Many designs exist for logic-based astable multivibrators, one of the simplest being an RC feedback loop around a single inverting Schmitt trigger inverter (Figure 1). The output charges the capacitor ...
Some time ago, I reverse-engineered a low-cost inverter made by Vector Mfg. (now Black & Decker). It uses a classic 2-BJT astable multivibrator (AMV) but with a circuit design twist, as shown below.