ELE 302

Laboratory #2
The Step Response of Second-Order Circuits

1.0 INTRODUCTION:
Circuits containing energy-storage elements (capacitors and/or inductors) are knows as dynamic circuits.
When switching occurs in a dynamic circuit, the circuit response will go through a transition period prior to
settling down to a steady-state value. In applications such as data-acquisition, instrumentation, and computer-
control systems, the settling time is an important parameter, as circuits must be allowed to settle to steady
state before readings are taken.
Dynamic circuits are often characterized by applying a step-function input. The resulting step-response
provides important insights into the response of dynamic circuits in general. By investigating the step
response, we discover that it consists of a dc-component called the forced response, and a rapidly vanishing
time-varying component, called the natural-response. The form of the time function for the natural
component depends on the order and composition of the circuit. The natural response of a second-order
circuit is one-out-of-three possible functions known as over damped, critically damped, and under damped,
with the under damped case being an exponentially-decaying sinusoid.
This experiment examines the step response of various second-order dynamic circuits. We begin by providing
a brief review of the Multisim circuit simulation software and sinusoidal functions.

(i)

Prepared by Dr. Bala Venkatesh, Dr. Andy Ye, Dr. Dimitri Androutsos & K. Tang © Ryerson University, ECBE Department, 2022
 (ii)

Figure 1.0a: Examples of using MultiSIM

1.1 Multisim
MultiSIM is an electronic schematic capture and simulation program used to analyze circuit behavior. All
AC/DC voltages, AC/DC currents, resistance, frequency, phase-shift, time-domain waveform, etc. can be
determined using this software. An example circuit simulation measurement is shown below in Figure 1.0a.
In this simulation, all components are visually laid out in a way that is the same as a circuit diagram. Each
DMM configuration is connected the same way that a physical DMM would be connected on the breadboard.
Results are obtained by running the simulation and then double clicking on each piece of equipment to read
the desired output values. Refer to the MultiSIM software download procedures, related FAQs and video
tutorials on the course website (D2L) to get acquainted with proper use of this simulation tool, and become
proficient at it.

1.2 Sinusoidal Functions

Vmax

VP
Vrms

VP-P

Vmin

period, T

Figure 1.0b: Characterization of a Time-Varying Sinusoidal Signal

A sine-wave is shown in Figure 1.0b. The sinusoidal signal periodically varies with time. It can be
characterized by a number of parameters, some of which are shown in Figure 1.0b:

o Peak-To-Peak Voltage: 𝐕𝐏−𝐏 = 𝐕𝐦𝐚𝐱 − 𝐕𝐦𝐢𝐧

𝐕𝐏−𝐏
o Amplitude of the sinusoidal signal is defined as its Peak Voltage: 𝐕𝐏 =
2
𝐕𝐏
o Root-Mean-Squared Voltage: 𝐕𝐫𝐦𝐬 = = 0.707𝐕𝐏
√2
o The period, T is defined as the time within which the signal repeats.

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o The frequency, f is equal to the number of repetitions per unit of time, and can be calculated from the
1 1
period, T: 𝐟(Hz) = or 𝐓(sec) = .
𝐓(sec) 𝐟(Hz)
When frequency is given in radians/sec then the symbol, ⍵ is used, where ⍵ = 2πf
o Phase Shift, Ɵ of one sinusoidal signal with respect to another (of the same frequency) occurs when
∆𝐓 ∆𝐓
there is time-offset, ΔT between them. Phase-Shift => 𝛉 = . 2π (radians) = . 360°(degrees)
𝐓 𝐓
o Sinusoidal AC voltage as a function of time: 𝑣(t) = 𝐕𝐏 cos(𝛚t + 𝛉) = 𝐕𝐏 cos(2π𝐟t + 𝛉)

2.0 OBJECTIVES:
• To use Multisim circuit simulation software to plot the step response of second-order dynamic
circuits.
• To use the oscilloscope to display the step response of second-order dynamic circuits.
• To measure the parameters that characterize the step response of second-order dynamic circuits.

