This is a type
of bistable multivibrator, with two stable states.
Revising transistor behaviour :- When a transistor base is connected to zero volts, it is cut off and its collector voltage rises to the supply voltage. See red figures for TR1, and blue for TR2. When the base
is joined to the supply voltage via a low value resistor, the transistor
is turned on, and becomes saturated. Its collector volts drops to a very
low value.
If SET is taken
low (zero volts) thenTR1 is turned off, and its collector voltage turns
TR2 on.
If SET is now removed from the zero volt rail, the two transistors will remain in this state. To make the flip-flop change state, RESET must now be taken low. Tr2 will now be off and Tr1 on. Q will be low and Q bar high. The flip-flop will rest in this state until SET is again taken low again. This circuit is known as a SR flip-flop. |