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4 EXPERIMENT: STEP RESPONSE OF SERIAL RLC CIRCUITS

4.1 OBJECTIVE:

After the successful completion of this experiment, you will be able to:

1. Identify and differentiate between various types of circuit responses, including overdamped, critically
damped, and underdamped cases.
2. Gain hands-on experience in constructing Serial RLC circuits, configuring instruments, and making
accurate measurements to validate theoretical predictions.
3. Analyze the impact of component values on the transient response characteristics and make informed
design decisions for specific applications.
4. Develop practical skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues that may arise during the setup or
measurement phases of serial RLC circuit experiments.
5. Summarize and present experimental results, comparing them with theoretical predictions, to reinforce
the understanding of the step response of serial RLC circuits.

4.2 EQUIPMENT:

• Power supply, Function generator, Oscilloscope

• Resistors 1kΩ, 5kΩ, 500Ω, 500Ω
• Capacitor 100nF,, 40nF, 5nF
• Inductor 10mH
• A breadboard
• Male to male Breadboard Jumper Wires (multiple colors)
• BNC to Double Alligator Clip Test Cable, Alligator Clips Electrical test leads (multiple colors)

4.3 THEORY

The step response of RLC (Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor) circuits refers to the behavior of the circuit when subjected
to a sudden change in input, such as a step voltage or current. The analysis of the step response provides valuable
insights into the transient behavior of the circuit and helps in understanding its performance in real-world
applications. Analyzing the step response of RLC circuits involves solving differential equations that describe the
circuit's behavior. In summary, understanding the theory of the step response of RLC circuits involves grasping the
interplay between resistance, inductance, and capacitance, as well as the impact of these parameters on the
transient behavior of the circuit in response to a sudden change in input.

4.3.1 STEP RESPONSE OF SERIAL RLC CIRCUIT

The solution to the step response of a series RLC circuit involves determining the time-domain behavior of the
circuit when subjected to a sudden change in input, typically represented by a step function. In Figure 4.1, there is
a series RLC circuit featuring a constant independent voltage source. The circuit includes a switch that is closed at
time 𝑡𝑡 = 0. The initial voltage across the capacitor, denoted as 𝑉𝑉0 , signifies the initial energy stored in the
capacitor. Similarly, the initial current flowing through the inductor, denoted as 𝐼𝐼0 , represents the initial energy
stored in the inductor at the given instant.
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Figure 4.1 A serial RLC circuit.

Determining the step response of a series RLC circuit involves calculating the voltage across the capacitor in
the series arrangement. This is achieved by releasing the initially stored energy in the inductor, capacitor, or
both, along with considering the input. Subsequently, the current through the capacitor can be established. If
there is a need to ascertain the voltages across other elements, they can be determined after establishing the
current. The process involves summing the voltage drops around the mesh using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
(KVL):
𝑑𝑑 𝑖𝑖( 𝑡𝑡 )
− 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 + 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅(𝑡𝑡) + 𝐿𝐿 + 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
The current flowing through the capacitor is expressed as
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) = 𝐶𝐶
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Replace it in the preceding equation.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡) 𝑑𝑑 2 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡)
− 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 + 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 + 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 + 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑡𝑡 2
The second-order differential equation can be expressed as
𝑑𝑑 2 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) 𝑅𝑅 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡) 1 1
+ + 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑉𝑉
𝑑𝑑𝑡𝑡 2 𝐿𝐿 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑠𝑠

Consider the following values for

𝑅𝑅 1 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠
𝑎𝑎1 = , 𝑎𝑎0 = , and 𝑏𝑏0 = .
𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿

The resulting differential equation becomes:

𝑑𝑑 2 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
+ 𝑎𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑎0 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑏𝑏0
𝑑𝑑𝑡𝑡 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

The initial values are as follows:

𝑉𝑉0 = 𝑣𝑣(0)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(0) 𝐼𝐼0 𝑖𝑖(0)
= =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐶𝐶 𝐶𝐶
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EXAMPLE.1: Examining the serial RLC circuit in Figure 4.2, with no initial energy stored in the capacitor and
inductor at t=0. The input signal in the form of a rectangular waveform with 2𝑉𝑉, a period of 𝑇𝑇 = 2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, and a pulse
width 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 1𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, determine and graph the output voltage 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) within the range 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚. Additionally,
perform a simulation in Simulink to validate the obtained results.

