University of Alberta

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

EE 250 Laboratory
Experiment #7 Transient Analysis
Objective:
To study the transient responses of series RC, RL, and RLC circuits following the
application of a step voltage.
Introduction:
The transient response is the fluctuation in current and voltage in a circuit (after the
application of a step voltage or current) before it settles down to its steady state. This lab
will focus on series RL (resistor-inductor), RC (resistor-capacitor), and RLC (resistorinductor-capacitor) circuits to demonstrate transient analysis.
Theory:
Transient Response of Circuit Elements:
A. Resistors: As has been studied before, the application of a voltage V to a
resistor (with resistance R ohms), results in a current I, according to the
formula:
V
I=
..Equation 7.1
R
The current response to voltage change is instantaneous; a resistor has no
transient response.
B. Inductors: A change in voltage across an inductor (with inductance L
Henrys) does not result in an instantaneous change in the current through it.
The i-v relationship is described with the equation:
di
v= L
..Equation 7.2
dt
This relationship implies that the voltage across an inductor approaches zero
as the current in the circuit reaches a steady value. This means that in a DC
circuit, an inductor will eventually act like a short circuit.
C. Capacitors: The transient response of a capacitor is such that it resists
instantaneous change in the voltage across it. Its i-v relationship is described
by:
dv
i=C
Equation 7.3
dt
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This implies that as the voltage across the capacitor reaches a steady value,
the current through it approaches zero. In other words, a capacitor eventually
acts like an open circuit in a DC circuit.
Series Combinations of Circuit Elements:
Solving the circuits shown below involves the solution of first and second order
differential equations. Only the solutions have been included, as that is all that is
needed for the lab.
A. Series RC Circuits:

Figure 7.1: A Series RC Circuit

If the switch in this circuit was initially open, and then closed at time t=0, the
current in this circuit is:
i t = I O exp

where:

t
...Equation 7.4

VO
= the initial current in the circuit
R
= RC = the time constant for the circuit
I O=

Another definition of is obtained by setting t = into Equation 7.4. Doing

so gives i() = IO*(1/e). The time constant of an RC circuit is the time
required for the current in the circuit to fall to 1/e of its initial value.
B. Series RL Circuits

Figure 7.2: A Series RL Circuit

If the switch in this circuit is initially open, and then closed at time t=0, the
current in this circuit will be described as:
t /

i t = I O 1e

EE 250 Experiment #7 -July 2006

..Equation 7.5

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where:

VO
= the limiting value of the current in the circuit
R
L
=
= the time constant for the circuit
R
I O=

can also be described by noting what happens when t = is substituted into

Equation 7.5. Doing so gives i() = IO*(1-1/e). In other words, is the time
required in an RL circuit for the current to grow to (1-1/e) of its limiting
value.
C. Series RLC Circuits

Figure 7.3: A Series RLC Circuit

In theory, there are three cases for the way a series RLC circuit will respond
when the switch is closed at time t=0. In this lab, only the underdamped case
will be dealt with. For this case, the current in the circuit is described by:
i=

where:

VO
d L

expt sin d t Equation 7.6

d = 02 2 ;
1
R
0 =
and =
2L
LC

Equation 7.6 describes a current that is both fluctuating and deteriorating, as

shown in Figure 7.4:

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Figure 7.4: The Current in an Underdamped Series RLC Circuit

The current in the circuit oscillates due to the sine component in Equation
7.6, but the maximum value it can reach is decaying due to the negative
exponential. The envelope that the current must fall within is described by:
i=

VO
d L

exp t or i =

VO
d L

expt

The quantity is referred to as the time constant of the envelope. It is

determined by taking the natural logarithm of both sides of the above
equation:
lni = ln

VO

d L

t ..Equation 7.7

which is a linear equation. If a graph of lni vs . t is plotted, its slope will

be .
Resonance in Series RLC Circuits:
The resonant frequency of an RLC Circuit is the frequency at which current is
a maximum. This occurs when the impedance of the capacitor equals the
impedance of the inductor.
Z C = Z L
1
= jO L
jO C
At this frequency, the impedance of the capacitor (negative) exactly cancels
the impedance of the inductor (positive). The only impedance felt by the

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source is the resistor. It follows that the current at this frequency will be in
phase with the voltage source, and at a maximum magnitude.
Practical Considerations for Implementing these Circuits:
The input voltage described in all the above has been described as a step voltage. This is
most easily obtained by using the function generator set to deliver square waves. The rate
of delivery of the step voltages is set to a time long enough that the circuit is allowed to
reach a steady state before the voltage changes again. This effectively simulates a voltage
source in series with an on-off switch.
Real World Voltage Source: A real world voltage source is not an ideal voltage source.
Real voltage sources will produce very large short circuit currents but will never produce
infinite currents when shorted. The real world imperfections or limitations of the voltage
source limits the available current. This current limiting effect of the real world source is
often described as the internal source impedance. A real voltage source can be modelled
as an ideal voltage source in series with an internal source impedance. If the load
impedance is much greater than the internal source impedance, then the source impedance
can be ignored. However, if the load impedance is comparable to the internal source
impedance, it may not be ignored. The internal source impedance of the function
generator is 50 resistive.
All of the theory above described the transient current response. The measurement of
current can be achieved with the oscilloscope in these circuits, because all are series
circuits, and all have a resistor in them. To get the current, measure the voltage across the
resistors, then divide by their resistance.
Experimental Procedure:
Throughout this experiment, results should be recorded in the report section of this
handout.
Part 1: Series RC Circuit
The circuit shown in Figure 7.5 will be constructed to illustrate the transient current
response, and the transient voltage response across the capacitor, to an applied voltage
source.

