3/11/2018 Astable Multivibrator

Projects

Astable Multivibrator
Download Astable Multivibrator.epb

Aim

To design and simulate an Astable Multivibrator circuit.

Components

Name EDWin Description Number of

Components components
Used required

BC107 BC107A Transistor 2

RES RC05 Resistor 4

CAP CASE-A600 Capacitor 2

VDC SMB_VDC Dc voltage 1

source

GND SMB_SPL0 Ground 1

Theory

Astable Multivibrator is a two stage switching circuit in which the output of the first stage is fed to the input of the second
stage and vice versa.

The outputs of both the stages are complementary. This free running multivibrator generates square wave without any
externaltriggering pulse.

The circuit has two stable states and switches back and forth from one state to another, remaining in each state for a time
depending upon

thedischarging of the capacitive circuit.

The multivibrator is one form of relaxation oscillator, the frequency of which may be controlled by external synchronizing
pulses.

In our experiment we are using transistor, as the amplifying device and also it is a collector coupled multivibrator.

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Figure shows the basic symmetrical astable multivibrator in which components in one half of a cycle of the circuit are
identical to their counterpart

in the other half. Square wave output can be obtained from the collector point of Q1 or Q2.

Operation

When supply voltage, VCC is applied, one transistor will conduct more than the other due to some circuit imbalance.
Initially let us assume that Q1

is conducting and Q2 is cut-off. Then VC1, the output of Q1 is equal to VCESAT which is approximately zero and VC2 is
equal to VCC. At this instant

C1 charges exponentially with the time constant R1C1 towards the supply voltage through R1 and correspondingly VB2
also increases

exponentially towards VCC. When VB2 crosses the coupling voltage Q2 starts conducting and VC2 falls to VCESAT. Also
VB1 falls due to capacitive

coupling between collector of Q2 and base of Q1, thereby driving Q1 into OFF state. The rise in voltage VC1 is coupled
through C1 to the base

of Q2 causing a small overshoot in voltage VB2. Thus Q1 is OFF and Q2 is ON. At this instant the voltage levels are:

VB1 is negative, VC1=VCC, VB2=VBESAT and VC2=VCESAT.

When Q1 is OFF and Q2 is ON the voltage VB1 increases exponentially with a time constant R2C2 towards VCC .
Therefore Q1 is driven to

saturation and Q2 to cut-off. Now the voltage levels are:

VB1=VBESAT, VC1=VCESAT, VB2 is negative and VC2=VCC.

From the above it is clear that when Q2 is ON the falling voltage VC2 permits the discharging of capacitor C2 which inturn
drives Q1 into

cut-off. The rising voltage of VC1 is fed back to the base of Q2 tending to turn it ON. This process is regenerative.

Derivation of time period

The charging equation for a capacitor is given by

Capacitor voltage,
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3/11/2018 Astable Multivibrator

Hence

where VC - the capacitor voltage,

VINIT – the initial capacitor voltage,

VFIN – the final capacitor voltage

t – the time period of charging.

R and C – the resistor and capacitor through which charging occurs.

The capacitor discharges from –VCC to VCC.

Therefore VIN=(-VCC), VFIN=VCC, VC@ 0V.

Substituting this in equation (2)

Taking natural logarithm

For a symmetrical astable multivibrator

Charging and discharging time periods are given by

From equation (5)

where T is the total time period.

Since the multivibrator is symmetrical

Design

Design Specifications

Manufacturer’s specifications

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3/11/2018 Astable Multivibrator

Applying KVL for the collector side of Q2.

since it is a symmetrical astable multivibrator

Applying KVL for the base loop of the circuit

since it is a symmetrical astable multivibrator.

Design of C

The total time period T is given by

Copyrightsince it is a symmetrical
© Norlinvest astable multivibrator.
Ltd, BVI.
Visionics is a trade name of Norlinvest Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

From equations (1) and (2)

The free running frequency is given by

Assume the frequency as 100Hz.

Procedure

EDWin 2000 -> Schematic Editor: The circuit diagram is drawn by loading components from the library. Wiring and proper net

assignment has been made. The values are assigned for relevant components.

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3/11/2018 Astable Multivibrator

EDWin 2000 -> Mixed Mode Simulator: The circuit is preprocessed. The desired test points and waveform markers are
placed. The Transient

Analysis parameters have been set. The Transient Analysis is executed and output observed in Waveform Viewer.

Result

The output waveform may be observed in the waveform viewer.

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