ELE202 - Lab 7 - v2.1
ELE202 - Lab 7 - v2.1
Laboratory #7
Sinusoidal Steady-State Response of Simple R-C and R-L Circuits
1.0 INTRODUCTION
An abruptly applied input sinusoidal forcing-function produces both a transient response and a steady-state
response, much like the step-function exercise of the previous Lab. However, the transient response with
sinusoidal excitation dies out rapidly with time so that only the steady-state response remains. So, when the
transient response starts to become negligibly small compared to the steady-state response, the circuit operates
at Sinusoidal-Steady-State (S-S-S).
Because sinusoidal excitations and sinusoidal responses are so commonly used in engineering fields, their study
typically falls under the heading of S-S-S analysis in which time-domain based differential equations may be
used to derive the responses of circuits. However, for complicated circuits with multiple sources, dependent
sources and large interconnections of circuit elements (R, L, C), the time-domain analysis to find differential
equation model of the circuit is often a non-trivial task. To avoid this cumbersome problem of having to solve
differential equations, the technique of converting circuit elements and sources to “phasors” allows for
simplified means of calculating S-S-S responses directly.
Recall, a “phasor” is a complex number that represents the amplitude and phase of a sinusoidal signal at fixed
S-S-S frequency. Given that the “phasor” voltages and currents satisfy KVL and KCL, respectively, one can
develop Ohm’s law-like relationships for resistors, capacitors and inductors operating in the S-S-S, since each
of them has an impedance associated with it, that is, ZR = R; ZC = 1/(j⍵C); and ZL = j⍵L, respectively. For the
resistor, the capacitor and the inductor, the measured impedance (in unit of “ohm”) at a given excitation
frequency simply equals the ratio of the respective phasor voltage to the phasor current. Depending on the nature
of the reactance component of the impedance of the circuit (whether predominantly capacitive or inductive), the
sinusoidal current either “leads” or “lags” the sinusoidal excitation voltage.
The frequency response of a circuit is simply the graph (or tabulation) of the ratio of the phasor output to the
phasor input as a function of frequency as it varies over some specified range. Since the phasors are complex
numbers, the frequency response consists of data points representing the magnitude and the phase-angle of the
phasor ratio at each fixed S-S-S frequency point. Hence, the frequency response of a circuit describes the circuit
behavior at each frequency component of the input signal source, and so this permits a designer to use
impedance-based circuits to isolate, enhance, or reject certain frequency components of an input signal and
thereby isolate, enhance, or reject certain kinds of information.
References: (i) Course Textbook: “Fundamentals of Electric Circuits” by C. K. Alexander and M. N. O. Sadiku; (ii) “Electric
Circuits” by J. W. Nilsson and S. A. Riedel; and (iii) “Linear Circuit Analysis” by R. A. DeCarlo and P-M Lin.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
To examine the Sinusoidal-Steady-State (S-S-S) response of the First Order R-C and R-L circuits.
Specifically, the magnitude and phase changes with change in frequency will be investigated for each
circuit over a specified frequency range.
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
Pre-Lab workspace
(ii) For the circuit in Figure 2.0a: If v(t) = 10 cos(⍵t + 0º) volts, R = 510 Ω, and C = 0.22
µF; use your derived expressions to determine the magnitude ǁZǁ; the phase-angle, ƟZo
and the magnitude, ǁIZǁ for each frequency, f listed in below Table 2.0.
Recall: ⍵ = 2πf; and 1kHz = 103Hz = 1000Hz.
Table 2.0: Theoretical frequency response data-points for the R-C circuit of Figure 2.0a.
(iii) For the values of v(t) =10cos(⍵t + 0º) volts, R = 510 Ω, and C = 0.22 µF, construct
and simulate the circuit of Figure 2.0b on MultiSIM. Use the following procedures to
set up the circuit for proper measurements: -
1. For the source-signal, set the function generator (FG) for a sinusoidal output with an
initial frequency of 0.1kHz and 20VP-P voltage (i.e. Vm =10 volts peak-amplitude),
connect it to the circuit and display the waveform directly on CH-1 of the MultiSIM
Oscilloscope. Display at least two complete waveform cycles.
Note: For proper operation, the FG, Oscilloscope and the circuit must share a common reference
point (or ground) as depicted in Figure 2.0b.
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & Kevin. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
2. To monitor the current, IZ(t) [= VR(t)/R], the corresponding voltage, VR(t) across the
resistor, R is connected to CH-2.
