🔀 Two stable states 🔀 Switching device

bistable

8.1

A device that can stay in two stable states and hold one piece of information

noun
/ˈbɪˌsteɪbəl/

Specialized

: dispositivo bistable

In electronics, a bistable element can serve crucial functions in various applications, from memory storage to control systems.

Examples

Transitions from bistable to stable conditions may occur with abrupt shifts from a stable vegetated state to stable desert-like conditions as R decreases below R1 (see figure 3a).

Academic text (2010)
A bistable circuit can remain in either the on or off position until it is switched back.
The bistable mechanism allows the device to toggle between two modes of operation easily.

Synonyms

flip-flop

vsbistable

Specialized

1 8.1

An electronic circuit that stays in one of two states to store information

is a general component with two stable states used beyond electronic storage

bistate

vsbistable

Specialized

9.8

A device that can stay in two fixed states to hold a zero or one

is the general term for any component having two stable states

bistable relay

vsbistable

Specialized

7.8

A switch that stays in one of two positions without power and changes when briefly given electricity

is a broader device that does not need to hold position without power

Compounds

bistable relay

Specialized

7.8

A switch that stays in one of two positions without power and changes when briefly given electricity

Surface Forms

bistable singular

bistables plural

Morphology

bistable = stable (transparent) = bi + stable

The meaning is a direct combination of 'bi-' meaning two and 'stable', referring to two stable states.

Etymology

Bistable comes from bi- meaning 'two' (as in bicycle) and stable meaning 'steady' or 'not changing'. So a bistable device is one that has two steady positions—like a light switch with on and off—and can keep one unit of information in either state.