Monostable Multivibrators

In a monostable multivibrator, one of the state is absolutely permanent i.e., stable and the other
one is temporary i.e., quasi-stable. When an external trigger pulse is applied to the mono-stable
at appropriate point, the mono-stable changes it state from stable state to quasi-stable state. It
stays in the quasi-stable state for a predetermined length of certain interval remains there until
another pulse is applied. Thus a mono stable multivibrator cannot generate square wave of its
own like an astable multivibrator. Only external pulse will cause if to generate the square wave.

In other words, a multivibrator in which one transistor is always conducting (i.e. in the ON
state) and the other is non-conducting (i.e. in the OFF state) is called mono stable multivibrator.
It is also called a single shot or single swing or a one shot multi vibrator. Other names are delay
multi-vibrator and univibrator.

Functions of 555 Timer IC Pins.

The 555 Based IC Timers have 8 pins with every pin having its distinct function -:

 Pin 1 (Ground) it is connected to ground (-ve)

 Pin 2 (Trigger) pulling this pin low will start the timing; this can be done using a switch.
 Pin 3 (Output) this is the pin which is connected whatever we are trying to control e.g.
LED.
 Pin 4 (Reset) if this pin is connected to low the chip timing will reset, thus if we want
the chip to remain in operation mode this should be high.
 Pin 5 (Control)
 Pin 6 (Discharge) this is used to discharge the capacitor once it’s full.
 Pin 7 (Threshold) this pin monitors the voltage across the capacitor and therefore is
measuring the time it takes for the capacitor to fill (2/3) which will be our time delay.
 Pin 8 (Power) connected to positive terminal of power supply (+ve)
Monostable operation is initiated when the trigger input voltage falls below the trigger
threshold. Once initiated, the sequence will complete only if the trigger input is high at the end
of the timing interval. Because of the threshold level and on-state voltage of Q1, the output pulse
duration is approximately

tw = 1.1 RA C

The threshold levels and charge rates are both directly proportional to the supply voltage. VDD.
The timing interval is, therefore independent of the supply voltage, so long as the supply voltage
is constant during the time interval.

Applying a negative going pulse simultaneously to the reset and trigger terminals during the
timing interval will discharge C and re-initiate the cycle, commencing on the positive edge of the
reset pulse. The output is held low as long as the reset pulse is low. When the reset pulse is not
used, it should be connection to VDD to prevent false triggering.

Uses of Monostable Multivibrator

1. The falling part of the output pulse from MMV is often used to trigger another pulse generator
circuit thus producing a pulse delayed by a time T with respect to the input pulse.

2. MMV is used for regenerating old and worn out pulses. Various pulses used in computers
and telecommunication systems become somewhat distorted during use. An MMV can be
used to generate new, clean and sharp pulses from these distorted and used ones.

3. One feature of dual timer is that by utilizing both halves it is possible to obtain
sequential timing, this can be done by connecting the output of the first half to input of the
second half via a coupling capacitor
Monostable Triggering

To change the monostable multivibrator state from the stable to quasi-state the external trigger
pulses are to be applied. In general the negative triggering has greater sensitivity, because here
the negative pulse amplitude should be enough, so as to bring the operating point from
saturation to active region. Secondly when the base emitter voltage of a junction changes from
forward bias to reverse bias, its input impedance is continuously rising, this avoids the loading
of the triggering source. It should be further noted that the monostable period is affected by this
method.

The positive pulse triggering has sensitivity, because to turn of the transistor from the OFF
state, it is necessary to feed the excess stored charge in the base such that the amplitude of
triggering pulse is enough and is derived from a low impedance source, which can supply a peak
demand current to turn on.