Spring 2023-24

Experiment 6 Students’ Manual

American International University- Bangladesh

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
EEE 2109: Introduction to Electrical Circuits Lab

Experiment#6:
Title: Transient Analysis of RC Series and RL series using PSPICE/MULTISIM.

Abstract:
PSpice/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, the students will learn about the circuit simulation software PSpice/Multism. They
will also get accustomed to PSpice/Multism library. Besides, focus will be made over
1. Simulation of circuits by using components from the PSpice/Multism 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 steady-state 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)

Spring 2023-24
Experiment 6 Students’ Manual

Figire-1: RC circuit Figire2: RL circuit

Pre-Lab Homework:

Read about the characteristics of RC and RL series circuit during transient analysis from
“Alternating Current Circuit” by George F Corcoran and use PSPICE/Multism to generate the
output of the circuits provided in this lab sheet. Compare the wave shapes given in the textbook
with your results. Save the simulation results and bring it to the lab.

Apparatus:
 PC
 PSPICE/Multisim Simulating tools

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

Experimental Procedure (PSPICE):

Simulating Circuits by using Components from the PSpice library
1. Open the PSPICE Design Manager window: Start → Program → MicroSim Eval 8
2. Open schematic editor: Press Run Schematics icon from the bar on the left side of the
screen.
3. Select: Draw → Get New Part, then select and place each of the circuit elements one by
one (VPULSE for pulse type voltage source, R for resistor, C for capacitor and EGND
for ground). Join the elements by using the wire as necessary.
4. Change the label and magnitude of each element by double clicking on them and editing
as necessary.

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

Spring 2023-24
Experiment 6 Students’ Manual

5. Then go to Analysis → Setup → Select Transient and provide the necessary Values. And
swlwct automatically Run Probe after Simulation.
6. To execute the analysis, select: Analysis → Simulate or press F11. To view the analysis
result, select: Analysis → examine output.
7. Select Analysis → Simulate.
8. Select Trace → Add and select the desired traces.
9. Perform the text analysis as instructed.

Simulation and Measurement:

In PSpice window, construct the virtual RC and RL circuits as shown below. Simulate the
parametric wave shape for both the circuits. Compare the simulation results with your theoretical
data and comment on the differences (if any).

RC Circuit:

RL Circuit:

Experimental Procedure (MULTISIM):

Simulating Circuits by using Components from the Multism library

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

Spring 2023-24
Experiment 6 Students’ Manual

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

Data Table:
RC Circuit (1 µF, 100Hz)

τ Value Time % Charged Vc

Constant
1τ
2τ
3τ
4τ
5τ

RL Circuit (200 mH, 5Hz)

τ Value Time % Charged IL

Constant
1τ
2τ
3τ
4τ
5τ

Discussions:

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

Spring 2023-24
Experiment 6 Students’ Manual

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 should be completed properly to make sure the simulation works
properly.
Questions for report writing:

1. Set the value of C= 1µf, R=1kΩ for RC, L= 200mH, R= 10Ω for RL circuit and simulate the
circuits.
2. Calculate the value of τ and tp for RL and RC circuit.
3. Verify the simulating result of the total circuit with theoretical result and Comment on the
result.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Interpret the data/findings and determine the extent to which the experiment was successful in
complying with the goal that was initially set. Discuss any mistake you might have made while
conducting the investigation and describe ways the study could have been improved.

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)