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Learning Objectives:
1
estimate the operating frequency using f
RC
;
draw the circuit diagram for an astable using a 555 timer i.c.;
1
o the frequency: f 0.7( R 2 R )C
A B
1
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
Astable Circuit.
A Q
The Schmitt NOT gate has a unique switching characteristic which is very
different to the standard NOT gate. The following diagrams illustrate the
difference between to two.
VOUT VOUT
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 VIN 0 1 2 3 4 5 VIN
2
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
Looking at the two characteristics you should notice that for a standard NOT
gate operating on a 5V supply that the switching point is at the midpoint of
the supply voltage for an increasing or decreasing input voltage.
We have therefore created some hysteresis in the NOT gate with two
distinct switching thresholds. We can use this to our advantage to make an
astable timer with the addition of just a resistor and a capacitor. The circuit
required is shown below.
This is a very simple circuit, but very reliable, requiring the minimum number
of components, and taking up very little space on a circuit board.
1
The frequency of the output is given by the approximation f
RC
3
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
When the voltage at the input reaches the upper switching threshold,
The capacitor now starts to discharge through the resistor R1, and
When the voltage at the input reaches the lower switching threshold,
Note : When selecting the resistor for the Schmitt astable circuit you
should ensure that the minimum value of resistance chosen is
1k. This will limit the current flowing to an acceptably low
value, and prevent overheating of the Schmitt i.c. device.
4
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
The red trace, shows the voltage at the input to the Schmitt NOT gate, the
blue trace shows the voltage at the output of the Schmitt NOT gate.
Notes:
1. The first cycle lasts longer than subsequent pulses as the
capacitor has to charge up from 0V, to the upper switching
threshold.
2. After the first cycle the capacitor charges and discharges
between the upper and lower switching threshold of the Schmitt
NOT gate.
3. The On time, and Off time are of the same duration.
5
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
The Schmitt NOT gate solution is a very simple, neat and reliable solution if a
simple clock, or pulse generator is required. However if you want to have a
different on and off time then this simple circuit cannot perform this
action, and we need to consider a more complex solution.
RA
RB
The circuit has many similarities with the monostable option, and it is
important to ensure that you do not confuse the two as you are expected to
be able to draw this circuit in the examination.
There are three formulae that apply to this circuit, all of which are provided
on the Candidate Information page at the front of every examination paper
so you do not have to remember them.
1
o the frequency: f 0.7( R 2 R )C
A B
From these formulae we can see that the on time is always greater than the
off time, but will be approximately the same if RB>>RA.
6
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
Here we can see that with the two resistors equal in value, the on time is
approximately twice as long as the off time. If R1 is changed to 1k and R2
changed to 100k then output becomes as shown below, where the on time is
virtually equal to the off time.
7
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
Note : When selecting resistors for the 555 timer circuit you should
ensure that the minimum value of resistance chosen is 1k. This
will limit the current flowing to an acceptably low value, and
prevent overheating of the 555 i.c. device.
Mark Space
time
8
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
Student Exercise 1:
(i) Calculate the duration of the on pulse for the above circuit.
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(ii) Calculate the duration of the off pulse for the above circuit.
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9
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
2. (a) Use the grid below to draw an astable waveform with a mark-space
ratio of 2:1.
time
(b) Use the grid below to draw an astable waveform with a mark-space
ratio of 2:3.
time
3. Complete the diagram below to show how an astable timer can be made
from a Schmitt NOT gate, and choose component values to give a
frequency of 2Hz.
Calculations:
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10
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
The following questions have been taken from recent examination papers covering the use of astable
circuits. Some reference is also made to monostable circuits as the two topics are often linked in
examination questions.
1. The following diagram shows an astable built with a 555 timer used to clock an l.e.d.
A data sheet for the 555 astable gives the following information
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[2]
(b) Explain how the circuit could be modified to provide a variable mark-space ratio.
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[2]
11
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
A data sheet for the 555 astable gives the following information
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[2]
(b) Calculate the frequency of the astable.
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12
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
[2]
13
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
[2]
(b) Draw a sketch to illustrate the output waveform produced by the astable. Your sketch
should show clearly how an astable waveform differs from a monostable waveform.
[2]
14
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
3. The following alarm system sets off a buzzer when the monostable is triggered.
(a) Describe what the alarm does over the 8 second period after the monostable is triggered.
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[1]
(b) Draw a sketch of the waveform produced at the output of the AND gate over the 10
second period after the monostable is triggered.
[2]
15
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
(a) The output signal has a mark:space ratio of 4:1. Sketch two cycles of the output signal.
Label the mark T1 and the space T2.
[3]
(b) The space T2 has a duration of 30 ms. Calculate the value of resistor RB that will produce
this space when C = 3.3F.
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[2]
(c) Determine the value of resistor RA.
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16
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
[1]
17
Module ET2
Electronic Circuits and Components.
Student Exercise 1:
t L 0.7 RB C
t L 0.7 33 10 3 47 10 6
t L 1.0857 s
t L 1.09 s
1
(iii) the frequency: f
0.7( R A 2 RB )C
1
f
0.7( R A 2 RB )C
1
f
0.7(2.2 10 3 2 33 10 3 ) 47 10 6
1
f
0.7(68.2 10 3 ) 47 10 6
f 0.445 Hz
Or
1
f
tH tL
1 1
f 0.444 Hz
1.16 1.09 2.25
18
Topic 2.2.3 Astable Circuits.
2. (a)
time
(b)
time
1
f
RC
1
2
1000 C
1
C 5 10 4 500 10 6 F 500 F
2 1000
Targets: 1.
2.
20