Figure 4.2 Serial RLC circuit and input source.

Step 1 (0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 < 1𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚)

If the initial value of capacitor is 𝑉𝑉(0) = 0 and initial value of inductor is 𝐼𝐼0 = 0. The overall resistance can
be expressed as

𝑅𝑅 = 𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅2 = 700Ω

The coefficients 𝑎𝑎1 ,𝑎𝑎0 , and 𝑏𝑏0 can be determined as:

𝑅𝑅 700 1 1 𝑉𝑉 2
𝑎𝑎1 = = = 7(104 ), 𝑎𝑎0 = = = 5(108 ) , 𝑏𝑏0 = = = 109
𝐿𝐿 0.01 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 0.01(0.2)10−6 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 0.01(0.2)10−6

Subsequently, the differential equation can be expressed as:

𝑑𝑑 2 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
2
+ 7(104 ) + 5(108 )𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 109
𝑑𝑑𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

The initial values for the second-order differential equation can be represented as:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(0) 𝐼𝐼0 𝑖𝑖(0)
𝑉𝑉0 = 𝑣𝑣(0) and = = == 0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐶𝐶 𝐶𝐶

Step 2 (1 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 < 2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚)

The initial values for the second-order differential equation can be represented as:
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𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(0) 𝐼𝐼0 𝑖𝑖(0.001)

𝑉𝑉0 = 𝑣𝑣(0.001) and = = =0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐶𝐶 𝐶𝐶

The differential equation can be expressed as:

𝑑𝑑 2 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
+ 7(104 ) + 5(108 )𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 0
𝑑𝑑𝑡𝑡 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
In MATLAB, solve the given differential equation.

% Given values in the circuit

R1 = 500 ; R2 = 200 ; L = 010e-3 ; C = 0.2*10^-6 ;
V0 = 0; % Initial Voltage of Capacitor as Volts
I0 = 0; % Initial Current of Inductor as Ampers
Vi = 2; % DC Voltage source in Volts
R = R1+R2; %Total resistance
a1 = R/L; a0 = 1/(L*C); b0 = Vi/(L*C) %The coefficients
%for 0<=t<=1ms
syms v(t) t i(t) vR1(t) vR2(t) vL(t)
eq = diff(v,t,2) + a1*diff(v,t)+a0*v == b0 % diff equation
Dv = diff(v,t)
cond = [v(0) == V0, Dv(0)== I0/C]
v(t) = dsolve(eq, cond)
v(t) = vpa(v(t))
figure;
fplot(v(t),[0.0 0.001],'r' ) %Ploting the voltage cross the capacitor v(t)
i(t) = C*diff(v(t)) %The current through the capacitor
i(t) = vpa(i(t),5)
vR1(t) = R1*i(t) %The voltage across the resistor R1 is given by
hold on % Plot over vR2(t) in different color
fplot(vR1(t),[0.0 0.001],'m' )
vR2(t) = R2*i(t)
fplot(vR2(t),[0.0 0.001],'c' )
vL(t) = L*diff(i(t))
fplot(vL(t),[0.0 0.001],'b' )
% final value of v(t) at t=0.001 for next step
V0=v(0.001); I0=i(0.001)
%for 1<=t<=2ms
syms v(t) t i(t) vR1(t) vR2(t) vL(t)
eq = diff(v,t,2) + a1*diff(v,t)+a0*v == 0
Dv = diff(v,t)
cond = [v(0) == V0, Dv(0)== I0/C]
v(t) = dsolve(eq, cond);
v(t) = vpa(v(t-0.001))
fplot(v(t),[0.001 0.002],'r' ) %Ploting the voltage cross the capacitor v(t)
i(t) = C*diff(v(t)); %The current through the capacitor
i(t) = vpa(i(t),5)
vR1(t) = R1*i(t) %The voltage across the resistor R1 is given by
fplot(vR1(t),[0.001 0.002],'m' ) % Plot over vR1(t) in different color
vR2(t) = R2*i(t)
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fplot(vR2(t),[0.001 0.002],'c' )
vL(t) = L*diff(i(t))
fplot(vL(t),[0.001 0.002],'b' )
grid on; grid minor
xlabel('t[s]');ylabel('v(t)');
legend ('v(t)', 'v_{R1}(t)', 'v_{R2}(t)','v_L(t)')

