ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS LAB GUIDE 1

LEONARDO MONSALVE GOMEZ

MECHATRONIC ENGINEERING PROGRAM

UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE
OCCIDENTE
ENGINEERING FACULTY
ENERGETICS AND MECHANICAL
DEPARTMENT
SANTIAGO DE CALI
2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................3
GENERAL OBJECTIVES..................................................................................................4
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................4
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT.......................................................................................4
METHODOLOGY...............................................................................................................5
APPROACH.......................................................................................................................6
PROCEDURE.................................................................................................................. 13
CONCLUSIONS...............................................................................................................22
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES..............................................................................23
 Practice 4

OSCILLOSCOPE, SIGNAL GENERATOR AND RC AND RL DC CIRCUITS

INTRODUCTION

Through the following laboratory tests, simulations and mathematical calculations will be
carried out for the correct application of the theory seen in class and complementary
research to strengthen knowledge, which allows students to have greater clarity of the
concepts and their applicability.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE.

Concepts of RL and RC circuits in DC.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

 To know the operation and usefulness of the oscilloscope and the signal generator
in the simulation and analysis of electrical circuits.
 To determine the measurements and analysis that can be performed with the
oscilloscope.
 To perform measurements of different types of signals.
 To see the behavior of a DC RC circuit.
 To elaborate a report with analysis and justification of obtained results.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 To test the theory of capacitor charging and discharging

 Learn to correctly operate the oscilloscope and signal generator.
 Perform calculations and check the results by means of simulation software.
 Compare and conclude on theoretical, simulated and experimental results.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

 Personal computer with simulation software.

 Universal connection board (protoboard).
 Digital Oscilloscope
 Signal Generator
 Resistors and capacitors. They must be purchased.
 Connection cables
 USB memory stick
 METHODOLOGY

With the use of computer programs and laboratory instruments, students will carry out the
required simulations and calculations, in addition to making a pre-report that
complements the theoretical part seen in class.
 APPROACH

For the completion of this lab you must research and answer the following questions in
the pre report.

Find the manual for the GW INSTEK Signal Generator model AFG-2225 and answer the
following questions.

a) What is a Signal Generator and what is it used for?

A signal generator is an electronic device that generates repeating or non-repeating
waveforms used to test and evaluate electronic test equipment. It simulates real-world
signals and conditions, enabling you to test the performance and behavior of electronic
systems.
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from handheld devices with basic waveforms
to sophisticated benchtop models capable of generating complex signals over a wide
frequency range.
Signal generators are essential for testing circuits, verifying designs, troubleshooting
equipment, characterizing components, and more.

Figure.1 GW INSTEK AFG-2225

b) What are the types of waveforms that can be generated?

The AFG-2225 can output 5 standard waveforms: sine, square, pulse,
ramp and noise.

Figure 2. Waveforms types

 c) What is the Waveform, FREQ/Rate, AMPL and DC Offset buttons for?

Figure 3. Operation keys

d) How many channels does it have?

The independent input connectors on the oscilloscope are referred to as channels, which
can vary between only two and as many as twenty, with two or four channels being the
most common. Channels can also carry varying types of signals. Some oscilloscopes, for
example DSOs, only provide analog channels. MSOs can connect both digital and analog
channels.

Figure 4. Channel select key

e) What frequency range does it handle?

Figure 5. Frequency ranges

 SINE: The shape of the sine wave is one of the most recognizable waveforms.
Mathematically, it is represented by the function y=sin(x). This means that the
wave consistently oscillates above and below 0 as it moves forward on the X-axis
of a graph.
A signal generator’s oscillator circuit frequently generates sine waves as test
signals. Sine (or sinusoidal) waves are generated by the majority of alternating
 current (AC) power sources. Sine waves are also referred to as “fundamental
waveforms”, due to their pure measurement- they do not have additional harmonic
frequencies to deal with. When a sine wave eventually winds down instead of
remaining consistent, that is known as a damped sine wave.

