MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATORFigure shows the circuit of monostable multivibrator using NPN transistors

. The output of transistor Q2 is coupled to the base of transistor

Q1 through the resistance R1.On the other hand, the output of transistor Q1 is
coupled to the base of transistor Q2 through the capacitor C2. The
capacitor C1is known as commutating capacitor or speed up capacitance. Its funct
ion is to speed up the circuit in making abrupt transitions between
the ON and OFF states. The base of transistor Q2 is returned to the Vcc supply t
hrough a resistor R3,while the base of transistor Q1 is connected to
the negative supply through a resistor R2. The advantage of this biasing is that
it keeps the transistor Q1 OFF and Q2 ON. This state is known as a
stable state of the monostable multivibrator.
The output of a monostable multivibrator is available at the collector
terminal of either transistor(i.e., Q1 or Q2)as shown in the figure.
However, the two outputs are the complement of each other i.e., when one of the
output is at Vcc level, the other is at Vce (sat) level.
The circuit operation may be explained by keeping in mind that init
ially the circuit is in its stable state i.e.,Q1 is OFF and Q2 is ON. Now,
let us see as to what happens when the trigger is applied.
1) When a positive trigger pulse of sufficient amplitude is applied to the base
of transistor Q1, it overrides the reverse bias provided by the VBB supply
and gives it a forward bias. Because of this, the transistor Q1 starts conductin
g.
2) As the transistor Q1 conducts, its collector voltage falls due to the voltage
drop across resistor Rc1. The fall in voltage is coupled through capacitor C2
,which decreases the forward bias of transistor Q2.
3) Because of the reduced forward bias, the collector current of transistor Q2 s
tarts decreasing and its collector voltage rises exponentially towards Vcc.
R1/(R1+Rc2) with a time constant t2=C1.(R1IIRc2).
4) The rising collector voltage of transistor Q2 is coupled to the base transist
or Q1 through resistor R1, where it further increases its forward bias. Because
of the increased forward bias, the transistor Q1 conducts more. This action is c
ommutative because of the positive feedback, and the collector voltage of transi
stor
Q1 falls to Vce(sat).
5)Immediately, the capacitor C2 starts charging exponentially towards Vcc with a
time constant t1=R3.C2. As C1 charges, the voltage at the base of the transisto
r
Q2 decreases. As C1 charges further, the transistor Q2 is pulled out from the cu
t-off and the reverse transition takes place i.e., Q2 turns ON and Q1 turns OFF
.
MONOSTABLE OPERATION OF 555 TIMER:
The 555 timer can be set up as a monostable multivibrator as shown in fig. N
otice that it makes use of external resistor(R) and a capacitor (C). The pulse
width of the output is given by equation,
tp = 1.1 R1C1
As seen from FIG, the control voltage input is not used and is connected to
a decoupling capacitor C2 to prevent noise from affecting the trigger and thres
hold
levels.
The operation of this circuit may be explained as follows. Before a trigg
er pulse is applied to output is 0V and the discharge transistor Q1 is ON, keepi
ng C1
discharged as shown in fig.32.20. When a negative trigger pulse is applied at to
, the output goes to +5V and the discharge.
Transistor turns OFF, allowing capacitor C1 to being charging
through R1 as shown in fig.32.21
When C1 changes to 1/3 Vcc , the output goes back to 0V at t1 and Q1 turns
ON immediately charging C1 as shown in fig.32.22,it is obvious that the chargin

g
rate of C1 determines long the port is at +5V level.