After studying the material in this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Describe and analyze the operation of the basic BJT, JFET, and MOSFET switches.
2. List the common time and frequency characteristics of rectangular waveforms and describe how each is measured.
3. List and describe the factors that affect BJT and FET switching time.
4. Discuss the methods used to improve the switching times of basic BJT and FET circuits.
5. Compare and contrast the time measurement techniques for inverters and buffers.
6. Describe and analyze the operation of inverting Schmitt triggers and noninverting Schmitt triggers.
7. List and describe the output characteristics of the three types of multivibrators.
8. Describe the internal construction and operation of the 555 timer.
9. Describe, analyze, and troubleshoot 555 timer astable and monostable multivibrators.
10. Describe the operation of the 555 timer voltage-controller oscillator (VCO).