to some circuit imbalances as in Astable, one of the
transistors, say Q1 gets switched ON, while the transistor Q2 gets switched OFF. This is a stable
state of the Bistable Multivibrator.
By applying a negative trigger at the base of transistor Q1 or by applying a positive trigger
pulse at the base of transistor Q2, this stable state is unaltered. So, let us understand this by
considering a negative pulse at the base of transistor Q1. As a result, the collector voltage
increases, which forward biases the transistor Q2. The collector current of Q2 as applied at the
base of Q1, reverse biases Q1 and this cumulative action, makes the transistor Q1 OFF and
transistor Q2 ON. This is another stable state of the Multivibrator.
Now, if this stable state has to be changed again, then either a negative trigger pulse at transistor
Q2 or a positive trigger pulse at transistor Q1 is applied.
Output Waveforms
The output waveforms at the collectors of Q1 and Q2 along with the trigger inputs given at the
bases of QW and Q2 are shown in the following figures.

Advantages
The advantages of using a Bistable Multivibrator are as follows −
 Stores the previous output unless disturbed.
 Circuit design is simple
Disadvantages
The drawbacks of a Bistable Multivibrator are as follows −
 Two kinds of trigger pulses are required.
 A bit costlier than other Multivibrators.
Applications
Bistable Multivibrators are used in applications such as pulse generation
and digital operations like counting and storing of binary information.
Fixed-bias Binary
A fixed-bias binary circuit is similar to an Astable Multivibrator but with a simple SPDT
switch. Two transistors are connected in feedback with two resistors, having one collector
connected to the base of the other. The figure below shows the circuit diagram of a fixed-bias
binary.

To understand the operation, let us consider the switch to be in position 1. Now the transistor Q1 will be
OFF as the base is grounded. The collector voltage at the output terminal VO1 will be equal to VCC which
turns the transistor Q2 ON. The output at the terminal VO2 goes LOW. This is a stable state which can
be altered only by an external trigger. The change of switch to position 2, works as a trigger.
When the switch is altered, the base of transistor Q2 is grounded turning it to OFF state. The collector
voltage at VO2 will be equal to VCC which is applied to transistor Q1 to turn it ON. This is the other stable
state. The triggering is achieved in this circuit with the help of a SPDT Switch.

There are two main types of triggering given to the binary circuits. They are
 Symmetrical Triggering
 Asymmetrical Triggering
A monostable multivibrator, as the name implies, has only one stable state. When the transistor
conducts, the other remains in non-conducting state. A stable state is such a state where the
transistor remains without being altered, unless disturbed by some external trigger pulse. As
Monostable works on the same principle, it has another name called as One-shot
Multivibrator.
Construction of Monostable Multivibrator
Monostable multivibrators, often called "one-shot" circuits, are used for generating a single,
fixed-duration pulse in response to a trigger, finding applications in timing circuits, pulse
shaping, switch debouncing, and frequency division.
Two transistors Q1 and Q2 are connected in feedback to one another. The collector of transistor
Q1 is connected to the base of transistor Q2 through the capacitor C1. The base Q1 is connected
to the collector of Q2 through the resistor R2 and capacitor C. Another dc supply voltage VBB is
given to the base of transistor Q1 through the resistor R3. The trigger pulse is given to the base
of Q1 through the capacitor C2 to change its state. RL1 and RL2 are the load resistors of Q1 and
Q2 .
One of the transistors, when gets into a stable state, an external trigger pulse is given to change
its state. After changing its state, the transistor remains in this quasi-stable state or Meta-stable
state for a specific time period, which is determined by the values of RC time constants and
gets back to the previous stable state.
The following figure shows the circuit diagram of a Monostable Multivibrator.

Operation of Monostable Multivibrator

Firstly, when the circuit is switched ON, transistor Q1 will be in OFF state and Q2 will be in
ON state. This is the stable state. As Q1 is OFF, the collector voltage will be VCC at point A and
hence C1 gets charged. A positive trigger pulse applied at the base of the transistor Q1 turns the
transistor ON. This decreases the collector voltage, which turns OFF the transistor Q 2. The
capacitor C1 starts discharging at this point of time. As the positive voltage from the collector
of transistor Q2 gets applied to transistor Q1, it remains in ON state. This is the quasi-stable
state or Meta-stable state.
The transistor Q2 remains in OFF state, until the capacitor C1 discharges completely. After this,
the transistor Q2 turns ON with the voltage applied through the capacitor discharge. This turn
ON the transistor Q1, which is the previous stable state.
Output Waveforms
The output waveforms at the collectors of Q1 and Q2 along with the trigger input given at the
base of Q1 are shown in the following figures.

