Astable Multivibrator

INTRODUCTION

Experiment 7

This circuit diagram shows how a 555 timer IC is configured to function as an astable multivibrator. An astable multivibrator is a timing circuit whose 'low' and 'high' states are both unstable. As such, the output of an astable multivibrator toggles between 'low' and 'high' continuously, in effect generating a train of pulses. This circuit is therefore also known as a 'pulse generator' circuit. In this circuit, capacitor C1 charges through R1 and R2, eventually building up enough voltage to trigger an internal comparator to toggle the output flip-flop. Once toggled, the flip-flop discharges C1 through R2 into pin 7, which is the discharge pin. When C1's voltage becomes low enough, another internal comparator is triggered to toggle the output flip-flop. This once
Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

again allows C1 to charge up through R1 and R2 and the cycle starts all over again. C1's charge-up time t1 is given by: t1 = 0.693(R1+R2)C1. C1's discharge time t2 is given by: t2 = 0.693(R2)C1. Thus, the total period of one cycle is t1+t2 = 0.693 C1(R1+2R2). The frequency f of the output wave is the reciprocal of this period, and is therefore given by: f = 1.44/(C1(R1+2R2)), wherein f is in Hz if R1 and R2 are in megaohms and C1 is in microfarads.

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator
DATA Part I

Experiment 7

Figure 1. 555 IC Astable Multivibrator with switch 1 connected to 0.01 uF capacitor using LED as an indicator.

Observation: The LED indicator blinks fast.

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

Figure 2. 555 IC Astable Multivibrator with switch 1 connected to 0.01 uF capacitor and output pulse

Period: Frequency:

220 microseconds 4.55 kHz

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

Figure 3. 555 IC Astable Multivibrator with switch 1 connected to 1 uF capacitor using LED as an indicator.

Observation: The LED indicator blinks slower than the previous configuration

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

Figure 2. 555 IC Astable Multivibrator with switch 1 connected to 1 uF capacitor and output pulse

Period: Frequency:

20.7 milliseconds 48.31 Hz

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator
Part II

Experiment 7

Figure 5. Asatable Multivibrator using op-amp

Position T(ms) F(Hz)

Min 22.40 44.64

76.80 13.02

131.60 7.60

186.20 5.37

Max 240.90 4.15

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

Figure 6. Output waveform of Astable Multivabrator using opamp with potentiometer at 75%

Figure 7. Output waveform of Astable Multivabrator using opamp with potentiometer at 50%

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

Figure 8. Output waveform of Astable Multivabrator using opamp with potentiometer at 25%

Figure 9. Output waveform of Astable Multivabrator using opamp with potentiometer at minimum

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

Figure 10. Output waveform of Astable Multivabrator using opamp with potentiometer at maximum

*If period T is equal to 20 ms, Resistance of the potentiometer is 0 hms

For computed value:

))

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator
ANALYSIS Part I

Experiment 7

1. Describe the output waveform of the astable circuit. ***The output waveform of an astable circuit is a series of digital pulses. 2. Draw the block diagram of the major operations contained on the 555 timer chip.

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

3. Compute for the output frequency when (a) SW1 is connected to C1 and (b) SW1 is connected to C2. ( a. If C1 is connected ( )( ) ( )( )( ) )( )

b. If C2 is connected ( )( ) ( )( )( )

4. Compare the measured value with the computed value of the frequency for C1 and C2. a. If C1 is connected

b. If C2 is connected

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator
Part II

Experiment 7

1. What is the effect of the feedback resistance to the period of the output waveform? ***As the feedback resistance increases the period of the output waveform also increases. 2. Plot the graph of the potentiometer position versus the frequency and versus the period. Describe the graph drawn.
300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Minimum 1/4 1/2 3/4 Maximum Period(ms) Frequency(Hz)

***by looking at the graph, I can say that the feedback resistance is directly proportional with the period (T) and the line of their relationship is linear. The graph of the relationship of frequency and feedback resistance is inversely proportional as the feedback resistance increase the frequency decrease; and is asymptotic to the y-axis.
Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

3. With the use of the stated equation compute for the frequency (f) and period (T).

))

If Rpotentiometer is minimum:

))

If Rpotentiometer is 1/4:

))

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator
If Rpotentiometer is 1/2:

Experiment 7

))

If Rpotentiometer is 3/4:

))

If Rpotentiometer is maximum:

))

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

4. Compute for the percent error between the measured value recorded in the table and the computed value of f and T. Measured Values: Position T(ms) F(Hz) Min 22.40 44.64 76.80 13.02 131.60 7.60 186.20 5.37 Max 240.90 4.15

Computed Values: Position T(ms) F(Hz) Min 21.97 45.51 76.90 13.00 131.83 7.59 186.87 5.35 Max 241.69 4.13

a. If Rpotentiometer is minimum

b. If Rpotentiometer is minimum

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator
c. If Rpotentiometer is minimum

Experiment 7

d. If Rpotentiometer is minimum

e. If Rpotentiometer is minimum

Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator
DISCUSSION

Experiment 7

For this experiment, entitled Astable Multivibrator, we deal with the function of an Astable Multivibrator circuit. This experiment is divided into two parts; the first one is an astable multivibrator using a 555 timer IC, and for the second part it is with a use of operational amplifier. We construct the circuit using a computer-based program called Multisim. With the use of Multisim, we will be able to simulate a response of a circuit with an ideal condition with in a click of a mouse. At first, we construct the given circuit. It is an astable multivibrator with a 555 timer on its circuitry. It has also a single pole double throw switch with two capacitors of different values connected on its throw. For the first observation, we try to analyze the response of the circuit with a 0.01 uF capacitor connected on its trigger pin. As I observe its response, I noticed that the LED indicator blinks fast. And with that, I try to analyze the output waveform using an oscilloscope connected on the output of the circuit. And I record the frequency and the period of the output signal. After that, the experiment says that I must change or connect the switch to the 1 uF capacitor. And by repeating the procedure on the first configuration, I noticed that the LED indicator blinks slower than the latter condition. And also when I analyze its output waveform, I have seen that the period and frequency of the
Control System Laboratory

Astable Multivibrator

Experiment 7

output signal alter. The period is much greater and the frequency is lower. For the second part, I construct a circuit of astable multivibrator but this time its with the use of an operational amplifier. And with the varying factor, the experiment said to use a potentiometer on the feedback of the op-amp.

Control System Laboratory