Astable Multivibrator using 555 Timer | Circuit, Duty Cycle, Applications

555 Timer Astable Multivibrator Circuit

Astable Multivibrator mode of 555 timer IC is also called Free running or self-triggering mode.
Unlike Monostable Multivibrator mode it doesn’t have any stable state, it has two quasi stable
state (HIGH and LOW). No external triggering is required in Astable mode, it automatically
interchange its two states on a particular interval, hence generates a rectangular waveform. This
time duration of HIGH and LOW output has been determined by the external resistors (R1 and
R2) and a capacitor(C1). Astable mode works as a oscillator circuit, in which output oscillate at a
particular frequency and generate pulses in rectangular wave form.
Astable Multivibrator Circuit

Working Explanation

In astable mode, the output PIN cycles from HIGH to LOW continuously, both the threshold
pin and the trigger pin are connected to the 10uF capacitor. Therefore the voltage levels will be
identical on the trigger pin, threshold pin, and the 10uF capacitor.

When the circuit receives power, the voltage is LOW at the capacitor, the threshold pin, and the
trigger pin. Remember, if the trigger pin voltage is LOW, the output is HIGH. With the
discharge pin in its off state, the current is able to flow through resistors which in turn charges
our 10uF electrolytic capacitor.

When the capacitor’s charge reaches two-thirds of Vcc+, the output pin is deactivated. When the
output pin is LOW, the discharge pin switches on causing the capacitor to drain to the ground.
Once the capacitor voltage drops to one-third of Vcc+, the trigger pin disables the discharge pin
and the capacitor starts charging again.

Application

 Astable multivibrators are used in radio gears to send or transmit radio signals such as RF
signals.
 Related posts:


LED Dimmer Circuit with 555 Timer


Simple Stopwatch Project Using 555 IC
 Automatic Water
Pump Controller using 555 Timer


Flip Flop Relay Circuit NE555 Timer

3x3x3 LED Cube using 555 Timer and CD4060 IC


Laser Security Alarm Circuit
1 thought on “Astable Multivibrator mode in 555 Timer IC”

1. Pingback: How to drive LED Strobe Lights using 555 timer IC | Cool projects —
Comments are closed.
Using 555 timer IC, we can generate precise time duration of HIGH and LOW output, from
micro seconds to hours, that’s why 555 is very popular and versatile IC. Before going through
below, you should know about 555 timer IC and its PINs, here is the short description about its
PINs.

Add TipAsk QuestionCommentDownload

Step 1: Operation of Astable Multivibrator Mode of 555 Timer

When initially power is turned ON, Trigger Pin voltage is below Vcc/3, that makes the lower
comparator output HIGH and SETS the flip flop and output of the 555 chip is HIGH.This makes
the transistor Q1 OFF, because Qbar, Q’=0 is directly applied to base of transistor. As the
transistor is OFF, capacitor C1 starts charging and when it gets charged to a voltage above than
Vcc/3, then Lower comparator output becomes LOW (Upper comparator is also at LOW) and
Flip flop output remains the same as previous (555 output remains HIGH).Now when capacitor
charging gets to voltage above than 2/3Vcc, then the voltage of non-inverting end (Threshold
PIN 6) becomes higher than the inverting end of the comparator. This makes Upper comparator
output HIGH and RESETs the Flip flop, output of 555 chip becomes LOW.As soon as the output
of 555 get LOW means Q’=1, then transistor Q1 becomes ON and short the capacitor C1 to the
Ground. So the capacitor C1 starts discharging to the ground through the Discharge PIN 7 and
resistor R2.As capacitor voltage get down below the 2/3 Vcc, upper comparator output becomes
LOW, now SR Flip flop remains in the previous state as both the comparators are LOW.While
discharging, when capacitor voltage gets down below Vcc/3, this makes the Lower comparator
output HIGH (upper comparator remain LOW) and Sets the flip flop again and 555 output
becomes HIGH.Transistor Q1 becomes OFF and again capacitor C1 starts charging.

This charging and discharging of capacitor continues and a rectangular oscillating output wave
for is generated. While capacitor is getting charge the output of 555 is HIGH, and while
capacitor is getting discharge output will be LOW. So this is called Astable mode because none
of the state is stable and 555 automatically interchange its state from HIGH to LOW and LOW to
HIGH, so it is called Free running Multivibrator. Now the OUTPUT HIGH and OUTPUT LOW
duration, is determined by the Resistors R1 & R2 and capacitor C1. This can be calculated using
below formulas: Time High (Seconds) T1 = 0.693 * (R1+R2) * C1 Time Low (Seconds) T2 =
0.693 * R2 * C1 Time Period T = Time High + Time Low = 0.693 * (R1+2*R2) * C1 Freqeuncy
f = 1/Time Period = 1/ 0.693 * (R1+2*R2) * C1 = 1.44 / (R1+2*R2) * C1 Duty Cycle: Duty
cycle is the ratio of time for which the output is HIGH to the total time. Duty cycle %: (Time
HIGH/ Total time) * 100 = (T1/T) * 100 = (R1+R2)/ (R1+2*R2) *100 You can also use this 555
Timer Astable Calculator to calculate above values. Here is the practical demonstration of the
Astable mode of 555 timer IC, where we have connected a LED to the output of the 555 IC. In
this 555 astable multivibrator circuit, LED will switch ON and OFF automatically with a
particular duration. ON time, OFF time, Frequency etc can be calculated using above formulas.