MATLAB computes and visualizes voltages as depicted in Figure 4.3.

v(t)
1.5 v (t)
R1

v (t)
1 R2

v (t)
L

0.5

0
v(t)

-0.5

-1

-1.5

-2
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
-3
t[s] 10

Figure 4.3 illustrates the plot of Capacitor voltage v(t) and others for the time interval 𝟎𝟎 ≤ 𝒕𝒕 ≤ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐.

The findings can be summarized as:

?? 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 < 1𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
?? 1𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 < 2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = �
? 2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 < 3𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
? 3𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 < 4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
The MATLAB Simulink platform allows simulation of the circuit depicted in Figure 4.4, with signals representations
showcased in Figure 4.5 and Figure 4.6.
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Figure 4.4 Serial RLC circuit in MATLAB Simscape.

Figure 4.5 Representation of input and output voltages 𝒗𝒗(𝒕𝒕), 𝒗𝒗𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹 (𝒕𝒕), 𝒗𝒗𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹 (𝒕𝒕), 𝒗𝒗𝑳𝑳 (𝒕𝒕) in MATLAB Simulink

Figure 4.6 Representation of current, 𝒊𝒊(𝒕𝒕) in MATLAB Simulink

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4.4 PRELAB

Prelab 1 (Overdamped)
Examining the serial RLC circuit in Figure 4.7, with no initial energy stored in the capacitor and inductor at t=0. The
input signal in the form of a rectangular waveform with 2𝑉𝑉, a period of 𝑇𝑇 = 0.8𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, and a pulse width 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 =
0.4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, determine and graph the output voltage 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) within the range 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 0.8𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚. Additionally, perform a
simulation in Simulink to validate the obtained results.

Figure 4.7 Serial RLC circuit and input source for Prelab 1.

Additionally, perform a simulation in MATLAB Simulink to validate the obtained results. The illustration is
presented in Figure 4.8.
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Figure 4.8 A preliminary setup (Prelab 1) in MATLAB Simscape for serial RLC circuit.

Prelab 2 (Critically Damped)

Examining the serial RLC circuit in Figure 4.9, with no initial energy stored in the capacitor and inductor at t=0. The
input signal in the form of a rectangular waveform with 2𝑉𝑉, a period of 𝑇𝑇 = 0.8𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, and a pulse width 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 =
0.4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, determine and graph the output voltage 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) within the range 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 1.6𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚. Additionally, perform a
simulation in Simulink to validate the obtained results.

Figure 4.9 Serial RLC circuit and input source for Prelab 2.
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Additionally, perform a simulation in MATLAB Simulink to validate the obtained results. The illustration is
presented in Figure 4.10.

Figure 4.10 A preliminary setup (Prelab 2) in MATLAB Simscape for serial RLC circuit.

Prelab 3 (Underdamped)

Examining the serial RLC circuit in Figure 4.11, with no initial energy stored in the capacitor and inductor at t=0.
The input signal in the form of a rectangular waveform with 2𝑉𝑉, a period of 𝑇𝑇 = 0.4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, and a pulse width 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 =
0.2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, determine and graph the output voltage 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) within the range 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 0.8𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚. Additionally, perform a
simulation in Simulink to validate the obtained results.

Figure 4.11 Serial RLC circuit and input source for Prelab 3.
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Additionally, perform a simulation in MATLAB Simulink to validate the obtained results. The illustration is
presented in Figure 4.12.

Figure 4.12 A preliminary setup (Prelab 3) in MATLAB Simscape for serial RLC circuit.

Prelab 4

Examining the serial RLC circuit in Figure 4.13, with no initial energy stored in the capacitor and inductor at t=0.
The input signal in the form of a rectangular waveform with 2𝑉𝑉, a period of 𝑇𝑇 = 0.4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, and a pulse width 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 =
0.2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, determine and graph the output voltage 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) within the range 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 0.8𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚. Additionally, perform a
simulation in Simulink to validate the obtained results.
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Figure 4.13 Serial RLC circuit and input source for Prelab 4.

Additionally, perform a simulation in MATLAB Simulink to validate the obtained results. The illustration is
presented in Figure 4.14.

Figure 4.14 A preliminary setup (Prelab 4) in MATLAB Simscape for an serial RLC circuit.

4.5 LAB

Lab 1

1. Assemble the circuit outlined in Figure 4.7 on a breadboard and link a function generator to act as the
voltage source given in Figure 4.7.
2. Activate the function generator, opting for a rect wave output with an amplitude of 2V, and set the pulse
width properly.
3. Connect channel one of the oscilloscope to the input of the circuit 𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡), power it on, and engage the
"Auto Scale" function. You can adjust the time/div control under "Horizontal" to display one or more
cycles and modify the vol/div under "Vertical" to fit the signal within the screen.
4. Link channel 2 of the oscilloscope to the output of the circuit 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡).
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5. Display both the input voltage (𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡)) and the output voltage (𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡)) on the oscilloscope. Determine the
amplitude and period of the signals exhibited on the oscilloscope.
6. Take the screen shouts for your record.

Lab 2

1. Assemble the circuit outlined in Figure 4.9 on a breadboard and link a function generator to act as the
voltage source given in Figure 4.9.
2. Activate the function generator, opting for a rect wave output with an amplitude of 2V, and set the pulse
width properly.
3. Connect channel one of the oscilloscope to the input of the circuit 𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡), power it on, and engage the
"Auto Scale" function. You can adjust the time/div control under "Horizontal" to display one or more
cycles and modify the vol/div under "Vertical" to fit the signal within the screen.
4. Link channel 2 of the oscilloscope to the output of the circuit 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡).
5. Display both the input voltage (𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡)) and the output voltage (𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡)) on the oscilloscope. Determine the
amplitude and period of the signals exhibited on the oscilloscope.
6. Take the screen shouts for your record.

Lab 3

1. Assemble the circuit outlined in Figure 4.11 on a breadboard and link a function generator to act as the
voltage source given in Figure 4.11.
2. Activate the function generator, opting for a rect wave output with an amplitude of 2V, and set the pulse
width properly.
3. Connect channel one of the oscilloscope to the input of the circuit 𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡), power it on, and engage the
"Auto Scale" function. You can adjust the time/div control under "Horizontal" to display one or more
cycles and modify the vol/div under "Vertical" to fit the signal within the screen.
4. Link channel 2 of the oscilloscope to the output of the circuit v(𝑡𝑡).
5. Display both the input voltage (𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡)) and the output voltage (𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡)) on the oscilloscope. Determine the
amplitude and period of the signals exhibited on the oscilloscope.
6. Take the screen shouts for your record.

Lab 4

1. Assemble the circuit outlined in Figure 4.13Figure 4.11 on a breadboard and link a function generator to
act as the voltage source given in Figure 4.13.
2. Activate the function generator, opting for a rect wave output with an amplitude of 2V, and set the pulse
width properly.
3. Connect channel one of the oscilloscope to the input of the circuit 𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡), power it on, and engage the
"Auto Scale" function. You can adjust the time/div control under "Horizontal" to display one or more
cycles and modify the vol/div under "Vertical" to fit the signal within the screen.
4. Link channel 2 of the oscilloscope to the output of the circuit v(𝑡𝑡).
5. Display both the input voltage (𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡)) and the output voltage (𝑣𝑣0 (𝑡𝑡)) on the oscilloscope. Determine the
amplitude and period of the signals exhibited on the oscilloscope.
6. Take the screen shouts for your record.

4.6 POST LAB

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1. Analyze and contrast the findings obtained from Prelab 1 with those acquired in Lab 1.
2. Analyze and contrast the findings obtained from Prelab 2 with those acquired in Lab 2.
3. Analyze and contrast the findings obtained from Prelab 3 with those acquired in Lab 3.
4. Analyze and contrast the findings obtained from Prelab 4 with those acquired in Lab 4.

Reference