 SQUARE: The shape of this wave is because it measures one of two binary
outcomes: either +1 or -1. This makes sense when the device being measured
regularly alternates between “high” and “low” or “off” and “on” settings. If using a
good amplifier, the amplitude of a square wave can be increased with very little
distortion.
Depending on the length of time between the high and low points on the graph,
the wave is either referred to as a square wave or a rectangle wave. Square
waves encounter only “odd” harmonics, so waves that are the 3rd or 5th or 7th (…)
multiple of the frequency.
 RAMP (TRIANGLE): When circuits are made to linearly regulate voltages, it
results in triangle waves. This shape occurs because the waves experience
continual changes (ramps) in the levels of voltage that they transition between.
 PULSE: A pulse wave or pulse train or rectangular wave is a non-sinusoidal
waveform that is the periodic version of the rectangular function. It is held high a
percent each cycle (period) called the duty cycle and for the remainder of each
cycle is low

Find the manual of the GW INSTEK oscilloscope model GDS-1102B and answer the
following questions.

f) What is an oscilloscope and what is it used for?

An oscilloscope, formerly known as an oscillograph (informally scope, oscope, or o-
scope), is an instrument that graphically displays electrical signals and shows how those
signals change over time. It measures these signals by connecting with a sensor, which
is a device that creates an electrical signal in response to physical stimuli like sound, light
and heat.Are often used when designing, manufacturing or repairing electronic
equipment. Engineers use an oscilloscope to measure electrical phenomena and solve
measurement challenges quickly and accurately to verify their designs or confirm that a
sensor is working properly.

Figure 6. GW Instek GDS-1102B

g) How many channels does the oscilloscope have?
The GDS-1000B series consists of 6 models, the GDS-1102B model has 2 channels (1-
2)

Figure 7. Channels
h) What are the SCALE knobs on the Vertical section used for?
To move the waveform up or down, turn the vertical position knob for each channel.
Push the vertical position knob to reset the position to 0. As the waveform moves, the
vertical position of the cursor appears on the display.
To change the vertical scale, turn the vertical SCALE knob; left (down) or right (up).
The vertical scale indicator for each channel on the bottom of the display changes
accordingly.

Figure 8. Scale knob (vertical)

i) What is the purpose of the SCALE knob in the Horizontal section?
The horizontal position knob moves the waveform left and right. Pressing the horizontal
position knob will reset the horizontal position to 0. To select the time base, turn the
horizontal SCALE knob; left (slow) or right (fast).

Figure 9. Scale knob (horizontal)

j) What is the function of the CH1 and CH2 buttons?

Turn channels 1 and 2 on or off, make a channel the active one for the vertical controls,
and bring up the menu for that channel's settings.

Figure 10. Channel buttons

k) What is the difference between DC, AC and GND coupling?

On many digitizers, you can configure the input channels to be DC-coupled, AC-coupled,
or GND coupled. DC coupling allows DC and low-frequency components of a signal to
pass through without attenuation. In contrast, AC coupling removes DC offsets and
attenuates low frequency components of a signal. This feature can be exploited to zoom
in on AC signals with large DC offsets, such as switching noise on a 12 V power supply.
GND coupling disconnects the input and internally connects the channel to ground to
provide a ground, zero-voltage reference.
 Figure 11. DC, AC & GND Coupling

l) What is the TRIGGER used for?

An oscilloscope’s trigger function synchronizes the horizontal sweep at the correct point
of the signal. This is essential for clear signal characterization. Trigger controls allow you
to stabilize repetitive waveforms and capture single-shot waveforms.

Figure 12. Trigger controls

m) What is the function of the SINGLE button?

In the Single Trigger mode, the scope will be put into the pretrigger mode until the scope
encounters the next trigger point. After the scope has triggered, it will remain in Stop
mode, until the Single key is pressed again or the Run/Stop key is pressed.

Figure 13. Single button

n) What is the function of the Run/Stop button?

