AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH

Faculty of Engineering
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Laboratory Title: Design and implementation of Astable multivibrators using Timer IC.

Experiment Number: 08 Due Date: 8 January 2025 Semester: Fall 24-25 Subject Code: EEE 3120

Subject Name: Digital Logic and Circuit Section: S Course Instructor: Md. Ashiquzzaman

Degree Program: CSE

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Submitted by:

1 Tanvir Mahatab Anan 23-50807-1

2 Md Tanvir Islam Sarkar Tamim 23-50786-1
3 Md.Mahmodul Hasan 23-50794-1
4 Anup Acharjee 23-50763-1
5 Neeyamul Islam Nayeem 23-51350-1

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Title: Design and implementation of Astable multivibrators using Timer IC.
Introduction:
The name of the timer comes from the three 5 kΩ resistors which are embedded in it [1]. This IC gives
precise time at the output which is must in the time related circuits. One of its basic operations is to
produce clock pulses with predefined frequency as an astable mutivibrator. Another operation is to
work like a stop watch which is done in monostable mode. We will see these two operations in this
experiment. The following figure is the layout of the 555 Timer IC as which allows us to focus on the
functions of the circuit.

Figure 1: Pin configuration of the 555 timer IC.

Theory:
Multivibrators are essential circuits used in digital electronics to produce specific output waveforms or
toggle between different states. Using a 555 Timer IC, we can design three types of multivibrators: astable,
monostable, and bistable. The astable multivibrator has no stable state and continuously oscillates between
high and low, generating a square wave. This configuration uses an RC network to charge and discharge
a capacitor, creating a continuous pulse output. It is commonly used in clock generation, tone generation,
and PWM.

The monostable multivibrator, on the other hand, has one stable state and is triggered externally to generate
a single output pulse. After the trigger, the output stays high for a predetermined time, defined by the RC
network, before returning to its stable state. This circuit is useful in applications like timers, pulse
generators, and debounce circuits, where a precise pulse duration is required.

Lastly, the bistable multivibrator, also known as a flip-flop, has two stable states and requires external
triggers to switch between them. When a trigger pulse is applied, the output changes from low to high,
and a reset pulse can return it to low. This type of multivibrator is used in memory storage, latches, and
toggle switches. The 555 Timer IC provides a simple and efficient way to implement these multivibrator
circuits for various timing, pulse generation, and control applications.
Astable Multivibrator:
An astable multivibrator is a circuit that has no stable state and continuously oscillates between two states,
generating a square wave without the need for an external trigger. It is often referred to as a free-running
oscillator since it automatically switches between high and low output at a regular frequency. The most
common implementation of an astable multivibrator uses the 555 Timer IC in conjunction with a resistor-
capacitor (RC) network to control the timing of the output waveform.

Working Principle: In the 555 Timer-based astable multivibrator, two resistors (R1 and R2) and a
capacitor (C1) are used to determine the charge and discharge cycles of the capacitor, which directly affect
the frequency of oscillation. Initially, the capacitor charges through R1 and R2, and when the voltage
across the capacitor reaches 2/3 of the supply voltage (Vcc), the timer switches states, discharging the
capacitor. When the voltage drops to 1/3 of Vcc, the cycle repeats, causing the output to toggle between
high and low. The process continues indefinitely, generating a continuous square wave.

Output Frequency: The output frequency and duty cycle depend on the values of R1, R2, and C1. The
frequency (f) of the square wave is calculated using the formula:
This allows for adjusting the oscillation frequency and duty cycle, making the astable multivibrator useful
in various applications, such as clock generation, tone generation, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and
LED flashers. The circuit is versatile, simple to design, and widely used in timing and waveform
generation applications.
Duty Cycle of Astable Multivibrator:
The charging and discharging time constants depends on the values of the resistors R1 and R2. Generally,
the charging time constant is more than the discharging time constant. Hence the HIGH output remains
longer than the LOW output and therefore the output waveform is not symmetric. Duty cycle is the
mathematical parameter that forms a relation between the high output and the low output. Duty Cycle is
defined as the ratio of time of HIGH output i.e., the ON time to the total time of a cycle.
If TON is the time for high output and T is the time period of one cycle, then the duty cycle D is given by:
D = TON/ T
Therefore, percentage Duty Cycle is given by:
%D = (TON / T) * 100
T is sum of TON (charge time) and TOFF (discharge time).