3.0 REQUIRED LAB EQUIPMENT & PARTS:

• Function Generator (FG) and Oscilloscope.
• ELE202 Lab Kit and ELE302 Lab Kit: various components, breadboard, wires and jumpers.

4.0 PRE-LAB ASSIGNMENT (3 marks with 0.75 marks for each

step):
1.5 Voltage v(t)

P1
0.5

t1 t2 Time (t)
00
T/4 T/4 T/4 T/4
-0.5P2

-1
T
-1.5

Figure 2.0: An Exponentially Decaying Sinusoidal Function

(a) Step 1: The circuit shown in Figure 2.0 is an exponentially decaying sinusoidal function that can be
characterized by the function: v(t) = A𝑒 −𝛔𝑡 cos(𝛚t + 𝛉). The figure defines three variables T, P1, and
P2. t1 is the time of the first zero-crossing of v(t) and t2 is time for the third zero-crossing of v(t). T is the
time difference between t1 and t2. P1 is the value of v(t) one quarter of the way between the first zero-
T
crossing and the third zero-crossing (i.e. P1 = v(t1 + )). Finally, P2 is the value of v(t) three quarters of
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T
the way between the first zero-crossing and the third zero-crossing (i.e. P2 = v(t1 + 3 )).
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 i) Find an expression for ω in terms of T.
Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

ii) Find an expression for σ in terms of P1, P2, and T.

Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

iii) Find an expression of θ in terms of t1 and T.

Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

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 S

50Ω t=0 R +
+
10V 0.01uF 40mH vo(t)
-
-

Figure 2.0: Second-Order Bandpass Circuit

(b) Step 2: Consider the dynamic circuit shown in Figure 2.0. The switch S has been open for a long time.
At t=0, the switch is closed, where it remains for a long time.
i) Use Multisim to plot the step response [vo (t) for t≥ 0+ ] when R=1.4kΩ, 3.4kΩ, and 500Ω.
Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

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 ii) Use the plots to calculate the parameters (σ and ω) that characterize the step response as: 𝐯𝐨 (t)
= A𝒆−𝛔𝒕 sin(ωt) for R=3.4kΩ.
Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

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 S 40mH

50Ω t=0 +
+
10V 0.01uF R vo(t)
-
-

Figure 3.0: Second-Order Lowpass Circuit

(c) Step 3: Consider the dynamic circuit shown in Figure 3.0. The switch S has been open for a long time.
At t=0, the switch is closed, where it remains for a long time.
i) Use Multisim to plot the step response [vo (t) for t≥ 0+ ] when R=1kΩ, 1.4kΩ, and 10kΩ.
Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

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 ii) Use the plots to calculate the parameters (σ and ω) that characterize the step response as: 𝐯𝐨 (t)
= B +A𝒆−𝛔𝒕 cos(ωt + θ) for R=10kΩ.
Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

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 S

50Ω t=0 +
+ 0.01uF
10V 40mH 8KΩ vo(t)
-
-

Figure 4.0: Second-Order Highpass Circuit

(d) Step 4: Consider the dynamic circuit shown in Figure 4.0. The switch S has been open for a long time.
At t=0, the switch is closed, where it remains for a long time.
i) Use Multisim to plot the step response [vo (t) for t≥ 0+ ].
Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

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 ii) Use the plot to calculate the parameters (σ and ω) that characterize the step response as: 𝐯𝐨 (t) =
A𝒆−𝛔𝒕 cos(ωt + θ).
Pre-Lab workspace (show your analysis here)

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5.0 IN-LAB IMPEMENTATION & MEASUREMENTS (5 marks in
total):
Part I: The Step Response of a Second-Order Bandpass Circuit
To Channel 1
50Ω

Square-Wave Generator
R +
0.01uF 40mH vo(t)
-

Figure 5.0: Second-Order Bandpass Filter

(a) Step 1: Connect Channel (1) of the oscilloscope to display the open-circuit voltage vs (t) of the function
generator. Set the following:

• Trigger: source→Channel (1), and slope→rising.

