NDSU

Phasors vs. LaPlace Transform

ECE 311

Phasors vs. LaPlace Transforms

Objective:
Compare phasor solutions to LaPlace transform solutions

Discussion
Phasor analysis assumes all functions are in the form of e jt . The one-sided LaPlace transform assumes all functions are in the form of

e st y(t) = 0 s j

t>0 t<0

Likewise, as t , the LaPlace transform is the same as the phasor solution with the substitution

Another way to look at this, phasors assume that the input has been a sinusoid for all time ( < t < ) . The one-sided LaPlace transform assumes the input has been zero for t<0 and e st for t>0. Phasors give the forced response for a LaPlace transform problem as t . LaPlace transforms give both the forced response (phasor solution) as well as the transient response for inputs that turn on at t=0. Example: Find the solution to the following problem:
3 Y= s+2 X

for

x(t) = 4 cos(5t)
Solution: Since x(t) is a sinusoid for all time, use the phasor solution. The input is at s = j5 , so
2 Y= s+3 s=j5 X

Y = (0.557 68.2 0 )X
The output at 5 rad/sec will be the input, scaled by 0.343, shifted by -59 degrees

Y = (0.557 68.2 0 )(4) Y = (2.228 68.2 0 )

so

y(t) = 2.228 cos (5t 68.2 0 )

JSG

rev April 13, 2009

NDSU

Phasors vs. LaPlace Transform

ECE 311

Example: Find the solution to the following system

3 Y= s+2 X

for

x(t) = 4 cos(5t)u(t)
Solution: Since x(t) is zero for t<0, use LaPlace transforms.
3 2 2 Y= s+2 s+j5 + sj5 3 2(sj5) 2(s+j5) Y= s+2 (s+j5)(sj5) + (s+j5)(sj5) 3 4s Y= s+2 (s+j5)(sj5)

note: The LaPlace transform of a cosine is

as a cos (t) s 2 +2

Taking the partial fraction expansion

A B C Y= s+2 + s+j5 + sj5 4s A = (3) (s+j5)(sj5)

s=2

= 0.8276

12s 0 B= (s+2)(sj5) s=j5 = 1.11468.2 12s 0 C= (s+2)(s+j5) s=j5 = 1.114 68.2 0.8276 1.11468.2 0 1.11468.2 0 Y= sj5 s+2 + s+j5 +

so

y(t) = (0.8276e 2t + 2.228 cos (5t 68.2 0 ))u(t)

Note that the phasor solution is identical to the forced response. If you want the transient portion (the decaying exponential), you need to use LaPlace transforms. If you want the steady-state portion (the forced response), you can use either phasors or LaPlace transforms where you ignore the transient portion. Phasors is a lot easier, though.

JSG

rev April 13, 2009