The value of TON or the charge time (for high output) TC is given by:
TON = TC = 0.693 * (R1 + R2) C

The value of TOFF or the discharge time (for low output) TD is given by:
TOFF = TD = 0.693 * R2C
Therefore, the time period for one cycle T is given by
T = TON + TOFF = TC + TD
T = 0.693 * (R1 + R2) C + 0.693 * R2C
T = 0.693 * (R1 + 2R2) C
Therefore,
%D = (TON/ T) * 100
%D = (0.693 * (R1 + R2) C)/(0.693 * (R1 + 2R2) C) * 100
%D = ((R1 + R2)/(R1 + 2R2)) * 100
If T = 0.693 * (R1 + 2R2) C, then the frequency f is given by
f = 1 / T = 1 / 0.693 * (R1 + 2R2) C
f = 1.44/( (R1 + 2R2) C) Hz

One-Shot Multivibrator:
A one-shot multivibrator, also known as a monostable multivibrator, is a type of circuit that has one stable
state and one quasi-stable state. When triggered by an external input, the circuit temporarily switches to
the quasi-stable state for a defined period before returning to its stable state. This configuration is used to
generate a single output pulse of a specific duration in response to a trigger, making it useful for timing
applications such as pulse generation, timers, and debounce circuits.

Working Principle: In a typical 555 timer-based monostable multivibrator, a resistor and capacitor (RC
network) determine the pulse width. When the circuit is triggered by a low signal on the trigger pin (pin
2), the output of the timer goes high. During this time, the capacitor begins to charge through the resistor,
and when the voltage across the capacitor reaches 2/3 of the supply voltage, the timer output returns to its
stable low state.

Apparatus:
ial Equipment Image Quentity Remarks
name

Digital 1 The
trainer trainer
board board
was old
and
some
switches
were not
working
correctly.

Connecting 8 Good in
wires condition

Resistors 1 Good in
1k 1 condition
Resistors 1
2.2k
Resistors 1
4.7k
Resistor
50k

Capacitor 1 Good in
condition
0.01u 1
Capacitor 1
0.022u
Capacitor
100u

555 timer 1 Good in

ic condition
Pin Connections:
Pin 1 (GND): Connected to ground.
Pin 2 (Trigger): Connected to the junction between R5 and C1. This pin initiates the timing process by
detecting when the capacitor voltage drops below 1/3 of the supply voltage.
Pin 3 (Output): The square wave output is taken from here.
Pin 4 (Reset): Connected directly to Vcc (pin 8) to keep the IC in normal operation (reset is inactive).
Pin 5 (Control): Connected to C2, a small capacitor, to stabilize the internal voltage reference.
Pin 6 (Threshold) and Pin 7 (Discharge): Connected to the RC network formed by R4, R5, and C1. These
pins work together to control the charging and discharging of the capacitor, which determines the
frequency of the output waveform.
Pin 8 (Vcc): Connected to the 5V power supply (V1).
Experimental Procedure:
To perform an experiment with astable multivibrator circuit using the 555 Timer IC, begin by assembling
the components as shown in the schematic. Connect the 555 Timer on a breadboard, ensuring the power
supply (5V) is connected to pin 8 (Vcc) and pin 1 (GND). Place the resistors R4 (7kΩ) and R5 (2kΩ) in
the positions that connect between Vcc, discharge (pin 7), and the capacitor C1 (0.022µF) between the
resistors and threshold (pin 6). Connect pin 2 (Trigger) to the junction of the RC network and make sure
pin 5 (Control) has a small capacitor C2 (0.01µF) to ground for noise filtering. Pin 4 (Reset) should be
connected directly to Vcc to keep the timer active. Once the circuit is powered, measure the output from
pin 3 (Output) using an oscilloscope or a multimeter to observe the continuous square wave signal. Adjust
the resistor and capacitor values as needed to vary the frequency and duty cycle of the output waveform

555 timers connected as an astable multivibrator

Hardware:
Simulation:
TH TL

Simulation Result:

Fig: Astable mode and output pulse wave form.

 555 timer connected as a one shot multivibrator

Hardware:
 Simulation:
TH TL

Simulation Result:

Fig: Monostable mode and output wave form.

Discussion:
The Astable and One-shot Multivibrators were designed, assembled, and tested using a 555 timer IC on a trainer board.
Initially, the Astable circuit did not produce an output due to a connection issue, but after the problem was corrected,
the circuit generated a continuous pulse. The One-shot circuit also functioned as expected, producing the correct
delayed pulse when a trigger input was applied. Both circuits were powered by a 5V DC supply, and their operation
was validated through simulations and observed outputs on LEDs, confirming that the design and functionality were
successful.
Conclusion:
The experiment successfully demonstrated the design and implementation of an astable multivibrator using a 555
Timer IC. The circuit produced a stable square wave signal, validating the theoretical calculations. This activity
provided hands-on experience in understanding the operation of the 555 Timer IC in an astable mode and emphasized
the importance of precise component selection. The observed deviations underline the need for careful consideration of
practical limitations in real-world applications.
 References:
[1] Floyd, T. L. Digital Fundamentals. Available edition. Prentice Hall International, Chapter
4:"Boolean Algebra and Logic Simplification."

[2] DLC Lab Manual, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, American
International University-Bangladesh (AIUB).

[3] https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/waveforms/555_oscillator.html
[4] https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/experiments/chpt-8/555-monostable-multivibrator/