Add TipAsk QuestionCommentDownload

The versatile 555 Timer IC can be used in a variety of circuits like Time Delays, Oscillation, Pulse
Generation, Pulse Width Modulation etc. In this tutorial, we will learn about the Astable
Multivibrator Mode of 555 Timer IC. We will learn the circuit of Astable Multivibrator using 555
Timer IC, its operation, calculate the duty cycle and also take a look at few important applications
of Astable Mode of 555 Timer IC.
Astable Multivibrator Mode of 555 Timer IC
Circuit
Astable multivibrator is also called as Free Running Multivibrator. It has no stable states and
continuously switches between the two states without application of any external trigger. The IC
555 can be made to work as an astable multivibrator with the addition of three external
components: two resistors (R1 and R2) and a capacitor (C). The schematic of the IC 555 as an
astable multivibrator along with the three external components is shown below.

The pins 2 and 6 are connected and hence there is no need for an external trigger pulse. It will self
trigger and act as a free running multivibrator (oscillator). The rest of the connections are as
follows: pin 8 is connected to supply voltage (VCC). Pin 3 is the output terminal and hence the
output is available at this pin. Pin 4 is the external reset pin. A momentary low on this pin will
reset the timer. Hence, when not in use, pin 4 is usually tied to VCC.
The control voltage applied at pin 5 will change the threshold voltage level. But for normal use,
pin 5 is connected to ground via a capacitor (usually 0.01µF), so the external noise from the
terminal is filtered out. Pin 1 is ground terminal. The timing circuit that determines the width of
the output pulse is made up of R1, R2 and C.
Operation
The following schematic depicts the internal circuit of the IC 555 operating in astable mode. The
RC timing circuit incorporates R1, R2 and C.

Initially, on power-up, the flip-flop is RESET (and hence the output of the timer is low). As a
result, the discharge transistor is driven to saturation (as it is connected to Q’). The capacitor C of
the timing circuit is connected at Pin 7 of the IC 555 and will discharge through the transistor. The
output of the timer at this point is low. The voltage across the capacitor is nothing but the trigger
voltage. So, while discharging, if the capacitor voltage becomes less than 1/3 VCC, which is the
reference voltage to trigger comparator (comparator 2), the output of the comparator 2 will become
high. This will SET the flip-flop and hence the output of the timer at pin 3 goes to HIGH.
This high output will turn OFF the transistor. As a result, the capacitor C starts charging through
the resistors R1 and R2. Now, the capacitor voltage is same as the threshold voltage (as pin 6 is
connected to the capacitor resistor junction). While charging, the capacitor voltage increases
exponentially towards VCC and the moment it crosses 2/3 VCC, which is the reference voltage to
threshold comparator (comparator 1), its output becomes high.
As a result, the flip-flop is RESET. The output of the timer falls to LOW. This low output will
once again turn on the transistor which provides a discharge path to the capacitor. Hence the
capacitor C will discharge through the resistor R2. And hence the cycle continues.
Thus, when the capacitor is charging, the voltage across the capacitor rises exponentially and the
output voltage at pin 3 is high. Similarly, when the capacitor is discharging, the voltage across the
capacitor falls exponentially and the output voltage at pin 3 is low. The shape of the output
waveform is a train of rectangular pulses. The waveforms of capacitor voltage and the output in
the astable mode are shown below.

