Duty-cycle conversion at constant frequency using a 74121 one-shot Convert a 33 kHz waveform from 30% duty to 60% duty while keeping the frequency at 33 kHz. Choose suitable Rint and Cext.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Rint = 2 kΩ, Cext = 0.012 µF

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Changing duty cycle at a fixed frequency can be achieved by pulse stretching (or re-timing) with a monostable. The 74121 is a non-retriggerable one-shot whose output width is set by its timing network. Here, we need to expand the high time to 60% while keeping the input frequency at 33 kHz.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Input frequency fin = 33 kHz → period T ≈ 1 / 33,000 ≈ 30.303 µs
  • Target duty = 60% → desired high time th ≈ 0.60 * 30.303 µs ≈ 18.18 µs
  • 74121 approximate timing: t_w ≈ K * Rint * Cext, where K is a family constant on the order of 0.7 (device- and family-dependent)
  • Options provide discrete Rint and Cext choices


Concept / Approach:

Select Rint and Cext such that t_w ≈ desired high time. Using a common approximation t_w ≈ 0.7 * Rint * Cext guides us to an R*C product near th / 0.7.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Compute target RC: RC_target ≈ th / 0.7 ≈ 18.18 µs / 0.7 ≈ 25.97 µsEvaluate options: (a) 2 kΩ * 0.012 nF = 24 ns → far too small(b) 2 kΩ * 0.012 µF = 24 µs → t_w ≈ 0.7 * 24 µs ≈ 16.8 µs (close to 18.18 µs)(c) 4 kΩ * 0.012 nF = 48 ns → far too small(d) 4 kΩ * 0.012 µF = 48 µs → t_w ≈ 0.7 * 48 µs ≈ 33.6 µs (too large)


Verification / Alternative check:

Accounting for component tolerances and the device's K variation, option (b) yields a practical pulse width near the target. Fine-tuning is typically done by slight value adjustments or trimming if required.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

(a) and (c): RC products in the nanoseconds range cannot realize an ~18 µs pulse.
(d): Produces a pulse too long (~33.6 µs), overshooting the 60% target.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing 74121 timing constant with 555 values; misreading nF vs µF; forgetting frequency–period conversion when converting duty cycles.


Final Answer:

Rint = 2 kΩ, Cext = 0.012 µF

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