3. For each frequency, f listed in Table 2.1, capture the Oscilloscope screen image, and
then measure and record the corresponding magnitude (i.e. peak voltage) of the
sinusoidal signal observed in CH-1 and CH-2, respectively. Also record the time-
difference value, Δt to facilitate phase-measurement => Note: As was practised in Lab
#5, one way to measure the phase difference between CH-1 and CH-2 waveforms is to
position the vertical cursors between the two adjacent peaks of the respective sinusoidal
waveforms in order to reliably measure the time-difference, Δt. The equation Ɵ = 2πf x
Δt (radians) or Ɵ = 2π(1/T) x Δt (radians) can be used to calculate the phase-difference
in radians. You will need to convert Ɵ (radians) to degrees, noting that π radians =
180º.
● Copy and paste a screenshot showing one MultiSIM readings on the circuit. Include the
MultiSIM circuit file (.ms14) in your Pre-Lab submission.
● All screenshots should show your name printed on the center-top of the MultiSIM screen and
the timestamp at the bottom-lower corner.
Table 2.1: MultiSIM frequency response data-points for the R-C circuit of Figure 2.0a.
4. From the above results recorded in Table 2.1 for each frequency, f; determine the
corresponding values for the magnitudes ǁZǁ and ǁIZǁ; the phase-angle, ƟZo . Compare
these results with your corresponding theoretical values in Table 2.0. Provide
explanations below for any deviations between the theoretical and MultSIM results .
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
Pre-Lab workspace
+
C
Vm
v(t) = -VI VZ
m
R
IZ
-
Z
Figure 2.0a: R-C circuit with sinusoidal AC source
to CH-1
+
C
Vm
v(t) =-VI VZ(t) + to CH-2
m
R VR(t)
IZ(t)
- -
Figure 2.0b: R-C circuit with sinusoidal AC source and measurement connections.
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
Pre-Lab workspace
For the circuit in Figure 3.0a: If v(t) = 10cos(⍵t + 0º) volts, R = 510 Ω, and L = 4.7
mH; use your derived expressions to determine the magnitude ǁZǁ; the phase-angle,
ƟZo and the magnitude, ǁIZǁ at each frequency, f listed in below Table 3.0.
Recall: ⍵ = 2πf; and 1kHz = 103Hz = 1000Hz.
Table 3.0: Theoretical frequency response data-points for the R-L circuit of Figure 3.0a.
(ii) For the values of v(t) =10cos(⍵t + 0º) volts, R = 510 Ω, and L = 4.7 mH, construct
and simulate the circuit of Figure 3.0b on MultiSIM. Use the following procedures to
set up the circuit for proper measurements: -
1. For the source-signal, set the function generator (FG) for a sinusoidal output with an
initial frequency of 0.1kHz and 20VP-P voltage (i.e. Vm =10 volts peak-amplitude),
connect it to the circuit and display the waveform directly on CH-1 (or CH-A) of the
MultiSIM Oscilloscope. Display at least two complete waveform cycles.
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
Note: For proper operation, the FG, Oscilloscope and the circuit must share a common reference
point (or ground) as depicted in Figure 3.0b.
2. To monitor the current, IZ(t) [= VR(t)/R], the corresponding voltage, VR(t) across the
resistor, R is connected to CH-2 (or CH-B) of the MultiSIM Oscilloscope
3. For each frequency, f listed in Table 2.1, capture the Oscilloscope screen image, and
then measure and record the corresponding magnitude (i.e. peak voltage) of the
sinusoidal signal observed in CH-1 and CH-2, respectively. Also record the time-
difference value, Δt to facilitate phase-measurement => Note: As was practised in Lab
#5, one way to measure the phase difference between CH-1 and CH-2 waveforms is to
position the vertical cursors (or traces) between the two adjacent peaks of the respective
sinusoidal waveforms in order to reliably measure the time-difference, Δt. The equation
Ɵ = 2πf x Δt (radians) or Ɵ = 2π(1/T) x Δt (radians) can be used to calculate the phase-
difference in radians. You will need to convert Ɵ (radians) to degrees, noting that π
radians = 180º.
● Copy and paste a screenshot showing one MultiSIM readings on the circuit. Include the
MultiSIM circuit file (.ms14) in your Pre-Lab submission.
● All screenshots should show your name printed on the center-top of the MultiSIM screen and
the timestamp at the bottom-lower corner.
Table 3.1: MultiSIM frequency response data-points for the R-L circuit of Figure 3.0b.
4. From the above results recorded in Table 3.1 for each frequency, f; determine the
corresponding values for the magnitudes ǁZǁ and ǁIZǁ; the phase-angle, Ɵzo . Compare
these results with your corresponding theoretical values in Table 3.0. Provide
explanations below for any deviations between the theoretical and MultSIM results.
