Course Title – Analog Electronics
Topic Title – INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVIBRATORS
Presenter’s Name – P Ganga Bhavani
Presenter’s ID – IARE 10913
Department Name - ECE
Lecture Number –57
Presentation Date - 28/05/2025
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INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVIBRATORS
MODULE V: MULTIVIBRATORS
Bistable multivibrator, unsymmetrical triggering, symmetrical
triggering; Schmitt trigger; Monostable multivibrator, Astable
multivibrator.
INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVIBRATORS
A multivibrator is an electronic circuit that oscillates between two or more distinct
states, creating a non-sinusoidal output, often square or rectangular waves. It is
essentially a type of oscillator that uses positive feedback between two amplifier
stages to create a switching action. Multivibrators are categorized into three main
types: astable, monostable, and bistable, each with unique characteristics and
applications.
Bistable multivibrator
Monostable multivibrator
Astable multivibrator
Each of these multivibrators has two states.
A bistable multivibrator has got two stable states.
A monostable multivibrator has got only one stable state (the other state being quasi
stable)
Astable multivibrator has got no stable state (both the states being quasi stable).
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INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVIBRATORS
Stable state means, the device will remain in that state permanently. Only when a
proper external triggering signal is applied, it will change its state. Quasi stable state
means temporarily stable state. The device cannot stay permanently in this state. After
a predetermined time, the device will automatically come out of the quasi stable state.
Multivibrators have two cross-coupled inverters, i.e. the output of the first stage is
coupled to the input of the second stage and the output of the second stage is coupled
to the input of the first stage.
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INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVIBRATORS
In bistable circuits both the coupling elements are resistors (i.e. both are dc couplings).
In monostable circuits, one coupling element is a capacitor (ac coupling) and the other
coupling element is a resistor (dc coupling)
In astable multivibrators both the coupling elements are capacitors (i.e. both are ac
couplings).
A bistable multivibrator requires a triggering signal to change from one stable state to
another. It requires another triggering signal for the reverse transition.
A monostable multivibrator requires a triggering signal to change from the stable state
to the quasi stable state but no triggering signal is required for the reverse transition,
i.e. to bring it from the quasi stable state to the stable state.
The astable multivibrator does not require any triggering signal at all. It keeps changing
from one quasi stable state to another quasi stable state on its own the moment it is
connected to the supply.
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INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVIBRATORS
A bistable multivibrator is the basic memory element. It is used to perform many
digital operations such as counting and storing of binary data. It also finds extensive
applications in the generation and processing of pulse type waveforms.
The monostable multivibrator finds extensive applications in pulse circuits. Mostly it
is used as a gating circuit or a delay circuit.
The astable circuit is used as a master oscillator to generate square waves. It is often
a basic source of fast waveforms. It is a free running oscillator. It is called a square
wave generator. It is also termed a relaxation oscillator.