Electric Circuits Lab

Instructor: Ziyad Kas

Lab
Analyzing Series and Parallel Capacitive Circuits

Student Name(s):

Honor Pledge:
I pledge to support the Honor System of ECPI. I will refrain from any form of academic
dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the
academic community, it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the honor code. I
understand that any failure on my part to support the Honor System will be turned over to a
Judicial Review Board for determination. I will report to the Judicial Review Board hearing if
summoned.

Date: 8/25/2024
Table of Contents
Analyzing Series and Parallel Capacitive Circuits.........................................................................1
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction................................................................................................................................................3
Procedures..................................................................................................................................................4
Data Presentation & Analysis....................................................................................................................11
Calculations...........................................................................................................................................12
Required Screenshots............................................................................................................................13
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................14
References.................................................................................................................................................15

2
Abstract
The lab aimed to explore the characteristics and performance of an RC circuit by conducting
measurements and analyses. The main goals included determining the resistance and capacitance of the
circuit using an oscilloscope and function generator calculating the RC time measuring the impedance of
the RC circuit and evaluating the phase angle with the help of the oscilloscope.

To accomplish these objectives precise measurements, for resistance and capacitance were initially
taken. Subsequently the oscilloscope and function generator were utilized to create and analyze
waveforms across the RC circuit. The RC time constant, a feature related to response in circuits was
measured next followed by determining impedance at a specific frequency. Lastly using the oscilloscope
helped measure the phase angle between voltage and current.

The outcomes provided an insight into how an RC circuit behaves aligning well with expectations. The
measured values for RC time and impedance matched closely with calculated values while phase angle
measurements highlighted how resistance, capacitance and frequency are interconnected in AC circuits.
Overall this lab effectively showcased concepts about RC circuits along, with demonstrating how
oscilloscopes and function generators can be used to analyze AC circuits.

Introduction
The aim of this study was to investigate how a resistor capacitor (RC) circuit behaves, which's a setup, in
electrical engineering. It involved looking at aspects like resistance, capacitance, time impedance and
phase angle. Knowing these properties is crucial for creating and studying circuits, for both current (DC)
and alternating AC) purposes.

Time Constant:

 = R*C

Combine capacitors in series:

1
C T=
1 1
+
C1 C 2

Combine Capacitors in Parallel:

1
C T=
1 1
+
C1 C 2

Capacitive Reactance
1
2 πfC
Phase Angle

3
 θ=tan
−1
( )
XC
R
& θ = (∆t/T) * 360°

The main goals of this lab involved measuring the resistance and capacitance, within the RC
circuit calculating the RC time constant, evaluating impedance and analyzing phase angles using
an oscilloscope. These experiments aimed to enhance our grasp of principles and reinforce our
understanding of how RC circuits operate.

Procedures

Part I: Combining Series Capacitors

1. Place two capacitors in series as shown in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Series Capacitors

2. Calculate the total capacitance value and record the results in Table 1 below.
1
C T=
1 1
+
C1 C 2

3. Measure the total capacitance value. Use the following procedure to measure the
capacitance in Multisim.
a. Connect the impedance Meter (Simulate>>Instruments>>LabView
Instruments>>Impedance Meter) as shown in Figure 2.
b. Measure the capacitive reactance, XC, as shown in Figure 2.
1
c. Calculate the capacitance using the equation, C= and record the value in
2 πf X C
Table 2.

4
 Figure 2: Impedance Meter in Multisim

Part II: Combining Parallel Capacitors

4. Place two capacitors in parallel as shown in Figure 3 below. (Note: The 0.001 Ω resistor is
ONLY required for simulation in Multisim. Without the resistor, the mathematical model will
not converge).

Figure 3: Parallel Capacitors

5. Calculate the total capacitance value and record the results in Table 2 (Calculated).

C T =C 1 +C2

6. Measure the total capacitance value. Use the following procedure to measure the
capacitance in Multisim.
a. Connect the impedance Meter (Simulate>>Instruments>>LabView
Instruments>>Impedance Meter).
b. Measure the capacitive reactance.

5
 1
c. Calculate the capacitance using the equation, C= and record the value in
2 πf X C
Table 2 (Measured).

Part III: Measuring the RC Time Constant

7. Construct the circuit shown in Figure 4 in Multisim.

Figure 4: Series RC Circuit

8. Connect Channel A of the oscilloscope across the resistor.

9. Set the voltage source to 5VPP; 100 Hz, Square wave, 50% duty cycle. You should
be able to see the waveform as shown below. (Use Volts/Div and Time/DIV settings
to adjust the signal.)

6
 Figure 5. Voltage across the resistor

10. Calculate the time constant of the RC circuit using the circuit parameter values. Record the
result in Table 1 under calculated value.

 = R*C

11. Measuring the time constant with VR:

a. Measure the peak value of the signal, by placing one of the cursors (T1) at the peak
point 4.709V.
b. Calculate the 37% of the above value 1.742V.
c. Place the second cursor (T2) at the step (ii) value above.
d. Observe the T2-T1 value on the scope, which is the one time constant.
e. Record the result in Table 3 under measured value using VR.

7
 Figure 6. Measuring RC time-constant using V R

Part IV: Phase Angle Measurement

12. Build the circuit in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Series RC Circuit

13. Connect Channel A of the oscilloscope across the resistor and Channel B of the

oscilloscope across the function generator and run the simulation.

14. Set the source voltage amplitude to 1.5 Vp and frequency to 500 Hz, sine wave.

15. Calculate the phase angle between VR and VS using the formula below. Record the result in

Table 3. Also, record this value in Table 4 under Phase Angle calculated value.

