Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator

Prerequisite Information

Circuit 1 Astable Multivibrator

Objective
Upon completion of this procedure, you will be able to determine the functional
characteristics of a typical astable multivibrator. You will verify your results by
taking voltage and waveform readings.

Discussion

Vcc
+9V

R1 R2 R3 R4
1k 22k 22k 1k
C1 C2
0.01uF 0.01uF

2N2219A 2N2219A
Q1 Q2

Figure 1-1

The astable multivibrator is basically two cross-connected RC coupled ampliers

that use regenerative ac feedback to alternately drive each other toward
saturation and cutoff. Self-sustaining oscillation is produced between the two
ampliers (Q1 and Q2), eliminating the need for any external excitation. Because
of this self-excitation feature, the astable is also known as a free-running
multivibrator.

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Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Prerequisite Information

Vcc
+9V

R1 R2 R3 R4
1k 22k 22k 1k
C1 C2
0.01uF 0.01uF

2N2219A 2N2219A
Q1 Q2

Figure 1-2

Initially, when voltage is rst applied, both transistors Q1 and Q2 tend to conduct.
However, because both sides of the circuit are not evenly balanced, one
transistor will conduct more than the other. This causes the circuit to go toward
one of its temporary states because of regenerative feedback.

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 Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Prerequisite Information

Vcc
+9V

+
Decrease in R1 R2 R3 R4
collector Increase in
voltage toward C1 - C2 collector voltage
zero volts. toward 9 volts.

Q1 Q2

Decrease in
emitter-base
current.

Figure 1-3

Assume Q1 conducts more, resulting in a larger drop in voltage at the collector

of Q1 than Q2. Coupling capacitor C1, which charges a certain amount during
the initial transient condition, begins to discharge through base resistor R2.
The voltage drop across R2, negative at the base of Q2, causes a drop in the
emitter-base current of Q2, driving it toward cutoff. When Q2 cuts off, its collector
voltage rises toward Vcc. This allows coupling capacitor C2 at the collector of Q2
to charge to Vcc through load resistor R4; the other side is clamped to ground
through the base-emitter of Q1.

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Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Prerequisite Information

Vcc
+9V

+
R1 R2 R3 R4 Decrease in
Increase in collector
collector voltage C1 - C2 voltage toward
toward Vcc. zero volts.

Q1 Q2

Decrease in
emitter-base
current.

Figure 1-4

When C1 has discharged sufciently (toward Vcc), the voltage drop across R2
decreases, allowing the base of Q2 to rise above cutoff. Transistor Q2 than goes
into conduction causing its collector voltage to drop. Capacitor C2 follows the
negative transition, producing a negative voltage drop across R3 that reduces
the base-emitter current of Q1, driving Q1 toward cutoff. When Q1 cuts off, its
collector voltage rises towards Vcc, allowing C1 to charge to Vcc through the
base-emitter of Q2 and load resistor R1. After C2 discharges sufciently toward
Vcc to allow Q1 to rise above cutoff, Q1 goes into conduction again, C1 begins
discharging and the cycle starts all over again.

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 Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Prerequisite Information

Vcc
+9V

+
R1 R2 R3 R4

C1 - C2 1

Q1 Q2

Figure 1-5
= RC
T=Time Constant
R=Resistance The frequency of oscillation is determined primarily by the RC discharge time
C=Capacitance constants of C1R2 and C2R3. If these two time constants are equal, the output
will be a symmetrical square wave; if they unequal the output waveform will be a
nonsymmetrical rectangular wave.

CHARGE DISCHARGE
100
99+
PERCENT OF CHARGE

90 95 98
86.5
80
70
63.2
60
50
40 eC
36.8
30
20
10
0
1RC 2RC 3RC 4RC 5RC TIME

Figure 1-6

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Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Prerequisite Information

Wiring Scheme

Figure 1-7

The above photo shows average part placement and wiring scheme. Feel free to
design your own and use as much space on the breadboard as needed for your
layout. Component parts in your kit may be different in color or size from in the
photo but should be the correct value or part number from the bill of materials.

