International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882

Volume 4, Issue 3, March 2015

Analysis & Design of Different Astable Multivibrator Circuits For Various

Applications in Communication System
Md. Mosfiqur Rahaman1, Shahariar Khan Anik2, Provakar Mondal3,
Sheikh Md. Omar Sharif4, Md.Tanvir Ahad5
1
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering,
Ahsanullah University of science and technology,
Love Road, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to design and implementation of
astable multivibrator for many application of
communication system. Here we used multivibrator
circuit design by using different IC such as IC timer 555,
V741 as An optional amplifier, flip flop circuits. The
work ability proposed circuits is confirmed through
Pspice, Simetrix, and Tina pro simulations tools and then
the practical work is compared, An astable Multivibrator
is constructed for given specification one of which is, it
must have a duty cycle 68% or .68 and frequency of
oscillation must be larger than 1 KHZ. Here we used the
PS-pice simulation technique, which is very fast, and
also bears the accuracy of circuit performance and
reliability and the results are explored with browsing
output data facility.
Index Terms: Astable Multivibrator, PSpice, Tina Pro,
SIMetrix, 555 Timer IC,FSK generator.

basic internal diagram of 555 timer IC , where time

duration in output waveforms is calculating two resistors
(Ra & Rb) and capacitor C.[9]

II. DESIGN CONCEPT

The integration of theory and practical in learning of
timer IC 555 using simulation tool is quite important. In
the ICT based Technology, it is most important for
modern engineers to use and understand the software
packages extensively to simulate, analyze, design the
behavior of telecommunication, circuit &systems,
hardware, software sectors etc. as per the industrial
advancement. In this paper we are using the internal
diagram of 555 Timer IC shown by figure 1 which, was
first introduced by Signetics, for designing because this
timer IC is versatile in nature and easy to use compared
to other known IC or components. Some main features
of 555 timers IC is shown in table 1.
Table 1: Features of 555 timer IC
Sl.No parameters
Features

I. INTRODUCTION
A multivibrator is actually used to implement a variety
of simple two state systems such as oscillators, timer and
flip flops. Astable multivibrator such as regenerative
switching circuits are the most commonly used type of
relaxation oscillator because, not only is they simple,
reliable and case of construction they also produce a
constant square wave output waveform. Asatble
multivibrator finds its applicants in all types of
communication devices or systems such as digital data
transmission, RF1D system, FSK generator and pulse
modulation etc [1]. In all communication medium,
astable Multivibrators are known as free running
Multivibrator as they do not require any additional
inputs or external assistance to oscillate. It can be also
used in amateur ratio equipment to receive and transmit
radio signals.
There are two primary methods for generating basic
waveform for these applications are (1) Timing method
and (2) Unity loop gin method. This
Astable
multivibrator can be used to generate rectangular wave
form which is produced by adding two resistor and a
capacitor Commonly known as timing circuit to the
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2.
3.

Year
of
Introduction
1972
Year
of Signetics Corporation
Introduction
Power supply 4.5 to 16 V

4.

Operating
temperature
Power
dissipation

Less than 1 mw

5.

compatibility

TTL and CMOS logic

temperature
stability

Excellent & 0.005%

per C
Monostable
astable
200 mA

9.

Operating
modes
Sinking
current

10.

Duty cycle

Adjustable

1.

65C to +150C

6.
7.
8.

and

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 4, Issue 3, March 2015

The internal diagram of 555 timer IC and its pin diagram

is shown in figure.
It consists of two comparators (simply op-amps), RS
flip-flop, two transistors and a resistive network (Three
equal resistors to act as voltage divider).

complex system (4) Enriched learning through

simulation. It is utmost important for modern
engineering society
to use and understand these
software packages extensively to solve the different
problem of complex telecommunication, circuit &
systems, hardware, software sectors etc. The simulation
software package used in this research paper is PSpice,
Simetrix and Tina Pro whose main features are shown in
here.
3.1. PS-PICE: It is an advanced analysis technology
for industry-leading, native analog, mixed-signal, and
analysis engines to deliver a complete circuit simulation
and verification solution. It actually used for AC, DC
sweep, and Transient. it has some limitations such as
Maximum of 10 transistors in circuit and not to support
an iterative method of solution.[4]
3.2. SIMetrix: It is actually general analog and mixedsignal simulator and includes an enhanced schematic
editor, waveform viewer and SPICE simulator in a
unified environment. It also uses for DC / AC sweep and
transient analysis It is easy to use in any commercial
circuit and offers good accuracy and performance and
rapid convergence for a broad range of analog and
digital-signal design applications. It has several key
features such as Analog simulation ,Gate-level digital
simulation, S-Parameter AC lookup table, Extended
sweep modes, Fast Monte Carlo analysis ,Multi-step
analysis, Safe operating area (SOA) analysis, Non-linear
magnetic with support for air gaps, Integrated
hierarchical schematic editor, Schematic cross-probing,
Waveform viewer, Parts browser for external SPICE
model libraries, Scripting language with over 240
commands and 470 functions, KLU matrix solver allows
simulation of difficult circuits, Available in 32 and 64 bit
versions.[8]

Figure.1 Internal Diagram of IC 555

Figure 2: PIN diagram of IC 555 timer

III. SIMULATION TECHNIQUE

Here we used software packages such as PSPICE,
SIMetrix, Tina Pro, are used to develop and harmonize
the hypothetical concepts of IC 555 which is generally
used in communication system and to conduct virtual
laboratory across the world. Simulation tools are
frequently used in learning and research in engineering
throughout the globe having the following advantages:
(1) Realizing of theoretical concepts and principles by
means of graphical/blocks/interactive simulations. (2)
Solving technical computing problems faster than
traditional programming languages. (3) Those also
Provide an exposure to analysis and design more

