How is a multivibrator different from an oscillator? Is it that a multivibrator generates square waves only (two-state) while an oscillator's output can be any periodic waveform (sine, square, triangle etc) ? Thanks in advance.
-Benn
Yes, mutivibrators are switching circuits that produce square-wave outputs. The square wave output can be modified (integrated, differentiated, filtered) to produce different waveshapes. For instance, integrating a square wave results in a triangular wave.
Oscillators generally produce sine waves, however, an astable (no stable state) multivibrator is a square wave oscillator.
Another difference between oscillators and multivibrators is that, with the exception of the astable multivibrator, multivibrators require an input signal; oscillators do not.
I hope this helps.
Richard
A multivibrator is certainly a kind of oscillator. I think your distinction is a good one, but change "square waves" to "a pulse train", since there is no reason to expect a multivibrator to achieve a square wave output unless you have taken pains to make it do exactly that. Essentially any duty cycle is possible.
If it's an astable multivibrator, then there's no difference. It's merely a type of oscillator, it generates a signal.
Michael
Hello, John. Nice to see you're still imparting your invaluable wisdom to students of this most technically-challenging of hobbies. My 2p worth... A multivibrator is a form of (RC) oscillator, but one which by its very nature is guaranteed to self-start and produce a squarish waveform. Conventional LC oscillators require a noise shock and adequate positive feedback to get going. Then they'll ordinarily generate a sine wave. No doubt someone will find fault with that distinction, though. :-/
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