How does this circuit work?

ericgibbs

Joined Jan 29, 2010
18,766
hi 193,
Consider this: the MOM label means Momentary. Normally Open.

The requirement of the circuit maybe that when the Momentary switch is Open, Q1 Collector is High and Q2 Collector is Low.

When the Momentary switch is Closed Q1C will go Low and Q2C High, so it will always start with same Q1C, Q2C states.

It is a momentary SW, so if it is not physically held On, the Astable will stop running.

Of course the Q3 transistor could be replaced by the SW.

As this is Homework there are limits on how much I can tell you as answers. ;)
E


Update:
As someone suggested the 12V power could be switch ON to start the Astable, but Q1C and Q2C states would not always start in the same Phase...
 
Last edited:

ericgibbs

Joined Jan 29, 2010
18,766
hi 193,
Now that you have handed in your assignment, this LTS simulation shows your Astable working. OK. 11kHz.

As one poster suggested that both transistors turning On at the same, is wrong,

Also suggesting shorting out the diodes is a bad idea, as it puts a -11V level on the transistor Bases, the diodes limit voltage to approx -6V.

As someone suggested the 12V power could be switch ON to start the Astable, but switching the Astable On using the 12V rail would not ensure the Q1C and Q2C states always start in the same Phase...

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Audioguru again

Joined Oct 21, 2019
6,674
I see that the frequency of the oscillator is higher with the diodes then the capacitors do not have enough time to charge to a voltage as high as without the diodes. Then only some transistors will be destroyed by the emitter-base avalanche breakdown because the breakdown voltage is a range of voltages from 5V or 6V to maybe 9V.
 

ericgibbs

Joined Jan 29, 2010
18,766
Then only some transistors will be destroyed by the emitter-base avalanche breakdown because the breakdown voltage is a range of voltages from 5V or 6V to maybe 9V.
hi agu,
I think you will agree that the circuit works as posted by the TS.
It will most likely damage the BE of the transistors if the diodes are linked out.

Usually you are more precise in your answers, just saying Then only some transistors will be destroyed or
breakdown voltage is a range of voltages from 5V or 6V to maybe 9V, will just confuse the TS.

E
 

Audioguru again

Joined Oct 21, 2019
6,674
My very first job was with Philips and an engineer showed me the datasheet for the same very old transistor as is used in this school project, the BC107. The engineer showed me the Absolute Maximum Veb voltage breakdown rating of 6V and said to Never Ever exceed it. Then I Never Ever exceeded Absolute Maximum ratings on anything I designed.

The teacher did not provide a schematic of a simple multivibrator without the diodes and powered from a safe 5V.
 
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