8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

Trending Now DSA Web Tech Foundational Courses Data Science Practice Problem Python Machine Learning JavaScript System Design D

Content Improvement
Event Astable, Monostable and Bistable
Share Your Experiences Multivibrator
Last Updated : 21 Sep, 2023
Astable, Monostable
and Bistable A digital electronic circuit known as a multivibrator
Multivibrator
produces digital signals like pulses, square waves,
Array Multiplier in and other types of signals. It often consists of passive
Digital Logic elements like resistors and capacitors as well as
digital logic gates.
Three-State Bus Buffers
What is a Multivibrator?
Common Bus System
using multiplexers A multivibrator is a switching circuit that is a two-
stage resistance-coupled amplifier with positive
One bit memory cell (or feedback from the output of one amplifier to the input
Basic Bistable element)
of the other. The name multivibrator is derived from
Adders and Subtractors the fact that the square wave generated consists of a
in Digital Logic large number of sinusoidal of different frequencies.
Multivibrators are crucial parts of digital circuits and
State Reduction and
State Assignment computer architecture, to sum up. They are utilized for
data storage, synchronization between various
components, clock signal generation, timing control,
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 1/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

Implementation of AND and data transfer time. The three basic types of
gate using 2 : 1 Mux multivibrators are astable, monostable, and bistable,
each with distinct properties and uses.

A multivibrator circuit oscillates between a “HIGH”

state and a “LOW” state producing a continuous
output.
In a multivibrator, the two transistors are
connected in feedback so that one transistor
controls the state of the other.
Multivibrators are used are widely used to
implement two-state devices like Relaxation
Oscillators, Timers, and flip-flops.

The multivibrators are classified into three categories-

1. Astable Multivibrator.
2. Monostable Multivibrator.
3. Bistable Multivibrator.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 2/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

Astable Multivibrator
An astable multivibrator, also called a free-running
multivibrator, is a circuit that continuously produces
square waves or pulses without the use of an external
trigger. The term “astable” refers to the absence of a
stable state in this particular type of multivibrator.

The circuit is built to alternate between two stable

states, resulting in a steady oscillation.
By changing the values of the resistors and
capacitors in the circuit, the frequency and duty
cycle of the output waveform can be altered.
In digital circuits, the astable multivibrator is
frequently employed as a clock source. The timing
of data transfers between various components can

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 3/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

be synchronized using the frequency of the output

waveform.

The output of an astable multivibrator does not have

any stable state and it changes its state from high to
low and low to high repeatedly.

Features

1. It is also known as a free-running multivibrator.

2. It has no stable state, hence the name astable.
3. It produces a continuous series of pulses with a
predetermined frequency and duty cycle.
4. It requires two identical transistors two capacitors,
and a few resistors.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 4/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

5. It is commonly used in oscillator circuits, pulse

generators, and clock circuits.

Applications

1. Used in square wave frequency generator.

2. Used as a timing oscillator in the computer system.
3. Used in flashing lights.

Monostable Multivibrator
A monostable multivibrator, also called a one-shot
multivibrator, is a circuit that responds to an external
trigger by producing a single pulse with a set
duration. A pulse from outside causes this sort of
multivibrator to flip from its stable state to an
unstable one.

The circuit returns to its stable condition after a

certain amount of time and generates a single
output pulse.
By altering the values of the resistors and
capacitors in the circuit, the output pulse’s duration
can be changed.
In digital circuits, the monostable multivibrator is
frequently used for pulse shaping, debouncing, and

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 5/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

time delay functions.

Other circuits can use it as a trigger as well.

The output of a monostable multivibrator has only

one stable state.

Features

1. Also known as a one-shot multivibrator.

2. It has only one stable state.
3. It produces a single output pulse of a
predetermined width when triggered by an input
signal.
4. It requires two transistors, two capacitors, and a
few resistors.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 6/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

5. It is commonly used in timing circuits, delay

circuits, and pulse width modulation circuits.

Applications

1. Used for regenerating weak signals.

2. Used in the pulse generator.
3. Used in memory.

Bistable Multivibrator
A flip-flop, or bistable multivibrator, is a circuit with
two stable states that can alternately exist
indefinitely.

A signal from outside causes it to change from one

stable condition to another.
The circuit will stay in its stable state until another
trigger signal enters it.
A bistable multivibrator typically produces a
square wave with two separate voltage levels as
its output waveform.

Digital circuits frequently use bistable multivibrators

for memory storage, data transport, and
synchronization. They can also be utilized in shift
registers and counters.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 7/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

The output of a bistable multivibrator has two stable

states. We have to apply external inputs in order to
change the existing state of the output.

Features

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 8/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

1. Also known as a flip-flop multivibrator.

2. It has two stable states and can remain in either
state indefinitely without any input signal.
3. It requires two transistors, two capacitors, and a
few resistors.
4. It is commonly used in digital circuits as a memory
element, latch, or flip-flop.
5. It is also used in applications where a simple on/off
switch is required.

Applications

1. Used for changing the supply to two circuits.

2. Used in digital operation in computers.

Three 90 Challenge is back on popular demand! After

processing refunds worth INR 1CR+, we are back with
the offer if you missed it the first time. Get 90% course
fee refund in 90 days. Avail now!

