Transient Analysis of RC circuit

and determination of Time

Constant
Electric Network Analysis

Maaz Hamid || Wajeeha Wasim || Muhammad Soban || Fatima Nasir

DE - 45 - EE - Syn. B

Submitted to: Prof. Harris Submission Date : 11/03/2024

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Objectives
● To study the response of a series RC circuit.
● To differentiate between steady state and transient response.
● To understand & evaluate time constant concept using step input.

Abstract
This experiment aimed to analyze the transient response of an RC circuit and determine its

time constant. By observing the voltage across the capacitor during charging and

discharging, the time constant was determined through calculations. The results were

consistent with theoretical values, confirming that the transient response in RC circuits is

exponential.

Theoretical Background
The voltage across a capacitor (𝑉𝑐) during charging can be calculated using the formula:

This formula describes how the voltage across a capacitor changes over time as it charges
in an RC circuit and shows that the voltage across the capacitor gradually increases from 0
to the supply voltage (𝑉ₛ) over the time value (𝑡).
−𝑡/𝑅𝐶
The term 1 − 𝑒 ​ represents the charging graph, where 𝑒 is the base of the natural log.
As time increases, the exponential term approaches 1, causing the voltage across the
capacitor to approach the supply voltage.

The current during charging can be calculated using Ohm's Law:

−𝑡/𝑅𝐶
The exponential term 𝑒 ​ represents the decay of current over time as the capacitor
charges.
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The time constant (τ) is a measure of how quickly the voltage across the capacitor
changes. It is the product of Resistance and Capacitance (𝑅𝐶). A larger time constant
indicates a slower rate of change in voltage, and vice versa.
The voltage across a capacitor (𝑉𝑐) during discharging can be calculated using the
formula:

This formula describes how the voltage across a capacitor changes over time as it
discharges in an RC circuit and it shows that the voltage across the capacitor slowly
decreases from the initial voltage (𝑉ₛ) to 0 over time.
−𝑡/𝑅𝐶
The term 𝑒 ​ represents the discharging graph where the voltage decays exponentially as
time increases.
The current during discharging can also be calculated using Ohm's Law and The
−𝑡/𝑅𝐶
exponential term 𝑒 ​ represents the decay of current over time as the capacitor
discharges.

Apparatus

I. DC Power Supply

II. Jumper Wires

III. Function Generator

IV. Fixed Resistor (1 kΩ)

V. Capacitor (10 uF)

VI. Bread Board

VII. Digital Multimeter (DMM)

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Procedure
● For Charging, I constructed the resistor, capacitor and voltage source in series on
the bread board, the diagram is as follows:

● A voltage of 10V was provided to the circuit.

● I calculated the value of time constant (τ) using the formula provided above, and it
came out to be 0.001 s (1 ms).
● Using Oscilloscope across capacitor, the the voltage build-up was monitored across
the capacitor and the capacitor was charged to almost 10V, equal to Source Voltage
(𝑉ₛ). The graph was as follows:

● The time was calculated at which the capacitor was 63% charged, i.e 6.3 ms.
● The resulting time was the time constant. So, the value obtained was:
Ʈ (measured) = 1.001 ms
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● The coordinates on graph sheet corresponding to Time Constant were:

(x₂, y₂) = (1.001, 6.316)

The percentage error came out to be approximately 0.1%, which may be due to
uncertainties in the equipment.

● For Discharging, the source was removed from the circuit and the components
were connected accordingly, the initial voltage of the capacitor now being 10V.

● Using the oscilloscope, the graph of voltage across the capacitor was obtained,
assuming that the capacitor discharged completely. The graph was as follows:

● Using the above graph, I extracted out the value of time at which capacitor was 37%
discharged, i.e 3.7 ms.
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● The time constant value obtained was 0.984, and The coordinates on graph sheet
corresponding to Time Constant were:

(x₂, y₂) = (0.984, 3.7012)

The percentage error was 1.6%, the reasons being the same as before.

Part 2_ Function Generator

● For Charging, the DC source was replaced by a function generator, capable of

generating square waves and the following circuit was connected:

● The peak value of the input square wave was set to 3V, i.e 6V peak-to-peak, and
adjusted the frequency to 100 Hz, so that the capacitor was sufficiently charged and
discharged alternatively.
● Oscilloscope was used to monitor the graph, and it was traced as follows:
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● Using the expression provided in the Theoretical Background, Voltage across

capacitor, Vc (𝑡), was calculated to be 3.7932 V,
Where, Vc (𝑡) is the voltage at which time constant occurred once, i.e voltage = 63%
of the source voltage (during charging of capacitor). The wave observed was as
follows:

● The resulting time was “Time Constant” T2. So, the value obtained was:
Ʈ (measured) = 0.9988 ms

The percentage error was calculated to be 0.12%

● Using expression stated in the Theoretical Background, the value of voltage across
capacitor was calculated for 𝑡 = 1Ʈ:

Vc (𝑡) = 2.2072 V

Where, Vc (𝑡) is the voltage at which the time constant occurred once. In other words,
voltage = 37% of the source voltage (during discharging of capacitor). The wave was as
follows:
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● So, the value obtained was:

Ʈ (measured) = T2 − Ʈ (charging)

Since a capacitor charges in 5 time constants, therefore Ʈ(charging) = 5 ms

Ʈ (measured) = 5.997 ms – 5 ms
Ʈ (measured) = 0.997 ms

The percentage error was calculated to be 0.3%

Other Oscilloscope readings

Conclusion
In conclusion, using dedicated equations and appropriate equipment and values, we
analyzed the transient response of an RC circuit and determined its time constant. By
observing the voltage across the capacitor during charging and discharging, the time
constant was determined through calculations. The results were consistent with theoretical
values, with small errors due to pre-existing uncertainties in equipment, confirming that
the transient response in RC circuits is exponential.