While charging, the capacitor charges through the resistors R1 and R2. Therefore the charging time
constant is (R1 + R2) C as the total resistance in the charging path is R1 + R2. While discharging,
the capacitor discharges through the resistor R2 only. Hence, the discharge time constant is R2C.
Duty Cycle
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
Selection of R1, R2 and C1
The Selection of values of R1, R2 and C1 for different frequency range are as follow:
R1 and R2 should be in the range 1KΩ to 1MΩ. It is best to Choose C1 first (because capacitors are
available in just a few values and are usually not adjustable, unlike resistors) as per the frequency
range from the following table.
Choose R2 to give the frequency (f) you require.
R2 = 0.7 /(f × C1)
Choose R1 to be about a tenth of R2 (1KΩ min.)
C1 R2 = 10KΩ R2 = R2 = 1MΩ
R1 = 1KΩ 100KΩ R1 =
R1 = 100KΩ
10KΩ
0.001µF (102) 68 KHz 6.8 680 Hz
KHz
0.01µF (103) 6.8 KHz 680 Hz 68 Hz
0.1µF (104) 680 Hz 68 Hz 6.8 Hz
1µF 68 Hz 6.8 Hz 0.68 Hz
10µF 6.8 Hz 0.68 0.068 Hz
Hz (4 per
(41 per min.)
min.)
Applications of Astable Multivibrator
Square Wave Generation
The duty cycle of an astable multivibrator is always greater than 50%. A square wave is obtained
as the output of an astable multivibrator when the duty cycle is 50% exactly. Duty cycle of 50%
or anything less than that is not possible with the IC 555 as an astable multivibrator mentioned
above. Some modifications are to be made to the circuit.
The modification is to add two diodes. One diode in parallel to the resistor R 2 with cathode
connected to the capacitor and another diode in series with the resistor R2 with anode connected
to the capacitor. By adjusting the values of the resistors R1 and R2, a duty cycle in the range of 5%
to 95% can be obtained including the square wave output. The circuit for square wave generation
is shown below.

In this circuit, while charging, the capacitor charges through R1 and D1 by passing R2. While
discharging, it discharges through D2 and R2.
Therefore, the charging time constant is TON = TC and is given by:
TON = 0.693 * R1 * C
And the discharging time constant TOFF = TD is given by:
TOFF = 0.693 * R2 * C
Therefore, the duty cycle D is given by:
D = R1/(R1 + R2)
In order to get a square wave, the duty cycle can be made 50% by making the values of R 1 and
R2 equal. The waveforms of the square wave generator are shown below.
A duty cycle of less than 50% is achieved when the resistance of R1 is less than that of R2.
Generally, this can be achieved by using potentiometers in place of R1 and R2. Another circuit of
square wave generator can be constructed from the astable multivibrator without using any diodes.
By placing the resistor R2 between pins 3 and 2 i.e., output terminal and trigger terminal. The
circuit is shown below:
In this circuit, both the charging and discharging operations occur through the resistor R 2 only.
The resistor R1 should be high enough not to interfere with the capacitor while charging. It is also
used to ensure that the capacitor charges to the maximum limit (VCC).
Pulse Position Modulation
In pulse position modulation, the position of the pulse varies according to the modulating signal,
while the amplitude and the width of the pulse are kept constant. The position of the each pulse
changes according to the instantaneous samples voltage of the modulating signal. In order to
achieve Pulse Position Modulation, two 555 timer IC’s are used in which one operates in astable
mode and the other in monostable mode.
The modulating signal is applied at the Pin 5 of the first IC 555 that is operating in astable mode.
The output of this IC 555 is a pulse width modulated wave. This PWM signal is applied as the
trigger input to the second IC 555 which is operating in monostable mode. The position of the
output pulses of the second IC 555 changes according to the PWM signal, which is again dependent
on the modulating signal.
The schematic of the Pulse Position Modulator using two 555 timer IC’s is shown below.
The threshold voltage for the first IC 555, which is determined by the control voltage (modulating
signal), is changed to UTL (Upper Threshold Level) and is given by
UTL = 2/3 VCC + VMOD
As the threshold voltage changes with respect to the applied modulating signal, the width of the
pulse changes and hence, the time delay is varied. As this pulse width modulated signal is applied
to the trigger of the second IC, there will be no change in either amplitude or width of the output
pulse but only the position of the pulse is changed.
The waveforms of the pulse position modulated signals are shown below.
Pulse Train
We know that astable multivibrator will generate continuous stream of pulses. By using a
potentiometer in place of R2, a train of pulses can be generated with different widths. The circuit
pulse train generator using astable mode of operation of the IC 555 is shown below.
Frequency Modulation using Astable Multivibrator
Astable multivibrator can be used to generate frequency modulated signals. A modulating signal
is given to the pin 5 (control voltage). The circuit of Frequency Modulation using astable mode of
operation of the IC 555 is shown below.
A diode is connected in parallel to the resistor R2 in order to generate a pulse output with duty
cycle ≈ 50%. The modulation signal is applied at pin 5 through a high pass filter consisting of a
capacitor and a resistor. According to the amplitude of the modulating signal applied at pin 5, the
output will be frequency modulated.
If the voltage of the modulating signal is high, the time period of the output signal is high and if
the voltage of the modulating signal is low, the time period is low. The waveforms of the
modulation signal and the frequency modulated signal are shown below.
Conclusion
A complete beginner’s guide on working of Astable Multivibrator using 555 Timer IC. You
learned how to configure the 555 Timer to operate as an Astable Multivibrator or a Free Running
Oscillator, the circuit and its operation, calculation of Duty Cycle and also some important
applications of Astable Mode of 555 Timer IC.
Responses
I am also a student so my answer might be completely right…
What i know is capacitor blocks dc current but according to capacitor working a potential
difference is created across the plates during charging of a capacitor. This is all what is needed in
ic 555 because its the potential at pins 2 and pins 6 which causes the changing in states of
comparators. Their is no question of current here. And capacitor blocks dc current i.e one direction
flow of electrons but not potential difference. When a capacitor charges potential difference across
the plates do change without any flow of current till certain stage..
Hope this helped you