"GeeksforGeeks helped me ace the GATE exam!

Whenever I had any doubt regarding any topic, GFG
always helped me and made my concepts quiet clear."
- Anshika Modi | AIR 21

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 9/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

Choose GeeksforGeeks as your perfect GATE 2025

Preparation partner with these newly launched
programs
GATE CS & IT- Online
GATE DS & AI- Online

Over 150,000+ students already trust us to be their

GATE Exam guide. Join them & let us help you in
opening the GATE to top-tech IITs & NITs!

I itsan… Follow 2

Next Article
Array Multiplier in Digital
Logic

Similar Reads
Computer Organization and Architecture | Pipelini…
To improve the performance of a CPU we have two
options: 1) Improve the hardware by introducing faster…
6 min read

Computer Organization and Architecture | Pipelini…

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 10/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

Please see Set 1 for Execution, Stages and Performance

(Throughput) and Set 2 for Dependencies and Data…
3 min read

Computer Organization and Architecture | Pipelini…

Please see Set 1 for Execution, Stages and Performance
(Throughput) and Set 3 for Types of Pipeline and…
6 min read

I/O Interface (Interrupt and DMA Mode)

The method that is used to transfer information
between internal storage and external I/O devices is…
6 min read

Computer Organization | Amdahl's law and its proof

It is named after computer scientist Gene Amdahl( a
computer architect from IBM and Amdahl corporation)…
6 min read

8085 program to find maximum and minimum of 1…

Problem - Write an assembly language program in
8085 microprocessor to find maximum and minimum o…
3 min read

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 11/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

MongoDB Python | Insert and Update Data

Prerequisites : MongoDB Python Basics We would first
understand how to insert a document/entry in a…
3 min read

Advantages and disadvantages of mobile computers

Mobile Computers are remote gadgets that can
video/voice calls, picture sharing, and different sorts of…
10 min read

Difference between Quad core and Octa core…

Quad-Core processors are those processing systems
that have four cores so it is capable of performing a…
2 min read

8085 program to find 1's and 2's complement of 8-…

Problem - Write a program to find 1's and 2's
complement of 8-bit number where starting address is…
2 min read

Article Tags : Computer Organization & Architecture

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 12/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 13/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

Company Explore Languages DSA Data Science Web

About Us Job-A-Thon Python Data Structures & ML Technologies
Corporate & Communications Address:- A- Legal Hiring Challenge Java Algorithms
143, 9th Floor, Sovereign Corporate Tower, Data Science HTML
Careers Hack-A-Thon C++ DSA for With Python CSS
Sector- 136, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (201305)
| Registered Address:- K 061, Tower K, In Media GfG Weekly PHP Beginners Data Science For JavaScript
Gulshan Vivante Apartment, Sector 137, Contact Us Contest GoLang Basic DSA Beginner TypeScript
Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Advertise with us Offline Classes SQL Problems Machine ReactJS
Pradesh, 201305 GFG Corporate (Delhi/NCR) R Language DSA Roadmap Learning Tutorial NextJS
Solution DSA in JAVA/C++ Android Tutorial DSA Interview ML Maths NodeJs
Placement Master System Questions Data Bootstrap
Training Program Design Competitive Visualisation Tailwind CSS
Master CP Programming Tutorial
GeeksforGeeks Pandas Tutorial
Videos NumPy Tutorial
Geeks NLP Tutorial
Community Deep Learning
Tutorial

Python Computer DevOps System School Commerce

Tutorial Science Git Design Subjects Accountancy
Python GATE CS Notes AWS High Level Mathematics Business Studies
Programming Operating Docker Design Physics Economics
Examples Systems Kubernetes Low Level Design Chemistry Management
Django Tutorial Computer Azure UML Diagrams Biology HR Management
Python Projects Network GCP Interview Guide Social Science Finance
Python Tkinter Database DevOps Design Patterns English Grammar Income Tax
Web Scraping Management Roadmap OOAD
OpenCV Tutorial System System Design
Python Interview Software Bootcamp
Question Engineering Interview
Questions

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 14/15
8/11/24, 9:05 AM Astable, Monostable and Bistable Multivibrator - GeeksforGeeks

Digital Logic
Design
Engineering
Maths

Databases Preparation Competitive More Free Online Write & Earn

SQL Corner Exams Tutorials Tools Write an Article
MYSQL Company-Wise JEE Advanced Software Typing Test Improve an
PostgreSQL Recruitment UGC NET Development Image Editor Article
PL/SQL Process UPSC Software Testing Code Formatters Pick Topics to
MongoDB Resume SSC CGL Product Code Converters Write
Templates SBI PO Management Currency Share your
Aptitude SBI Clerk Project Converter Experiences
Preparation IBPS PO Management Random Number Internships
Puzzles IBPS Clerk Linux Generator
Company-Wise Excel Random
Preparation All Cheat Sheets Password
Companies Recent Articles Generator
Colleges

@GeeksforGeeks, Sanchhaya Education Private Limited, All rights reserved

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/astable-monostable-and-bistable-multivibrator/ 15/15