The width of this output pulse depends upon the RC time constant. Hence it depends on the
values of R1C1. The duration of pulse is given by
T=0.69R1C1T=0.69R1C1
The trigger input given will be of very short duration, just to initiate the action. This triggers
the circuit to change its state from Stable state to Quasi-stable or Meta-stable or Semi-stable
state, in which the circuit remains for a short duration. There will be one output pulse for one
trigger pulse.
Advantages:
 They are simple in design and inexpensive.
 They produce perfect square waves at their output with no distortion.
 They have high noise immunity and stability.
 They can operate over a wide range of frequencies and voltages.
 They can be easily triggered by various types of signals.
Disadvantages:
 They require external triggering for their operation.
 They have limited duty cycle range and accuracy.
 They have low power efficiency and high power dissipation.
 They may have false triggering due to stray capacitance or leakage currents.
 They may have variations in their output pulse width due to temperature
changes or component tolerances.
Applications
Monostable Multivibrators are used in applications such as Timers, Delay circuits, Frequency
dividers, Pulse shapers, Gated circuits, television circuits and control system circuits.

Schmitt Trigger
Another type of binary circuit which is ought to be discussed is the Emitter Coupled
Binary Circuit. This circuit is also called as Schmitt Trigger circuit. This circuit is considered
as a special type of its kind for its applications.
The main difference in the construction of this circuit is that the coupling from the output C 2 of
the second transistor to the base B1 of the first transistor is missing and that feedback is
obtained now through the resistor Re. This circuit is called as the Regenerative circuit for this
has a positive feedback and no Phase inversion. The circuit of Schmitt trigger using BJT is
as shown below.
Initially we have Q1 OFF and Q2 ON. The voltage applied at the base of Q2 is VCC through
RC1 and R1. So the output voltage will be
V0=VCC−(IC2Rc2)V0=VCC−(IC2Rc2)
As Q2 is ON, there will be a voltage drop across RE, which will be (IC2 + IB2) RE. Now this
voltage gets applied at the emitter of Q1. The input voltage is increased and until Q1 reaches
cut-in voltage to turn ON, the output remains LOW. With Q1 ON, the output will increase as
Q2 is also ON. As the input voltage continues to rise, the voltage at the points C 1 and
B2 continue to fall and E2 continues to rise. At certain value of the input voltage, Q2 turns OFF.
The output voltage at this point will be VCC and remains constant though the input voltage is
further increased.
As the input voltage rises, the output remains LOW until the input voltage reaches V 1 where
V1=[VCC−(IC2RC2)]V1=[VCC−(IC2RC2)]
The value where the input voltage equals V1, lets the transistor Q1 to enter into saturation, is
called UTP (Upper Trigger Point). If the voltage is already greater than V 1, then it remains
there until the input voltage reaches V2, which is a low level transition. Hence the value for
which input voltage will be V2 at which Q2 gets into ON condition, is termed as LTP (Lower
Trigger Point).
Output Waveforms
The output waveforms are obtained as shown below.

The Schmitt trigger circuit works as a Comparator and hence compares the input voltage with
two different voltage levels called as UTP (Upper Trigger Point) and LTP (Lower Trigger
Point). If the input crosses this UTP, it is considered as a HIGH and if it gets below this LTP, it
is taken as a LOW. The output will be a binary signal indicating 1 for HIGH and 0 for LOW.
Hence an analog signal is converted into a digital signal. If the input is at intermediate value
(between HIGH and LOW) then the previous value will be the output.
This concept depends upon the phenomenon called as Hysteresis. The transfer characteristics
of electronic circuits exhibit a loop called as Hysteresis. It explains that the output values
depends upon both the present and the past values of the input. This prevents unwanted
frequency switching in Schmitt trigger circuits
Advantages
The advantages of Schmitt trigger circuit are
 Perfect logic levels are maintained.
 It helps avoiding Meta-stability.
 Preferred over normal comparators for its pulse conditioning.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of a Schmitt trigger are
 If the input is slow, the output will be slower.
 If the input is noisy, the output will be noisier.
Applications of Schmitt trigger
Schmitt trigger circuits are used as Amplitude Comparator and Squaring Circuit. They are
also used in Pulse conditioning and sharpening circuits.
These are the Multivibrator circuits using transistors. The same Multivibrators are designed
using operational amplifiers and also IC 555 timer circuits, which are discussed in further
tutorials.