What An Astable Multivibrator Requires - Explained For Students

What an Astable Multivibrator Requires - Explained for Students

An astable multivibrator is a type of electronic circuit which has two stable states and generates an output signal that oscillates between the two states. It is considered a type of relaxation oscillator and is used in various applications such as timers, clocks, and frequency dividers. To understand what an astable multivibrator requires, it's important to consider the components that make up the circuit.

Components of an Astable Multivibrator

An astable multivibrator requires two active components such as transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs), or operational amplifiers (op-amps). These components are connected to a voltage source and are used to create two stable states. The two states create an output signal that oscillates between them, and the frequency of this oscillation is determined by the circuit's components.

Resistors and Capacitors

In addition to the active components, an astable multivibrator requires two resistors and two capacitors. The resistors are connected in series between the voltage source and the active components. The capacitors are connected across the active components and act as a time-delay element. The values of the resistors and capacitors determine the frequency of oscillation of the output signal.

Power Supply

An astable multivibrator also requires a power supply. This is usually a DC voltage source, but an AC voltage source can also be used. The voltage of the power supply determines the amplitude of the output signal.

What an Astable Multivibrator Does

An astable multivibrator creates an output signal that oscillates between two states. This output signal can be used in a variety of applications, such as amplitude modulation, frequency division, and pulse generation.

Conclusion

An astable multivibrator requires two active components, two resistors, two capacitors, and a power supply. The values of the resistors and capacitors determine the frequency of the output signal, while the voltage of the power supply determines the amplitude. An astable multivibrator is a useful circuit for various applications, such as amplitude modulation, frequency division, and pulse generation.