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
Pre-Lab workspace
+
L
Vm
v(t) =-VI VZ
m
R
IZ
-
to CH-1
+
L
Vm
v(t) =-VI VZ(t) + to CH-2
m
R VR(t)
IZ(t)
- -
Figure 3.0b: R-L circuit with sinusoidal AC source and measurement connections.
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
Pre-Lab workspace
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
2. Connect the FG output signal to the circuit and simultaneously display the waveform directly
on CH-1 of the Oscilloscope. Adjust the time-scale of the Oscilloscope to always display at
least two complete waveform cycles.
Notes: (i) For proper operation, the FG, Oscilloscope and the circuit must share a common reference point (or
ground) as depicted in Figure 2.0b; (ii) keep the Oscilloscope CH-1 and CH-2 inputs to the default DC coupling
mode; and (iii) select CH-1 for the Oscilloscope trigger so as to use the input source signal on CH-1 as the
reference signal.
3. Connect the voltage, VR(t) across the resistor, R to CH-2 of the Oscilloscope to monitor and
record the current, IZ(t) [= VR(t)/R]. Refer to Figure 2.0b.
4. For each frequency, f listed in below Table 4.0, capture the Oscilloscope screen image over
at least two period cycles, and then measure and record the corresponding magnitude (i.e.
peak voltage) of the sinusoidal signal observed on CH-1 and CH-2, respectively. Also record
the time-difference value, Δt between the two voltage sinusoidal signals by positioning the
vertical cursors (or traces) on the Oscilloscope screen between the two peaks of the
sinusoidal waveforms to facilitate reliable measurement of Δt. Be sure to capture and save
all relevant images at each frequency.
Table 4.0: In-Lab frequency response data-points for the R-C circuit of Figure 2.0b.
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
2. Connect the FG output signal to the circuit and simultaneously display the waveform directly
on CH-1 of the Oscilloscope. Adjust the time-scale of the Oscilloscope to always display at
least two complete waveform cycles.
Notes: (i) For proper operation, the FG, the Oscilloscope and the circuit must share a common reference point
(or ground) as depicted in Figure 3.0b; (ii) keep the Oscilloscope CH-1 and CH-2 inputs to the default DC
coupling mode; and (iii) select Ch-1 for the Oscilloscope trigger so as to use the input source signal on CH-1 as
the reference signal.
3. Connect the voltage, VR(t) across the resistor, R to CH-2 of the Oscilloscope to monitor and
record the current, IZ(t) [= VR(t)/R]. Refer to Figure 3.0b.
4. For each frequency, f listed in below Table 4.1, capture the Oscilloscope screen image over
at least two period cycles, and then measure and record the corresponding magnitude (i.e.
peak voltage) of the sinusoidal signal observed on CH-1 and CH-2, respectively. Also record
the time-difference value, Δt between the two voltage sinusoidal signals by positioning the
“vertical cursors (or trace)” on the Oscilloscope screen between the two peaks of the
sinusoidal waveforms to facilitate reliable measurement of Δt. Be sure to capture and save
all relevant images at each frequency
Table 4.1: In-Lab frequency response data-points for the R-L circuit of Figure 3.0b.
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Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & Kevin. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
1. Use the capacitor, C = 0.1 µF and the 5 kΩ potentiometer (RP) in your Kit to implement
the circuit in Figure 4.0 on your breadboard. Keep track of the potentiometer terminals as
you would have wired to the circuit. To avoid the risk of potentiometer resistance, RP to be
zero that could cause unwanted surge in the circuit current, pre-adjust the dial settings on the
potentiometer to about half-way point before applying the input-signal source to the circuit.
to CH-1
+
C
Vm
3 to CH-2
v(t) =-VI VZ(t) +
m
2
IZ(t) VR(t)
RP
- 1
-
Figure 4.0: R-C circuit with sinusoidal AC source and measurement connections to validate design problem
2. For the input source-signal, v(t) set the function generator (FG) for a sinusoidal output with
an initial frequency of 500Hz and 20VP-P voltage (i.e. Vm =10 volts peak-amplitude).
Note: Press Frequency → 500 Hz, Amplitude → 10 VPP on the Function Generator (*impedance matching)
3. Connect the FG signal to the circuit and simultaneously display the waveform directly on
CH-1 of the Oscilloscope. Adjust the time-scale of the Oscilloscope to always display at
least two complete waveform cycles.
