The SN74LV221A is a dual multivibrator designed for 2-V to 5.5-V V_CC operation. Each multivibrator has a negative-transition-triggered (A) input and a positive-transition-triggered (B) input, either of which can be used as an inhibit input.

This edge-triggered multivibrator features output pulse-duration control by three methods. In the first method, the A input is low and the B input goes high. In the second method, the B input is high and the A input goes low. In the third method, the A input is low, the B input is high, and the clear (CLR) input goes high.

The output pulse duration is programmable by selecting external resistance and capacitance values. The external timing capacitor must be connected between C_ext and R_ext/C_ext(positive) and an external resistor connected between R_ext/C_ext and V_CC. To obtain variable pulse durations, connect an external variable resistor between R_ext/C_ext and V_CC. The output pulse duration also can be reduced by taking CLR low.

Pulse triggering occurs at a particular voltage level and is not related directly to the transition time of the input pulse. The A, B, and CLR inputs have Schmitt triggers with sufficient hysteresis to handle slow input transition rates with jitter-free triggering at the outputs.

Once triggered, the outputs are independent of further transitions of the A and B inputs and are a function of the timing components, or the output pulses can be terminated by the overriding clear. Input pulses can be of any duration relative to the output pulse. Output pulse duration can be varied by choosing the appropriate timing components. Output rise and fall times are TTL compatible and independent of pulse duration. Typical triggering and clearing sequences are illustrated in the input/output timing diagram.

The variance in output pulse duration from device to device typically is less than ±0.5% for given external timing components. An example of this distribution for the SN74LV221A-Q1 is shown in Figure 8. Variations in output pulse duration versus supply voltage and temperature are shown in Figure 5.

During power up, Q outputs are in the low state, and Q outputs are in the high state. The outputs are glitch free, without applying a reset pulse.

This device is fully specified for partial-power-down applications using I_off. The I_off circuitry disables the outputs, preventing damaging current backflow through the devices when they are powered down.

Pin assignments are identical to those of the SN74AHC123A and SN74AHCT123A devices, so the SN74LV221A-Q1 can be substituted for those devices not using the retrigger feature.

For additional application information on multivibrators, see the application report Designing With The SN74AHC123A and SN74AHCT123A, literature number SCLA014.