ENGR 203 EXPERIMENT #2

RLC TRANSIENTS

Objective

To investigate the influence of resistance on damping and to gain experience in

finding RLC transient equation constants using experimental methods.

Equipment

LTspice, MAT(SCI)LAB
0.05 uF Capacitor
10 mH Inductor
80, 100, 1500, 5000 ohm resistors

Circuit Diagram

FIGURE 2.1

Procedure

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 2.1. Let C = 0.05 uF and L = 10 mH. For the
underdamped case let R1 = 100 and R2 = 80 . For the overdamped case let R1 =
5000 and R2 = 1500 .

2. Use about 600 Hz for the underdamped case and 2000 Hz for the overdamped case.

3. Record key points on the transient waveforms by using the cursor in PROBE. For
each case select a second value for R2.

Analysis

Overdamped Case

1. Plot the recorded data on semi-log graph with time plotted on the rectilinear axis
using MAT(SCI)LAB.

2. Extrapolate the straight line portion of your graph to the t = 0 axis. Plot the difference
between the linearized straight line and your data.

3. Examine and discuss the time-constants that can be obtained from the graphs.
Discuss the effects of changes in R2.

Underdamped Case

1. Determine the frequency of the oscillations. Does changes in R2 affect the

frequency? Plot the "envelope" of the underdamped curve on a semi-log graph.
Discuss the time constant obtained from this data.

2. Examine and discuss the time-constants that can be obtained from the graphs.
Discuss the effects of changes in R2.

Notes:

Pulse
forced step response
natural step response

Transfer circuit to the frequency(s)-domain and solve for V2. Use a series of source
transformations to make the circuit a series RLC.