Adjust the controls of the function generator to provide a square-wave signal vs(t) with a peak-to-peak
value of 10V and DC offset of 5V at a frequency of 20Hz.
On FG: Waveform → Square, Frequency → 20 Hz, Amplitude → 5 Vpp*, Offset → 2.5 V*
*Due to FG matching impedance
Next, set the following:
• Channel (2): Vertical-position→one division above the bottom of the screen, coupling→dc, and
V/div→1V.
• Time: Time/div→50μs when vs (t) is rising.
• Blank off Channel (1).

(b) Step 2: Construct the circuit shown in Figure 5.0. Set R=3.4kΩ. Connect Channel (2) to display the
step response vo (t). Plot vo (t) on Graph 1.0.

(c) Step 3: Use the cursors on the oscilloscope to measure points on the vo(t) display to calculate the
parameters (σ and ω) that characterize the step response as:

𝐯𝐨 (t) = A𝒆−𝛔𝒕 sin(ωt)

(d) Step 4: Record your results in Table 1.0.

(e) Step 5: Demonstrate the correct operation of your setup to your TA. (1 mark)
(f) Step 6: Set R=1.4kΩ, and repeat as in Step 2 and Step 3. Record your results in Table 1.0.
(g) Step 7: Set R=500Ω, and repeat as in Step 2.

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 vo(t) [2V/div]
Time [50us/div]
Graph 1.0 (0.5 marks)

Table 1.0 (0.5 marks)

R (KΩ) T vo(T/4) vo(3T/4) σ ω
3.4

1.4

Part II: The Step Response of a Second-Order Lowpass Circuit

50Ω To Channel 1
Square-Wave Generator

40mH +
0.01uF R vo(t)
-

Figure 6.0: Second-Order Lowpass Filter

(h) Step 8: Connect the circuit shown in Figure 6.0. Set R=10kΩ. Use Channel (2) to display the step
response vo (t). Plot vo (t) on Graph 2.0.
(i) Step 9: Use the cursors on the oscilloscope to measure points on the vo (t) display to calculate (and
record in Table 2.0) the parameters (σ and ω) that characterize the step response as:

𝐯𝐨 (t) = B +A𝒆−𝛔𝒕 cos(ωt + θ)

(j) Step 10: Set R=1.4kΩ, and repeat as in Step 8.

(k) Step 11: Set R=1kΩ, and repeat as in Step 8.

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 vo(t) [2V/div]
Time [50us/div]
Graph 2.0 (0.5 marks)

Table 2.0 (0.5 marks)

R (KΩ) T vo(T/4) vo(3T/4) σ ω
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Part III: The Step Response of a Second-Order Highpass Circuit

To Channel 1
50Ω
Square-Wave Generator

+
0.01uF
40mH 8KΩ vo(t)
-

Figure 7.0: Second-Order Highpass Filter

(l) Step 12: Connect the circuit shown in Figure 7.0. Connect Channel (2) to display the step response
vo (t). Plot vo (t) on Graph 3.0.
(m) Step 13: Use the cursors on the oscilloscope to measure points on vo(t) display to calculate (and record
in Table 3.0) the parameters (σ and ω) that characterize the step response as:

𝐯𝐨 (t) = A𝒆−𝛔𝒕 cos(ωt + θ)

(n) Step 14: Demonstrate the correct operation of your setup to your TA. (1 mark)

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 vo(t) [2V/div]
Time [50us/div]
Graph 3.0 (0.5 marks)

Table 3.0 (0.5 marks)

R (KΩ) T vo(T/4) vo(3T/4) σ ω
8

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6.0POST-LAB QUESTIONS (2 marks in total, 2/3 marks for each
question):

(1) By examining your plots on Graph 1.0, answer the following:

a) What are the effects of varying the value of R on the step response of a second-order bandpass
circuit?

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(2) By examining your plots on Graph 2.0, answer the following:
a) What are the effects of varying the value of R on the step response of a second-order lowpass
circuit?

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(3) Suppose that the 8kΩ-resistor is removed from the circuit in Fig (2.6), what effects will this have on
the step response?

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