Lab 3: Problem Statement for the Purpose of Self-Preparation
In your last experiment (Lab 2), you designed and tested a NOT gate-based oscillator namely
Ring Oscillator. It was found that the output waveshape did not resemble/match with the true
square wave that one expects for an idea digital system application.
In Lab 3, you will explore another method of producing a well-defined clock with a custom
time period and duty cycle. For this purpose, you will use IC 555 with 8 pins.
You are supposed to understand all three multivibrator circuits using IC 555 and explain their
working with the help of the internal block diagram and external components connected.
From your preparation, you can take whatever notes you like to take on a single-sided A4-
page paper; the other side should be empty. You will need to submit your notes along with
your assignment for cross-verification, if needed. Printout or photocopying of the notes is
strictly prohibited. Notes must be handwritten or hand-drawn.
Lab duration: Time limit of 2 hours will be followed strictly. There will not be a pre-lab
lecture, rather a detailed lecture about sequential logic and the necessary components inside
the 555 IC will be covered in the Friday’s class. Exact problem statements with expected
design specifications will be given to you right at the beginning of the lab.
During the lab session firstly, you will present the basic pin diagram and internal block
diagram of the IC. Parameters like time period, duty cycle and pulse time will be arbitrarily
assigned to each student. Accordingly, you will calculate the required component values and
build the Multivibrator circuits. You will demonstrate the operation and results of each of the
multivibrator circuits to your TA and get them signed as verification.
You will also need to note down all the traces on your assignment sheet. Your answer sheets
will be independently evaluated by another TA at a later stage. If anything (such as the x/y
label, unit, grid details, etc.) is found missing in the presentation, then up to 20% of the
marks for that section will be deducted.
Part A: Astable multivibrator
Calculate the component values for the specified output frequency and duty cycle. Build the
Astable multivibrator using components with nearest available standard values. Once you are
able to show the results and answer further associated questions, you can move on to Part B.
Part B: Monostable multivibrator
Calculate the component values for the specified duration of the output pulse. Build the
Monostable multivibrator using components with nearest available standard values. Once
you are able to show the results and answer further associated questions, you can move on to
Part C.
Part C: Bistable multivibrator
Build and demonstrate the Bi-stable mode of operation of the system.