By default, the waveform on the display is constantly updated (Run mode). Freezing the
waveform by stopping signal acquisition (Stop mode) allows flexible observation and
analysis. To enter Stop mode, two methods are available: pressing the Run/Stop key or
using the Single Trigger mode.
The waveform can be moved vertically in both Run and Stop mode
 Figure 14. Run/Stop button

o) What is the Math button used for?

The Math function performs basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division) on the input signals or the reference waveforms. The resultant waveform will be
shown on the screen in real-time.

Figure 15. Math button

p) What are the connectors shown in figure 16 for?

The probe compensation output is used for probe compensation. It also has an
adjustable output frequency. By default this port outputs a 2Vpp, square wave signal at
1kHz for probe compensation.

Figure 16. Oscilloscope connectors

Figure 17. Compensation output

 PROCEDURE

1. Oscilloscope operation
1.1. Configure the signal generator to deliver a 140 Hz triangular signal with an amplitude
of 1V peak-to-peak on channel 1 and a sinusoidal signal with a period of 1,667 ms and
an amplitude of 10 V peak-to-peak on channel 2.
1.2Connect the signal generator to the oscilloscope (channel 1 of the generator to
channel 1 of the oscilloscope).
1.3. Adjust the oscilloscope so that channel 1 shows three periods of the triangular signal
and has 0.5 V/division.

Figure 18. Triangular signal (simulation)

1.4. What frequency and amplitude does the oscilloscope show for the triangular signal?
Answer/ The triangular signal the oscilloscope shows an amplitude of 1Vpp on a scale of
500mV and a frequency of 140Hz

1.5. Are there differences between the values of the generator and the oscilloscope?
Answer/ The difference does not vary much, but the oscilloscope slightly modifies the
values according to the noise
1.6. Save a picture of what the triangular signal looks like on the oscilloscope to your
USB memory stick and add it to your report.

Figure 19. Triangular signal (Oscilloscope)

1.7. Repeat steps iii to vi using the sinusoidal signal and channel 2 of the oscilloscope.

Figure 20. Sinusoidal signal (Oscilloscope)

 Figure 20. Sinusoidal signal (Simulation)

1.8. At what time and amplitude values did you have to adjust the oscilloscope to be
able to see the sinusoidal signal?
Answer/ In the case of the sinusoidal signal, to see the 10Vpp amplitude produced by
the generator, the oscilloscope was set to a scale of 5Vpp with time values of 500μs in
order to see a 3-period adjustment in the sinusoidal signal.

1.9. What happens if you place the trigger above the signal?
Answer/ If the Trigger is placed above the signal or below the signal, the signal is out of
sync and cannot be displayed in a constant way but starts to move during the time
period.
2. R-C circuit

Figure 2 shows an R-C circuit, for which you must calculate the value of R1 so that 5τ
= 6 ms.
A R1 B
C1
1µF
25 V

Figure 2. R-C circuit, C1 must support at least 25V.

Answer/ τ = RC
5 τ= 6x10-3
5RC = 6x10-3
−3
6 x 10
R= 5∗C
−3
6 x 10
R= −6
5∗(1 x 10 )
R= 1200Ω = 1,2 KΩ

1.1. Configure the signal generator to deliver a 10 V Peak to Peak square signal with no
negative values (see figure 3) and 60 Hz.
1.2. Verify that the signal delivered by the generator corresponds to the required
parameters and is as in the image in Figure 3

Figure 3. 60HZ square signal, 10 V peak to Peak, no negative component.

