The spelling of the word "univibrator" may seem unconventional, but it's a technical term commonly used in electronics. It refers to an oscillator with only one unstable state. The word can be phonetically transcribed as /ˌjuː.nɪˈvaɪ.brə.tər/, with stress on the second syllable. The "uni-" prefix comes from the Latin word for "one," while "vibrator" refers to the oscillating motion. Overall, the spelling of "univibrator" follows common English patterns, despite its technical meaning.
A univibrator, also known as a monostable multivibrator, is an electronic circuit that generates a single pulse or a specified pulse duration in response to an input trigger signal. It is a type of multivibrator circuit that has two stable states, the stable state and the quasi-stable state, which are determined by the external components such as resistors and capacitors.
In the stable state, the univibrator circuit remains in a steady condition until it receives an external trigger input. Once the trigger input is received, it shifts to the quasi-stable state for a predetermined duration. During this period, the circuit output remains high or low, depending on its design, and then it automatically returns to the stable state after the predetermined time has passed. The output pulse duration can be adjusted by modifying the values of the external components.
Univibrators find various applications in electronic systems, including timers, pulse generators, frequency dividers, and flip-flops. They are commonly used for initiating or synchronizing various operations in digital circuits or as timing elements. Additionally, univibrator circuits are often employed in analog circuits for generating or shaping pulses.
Overall, a univibrator is an electronic circuit that generates a predetermined duration pulse when triggered, making it useful in a wide range of applications in the fields of digital and analog electronics.
The word univibrator has its etymology rooted in Latin and English.
The term is a combination of two words: uni and vibrator.
The prefix uni comes from Latin unus, which means one or single. It denotes singularity or unity.
The word vibrator is derived from the English verb vibrate, which means to oscillate rapidly back and forth or to produce a quivering or trembling motion. The word vibrate itself comes from the Latin verb vibrare, meaning to shake or to brandish.
When these two words are combined, uni emphasizes the singularity or singular nature of the vibrating action, hence the term univibrator.