Course Code and Course Title: ELEC1002, Electrical Principles 1

Lab: 3, AC Analysis-Series RC circuit

Student’s Name: Daaron Budree

UTT ID #: 102820

Programme: National Engineering Technician Diploma (NETD) -Electrical/Electronic

Status: Full Time

Instructor: Mr.Moti Ramsingh

Submission Date:11/20/24
Abstract
This experiment explores the AC characteristics of a series RC circuit by analyzing the effects of
frequency variation and resistance changes on circuit impedance and phase shift. The primary
objectives include determining the impedance's dependence on frequency, measuring the phase
relationship between current and voltage, and comparing measured results to theoretical
predictions. Using a function generator, oscilloscope, and digital multimeter (DMM),
measurements were conducted at 1 kHz and 2 kHz with two resistor configurations (1.5 kΩ and
2.7 kΩ) while keeping the capacitance constant at 0.1 µF. The experimental results were
expressed in both rectangular and polar forms and analyzed for phase shifts, revealing the
relationships between impedance, frequency, and circuit behavior. The findings were validated
through theoretical calculations, demonstrating the principles of AC circuit analysis.
Theory
A series RC circuit comprises a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) connected in series with an AC
source. The behavior of this circuit depends on the impedance, a complex quantity combining
resistance and reactance, and the frequency of the applied AC signal.

Impedance in a Series RC Circuit

The total impedance (Z) in a series RC circuit is given by:

Where:

 R is the resistance (in ohms).

The magnitude of the impedance is:

The phase angle (ϕ) between the applied voltage and the current is determined as:
Frequency Dependence

The capacitive reactance Xc decreases as the frequency (f) increases, showing an inverse
relationship. This means the circuit impedance also decreases with increasing frequency, leading
to a higher current for the same applied voltage.

Phase Shift

In a series RC circuit, the current leads the voltage across the capacitor but lags behind the
voltage across the resistor. The total current lags the applied voltage by the phase angle ϕ\ which
depends on the relative values of R and Xc

Objectives of the Analysis

The theory highlights the importance of analyzing how changes in circuit parameters (resistance,
capacitance, and frequency) affect key quantities like impedance, phase shift, and current. These
relationships are fundamental to understanding AC circuit behavior and have practical
applications in signal processing, filters, and power systems.

By combining theoretical predictions with experimental measurements, this lab demonstrates the
principles governing RC circuits under AC excitation.

Precautions
 Double-check all connections in the circuit before powering the function generator to avoid
incorrect measurements or equipment damage.
 Ensure the AC voltage from the function generator does not exceed the rated limits of the
components, particularly the capacitor.
 While capacitors in AC circuits are typically non-polarized, if polarized capacitors are used,
ensure correct orientation for any applied DC component.
 Configure the oscilloscope, DMM, and function generator to appropriate settings (e.g.,
frequency, voltage, and coupling mode) to prevent inaccurate readings.
 Ensure the frequency of the AC signal does not exceed the range that the components or
equipment can handle.
 Use resistors and capacitors with ratings that match or exceed the experimental requirements
to prevent overheating or damage.
 Use short and secure leads to reduce external noise and measurement errors during the
experiment.
 Verify the calibration of the oscilloscope and function generator for accurate phase and
amplitude measurements.
 Avoid touching live circuits during operation to prevent electrical shock.
 Record measurements systematically to ensure consistent data for comparisons with
theoretical predictions
.
Results/ Calculations
Total rms Measured Impedance Predicted Predicted Predicted
current Phase using phase impedance rms
mA angle (I Measured angle current
lagging or values (mA)
Leading)
R=1.5k, 0.916 48.62º 2.18 kΩ 46.3º 2.1878 kΩ 0.914
C=0.1µf I leading
f=1kHz,2V
R=1.5k, 1.179 32.67º 1.7kΩ 21.7º 2.152kΩ 0.93
C=0.1µf I leading
f=2kHz,2V
R=2.7k, 0.639 29.03º 3.13kΩ 30.53º 3.134kΩ 0.638
C=0.1µf I leading
f=1kHz,2V
Discussion

In the AC analysis of a series RC circuit, we investigate how the circuit behaves when subjected
to an alternating current (AC) source. A series RC circuit consists of a resistor (R) and a
capacitor (C) connected in series with each other. When an AC voltage is applied, the current
and the voltage across each component change with time, and their relationship depends on the
frequency of the applied signal.

At low frequencies, the capacitive reactance is high, and the capacitor behaves almost like an
open circuit. As the frequency increases, the capacitive reactance decreases, and the capacitor
allows more current to flow. This behavior is characterized by the phase shift between the
current and voltage. At a high enough frequency, the capacitor can act like a short circuit, with
the voltage across it dropping, and most of the voltage appearing across the resistor.

Key parameters observed in the lab typically include:

 Voltage across the resistor (V_R): This is determined by the current flowing through
the resistor, which is in phase with the applied voltage.
 Voltage across the capacitor (V_C): The voltage across the capacitor lags the current by
90°, and the phase difference depends on the frequency.
 Current (I): The current in the circuit leads the voltage across the capacitor by 90° but is
in phase with the voltage across the resistor.

The behavior of the voltage and current across the components at various frequencies provides
insight into the frequency response of the circuit. The cutoff frequency, or the frequency at
which the reactance of the capacitor equals the resistance, is also an important point of analysis.
The measured phase angle was leading for all since all values calculated were positive.

Conclusion

In this lab, the AC analysis of the series RC circuit demonstrated how the circuit responds to
alternating current signals. The relationship between the voltage and current was influenced by
the impedance of the circuit, which changed with frequency. The phase shift between the voltage
across the resistor and the capacitor highlighted the reactive behavior of the capacitor, and the
effect of frequency on this shift was evident.

The key observations include:

 At low frequencies, the capacitor blocks current flow, resulting in a higher impedance
and a significant phase shift.
 At higher frequencies, the impedance of the capacitor decreases, and the current
increases.
 The behavior of the circuit could be analyzed using the concepts of impedance, phase
shift, and reactance.
 Measured values and Calculated values were almost the same.
This experiment provided valuable insight into the practical application of AC circuit analysis
and reinforced the theoretical understanding of the frequency-dependent behavior of RC circuits.

References

 Hayt, W. H., & Kemmerly, J. E. (2004). Engineering Circuit Analysis (6th ed.).
McGraw-Hill.
 Alexander, C. K., & Sadiku, M. N. O. (2013). Fundamentals of Electric Circuits (5th
ed.). McGraw-Hill.
 Boylestad, R. L., & Nashelsky, L. (2013). Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory (11th
ed.). Pearson.