1.1. Connect the generator to resistor R1 (node A), oscilloscope channel 1 to node A and
channel 2 to the capacitor (node B), both channels must be in DC coupling, with the
same time and voltage configuration.
1.2. Using the channel 2 signal, calculate how long it took for the capacitor to reach the
maximum voltage.
Answer/
R= 1200Ω = 1,2KΩ
C = 1µF = 1 x 10-6
τ = RC
τ = 1200 * 1 x 10-6
τ = 1,2 * 10-3
5 τ = 5 x 1,2 * 10-3
5 τ = 6ms

Figure 21. Capacitor charge and discharge measurement (Oscilloscope)

 Figure 21. Capacitor charge and discharge measurement (Simulation)
Answer/ By checking the mathematical calculations, the calculations obtained with the
simulation and the oscilloscope measurement, it can be seen that the maximum time in
which the capacitor reaches its maximum voltage is 6ms.

1.3. Calculate the voltage v(t) on the capacitor for the charge and discharge periods.
Compare with the image obtained on the oscilloscope.
Answer/ A complete period lasts 16ms, therefore the capacitor is charged in a period
from 0 to 8ms and discharged in a period from 8ms to 16ms. For this it must be taken into
account that in the first period of time when the capacitor is charging the circuit works as
an RC circuit with voltage source and for the second period of time when the capacitor is
discharging it works as an RC circuit without voltage source.

For 0 ≤ t ≤ 8ms
V(t) = V(∞) + [V0 – V(∞)] e
-t/τ
v
V(t) = 10 + [0 – 10] e-2500t/3 v
V(t) = 10 – 10 e-2500t/3 v
For t = 0V
V(t) = 10 – 10 e-2500t/3 v
V(0) = 0V

For t = 8ms
V(t) = 10 – 10 e-2500t/3 v
V(8ms) = 10 – 10 e-2500(8x 10 )/3
V
V(8ms) = 9,98V
For 8ms ≤ t ≤ 16ms
V(t) = V8mse-t/ τ

For 8ms
V(t) = V8mse-t/ τ
-2500(8x 10 )/3
V (8ms) = 9,98 e V
V(8ms) = 0,012V

For 16ms
V(t) = V8mse-t/ τ
-2500(16x 10 )/3
V (16ms) = 9,98 e V
V(16ms) = 0,000016V
1.4. Save the graph given by the oscilloscope (CH1 and CH2) to your USB flash drive. In
the report show where the transient state is and where the steady state is.

1.5.Change the value of R1 by half of the calculated value, what happens to the signal of
channel 2?

Figure 22. Capacitor charging time for R1 = 600Ω (Oscilloscope)

 Figure 23. Capacitor charging time for R1 = 600Ω (Simulation)

1.6. Save the image on the USB.

1.7. Change R1 by twice the calculated value, what happens to the signal of channel 2?

Figure 24. Capacitor charging time for R1 = 2,4KΩ (Oscilloscope)

Figure 25. Capacitor charging time for R1 = 2,4KΩ (Simulation)
 CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude with this work that the use of the oscilloscope and the signal generator
allows us with greater clarity to have a better analysis of the responses of an RC circuit
with voltage source and without voltage source.
We can also see how to make good use of the management and reading of the
ocilloscope to have a more concrete analysis of the variables and scales used.
 BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES

 Boylestad, R. L. (2004). Introducción al análisis de circuitos. Pearson Educación.

 Hayt, W. H., Kemmerly, J. E., Durbin, S. M., & Philips, J. D. (2012). Análisis de
circuitos en ingeniería (pp. 40-122). McGraw Hill.
 S. Gibilisco. (2001). Manual portatil de electrónica. MCGRAW-HILL
 Good Will Instrument Co., Ltd. Digital Storage Oscilloscope GDS-1000B Series.
User Manual.
 Good Will Instrument Co., Ltd. Arbitrary Function Generator AFG-2225. User
Manual.
 Rigol Digital Oscilloscope. Rev (2019).
https://www.science.smith.edu/~rolivo/bio330/LArigol.html#:~:text=In%20the
%20VERTICAL%20box%2C%20the,menu%20for%20that%20channel's%20settings.
 Tektronix. What does an oscilloscope measure?. Recovered from:
https://www.tek.com/en/blog/what-can-an-oscilloscope-measure