Explore your understanding of astable, monostable, and bistable multivibrator circuits with this quiz designed to reinforce key concepts and practical applications. Enhance your knowledge of their functions, differences, and common uses in electronic switching and timing.
Which statement correctly describes the behavior of an astable multivibrator circuit in operation?
Explanation: An astable multivibrator is inherently unstable and oscillates between two states without needing any external trigger, producing a continuous square wave output. In contrast, a bistable multivibrator has two stable states and requires external input to change states, while a monostable multivibrator needs a trigger to produce a single pulse. The option about generating a single output pulse describes the monostable (not astable) multivibrator.
If a circuit is designed to produce a single timed output pulse each time it receives an input trigger (such as a button press), which type of multivibrator should be used?
Explanation: A monostable multivibrator produces one output pulse of fixed duration in response to each input trigger, making it ideal for applications like timers or pulse generation. An astable multivibrator, by contrast, oscillates continuously and cannot be used for single-shot pulse applications. A bistable circuit toggles between two stable states with each trigger but does not inherently produce a timed pulse. 'Tri-stable multivibrator' is not a standard multivibrator type.
Which multivibrator circuit type has two stable states and remains in its current state until it is switched by an external signal?
Explanation: A bistable multivibrator, also known as a flip-flop, has two stable states and retains its state until triggered by an external signal. Astable multivibrators do not have any stable states, causing continuous oscillation. Monostable ones have only one stable state, returning to it after a trigger-induced pulse. 'Unistable multivibrator' is a misnomer and not commonly used in practice.
Which application most commonly makes use of an astable multivibrator circuit?
Explanation: Astable multivibrators are commonly used in applications that require continuous pulse generation, such as clock signals for digital devices. Debouncing typically uses a bistable or monostable configuration. Storing a single digital bit is the function of a bistable multivibrator (flip-flop). Generating a single delay pulse is the domain of the monostable multivibrator.
Suppose a device needs to toggle its output state every time it receives a push-button signal, such as a digital on/off switch. Which multivibrator circuit is most suitable for this function?
Explanation: A bistable multivibrator, or flip-flop, toggles between two stable output states in response to each trigger, making it ideal for on/off switching applications. Astable multivibrators are unsuitable here as they output continuous oscillations. Monostable multivibrators produce only one pulse per trigger, not a toggling action. 'Quadrastable multivibrator' is not a recognized term in standard electronics.