3.3. TINA PRO: It is a powerful yet affordable circuit

simulator and PCB design software package for
analyzing, designing, and real time testing of HDL,
MCU analog, digital and mixed electronic circuits and
their PCB layouts. We can also analyze SMPS, RF, and
communication and optoelectronic circuits; generate and
debug MCU code using the integrated flow chart tool;
and test micro-controller applications in a mixed circuit
environment. Electrical engineers will find TINA an
easy to use, high performance tool, while educators will
welcome its unique features for the training
environment. But it should not allow users to open as
election of most recently used files and not allow
printing virtual instrument display and setting. [7]

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 4, Issue 3, March 2015

IV. THEORITICAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

IMPLEMENTATION
The basic circuits for astable multivibrator are shown
in figure 3, 5. [3]. the timing circuit consists of two
resistors (Ra, Rb) and a capacitor (C).

Figure 4: PSpice Simulated waveform of Atsable

Multivibrator
To do so consider the value of capacitor is equal to
0.1uF and time duration for which output to be low and
high is 0.25ms and 0.70ms respectively. Using the
equations (2), value of Rb calculated is 3.3 K & using
equation (1), value of Ra comes out to be 6.8 K. We
will use another capacitor (C1) between voltage control
and ground to bypass noise or ripple from the supply.
[10]
Figure 3: Astable Multivibrator Circuit Diagram
Let us consider Thigh and Tlow represents time
during which output assume high state and low state
respectively. The expression for Thigh and Tlow for
astable multivibrator is given as

4.1 Design And Implementation Of Astable

Multibirator For Different Applications In
Communication Systems

Thigh= 0.693*(Ra+Rb)*C -----(1)

and Tlow=0.693*Rb*C ----(2)
The total time of oscillation is given by,
T= Thigh +Tlow
=> T=0.693*(Ra+2Rb)*C ------(3)
The frequency being reciprocal of total time of
oscillation is given by
F=1.45/ (Ra+2Rb)*C --- (4)
Finally the standard definition of duty cycle (D) which is
often used for most pulse generator circuit is D=high
interval*100/total time => Ra*100/Ra+2Rb ----------- (5)
Now we will design astable multivibrator which can
generate a pulse of 1 KHz frequency with 68% duty
cycle.

Figure 5: SIMetrix implementation of FSK generator

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 4, Issue 3, March 2015

When the input voltage is high, transistor (Q3) is off

stage and circuit will behave as normal astable
multivibrator with identical frequency as that of astable
multivibrator and when input is low, transistor (Q3) is on
stage and then the parallel combination rule will provide
the frequency given by

Table 2: Comparison of Simulated Results

SI
No
.

01.

PSpi
ce

(ms)
0.98
ms

02.

SIMe
trix

0.97
ms

Volta
ge
across
capaci
tor (v
)
Simul
ated
value(
1.66,
min,m
3.38
ax)
1.60 ,
3.40

03.

Tina
Pro

0.66
ms

1.7,
3.32

Soft
ware

Finally, Fa=1.45/((Ra//Rc)+2Rb)*C --------- (6)

Time
durat
ion
(per
cycle
)

Theoriti
cal
value of
Frequen
cy
of
oscillati
on
(KHz)
1

Simulated
value of
Frequency
Of
oscillation
(KHz)

1.020

1.040

0.995

V. CONCLUSION

Figure 6: SIMetrix Simulated waveform of Atsable

Multivibrator

In this paper ,the astable multivibrator and its

applications in communications system using 555 timer
IC are demonstrated through SIMetrix, Tina pro and
PSpice softwares and these results from the both circuits
resembles with the theoretical value. Predominately both
circuits consist of different active and passive device
and these simulation results may be uniformly applied
for testing the circuits is ordered and thereby decided to
be implemented world.

REFERENCES

Figure 7: SIMetrix Simulated waveform of Atsable

Multivibrator as FSK generator

[1] L. V. Hmurcik, M. Hettinger, K. S. Gottschalck, and

F. C. Fitchen, SPICE applications to an undergraduate
electronic program, IEEE Trans. Educ., vol. 33, pp.
183189, 1990.
[2] Rashid M.H., Introduction to PSpice Using OrCAD
for Circuits and electronics, Pearson Education., 2006
[3] Gayakwad, R.A, Op-amps and Linear integrated
circuits, Prentice-Hall India, 2000
[4] PSPICE Schematics Evaluation Version 9.1,
Cadence DesignSystem, www.cadence.com
[5] Geno Peter, Design Of Single Phase half Controlled
Converter Using Cosine Wave Crossing Control With
Various Protections,
International Journal of Engineering Science and
Technology, vol. 2(9), pp 4222-4227, 2010.
[6] Admin. 2008. Square wave generator using uA 741.
Available
from
Circuits
Today.
URL:http://www.circuitstoday.com/square-wavegeneratorusing-ua-741 Retrieved at February, 15-2013.
[7] www.tina.com
[8] www.simplistechnologies.com/download

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 4, Issue 3, March 2015

[9] Sanjay K Tupe, Sayyad SB, Behre S.H, Comparative

study of different spice softwares using Astable
Multivibrator in different Spice software,IJRTE,page2829 vol2, No6, Nov 2009
[10]http://www.electronicstutorials.ws/sequential/seq_3.
html
[11] M. H. Rashid, "SPICE For Circuits and Electronics
Using PSpice," Prentice-Hall Inc., 2ndedition 1994, 364
pages, ISBN0-13-124652

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