Figure 7.5

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1.1

Set Up the Circuit

1.) Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 7.5, with channels 1 and 2 of the
oscilloscope set up to measure the input and output voltages, respectively.
2.) Set the function generator to deliver a square wave:
a) Push in the button to select square wave.
b) Use the DMM to set the frequency to 700Hz.

1.2

Transient Reaction Observations

1.) Display the input and output voltages on the oscilloscope. Set the voltage and
time scales for maximum resolution.
2.) Observe and record the input and output waveforms on the grid provided.
3.) Tabulate the values of VOUT as a function of time for one of the decaying
exponentials displayed on the oscilloscope. Take measurements about every 1020s.
4.) can be measured from the oscilloscope as follows:
a) Line the forward edge of a square pulse with 0s on the display.
b) Since i() = Io/e, v() = Vo/e. Calculate v().
c) Use voltage cursors to find the point on the output that corresponds to v().
d) Adjust the horizontal position and scale of the output waveform so that the
whole cycle from t=0 to t= is displayed, with the point where V=v() lined
up with a vertical graticule.
e) Notice which graticule V=v() is lined up with, then use time cursors to
measure the time distance from zero to that point. This is the time constant
.

1.3

Transient Voltage Across a Capacitor

1.) Interchange R and C in the circuit of Figure 7.5.
2.) Repeat part 1.2, measuring the voltage across the capacitor instead of the resistor.
The time constant is now the time it takes for the voltage to grow to (11/e)*Vo (think KVL).

Part 2: Series RL Circuit

The transient current response of a series RL circuit is investigated, and the transient
voltage across an inductor when the voltage in a circuit is changed.

Figure 7.6

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2.1

Set up the Circuit

1.) Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 7.6, with channels 1 and 2 of the
oscilloscope set up to measure the input and output voltages, respectively.
2.) Set the function generator to deliver a square wave, the same way as in Part 1.
3.) Display the input and output voltages on the oscilloscope.
Due to the load on the function generator, the input voltage will appear similar
to the waveform shown in Figure 7.7. Remember to include the source
impedance in the R for calculations.

Figure 7.7: Waveform of the Loaded Function Generator

2.2

2.3

Transient Reaction Observations

1.) Display the function generator and output voltage on channels 1 and 2 of the
oscilloscope. Set the voltage and time scales for maximum resolution.
2.) Observe and record the input and output waveforms on the grid provided.
3.) Tabulate the values of the output voltage as a function of time for one of the
exponential curves on the oscilloscope. Note the similar form to part 1.3.
4.) can be measured from the oscilloscope as follows:
a) Line the forward edge of a square pulse with 0s on the display.
b) Measure the limiting voltage across the resistor, Vo.
c) Since i() = Io*(1-1/e), v() = Vo*(1-1/e). Calculate v().
d) Find the first point past the zero mark where V=v().
e) Use cursors to determine at what time V=v(). This is the time constant of
the circuit.
Transient Voltage Across the Inductor
1.) Interchange R and L in the circuit of Figure 7.6.
2.) Repeat part 2.2, measuring the voltage across the inductor instead of the resistor.
The time constant is now the time it takes for the voltage to drop to Vo/e.

Part 3: Series RLC Circuits

This section explores the properties of series RLC circuits. The underdamped current
response in the circuit is observed on the oscilloscope. Then, the frequency of a sinusoidal
voltage source is varied to determine the resonant frequency of the circuit.

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Figure 7.8
3.1

Set Up the Circuit

1.) Connect the circuit shown in Figure 7.8, with channels 1 and 2 of the
oscilloscope set to measure input voltage and output voltage, respectively.
2.) Set the function generator to deliver a square wave, the same way as in Part 1.

3.2

Transient Reaction Observations

1.) Display the input and output voltages on the oscilloscope. Set the voltage and
time scales for maximum resolution. Adjust the time scale so that a complete
ringing waveform is displayed on the screen.
2.) Observe and record the input and output waveforms.
3.) Measure at least three positive and three negative peaks of the waveform, and the
time at which each peak occurs. Measure the times at which the current is zero
and determine the frequency fd of these damped oscillations.

