AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY–BANGLADESH (AIUB)

FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

INTRO TO ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS LAB
Fall 2023-2024
Section: U, Group: 07

LAB REPORT
Transient Analysis of RC Series and RL series using MULTISIM

Supervised By
Dr. Md. Kabiruzzaman
Submitted By
Name ID
AMINA TASNIM OISHE 22-48899-3
SHAMS PAHLOWAN SOAD 22-49342-3
TANISHA FAIROOZ 22-49347-3
ARPITA DEY 22-49361-3
ASIF MEHERAJ HOQUE 23-50544-1

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPICS. Page no.

1) Title Page 1
2) Table of Contents 2
3) Theory & Methodology 3
4) Apparatus 4
5) Precautions 4
6) Data Table 5
7) Calculations 6
8) Simulations 7
9) Discussions & Conclusion 8

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

Title: Transient Analysis of RC Series and RL series using MULTISIM

Abstract:
Multism is an electrical circuit simulation software with which circuits can be drawn, checked, and
simulated for finding unknown circuit parameter-values and graphs. The software has component
and device library which can be used for any types of construction, simulation, and demonstration
of circuits.
Introduction:
In this lab, we will learn about the circuit simulation software Multisim and also get accustomed
to Multisim library. Besides, focus will be made over
1. Simulation of circuits by using components from the Multisim library,
2. Simulation of circuits by writing script files and to analyze obtained graphs and results.

Theory and Methodology:

Time Constant (τ): A measure of time required for certain changes in voltages and currents in RC
and RL circuits. Generally, when the elapsed time exceeds five-time constants (5τ) after switching
has occurred, the currents and voltages have reached their final value, which is also called
steadystate response.
The time constant of an RC circuit is the product of equivalent capacitance and the Thevenin
resistance, τ = R×C (1)
The time constant of an RL circuit is the equivalent inductance divided by the Thevenin resistance,
τ = L/R (2)
Time Period (T): Time required to complete one cycle is called Time Period or the length of each
cycle of a pulse train is termed its time period (T).
Pulse width (tp): The pulse width of an ideal square wave is equal to half of the time period.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

 Figire-1: RC circuit Figire2: RL circuit

Apparatus:
• PC
• Multisim Simulating tool

Precautions:
Connecting of circuit should be done properly and MULTISM simulating software should be
properly installed using the information provided at the manual before starting the experimental
work.

Experimental Procedure (MULTISIM):

Simulating Circuits by using Components from the Multisim library

1. Open the Multisim software window: Start → Program → Multisim

2. Open component window from menu bar: Place → Components
3. Select Dc source/ Digital Clock/ Step Voltage source from components, a resistor, a
capacitor (for RC) or an inductor (for RL) and a ground source.
4. For Clock or Pulse voltage: Place → Components → Sources → Signal_Voltage_Sources
→ Clock_Voltage or Pulse_Voltage.
5. Set the source, resistor, capacitor/inductor values properly.
6. Connect all the elements by using wire as necessary and label them properly.
7. Then go to Analysis and Simulation bar and change it to Transient: Analysis and
Simulation → Transient. And select the Initial condition to set to zero.
8. Choose an End time that is appropriate, long enough ( > 5 time constant) to show multiple
cycles of a wave and short enough to not have excessive number of cycles.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

 9. Choose the expected output variables from output window: Analysis and simulation →
Output → Add output variable.
10. Insert new expressions if needed: Analysis and simulation → Output → Add expression.
11. Now run the simulation for the designed circuit and analyze the output from the simulation
grapher view.
12. Perform the analysis as instructed.

Data Table:
RC Series Circuit
𝝉 Value Time % Change 𝐕𝐜 (V)
Constant
1𝝉 1×10−3 63.2% 6.321
2𝝉 2×10−3 86.5% 8.647
3𝝉 3×10−3 95% 9.502
4𝝉 4×10−3 98.2% 9.817
5𝝉 5×10−3 99.3% 9.933

RL Series Circuit
𝝉 Value Time % Change 𝑰𝑳 (A)
Constant
1𝝉 20×10−3 s 63.2% 0.632
2𝝉 40×10−3 s 86.5% 0.865
3𝝉 60×10−3 s 95% 0.950
4𝝉 80×10−3 s 98.2% 0.982
5𝝉 100×10−3 s 99.3% 0.993

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

Calculations:

For RC series circuit,

E = 10 V
R = 1K Ohms
C = 1 µF
Time constant τ = RC =1×103 × 1×10−6 = 1×10−3sec.

Voltage Across Capacitor, Vc = E (1 - 𝑒 −𝑡/𝜏 )

When t = τ, Vc = E (1 - 𝑒 −1 ) = 6.321 V
When t = 2τ, Vc = E (1 - 𝑒 −2 ) = 8.647 V
When t = 3τ, Vc = E (1 - 𝑒 −3 ) = 9.502 V
When t = 4τ, Vc = E (1 - 𝑒 −4 ) = 9.817 V
When t = 5τ, Vc = E (1 - 𝑒 −5 ) = 9.933 V

For RL series circuit,

E = 10 V
R = 10 Ohms
L = 200 mH
Steady state value, 𝐼𝑚 = E/R = (10/10) = 1A
Time constant, τ = L/R
= 200×10−3 /10
= 20×10−3 s

𝐸
Current, 𝐼𝐿 (t) = 𝑅 (1 - 𝑒 −𝑡/𝜏 )

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

 𝐸
When t = 𝜏, 𝐼𝐿 (t) = 𝑅 (1 - 𝑒 −1 ) = 0.632 A
𝐸
When t = 2𝜏, 𝐼𝐿 (t) = 𝑅 (1 - 𝑒 −2 ) = 0.865 A
𝐸
When t = 3𝜏, 𝐼𝐿 (t) = 𝑅 (1 - 𝑒 −3 ) = 0.950 A
𝐸
When t = 4𝜏, 𝐼𝐿 (t) = 𝑅 (1 - 𝑒 −4 ) = 0.982 A
𝐸
When t = 5𝜏, 𝐼𝐿 (t) = 𝑅 (1 - 𝑒 −5 ) = 0.993 A

Simulations:
Rc Series Circuit

Transient values for Rc Series Circuit at 𝜏 time

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

 RL Series Circuit

Transient values for RL Series Circuit at 𝜏 time

Discussions:
i. In this experiment, RC, RL series circuits were constructed.
ii. Value time constant was modified as required and Vc, IL were measured. The obtained
data was inserted into the table.
iii. Relevant calculation was done using the experimental data.
iv. The analysis was completed effectively using τ = R×C and τ = L/R
v. Every mentioned step was completed properly to make sure the simulation works properly.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

Conclusion:

In this experiment, the value of theoretical and simulated was closely same which determine that the
experiment was successful. The goal of the experiment was set from the beginning. The study was
described by calculating the voltage across the capacitor of RC series circuit and current across the
inductor of RL series circuit.

Reference(s):

1. Robert L. Boylestad, ”Introductory Circuit Analysis”, Prentice Hall, 12th Edition, New York,
2010, ISBN 9780137146666.

2. R.M. Kerchner and G.F. Corcoran, “Alternating Current Circuits”, John Wiley & Sons, Third
Ed., New York, 1956.

3. Lamar University website, [Cited: 12.01.2014]

Available: http://ee.lamar.edu/eelabs/elen2107/lab5.pdf

4. Lamar University website, [Cited: 12.01.2014]

Available: http://ee.lamar.edu/eelabs/elen2107/lab6.pdf

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)