Transient Analysis of RLC Circuit

Theory
When a circuit is switched from one condition to another either by a change in the applied voltage or
a change in one of the circuit elements, there is a transitional period during which the branch currents
and voltage drops change from their former values to new ones. After this transition interval called
the transient, the circuit is said to be in the steady state.
The application of Kirchoffs Voltage Law to a circuit containing energy storage elements results in
differential equation which is solved by any of several available methods. This solution consists of two
parts, the complementary function and the particular solution. For equations in circuit analysis the
complementary functions always goes to zero in a relatively short time and is the transient part of the
solution. The particular solution is the steady state response.
This trainer deals with transient analysis of passive electric circuits using initial conditions and
differential equation approach.
Transient Response of Series RLC Circuit:
The application of Kirchoffs voltage law to the series RLC circuit in Fig.1 results in the following integrodifferential equation

Figure 1 - RLC Series Circuit

------- (1)

Differentiating, we obtain
------- (2)
This second order, linear differential equation is of the homogeneous type with a particular solution of
zero. The complementary function can be one of three different types depending upon the relative
magnitudes of R, L and C. The coefficients in the characteristic equation D2 + (R/L) D + 1/LC = 0 are
constants and the roots of the equation are
------- (3)

Transient Analysis of RLC Circuit

The radicand of can be positive, zero or negative and the solution is then over-damped, critically
damped or under-damped (oscillatory).
Case 1- (R/2L) 2 >1/LC:
Roots D1 and D2 are real and unequal resulting in the over- damped case. Then in factored form
equation is written

and the current is

Case 2- (R/2L) 2 =1/LC:

Roots D1 and D2 are equal and the solution is the critically damped case. In factored form equation is
written

and the current is

Case 3 -(R/2L) 2 < 1/LC:

Roots D1 and D2 are complex conjugates and the solution is under-damped or oscillatory. Defining
and a as before, the factored form of the operator equation is

and the current is

The current in all cases contains the factor

and since = -R/2L the final value is zero, assuming that
the complementary function decays in a relatively short time. The three cases are sketched in Fig. 2
when the initial value is zero and the initial slope is positive.

Transient Analysis of RLC Circuit

Fig.2 (a) Case 1

Fig.2 (b) Case 2

Fig.2 (c) Case 3

Transient Analysis of RLC Circuit

Objective:
Study the transient response of a series RLC circuit with TTL for under-damped, critically-damped and
over-damped cases.
Equipments Needed:
1. Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO). 2. RLC Circuit
Procedure:
Make the connections on the Transient Analysis of RLC Circuits NV6515 as shown in Figure 3.
1. Set the POT at some lower value of resistance (say, 50-100) by connecting multimeter between
terminal 1 and terminal 3. Lower the value of resistance more will be the number of oscillations.
Note: For measuring resistance set the multimeter knob at position.
2. Remove the multimeter from the terminal 1 and terminal 3.
3. Connect terminal 3 and terminal 4 through patch cord.
4. Connect square wave (TTL) to the input of RLC circuit i.e. connect TTL signal terminal to terminal 1 and
Gnd terminal to terminal 2. Square Wave (TTL) is just like manual switching as it automatically switches
on and off.
5. Connect the mains cord to the Trainer and switch on the mains supply.

Figure 3

Transient Analysis of RLC Circuit

6. Now switch on the power switch of the trainer.
7. Connect DSO across capacitor i.e. across TP3 and TP4.
Under-damped Case:
8. Keep DSO at 50s Time Base (for viewing maximum oscillations) or at 20s Time Base (for measuring
frequency easily).
9. Observe the response on DSO. The response is oscillatory and the system is said to be underdamped.
10. Measure the frequency of oscillations and compare it with the theoretical value which is given by

11. Now we know the value of potentiometers resistance. Add the resistance of the potentiometer
with the inductor resistance which is 133 and compare with the theoretical condition given below for
under-damped case.
For Under-damped Case < 0 i.e.
Where R/2L = = Damping Factor and 1/ LC = 0 = Resonant Frequency
In trainer, L = 25mH, RL = 133 , C =1000pF
Theoretically, f = ________ _____

Under damped Oscillations at 50s Time Base

Under-damped Oscillations at 20s Time Base

Transient Analysis of RLC Circuit

Critically damped Case:

12. Increase the resistance R by rotating the POT in clockwise direction till the oscillations disappear.
This is the critically damped system.
13. Remove the TTL Generator connections and open terminals 3 and 4. Measure the resistance of POT.
Add the resistance of the inductor also which is 133 and compare with the theoretical value for critical
damping
For Critically damped Case, = 0 i.e.
Where R/2L = = Damping Factor and

= Resonant Frequency= 0

In trainer, L = 25mH, RL = 133 , C = 1000pF

Over damped Case:

14. Now again make the connections as given in Figure 3.
15. Increase the resistance R (larger than the critical damping value) by rotating the POT in clockwise
direction. This is the over damped system.
16. Remove the TTL Generator connections and open terminals 3 and 4. Measure the resistance of POT.
Add the resistance of the inductor also which is 133 and compare with the theoretical condition given
below for over damped case.
For Over damped Case, > 0 i.e.
Where R/2L = = Damping Factor and
In trainer, L = 25mH, RL = 133 , C = 1000pF

= Resonant Frequency= 0

Transient Analysis of RLC Circuit

Observation:

Conclusion: