EXPERIMENT NO.

4: IMPEDANCE OF RLC CIRCUITS

4.1. EXERCISE TITLE: SERIES RLC CIRCUITS

OBJECTIVES:
1. calculate the reactance, total impedance, current component voltage drops, and
phase angle of a series RLC circuit by using standard electronic formulas.

2. verify the results with a sine wave generator and an oscilloscope.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

1 F.A.C.E.T. Base Unit

1 AC 2 FUNDAMENTALS Circuit Board

2 15Vdc Power Supply

1 Generator, sine wave

1 Oscilloscope, dual trace

THEORY:

RLC circuit is a network created by resistors (R), inductors (L) and capacitors (C)
connected in various ways to perform useful functions such as filtering, phase shifting, or
impedance matching; also called LCR circuits.
 Figure 4.1-1 shows a series RLC circuit connected to a source of ac. The total
impedance offered to current flow in this circuit is a combination of the oppositions
offered to current flow in this circuit is a combination of the oppositions offered by the
resistance (R), inductive reactance (X1), and capacitive reactance (XC). Using the values
in Figure 4.1-1, you can calculate the reactances as follows:

X L 2fL
X L 6.28(20 x10 3 )(10 x10 3 )
X L 1265
X C1 1 / 2fC
X C1 1 /[ 6.28(20 x10 3 )(0.0022 x10 3 )]
X C1 1 / 2.67 x10 4
X C1 3,619

Figure 4.1-1. Series RLC circuit.

Knowing the reactances and resistance, you can compute the total circuit impedance (Z):

Z [( R2 ) 2 ( X C1 X L1 ) 2 ]
Z [(1000) 2 (3619 1256) 2 ]
Z 2,565
 Because the impedance formula is the same as the used to compute right triangles, the
resistance, reactance, and impedance can be illustrated graphically, as in Figure 4.1-1. Note that
the side of the triangle representing reactance (XC1- XL1). If XL1 is greater than XC1 then the
reactance side of the triangle would be XL the difference between the inductive and capacitive
reactances (XL1- XC1). The lengths of the sides of the triangle are proportional to the resistance,
reactance, and impedance values.

Figure 4.1-2 Impedance right triangle for the RLC circuit in Figure 4.1-1

One way to tell if a series RLC circuit is inductive or capacitive is simply to note which
reactance is larger. In this example, XC1 is larger; therefore, the circuit is capacitive. In the
impedance computation, the smaller inductive reactance was subtracted from the larger
capacitive reactance. The result was 2363 ohms net capacitive reactance. The circuit acts like
1000-ohm resistor connected in series with an equivalent capacitor having a reactance of 2,363
ohms. The equivalent circuit, shown in Figure 12-6 is valid only at 20kHz
 Figure 4.1-3. Equivalent circuit of the RLC network in Figure 4.1-1 at 20 kHz.

If XL1 had been greater than XC1 the total reactance would have been inductive.
The equivalent circuit would be a resistor connected in series with an equivalent inductor.

Knowing the impedance and the applied voltage, you can compute the total circuit
current with Ohms law

I T VGEN / Z
I T 15 / 2,565
I T 5.850mA
The voltage drops across each component in Figure 4.1-1 can also be computed by
Ohms law now that total circuit current is known. These voltages are

V R 2 IR2
V R 2 5.85 x10 3 * 1000
V R 2 5.85volts
V L1 IX L1
V L1 5.85 x10 3 * 1256
V L1 7.35volts
VC1 IX C1
VC1 5.85 x10 3 * 3619
VC1 21.2volts

Another way to tell if series RLC circuit is inductive or capacitive is of measure

the voltage drops across the inductor and capacitor. The one with the highest voltage drop
determines the total reactive effect. In this example, VC1 is higher than VL1 so the circuit
is capacitive.

The sum of the voltage drops around a series circuit equals the source voltage. In
a series RLC circuit, the component drops cannot be added directly because the voltage
are out of phase with one another. The sum of the voltages will equal the source voltage
only when the voltages are added with phasors, done with the help of a phasor diagram
like the one shown in Figure 4.1-4.

The phasors represent voltage drops across the resistance, reactance, and total
impedance. Notice that the voltage across the resistance (VR2) is in phase with the circuit
current (I). The voltage across the inductor (VL1) leads the circuit current by 90 degrees.
You could also say that the current lags the voltage across the inductor. The voltage
across the capacitor (VC1) lags the circuit current by 90 degrees, or in other words, the
circuit current leads the capacitor voltage by 90 degrees.
Figure 4.1-5 (a and b) shows the sine waves represented by the phasors in the Figure 4.1-
4. The sine wave of VC [in Figure 4.1-5 (b)] is the composite voltage you would see
across the equivalent capacitor of Figure 4.1-3.

Figure 4.1-4. Phasor diagram showing voltage drops, current, and phase angle A

As the Phasor diagram in Figure 4.1-4 shows the total reactive effect in the circuit
is capacitive because the capacitive reactance is larger than the inductive reactance. The
net circuit reactance is capacitive; therefore, the current leads the applied voltage (VGEN).

VGEN can be computed by the phasor sum of the equivalent capacitor voltage (VC)
and the resistor voltage (VR2).
VGEN (V R 2 VC 2 )
2 2

VGEN [(5.85) 2 (13.85) 2 ]

VGEN 15.0V
The total voltage is applied generator voltage 15 volts.

You can compute the phase shift in the circuit by using the phasor diagram. In Figure 4.1-
4, the lengths or magnitudes of the sides of the triangle determine the phase angle A.

Figure 4.1-5. Sine waves represented by the phasor in Figure 4.1-4

 (VC1 VL1 )
A tan 1
VR 2

You will also see tan-1 referred to as arctan.

In this example, the phase angle is:
A tan 1 (13.85 / 5.85)
A tan 1 (2.367)
A 67.10
The current, therefore, leads the applied voltage by 67.10 degrees.

An important fact to remember is that the circuit values depend upon the
frequency of the applied voltage. The reactance values and the total impedance we
computed are valid only at 20 kHz. Changing the frequency will change the reactance
values and other factors in the circuit. For example, increasing the frequency will
increase the value of inductive reactance and decrease the value of capacitive reactance.
At higher frequencies, XL1 will become greater than XC1 and the circuit will appear
inductive. VL1 will be greater than VC1 and the current will lag the applied voltage.

In the following procedure, you will be using the ADD-INVERT method of

measuring. This method eliminates the need to connect the oscilloscope ground to some
voltage point in the experiment circuit (no such connection would normally result in a
short). The method is based on the idea that the voltage across a component (with respect
to ground) and the voltage at the other end of the component. The oscilloscope computes
the difference by inverting channel 2 and algebraically adding the two voltages. See
appendix B for more information on the ADD-INVERT method of measuring, as well as
for information on phase angle measurement.
PROCEDURES:

1. Adjust the dc power sources to +15Vdc and -15Vdc. Turn the power sources off. Insert
the AC 2 FUNDAMENTALS circuit board into the base unit. Turn on the power sources.

2. Locate the RLC/ RESONACE/ POWER circuit block and connect the circuit shown in
Figure 4.1-6. If your generator does not have a 50-ohm output impedance, plug
GENERATOR BUFFER into the AC 2 FUNDAMENTALS circuit board and connect
the buffer between your generator and the circuit.

NOTE: R3 is provided to simplify the measurement is provided to simplify the

measurement of the circuit current. To measure the total circuit current (IT), measure the
voltage across R3 and divide by 10. When not measuring current, short R3 by placing two
post connector across R3.

Figure 4.1-6. Series RLC circuit.

3. Adjust the sine wave generator frequency to 20 kHz.

NOTE: Most generator dials are calibrated but are not highly accurate. For best
experimental results set the generator frequency with an oscilloscope by
observing the time between two adjacent peaks of the sine wave. That time
should be equal to the period (t) of the sine wave, computed by the
expression t = 1 / f. The Period of the 20-kKz sine wave is micro seconds (t
= 1/20 kHz). Therefore, the generator dial should be adjusted so that one
complete cycle equals 50 is on the display.

4. Adjust the output amplitude of the sine wave generator or GENERATOR BUFFER to
15 Vpk-pk

5. Verify the operations of the experimental circuit by measuring IT VR2 VL1 and VC1.
Record your result in Table 4.1-1.

NOTE: To determine IT measure the voltage across R3 and divide by 10. To

determine VC1 measure directly with the oscilloscope probe across C1 and
ground. To measure VL1 and VR2 you will use the ADD-INVERT method
on a dual trace oscilloscope. Use the following procedure.

a. Connect the probe of channel 1 to one end of the component of the

probe of channel 2 to the other end of the component. Both ground
clips should be connected to circuit ground.
b. Set the vertical gain controls on both channels to display the waveform
on the screen. Both controls should be set to the same gain.
c. Set the channel 2 input to INVERT.
d. Set the vertical mode to ADD.
e. Read the peak-to-peak value of the voltage displayed on the screen of
the oscilloscope. This is the voltage drop across the component.

Table 4.1-1.
IT VR2 VL1 VC1
20 kHz STEP 5

50 kHz STEP 13
6. Calculate the total impedance using your measured values (Z = VGEN / IT)
Z = ___________
7. Measure the phase relationship between the generator voltage and the total
circuit current.
NOTE: Use the following procedure on your dual trace oscilloscope.

a. Connect the probe of channel 1 to the generator output. Sync on this

channel. Make sure channel 2 is not in the INVERT mode.
b. Connect the probe of channel 2 across R3. Use a X1 probe.
c. Switch the vertical mode to ALT
d. Adjust the vertical gain controls of channel 1 and 2 until the wave forms
are equal in amplitude and centered on the zero-amplitude grid on the
graticule.
e. Adjust the horizon sweep frequency and triggering until the waveforms are
expanded as much as possible. Measure the time shift (ts) between the zero
crossing points of the corresponding portions of the waveforms. See
Figure 4.1-7.
Figure 4.1-7. Measure phase shift by determining the time shift between waveforms.

f. Convert the time into degrees. Because the period, or time (t) for
one cycle equals 360 degrees, the number of degrees of phase shift
can be computed from the following formula:

360 time shift ( )

Phase shift =
Period (T)

What is the time between zero crossings? What is the phase shift?
tzero =Click or tap here to enter text.,second tphase shift = Click or tap here to enter text.
, degrees

8. Does the waveform across R3 (IT) lead or lag the generator output (VGEN)?Click or tap
here to enter text.
9. Set CM switch 10 to the ON position to change the value of C1 to 0.0044F. Readjust
the generator voltage to 15 Vpk-pk.

10. Measure the new voltage drops across the capacitor (VC1) and the inductor (VL1).
Remember to use the ADD-INVERT method to measure VL1. VC1 can be measured
directly when R3 is shorted out by a two-post connector.

VC1 = Click or tap here to enter text. V, VL1 = Click or tap here to enter text. V

11. The frequency and inductance did not change. However, the capacitance doubled to
0.0044 if the reactance (XC1) dropped by one-half to 1,809 ohms. Is VC1 greater or
less than VL1? Does this cause the circuit to be inductive or capacitive? Click or tap
here to enter text.

12. Turn OFF CM switch10.

13. Using an oscilloscope, set the generator frequency of 50 kHz. Readjust the amplitude
of the output voltage to 15 Vpk-pk if necessary. Measure the voltage drops across
resistor R2 (VR2), the inductor (VL1), and the capacitor (VC1). Record your result in
Table 4.1-1.

14. The frequency was increased. However, the capacitance remained the same. Is VC1
greater or less than VL1? Is the circuit inductive or capacitive? Click or tap here to
enter text.

15. Calculate the phase shift from the measured value in Step 13.

(VC1 VL1 )
PhaseShift tan 1
VR 2

Phase shift = Click or tap here to enter text.degrees

16. Measure and record the phase angle between the applied voltage and the circuit
current. Use the method in step 7 of this procedure to measure the phase angle. Is the
current leading or lagging the applied voltage?

Phase angle = Click or tap here to enter text. degrees

17. The computed value in step 15. Do they agree within a 30% tolerance?Click or tap
here to enter text.

18. Do not turn off the power sources. The F.A.C.E.T. setup will be used for two review
question.
CONCLUSIONS:

Write at least three (3) conclusions for this exercise

4.2 EXERCISE TITLE: PARALLEL RLC CIRCUITS

OBJECTIVES:

1. compute the reactances, total current, branch currents, impedance and phase angle in a
parallel RLC circuit at various frequencies by using standard electronic formulas.

2. verify the result with an oscilloscope.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

1 F.A.C.E.T. Base Unit

1 AC 2 FUNDAMENTALS Circuit Board

2 15Vdc Power Supply

1 Generator, sine wave

1 Oscilloscope, dual trace

THEORY:

In a parallel RLC circuit, the resistance, inductance and capacitance are all connected
directly across the AC supply voltage, as shown in figure 4.2-1. Each component forms one
branch of the circuit, and each branch draws a current from the AC supply based upon the
applied voltage and the resistance or reactances. Using the values in Figure 4.2-1, you can
calculate the reactances as follows.