3.3

The Resonant Frequency

1.) Switch the function generator to give a sine wave output. Adjust the frequency
until the current (represented by the voltage across the resistor) is in phase with
the input voltage. Under this condition, the current is a maximum.
2.) Measure this frequency with the DMM. This is the resonant frequency fo of the
circuit.

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Experiment #7 Transient Analysis

Pre-lab Assignment
Read the lab over and answer the following questions. All work must be handed in with
the pre-lab hand in sheet, and your answers should be copied into the lab data sheet for use
during the lab.
1.) Refer to Figures 7.5 and 7.6 in the lab. Calculate the time constant for each circuit.
2.) Refer to Figure 7.8 in the lab. Calculate the resonant frequency for this circuit.

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Experiment #7 Transient Analysis

Post Lab Questions
Answer the questions below, using measured values from the lab. Show at least one
sample calculation per question, and give all answers to 2 decimal places. Remember to
include the source impedance in cases where it is comparable to the circuit resistance.
Part 1: A Series RC Circuit
1.)

Draw a graph showing the time relationship between the input signal and the output
as a function of time for part 1.2.3.

2.)

Determine the time constant from the graph produced in question 1.).

3.)

To the theoretical value of determined in the pre-lab, compare:

a) The value determined from the graph above.
b) The value determined from the oscilloscope in part 1.2.4.
c) The value determined from the oscilloscope in part 1.3.

4.)

Derive the equation for the output voltage across the capacitor VC(t) for the circuit of
part 1.3. Does this function describe the waveform seen? Test by graphing measured
and calculated values.

Part 2: A Series RL Circuit

5.)

Use the data from part 2.2.3 to plot a current vs. time relationship for the RL circuit.
On the same set of axes, draw the theoretical curve (corresponding to Equation 7.5).
Does this function describe the waveform seen?

6.)

Calculate L with the measured in part 2.2.4. Compare with the value labelled on the
coil.

Part 3: A Series RLC Circuit

7.)

Calculate the peak currents from part 3.2.3.

8.)

Plot the linear graph of lni vs . t . This corresponds to Equation 7.7. From the
slope of the graph, calculate L.

9.)

Using the plot of question 8.), extrapolate back to time t=0. Obtain ln|i|(t=0) and hence
obtain i(t=0). This is the current corresponding to the envelope at time t=0.
VO
VO
i=
exp 0 =
d L
d L
Vo and d have been measured. Using this formula, calculate L.

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10.) Compare the frequency fd of the damped oscillations as measured in 3.2.3 with the
resonant frequency fo, measured in 3.3.2. Show why you would not expect there to be
any significant difference between these two frequencies.
11.) The resonant frequency, fo, of the series RLC circuit is given by:
1
1
f O=
or O =
2 LC
LC
Using this formula, calculate L, assuming C is given.
12.) The inductance L was determined in questions 6.), 8.), 9.), and 11.). Which
measurement do you think is most accurate, and why? (This does not necessarily
mean closest to the nominal value.)

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EE 250 Laboratory
Pre- Lab Report
Experiment #7 Transient Analysis
Name:
Lab Section:

Lab Date:

Question 1:

RC

RL

Question 2:

fo

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EE 250 Laboratory
Experiment #7 Transient Analysis

Lab Report
STATION NUMBER
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
10
13
14 15
16
19
20 21
22

Lab Section:
Lab Date:

5
11
17
23

6
12
18
24

Group Members/ ID Numbers:

Signatures:

Pre-lab questions: Record answers from the pre-lab for comparison while doing the lab.
Question 1:

RC

RL

Question 2:

fo
Measurements: Remember to include units with all measurements.
Part 1: Series RC Circuit
1.2.2) Graph of the Input and Output Waveforms (not necessarily to scale)

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1.2.3)Tabulation of VOUT as a function of time

t(s)
VOUT
1.2.4) Time constant of the RC circuit

RC
1.3.2) Graph of the Input and Output Waveforms (not necessarily to scale)

1.3.3) Tabulation of VOUT as a function of time

t(s)
VOUT
1.3.4) Time constant of the RC circuit

RC

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2.2.2) Graph of the Input and Output Waveforms (not necessarily to scale)

2.2.3) Tabulation of VOUT as a function of time

t(s)
VOUT
2.2.4) Time constant of the RL circuit

RL
2.3.2) Graph of the Input and Output Waveforms (not necessarily to scale)

2.3.3) Tabulation of VOUT as a function of time

t(s)
VOUT

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2.3.4) Time constant of the RL circuit

RL
3.2.2) Graph of the input and output waveforms. (Not necessarily to scale)

3.2.3) Measurement of the positive and negative peaks, and the zeros, of the output
waveform.

Zero

t(s)

Voltage

Positive
Peak

t(s)
Zero

Voltage
0

Positive
Peak

Zero

Negative
Peak

Zero

Negative
Peak

Zero
Positive
Peak
Zero
Negative
Peak

Zero

Positive
Peak
Zero

Negative
Peak
Zero

fd
3.3.2) The resonant frequency

fo

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