Notes: (i) For proper operation, the FG, Oscilloscope and the circuit must share a common reference point (or
ground) as depicted in Figure 4.0; and (ii) keep the Oscilloscope CH-1 and CH-2 inputs to the default DC-
coupling mode.
4. Connect the voltage, VR(t) across the resistor, R to CH-2 of the Oscilloscope to monitor and
record the current, IZ(t) [= VR(t)/R]. Refer to Figure 4.0.
5. Adjust the vertical/horizontal scales of the Oscilloscope channels to display at least two
complete waveform period cycles. Use two vertical cursors (or traces), one to position it at
the first peak sinusoidal signal on CH-1, and the second cursor (trace) on the peak of the
sinusoidal signal on CH-2. The time-difference between these cursors reflects
measurement of Δt, and should be monitored as you adjust the potentiometer.
Recall: Phase-shift of 45º between two waveforms occurs when the time-difference, Δt between these
waveforms is exactly 1/8 of the period, T [i.e. Δt = (T/8)]
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
1. From the above in-Lab results recorded in Table 4.0:- For each frequency, f; determine the
corresponding values for the magnitudes ǁZǁ and ǁIZǁ, and the phase-angle, ƟZo ; and record
these in the respective columns of Table 4.0. Compare ǁZǁ, ǁIZǁ and ƟZo values with
corresponding theoretical values in Table 2.0 and MultiSIM values in Table 2.1. Explain your
observations, and reasons for any discrepancies.
workspace
2. From the above in-Lab results recorded in Table 4.1 for each frequency, f; determine the
corresponding values for the magnitudes ǁZǁ and ǁIZǁ, and the phase-angle, ƟZo and record
these in the respective columns of Table 4.1. Compare ǁZǁ, ǁIZǁ and ƟZo values with
corresponding theoretical values in Table 3.0 and MultiSIM values in Table 3.1. Explain your
observations, and reasons for any discrepancies.
workspace
12
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
3. For the “Design Question” circuit in Figure 4.0: (i) How does the measured value of the
potentiometer resistance, RP match up with your theoretical prediction in the Pre-Lab 4(c)? and
(ii) what factors would have contributed to any difference in these two values?
workspace
4. For both R-C and R-L circuits, the Function Generator (FG) was assumed to be ideal, meaning
that its output (source) resistance, RS = 0Ω. In reality, the FG has RS = 50Ω as depicted below,
and so if one takes this into account then how might this have affected your measured results
compared to the theoretical value. Can this measurement error be considered negligible? Why?
workspace
RS
+
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Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
ELE 202
Laboratory #7
Part I (Pre-Lab Work) => represents 40% of the pre-assigned Lab weight.
Pre-Lab Work (assignment) of Section 4.0 that includes handwritten calculations, MultiSIM results, and analysis
is to be completed and submitted prior to the start of your scheduled lab. The grading is commensurate with
completeness and accuracy of your handwritten calculations, analysis and MultiSIM simulation circuits/plots.
Note the following requirements for the document submission for Part I:
● A completed and signed “COVER PAGE – Part I” has to be included with your submission, a copy of
which is available on D2L. The report will not be graded if the signed cover page is not included.
● Your completed handwritten pages of Section 4.0 should be scanned (via a scanner or phone images),
together with the required MultiSIM images. Note: MultiSIM results must be generated using the
Department’s licensed version of MultiSIM, and the captured screenshots should show your name (at
the center-top) and the timestamp (at the bottom-right corner of your screen).
● Collate and create a .pdf or .docx file of the above, and upload it via D2L any time prior to the start
of your scheduled lab. Upload instructions are provided on D2L.
Zero marks will be assigned for the entire lab if this Part I is not submitted prior to your scheduled lab.
Part II (In-Lab Work and Post-Lab Work) => represents 60% of the pre-assigned Lab
weight.
In-Lab Work (Section 5.0) and Post-Lab Work (Section 6.0) that include in-lab results, handwritten analysis and
observations are to be completed and submitted within 24 hours after your lab. The grading is commensurate with:
- completeness, correctness and collection of all experimental results (data and waveforms); merits of observation
of the correlations between the experimental and pre-lab assignment results; and reasonableness of the answers to
questions posed.
Note the following requirements for the document submission for Part II:
● A completed and signed “COVER PAGE – Part II” has to be included with your submission, a copy
of which is available on D2L. The report will not be graded if the signed cover page is not included.
● Scan your completed pages of Section 5.0 and Section 6.0 (via a scanner or phone images), together
with any required In-Lab Oscilloscope screen-shot images.
● Collate and create a .pdf or .docx file of the above and upload it to the D2L. Late submissions will not
be graded.
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Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021