IEC · G

IEC astable element

IEC element marked G, an astable that produces a continuous pulse train; drawing the waveform is optional.

In plain English

What does IEC astable element mean?

The astable element is marked with G, optionally followed by a sketch of the output waveform. It produces a free-running pulse train. Variants include !G for a synchronously starting astable and G! for one that stops only after completing a pulse, as listed in TI's public overview.

A simple example

Astable elements represent oscillators on logic diagrams: flasher circuits for indicator lamps, test pulse generators and clock sources. Where an enable input exists, its effect on the output at start and stop should be considered because the variant qualifiers describe exactly that.

Identify the device and formRead the connections and stateCheck the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

What the drawings help you do

The symbol does not state frequency or duty cycle. Note those values beside the element or reference the timing components.

This particular reference

IEC element marked G, an astable that produces a continuous pulse train; drawing the waveform is optional. A monostable produces one pulse per trigger; an astable runs continuously while enabled.

Signal
Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
Schematic
A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Read the source: Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A)

IEC · Rectangular element with the G qualifier and optional waveform

Qualifying-symbol and dependency conventions as explained in TI's public overview of IEEE Std 91-1984, which incorporates IEC 617-12 work. Independent educational drawing; not certified IEC geometry or an IEC database identifier.

Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.

Schematic · GIEC astable element: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

What it represents

The astable element is marked with G, optionally followed by a sketch of the output waveform. It produces a free-running pulse train. Variants include !G for a synchronously starting astable and G! for one that stops only after completing a pulse, as listed in TI's public overview.

Astable elements represent oscillators on logic diagrams: flasher circuits for indicator lamps, test pulse generators and clock sources. Where an enable input exists, its effect on the output at start and stop should be considered because the variant qualifiers describe exactly that.

The symbol does not state frequency or duty cycle. Note those values beside the element or reference the timing components.

How to read it

  • Check for ! before or after G, which changes start or stop behaviour.
  • Find frequency and duty cycle in notes or timing parts.

Information to show or reference

  • Mark the element with G.
  • State frequency and duty cycle.
  • Use !G or G! where start or stop behaviour matters.

A distinction that matters

A monostable produces one pulse per trigger; an astable runs continuously while enabled.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

Overview of IEEE Standard 91-1984: explanation of logic symbols (SDYZ001A)

Lists G, !G and G! astable qualifiers.

Texas Instruments · Public reference checked 28 October 2026 · Link only

About this graphic

This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.

SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 28 October 2026

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