8
 Phase angle, θ=−tan
−1
( XR )
C

16. Connect Channel B of the oscilloscope across the voltage source and run the simulation.

Channel A is connected across the resistor.

17. The waveforms should look like the ones shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8. VS and VR waveforms

18. Obtain a stable display showing a couple of cycles for Channel B (which is showing VS) and

disable Channel A by setting it to 0.

19. Measure the time period (T) of the source voltage. Record the result in Table 4 below. (Use

the cursors to measure the period (on the scope it will show as T2-T1). Remember that the

period is the time taken to complete one cycle). See Figure 9.

9
 Figure 9. Measuring time period (T)

Table 4: Phase angle and phase lag measurements

20. Now set the oscilloscope to view both the channels.

21. Adjust the amplitude of the signals using Channel A and Channel B V/Div scale until both

channels appear to have the same amplitude as seen on the scope face (as close as

possible).

22. Spread the signals horizontally using the Timebase (Sec/Div) control until both signals are

just visible across the screen as shown below.

23. Measure the time duration between the two signals (∆t) and record the result in Table 4

above. (Use cursors as shown below in Figure 10.)

10
 Figure 10. Measuring the time difference

24. Calculate the phase angle using the formula below and record the result in Table 4.

Phase angle, θ = (∆t/T) * 360°

Data Presentation & Analysis

Table 1: Series Capacitors

Calculated Value (µF) Measured Value (µF)

Capacitance 0.11 µF 0.11 µF

Table 2: Parallel Capacitors

Calculated value (µF) Measured value (µF)

Capacitance 0.44 µF 0.44 µF

11
 Table 3: Calculated and measured time constant values

Calculated value Measured value using VL

(µs) (µs)
Time
220 µs 227 µs
constant ()

Table 4: Phase angle measurements

Type of Angle Measured Time difference Measured Calculated

Period (T) (∆t) Angle Angle

Phase angle θ 1.998ms 428.030 µs 77.14° 77.94°

Calculations

Part 1 step 2: CT =
1 1
C T= = =0.11µF
1 1 1 1
+ +
C1 C 2 0.22 µF 0.22 µF

= =0.11 µF
1 1
Part 1 step 3: CT = C=
2 πf X C 2 π∗60∗−24114.4

Part 2 step 5: CT = C T =C 1 +C2 =0.22 µF +0.22 µF =0.44 µF

1 1
Part 2 step 6: CT = C= = =0.44 µF
2 πf X C 2 π∗60∗−6028.6

Part 3 step 10:  = τ = R*C=1kΩ* 0.22 µF =¿220 µs

Part 4 step 15: θ = θ=tan

−1
( XR )=tan ( 31830.989
C −1
6.8 kΩ )
Ω
=77.94 °

1 1
XC= = =31830.989Ω
2 πfC 2 π 500 Hz∗.01 µF
Part 4 step 24: θ = θ = (∆t/T) * 360° = (428.030 µs / 1.998ms) * 360° = 77.14°

12
Required Screenshots

Figure 11: Screenshot of Impedance Meter Part 1 Step 3

Figure 12: Screenshot of Impedance Meter Part 2 Step 6

Figure 13: Screenshot of Waveforms Part 3 Step 11

13
 Figure 14: Screenshot of Period Measurement Part 4 Step 19

Figure 15: Screenshot of Phase Difference Part 4 Step 23

Conclusion
This test effectively showcased the characteristics of an RC circuit encompassing the evaluation of
resistance, capacitance, RC time impedance and phase angle. By comparing the findings with
computations, a deeper comprehension of how RC circuits function was attained.

Comparison of Calculated Values

The measured outcomes generally aligned with the calculated values although there were some
inconsistencies. These variations could be attributed to factors, like measurement errors, component
tolerances or slight deviations in the frequency of the function generator. Despite these disparities the
overall patterns and connections observed in circuit behavior matched up with forecasts.

14
Capacitors in Series

When capacitors were arranged in series there was a decrease in capacitance as expected. This
reduction occurs due to the inverse relationship outlined in the formula for capacitors connected in
series that diminishes capacitance. Correspondingly there was an increase in reactance when capacitors
were set up in series since reactance is inversely related to capacitance.

Capacitors in Parallel

Conversely when capacitors were connected in parallel there was an increase in capacitance. This aligns
with the theory that capacitors connected in combine together to enhance total capacitance.
Consequently there was a decrease in reactance within the parallel arrangement due to the inverse
correlation, between capacitance and reactance.

In a series RC circuit the current leads the voltage as observed during the experiment through phase
angle measurements. The phase difference showed that the current peaked before the voltage, a trait of
capacitors, in AC circuits due to reactance.

One challenge faced during the experiment was ensuring measurements, with oscilloscope settings. This
was resolved by calibrating the oscilloscope and verifying connections. Adjustments were also needed in
function generator frequency to match expectations due to variations in component values.

Overall the experiment confirmed principles of RC circuits with measured values matching calculated
predictions. It provided hands on experience demonstrating how capacitors behave in circuit
configurations and their phase relationship, in AC circuits.

References
Floyd, T. L., & Buchla, D. M. (2019). Principles of Electric Circuits (10th Edition). Pearson
Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780134880068

Kas, Z. (March 24, 2024). EET113 DC&AC Circuits – Week 4 Labs.

https://ecpi.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=21209b75-5232-4f4c-a1ef-
b1cb007a8d80&start=0

15