MAHATMA GANDHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Autonomous)
Chaitanya Bharathi (P.O), Gandipet, Hyderabad – 500075
ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS LABORATORY
LAB PROJECT
ASTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
GUIDED BY
Mr. G. Ravi Kumar
Assistant Professor ,
Dept. of ECE ,
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology
BATCH – 8
24261A0412 – BRIJESH KULKARNI
24261A0461 – T. AKSHAY SUREN
25265A0401 – JAGINI KARTHIKEYA
Abstract:-
An astable multivibrator is a type of electronic oscillator circuit that
continuously switches between two unstable states without requiring
any external triggering signal. It is widely used for generating square
wave signals and timing pulses in electronic systems. Unlike
monostable or bistable circuits, the astable multivibrator has no stable
state, meaning it keeps oscillating automatically once power is applied.
This continuous switching behavior makes it an essential building
block in applications such as pulse generation, clock circuits, and LED
flashers.
In this project, an astable multivibrator is designed using two BC107B
transistors, along with resistors, capacitors, and LEDs. The circuit
operates on the principle of regenerative feedback, where the switching
action of one transistor directly affects the state of the other. At any
instant, one transistor remains in the ON state while the other stays
OFF, but this condition does not remain fixed. Due to the charging and
discharging behavior of the capacitors, the voltage at the transistor
bases changes gradually with time, eventually causing the states of the
transistors to interchange.
As one capacitor charges through a resistor, it builds up voltage until it
turns the previously OFF transistor ON. This action simultaneously
drives the other transistor into the OFF state through the feedback path.
The process then repeats in the opposite direction, resulting in a
continuous and periodic switching action. The time taken for each
switching cycle depends on the values of the resistors and capacitors
used in the circuit, which determine the frequency of oscillation.
The LEDs connected to the collector terminals glow alternately,
providing a clear visual indication of the oscillation process. When one
transistor conducts, its corresponding LED lights up, while the other
remains OFF, and this pattern keeps reversing at regular intervals. The
output obtained from the circuit is a square wave signal, characterized
by a rapid transition between high and low voltage levels.
This project effectively demonstrates how continuous oscillations and
square wave signals can be generated using simple discrete
components. It also provides a clear understanding of fundamental
concepts such as feedback, switching behavior, and timing control in
electronic circuits, making it an important experiment in the study of
analog and digital electronics.
Aim:-
To design and implement an Astable Multivibrator using transistors.
Components:-
• Transistors: BC107B (2 Nos.)
• Resistors: 47kΩ (2 Nos.), 2.2kΩ (2 Nos.)
• Capacitors: 0.1 µF (2 Nos.)
• LEDs (2 Nos.)
• Connecting wires
• DC power supply
Circuit Diagram:-
Working Principle:-
The astable multivibrator operates based on the principle of
positive feedback and capacitor charging/discharging. The
circuit consists of two identical transistor stages that are cross-
coupled through capacitors. Each transistor alternately
switches between saturation (ON state) and cutoff (OFF state),
resulting in continuous oscillation.
Initially, due to slight asymmetries in the circuit, one transistor
(say Q1) turns ON first, entering saturation. This causes its
collector voltage to drop close to zero. At the same time, the
capacitor connected between the collector of Q1 and the base
of Q2 starts charging. This charging action gradually changes
the base voltage of Q2, keeping it in the OFF state initially.
As the capacitor continues to charge, the voltage across it
eventually becomes sufficient to forward bias the base-emitter
junction of Q2, turning Q2 ON. When Q2 turns ON, its
collector voltage drops, and through the coupling capacitor, it
drives the base of Q1 negative, forcing Q1 into cutoff (OFF
state).
Now the process reverses. The second capacitor begins
charging in the opposite direction, and after a certain time
interval, it switches the states of the transistors again. This
continuous charging and discharging cycle results in a periodic
switching action.
The time period of oscillation depends on the values of the
resistors and capacitors used. Since both halves of the circuit
are identical, the ON and OFF times are equal, producing a
symmetrical square wave. The LEDs connected to each
transistor glow alternately, clearly showing the oscillatory
behavior of the circuit.
Working Model:-
Applications:-
• LED Flashers: Used in blinking light circuits and decorative
lighting systems.
• Clock Pulse Generation: Provides clock signals for digital
circuits.
• Signal Generation: Generates square waves for testing and
waveform generation.
• Timing Circuits: Used where periodic time delays are required.
• Alarm and Indicator Circuits: Used in simple warning and
indication systems.
Result:-
The astable multivibrator circuit was successfully designed and
implemented, producing continuous oscillations with alternate
switching of transistors, as indicated by the blinking of LEDs.