Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E7A
E7A05E7A

Which of the following circuits continuously alternates between two states without an external clock signal?

Deep Dive: E7A05

The correct answer is D: Astable multivibrator. Which of the following circuits continuously alternates between two states without an external clock signal is an astable multivibrator. Astable multivibrators oscillate continuously. For amateur radio operators, this is important for digital circuits. Understanding this helps when working with oscillators.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (Monostable multivibrator): Incorrect. Monostable has one stable state, doesn't continuously alternate - astable does. Monostable isn't the answer. Option B (J-K flip-flop): Incorrect. J-K flip-flop needs clock signal - astable doesn't need external clock. J-K flip-flop isn't the answer. Option C (T flip-flop): Incorrect. T flip-flop needs clock signal - astable doesn't need external clock. T flip-flop isn't the answer.

Exam Tip

Circuit continuously alternating without external clock = astable multivibrator. Think 'A'stable = 'A'lternates 'A'utomatically (no external clock). Astable multivibrators oscillate continuously. Not monostable (one stable state), not J-K flip-flop (needs clock), not T flip-flop (needs clock) - just astable multivibrator.

Memory Aid

Circuit continuously alternating without external clock = astable multivibrator. Think 'A'stable = 'A'lternates automatically. Astable multivibrators oscillate continuously. Important for digital circuits.

Real-World Example

A circuit that continuously alternates between two states without an external clock signal: It's an astable multivibrator. Astable multivibrators are free-running oscillators that continuously switch states. This is the circuit - astable multivibrator.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E7A

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E7 - Practical Circuits

Key Concepts

Circuits Continuously alternates Two states Without external clock signal Astable multivibrator

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E7A topic.