555 Astable Circuit Calculator

The 555 timer is capable of being used in astable and monostable circuits. In an astable circuit, the
output voltage alternates between VCC and 0 volts on a continual basis.
By selecting values for R1, R2 and C we can determine the period/frequency and the duty cycle.
The period is the length of time it takes for the on/off cyle to repeat itself, whilst the duty cycle is
the percentage of time the output is on. ie. T1/T.
In this type of circuit, the duty cycle can never be 50% or lower.

The popular 555 timer can be used as a PWM/Class-D amplifier for musical instruments or other
applications. It can use a wide supply range of 4.5-16V and produce 200mA of drive. The audio
is fed to the 555’s CV (control-voltage) pin.
This Design Idea presents two simple, cheap drivers for headphones and audio lines. The drivers
were designed for electric guitars and violins, but have many more applications. For such simple
applications, noise and THD are not a primary concern and they were not measured.
Here are some design considerations:
1/ The input resistance of the CV pin is around 3kΩ and in most audio applications we need some
kind of audio preamplifier/buffer.
2/ CV requires significant amplitude of the input audio signal. The required amplitude depends on
the power supply of the 555 and the required output audio power.
3/ The 555 works as an oscillator modulated by the lower frequency audio signal applied to CV.
The frequency of oscillation should preferably be at least ten times higher than the maximum audio
frequency of interest. For audio applications, the frequency should be between 60kHz and 200kHz.
That simplifies the filtration of the high frequency noise produced by the 555, and maintains high
switching efficiency.
4/ Care should be taken re RF emissions. We should have at least a 1st -order low pass filter
between the output of the 555 and the loudspeaker or headphones. If we have long cables, the
parasitic capacity of them should be taken into consideration (twisted pairs are preferred).
Figure 1 Headphones and audio line driver with op-amp and NE555. The CMOS version (e.g.,
LMC555) also will work, but the output currents are lower. The advantage is the higher working
frequency.
The gain of the first stage, Av 1, is set by R6 and R12 to around 11, given by: Av 1 = 1 + R6/R12.
The frequency of the timer without input analog signal on CV depends on R7, R8, and C5, and is
calculated with the standard formula below:
f = 1.44/((R7+2*R8)*C5) (Hz)
The output signal of the NE555 is available on the connectors OUT1, OUT2, and OUT3. R9, C7,
and the load work as a low pass filter for the high frequency components produced by the timer.
If not filtered these components can be radiated, and can create problems with sensitive electronic
equipment around the amplifier. The cut-off frequency of the filter should be kept as low as
possible. Headphones with higher resistance are preferred.
JFET version
We may also use FETs or bipolar transistors to obtain high input impedance and to amplify the
audio signal before the NE555.

Figure 2 Driver for headphones and lines with JFET input and NE555.
The input stage of the circuit is built around the JFET T1. Resistors R4* and R5* should have the
minimal applicable values. They should produce some gain, and have low output impedance to
drive the 555.
Without an input signal, the DC voltage between points A and B should be around VEE /3.
This circuit is simpler than Figure 1 , but we may need to adjust R4* and R5* according to the
selected transistor T1 and the required voltage gain from the first stage. The problem is that JFET
parameters for a given type can differ by more than 4:1. When switch S1 is closed, the gain of T1
is set to the maximum.
Figure 3 Using two 555 circuits working at different frequencies to obtain different sound effects.
The bipolar transistor T2 improves the drive capability of the JFET. Also, it allows the use of a
higher R4* value, and that will increase the voltage gain of T1.
Conclusions
The circuits can work over the entire power supply range of the 555 (4.5V to 16V), but higher
+VEE is preferred; e.g., from 12V to16V.
This will produce more output power, and most op-amps and JFETs will work better with these
voltages.
The circuits can drive high impedance loudspeakers and headphones – greater than 24Ω is
preferred. In all cases it is preferable to keep the peak output current of the 555 below 150mA.
That will keep the power dissipation of the chip to an acceptable level. The voltage drop across