Title: Design and Implementation of Astable Multivibrator using 555 Timer

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 multivibrator.
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 And Methodology:

Astable Multivibrator: It is also called free running sinusoidal oscillator. An astable

multivibrator is simply and oscillator. The astable multivibrator generates a continuous
stream ofrectangular off-on pulses that switch between two voltage levels. The frequency
of the pulsesand their duty cycle are dependent upon the RC network values.

Figure 3: 555 timer connected as an astable multivibrator

The time that the output is high, TH is how long it takes C to charge from 1/3 of Vcc to 2/3 ofVcc.
It is expressed as
TH = 0.7(RA + RB) C

The time that the output is low, TL is how long it takes C to discharge from 2/3 of Vcc to 1/3
of Vcc. It is expressed as

TL =0.7RBC

The Time period, T=TH+TL = 0.7 (RA+2 RB) C

Frequency of Oscillation f = 1/T = 1.44 (RA+2RB) C

Duty Cycle, D=TH/T=(RA+RB)/(RA+2RB) x100%

Simulation:

Astable Multivibrator-
Result Analysis:

For Astable Multivibrator :

Calculated value(Theory):
Astable 555 Oscillator Charge and Discharge Times
R1=4.7K ohm
R2=1K ohm
C=100uF

Th=0.7(R1+R2) C = 0.399s
TL=0.7*R2*C = 0.07s

Time T=Th+TL= 0.469s

f=1/T=2.132

555 Oscillator Duty Cycle

Duty Cycle =T/Th*100% =85.07%

Calculated value(Experimental):
Astable 555 Oscillator Charge and Discharge Times
R1=4.7K ohm
R2=1K ohm
C=100uF

Th= = 400.7m s

Time T= = 469.37ms

f=1/T=2.131

555 Oscillator Duty Cycle

Duty Cycle =T/Th*100% =85.37%

ERROR :

T=(469-469.37)/469 *100 =0.25%

Th=(399-400.7)/399 *100 =0.07%
Duty Cycle =(85.07-85.37)/85.07 *100 =0.35%
Conclusion:

Astable multivibrator and using 555 timers were designed and implemented. Multisim results
were obtained through the designed system in the form of continuous production of rectangular
waveform without the aid of any external triggering. Astable multivibrator and circuit is very
simple and easy to design requiring few components. As the 555 timer is used the system has
low power consumption. Furthermore, with the use of 555 timer, the system is very stable, easy
to use and requires low cost. In addition, another important boon is that, the system can be used
for timing from microseconds to hours. Generating time delays from microseconds to ours is
useful in many applications.
References:

1. Boylestad, Robert L., and Louis Nashelsky. Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 2006,
Pearson Prentice Hall.
2. Thomas L. Floyd, Digital Fundamentals, 9th Edition, 2006, Prentice Hall.