X L 2 2fL
X L 2 6.28(50 x10 3 )(10 x10 3 )
X L 2 3,141
X C 2 1 / 2fC
X C 2 1 /[ 6.28(50 x10 3 )(0.0022 x10 6 )]
X C 2 1 /( 6 x10 4 )
X C 2 1,447
 Figure 4.2-1. Parallel RLC circuit showing branch currents.

In Figure 4.2-1, R1 is there only to prevent loading of the parallel circuit by the
output impedance of 50 generator. If you consider VAC which is the voltage across C2
L2 and R6 as the input to the parallel circuit, then R1 can be ignored. VGEN is adjusted so
that VAC equals 5Vpk-pk.

NOTE: VGEN is not adjusted for 5 Vpk-pk.

The branch currents are found by ohms law.

I R 6 Vac R6 I C 2 Vac / X C 2 I L 2 Vac / X L 2

I R 6 5 / 3,900 I C 2 5 / 1447 I L 2 5 / 2,826
I R 6 1.28mA I C 2 3.45mA I L 2 1.59mA

The sum of the individual branch currents in parallel RLC circuits equal to the
total current drawn from the source (IT). Because of the different phase shifts in the
parallel circuit, the individual branch current cannot be added directly. Instead, they must
be added with phasors by the following equation:
 IT [I R (I C I L ) 2 ]
2

I T [I R6 (I C 2 I L2 ) 2 ]
2

I T [(1.28 x10 3 ) 2 (1.86 x10 3 ) 2 ]

I T 2.25mA

Figure 4.2-2. Phasor diagram for the RLC circuit in Figure 4.1-7.

The phasor diagram for this circuit is illustrated in Figure 4.2-2. The longest
horizontal phasor represents the applied voltage (Vac), which is common to all circuit
components. The current through the resistance is in phase with VAC and therefore
coincides with the voltage phasor. The current through an ideal inductor (IL2) lags the
applied voltage by 90. The current through the capacitor leads the applied voltage by
90. The lengths of the phasors are proportional to the current values. The total current
phasor and the applied voltage phasor form phase angle A.
 Figure 4.2-3 (a and b) shows the current waveforms in the circuit. Because the
currents through the inductor and capacitor are 180 degrees out of phase with one
another, they naturally oppose and cancel one another. The resulting current (IC) is
capacitive because the capacitor current is higher than the inductor current at this
frequency. The way to tell if a parallel RLC circuit is inductive or capacitive is to
examine the reactance or branch currents. The component with the lowest reactance or
with the highest current dominates.

Figure 4.2-3. Phasor relationships of current in a parallel RLC circuit.

 The equivalent of the parallel RLC circuit is 3.9 K resistor in parallel with a
capacitor that draws IC or IC2 IL2 (3.45 1.59 = 1.86 mA). We can compute the
equivalent capacitor by first finding its reactance.

X C Vac / I C
X C 5 / 1.86mA
X C 2,688
The equivalent capacitance is:
C 1 / 2f ( X C 2 )
C 1 /( 6.28 * 50kHz * 2,688)
C 0.0011F
This equivalent circuit is shown in Figure 4.2-4.

Figure 4.2-4. Equivalent circuit at 50kHz.

 Knowing the total circuit current and the applied voltage, you can compute the
total circuit impedance by using Ohms Law.
Z Vac / I T
Z 5 / 2.25mA
Z 2,222
Because the circuit is capacitive, the current leads the applied voltage by some
phase angle between 0 and 90. The phase angle can be computed from the current
amplitudes in the phasor diagram of Figure 4.2-2. The phase angle A is:

A arctan( I C / I R )
A arctan(1.86mA / 1.28mA)
A arctan(1.45)
A 55.50

The current in this circuit leads the applied voltage (Vac) by 55.50.

Varying the frequency will change the reactances, branch currents, total current,
impedance, and phase angles. At the lower frequencies, XL will be lower than XC so the
circuit will be inductive. At the higher frequencies, XC will be lower than XC so the
circuit will be capacitive.
PROCEDURES:

1. Adjust the dc power sources to + 15 Vdc and 15 Vdc. Turn the power sources off.
Insert the AC 2 FUNDAMENTALS circuit board into the base unit. Turn on the
power sources.

2. Locate the RLC/RESONANCE/POWER circuit block, and connect the circuit shown
in Figure 4.2-5. If your generator does not have 50 output impedance, plug the
GENERATOR BUFFER into the AC 2 FUNDAMENTALS circuit board, and
connect the buffer between your generator and the circuit.