Equipment and Materials

In order to complete this job sheet, you will need the following equipment:

FACET base unit

Multimeter/ Generator
Oscilloscope, dual trace
BREADBOARD MODULE
C1, C2 - Capacitor, 0.01F
C3, C4 - Capacitor, 0.022F
Q1, Q2 - NPN Transistor, 2N2219A
R1, R4 - Resistor, 1K, W
R2, R3 - Resistor, 22K, W

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 Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Prerequisite Information

Safety
Safety rules are common sense ideas that help prevent injury. Use the following
list as a reminder of standard safety rules before you begin any procedure.

Rules to avoid injury should be remembered.

You cause safety, it doesnt just happen.
Machinery and equipment can be dangerous.
Always be interested in working safety.
FACET trainers have current and voltage levels that, under normal
circumstances, are harmless to a normal, healthy person.
The sensation of current ow through the body is called electric shock.
A surprise shock can cause involuntary muscle spasms, which can result
in secondary injuries.
Know electricity and respect it.

For additional information on the proper use of FACET equipment, refer to

Appendix A Safety found at the back of this guide.

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Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Procedure

Procedure
Vcc
+9V

R1 R2 R3 R4
1k 22k 22k 1k
C1 C2
0.01uF 0.01uF

2N2219A 2N2219A
Q1 Q2

Figure 1-8

1. Connect the astable multivibrator circuit as shown.

2. Adjust the variable positive dc power supply so that Vcc equals 9.0
Vdc.
3. Connect the channel 1 probe of the oscilloscope to the collector of Q2.
Oscilloscope Settings
Vertical Deection 5V/cm
Horizontal 100uS/cm
Coupling DC
Trigger CH1, Internal

The oscilloscope should display approximately three full cycles of the

output square wave.
4. Measure the peak-to-peak amplitude of the square wave.

Epk-Pk = ___________________ volts

5. Measure the time period of one complete cycle.

Time period = ____________________ S

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 Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Procedure

6. Calculate the frequency of oscillation.

F = 1/T (seconds)

Frequency = _____________________ kHz

Vcc
+9V

R1 R2 R3 R4
1k 22k 22k 1k
C1 C2
0.022uF 0.022uF

2N2219A 2N2219A
Q1 Q2

Figure 1-9

7. Reduce the variable positive dc power supply to zero.

8. Remove coupling capacitors C1 and C2 from your circuit and replace

them with 0.022F capacitors.

9. Adjust the variable positive dc power supply so that Vcc equals 9.0
Vdc.

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Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Procedure

Vcc
+9V

R1 R2 R3 R4
1k 22k 22k 1k
C1 C2
0.022uF 0.022uF

2N2219A 2N2219A
Q1 Q2

Figure 1-10

10. Connect the channel 1 probe of the oscilloscope to the collector of Q2.

Oscilloscope Settings
Vertical Deection 5V/cm
Horizontal 200(250)uS/cm
Coupling DC
Trigger CH1, Internal

The oscilloscope should display approximately three full cycles of the

output square wave.

11. Measure the time period of one complete cycle.

Time period = S

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 Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Procedure

Vcc
+9V

R1 R2 R3 R4
1k 22k 22k 1k
C1 C2
0.022uF 0.022uF

2N2219A 2N2219A
Q1 Q2

Figure 1-11

12. Calculate the new multivibrator frequency.

Frequency = kHz
F = 1/T (seconds)
13. Underline the correct answer. The frequency of oscillation of an
astable multivibrator is (directly, inversely) related to the value of
coupling capacitor.

Name: _______________________________________ Date: _____________

Instructor approval:_______________________________________________

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Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Review Questions

Review Questions

Vcc

R1 R2 R3 R4

C1 C2 1

Q1 Q2

Figure 1-12

1. The astable multivibrator peak-to-peak output is approximately equal to

a. two times Vcc.
b. Vcc.
c. one half of Vcc.
d. one third of vcc.

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 Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Review Questions

Vcc

R1 R2 R3 R4

C1 C2

Q1 Q2

Figure 1-13

2. Decreasing the value of the coupling capacitors (C1,C2)in the RC circuit of

an astable multivibrator causes the output signals
a. amplitude to increase.
b. amplitude to decrease.
c. frequency to increase.
d. frequency to decrease.

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Transistor Pulse Circuits Astable Multivibrator
Review Questions

Vcc

R1 R2 R3 R4

C1 C2

Q1 Q2

Figure 1-14

3. The astable multivibrator oscillates freely without an external excitation

signal.
a. True
b. False

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