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Astable (comparator)

 


Astable multivibration circuit using LM741Astable multivibration circuit using LM741

The frequency of this astable miltivibrator circuit depends on all the external components connected to the op-amp. The best practice is to fixed the value of some of the components in order to derived a relation for the frequency. Deriving relation for the frequency is simple if R1, R2 and R3 are fixed with equal value. That is R1 = R2 = R3 = R.

In an ideal situation, it can be shown that the frequency, f of the oscillation is
the frequency, f of the oscillation of astable using comparatorJust like Schmitt trigger that has VT+ and VT-, non-inverting input of the op-amp is either 2/3 or 1/3 of the supplied voltage so that the capacitor, C charges and discharges in between these voltages.

How were 2/3Vcc and 1/3Vcc arrived at?
The figures below will be used to compute the voltages at the non-inverting input of the op-amp, i.e positive and negative going threshold voltage of the circuit between which capacitor charges and discharges. (A) occurs when the output of the op-amp is 'high' while (B) is when the output is 'low'

astable-741 illustration of non inverting input

The figures below show the equivalent circuits of the above figure after applying circuit theorems (equivalent resistance and voltage divider).

astable-741 illustration of non inverting input

Using the formula that was derived for frequency of an astable multivibrator using Schmitt trigger with VT+ and VT- being replaced with 2Vcc/3 and Vcc/3 respectively.
frequency of oscillation in schmitt trigger astablefrequency of oscillation in schmitt trigger astableClick here for astable (comparator) calculator

Related links

Multivibrator
Astable using 555 timer

Monostable using 555 timer
Astable using schmitt trigger
Astable using comparator
LED flasher

 

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