Figure 4.2-5. Parallel RLC circuit.

3. Set the sine wave generator frequency to 50 kHz. Rather than rely on the generator
dial, use your oscilloscope to set the correct period.

4. Adjust the amplitude of the generator signal (VGEN) for a VAC of 5 Vpk-pk directly
across the parallel network of figure 4.2-5.

Note: Shorting R1 = 4.7k V. Adjust VGEN so that Vac is 5 Vpk-pk

5. Measure IT, IR6, IL2, and IC2. Record your measurements in Table 4.2-1.
 Table 4.2-1.

IT IR6 IL2 IC2

50 kHz

Step 5

Note: Resistors R3 R4 and R5 are provided to simplify current measurements.

Remember that R3 should be sorted out when you are not measuring IT. To find IL2
measure the voltage across R5, which is in series with L2 and divide by 10. To
find IL2 measure the voltage across R4 which is in series with C2 and divide by
10. To find IT measure the voltage across R3 and divide by 10. To find IR6 divide
the circuit voltage (VAC) by 3.90 k, which is the value of R6.

6. Compute the impedance value of the parallel circuit by using the value of IT that you
measured in step 5 ( Z = Vac / IT ). Z = Click or tap here to enter text.

7. Measure the phase angle between IT and Vac by using the phase relationship
measurement method. you followed in procedure of EXERCISE 4.1
Note: Connect the probe of channel 1 to the voltage across R6 (Vac) not to the
generator output.
What is the phase angle? Is total current leading or lagging the applied voltage?

Phase angle =Click or tap here to enter text.degrees, Click or tap here to enter text.

8. Is IL greater or less than IC? Does this cause the circuit to be capacitive or inductive?
Click or tap here to enter text.

9. Set CM switch 16 in the ON position to change the value of L2 from 10mH to

5mH.Using the oscilloscope, set the generator frequency to 40kHz for a Vac of 5 Vpk-
pk. Measure and record the values of IC2 and IL2.

NOTE: Adjust VGEN so that Vac = 5Vpk-pk , still R1 is shorted

IC2 = Click or tap here to enter text. A, IL2 = Click or tap here to enter text. A

10. Is IL greater or less than IC? Does this cause circuit to be capacitive on inductive?
Click or tap here to enter text.
11. Return CM switch 16 to the OFF position.

12. Using the oscilloscope, set the sine wave generator frequency to 20 kHz. Readjust the
amplitude of the voltage across the parallel RLC circuit (Vac) to 5 Vpk-pk

13. Given the following values, compute the remaining circuit values at 20 kHz. Record
your values in Table 4.2-2.
I R 6 Vac / R6
X L 2 2fL 1,256
I L 2 Vac / X L 2
X C 2 1 /( 2fC) 3,619
I C 2 Vac / X C 2
R6 3,900
I T [I R6 (I L I C 2 ) 2 ]
2

IT IR6 IL2 IC2

COMPUTED VALUES STEP 13

MEASURED VALUES STEP 14

Table 4.2-2.

14. Measure IT IR6 and IC2. Record your results in Table 4.2-2.

15. Is IL greater or less than IC? Does this cause the circuit to be capacitive or inductive?
Click or tap here to enter text.
16. Compute the impedance of the parallel RLC circuit using the values you measured in
step 14 (Z = Vac/ IT). Z = Click or tap here to enter text.

17. Measure and record the phase shift between total circuit current and the applied
voltage. Does the current lead or lag the voltage (Vac)?
NOTE: Do not compare the current to VGEN. Compare the current to Vac.

Phase shift = Click or tap here to enter text. degrees, Click or tap here to enter
text.
 18. Set CM switch 12 in the ON position to change the value of C2 from 0.0022mF to
0.0044mF. Readjust the voltage (Vac) across the RLC circuit to 5 Vpk-pk.

19. Measure and record the values of IL2 IC2 and the phase angle. Does IT lead or lag the
applied voltage (Vac)?
IL2 = Click or tap here to enter text. A, IC2 = Click or tap here to enter text. A, Phase
angle =Click or tap here to enter text.degrees

20. Increasing C2 from 0.0022 mF decreased XC from 3,619 to 1,809.50 . Is IL greater or

less than IC? Is the current capacitive or inductive? Click or tap here to enter text.
21. Set CM switch 12 to the OFF position. Do not turn off your power sources. The
F.A.C.E.T setup will be used for two review questions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Write at least three (3) conclusions for this exercise.