Theory about MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

Monostable Multivibrator/ Single Shot multivibrators

As the name indicates, Monostable Multivibrators having only single Stable State and the other is QUASI stable state.

Unlike Astable MultiVibrator it requires an Triggering(Input) signal.

Monostable Multivibrators are classified on the basis of Input Trigger Signal

1. Positive edge Triggered
2. Negative edge Triggered
3. Level Triggered


By giving an input trigger the monostable/ single shot multivibrator generates an output voltage corresponding to the time predetermined by the circuit elements (RC network).

ie; The output wave extends as long as the time constant determined by RC network and come back to its reference position.

So Monostable Multivibrator produce a Single Shot of output voltage for a trigger pulse. If their is no trigger the output voltage will be zero.


In monostable multivibrator, the HIGH state is called QUASI STABLE state because, it is not stable in output waveform.
ie; the output will returns to LOW state after the time t.

Applications of Monostable Multivibrator

- Triggering Electronic Circuits
- Regenerate attenuated Pulses


Try our Monostable Multivibrator Time Out Calculator