EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 1

Experiment 4

Experiment 4
RC Circuits

American University of Beirut

 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 2

Experiment 4

Table of Contents

I. Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 4

II. Material and Procedure ........................................................................................................ 4

A. Phase shift measurements .............................................................................................. 4

A1. Phase shift calculation .......................................................................................................... 4

A2. Phase difference Measurements ...................................................................................... 4

B. Lead and lag Networks ..................................................................................................... 7

B1. Lag network sinusoidal response calculation ............................................................ 7

B2. Lag netwrok sinusoidal response measurements .................................................... 7

B3. Lag network with square wave ........................................................................................ 7

B4. Lead network sinusoidal response calculation .......................................................... 8

B5. Lead netwrok sinusoidal response measurements .................................................. 8

B6. Lead network with square wave ...................................................................................... 8

III. Outcomes .................................................................................................................................10

IV. Appendix 1: In Lab Report .................................................................................................11

Exercise A-0: Resistors ............................................................................................................11

Exercise A-1: phase shift .........................................................................................................11

Exercise A-2: phase shift .........................................................................................................11

Exercise B-1: Lag Network output voltage calculations...............................................12

Exercise B-2: Lag Network output voltage measurement ...........................................12

Exercise B-3: Lag network with square wave ..................................................................13

Exercise B-4: lead network output voltage calculation ...............................................13

Exercise B-5: lead network output voltage measurements........................................14

Exercise B-6: lead network with square wave ................................................................14

 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 3

Experiment 4

V. Appendix 1: Lead and Lag networks (Transfer Function and Phase Shift
Calculations ......................................................................................................................................15

A. LAG Network ......................................................................................................................15

B. LEAD Network ...................................................................................................................16

 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 4

Experiment 4

I. OBJECTIVES

In this experiment you will learn how to:

 Investigate the frequency response and time response of RC circuits.

 Use the oscilloscope to do frequency, time, and phase measurements.

II. MATERIAL AND PROCEDURE

A. PHASE SHIFT MEASUREMENTS

Procedure

A1. PHASE SHIFT CALCULATION

The phase angle can be calculated using the formula:

𝑋𝐶
tan 𝜑 =
𝑅
where
1 1
𝑋𝐶 = =
𝜔𝐶 2𝜋𝑓𝐶

 Calculate the phase angle with f = 5 KHz, C = 1 nF and R = 20 KΩ.

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise A-1

A2. PHASE DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENTS

There are two standard ways to measure the phase difference between two sinusoids of
the same frequency by using an oscilloscope. The first method, which requires a dual
trace scope, exploits the fact that a phase difference is equivalent to a time shift. The
second one relies on the well-known Lissajous pattern using the X-Y mode of the
oscilloscope.

Using the function generator, apply a sinusoidal voltage (Vaf = 6 V peak-to-peak) of

frequency 5 kHz to the input of the circuit shown in Fig. A-1. Apply VBA to CH 1 of the
oscilloscope and VDA to CH 2.
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 5

Experiment 4

Figure A-1: Circuit Diagram

A.2.I PHASE SHIFT MEASUREMENTS USING TIME SHIFT

Superpose the two traces of VBA and VDA to have the same horizontal axis and
adjust the VOLT/DIV and SEC/DIV settings to get stable traces.
Measure the phase difference φ on the oscilloscope.

Note The phase difference can be measured from the time instants at which the
waveforms cross the time axis. Consider Vaf to be of the form 3sin(ωt) V
and VBA to be of the form Vm sin(ωt + φ) V.

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise A-2.I

A.2.II PHASE SHIFT MEASUREMENTS USING LISSAJOUS FIGURE

Leaving the connections the same as in Part A.2., set the sweep rate to X-Y mode.
VBA and VDA will be connected to the X and Y channels of the oscilloscope. An
ellipse (called the Lissajous figure) will be observed on the oscilloscope screen
resulting from the superposition of two perpendicular sinusoidal signals VBA and
VDA. Adjust the VOLTS/DIV controls of X and Y and use the vertical and
horizontal POSITION knobs to center the ellipse symmetrically as shown in Fig.
2.

Figure A-2: Lissajous figure

 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 6

Experiment 4

It can be shown that

𝐵
sin 𝜑 =
𝐴

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise A-2.II

A.2.III
Change the frequency of the input and observe how the shape of the ellipse
changes with frequency.

Discussion on Part A

1. How does the Lissajous figure look like at very low frequencies

2. How does the Lissajous figure look like at very high frequencies
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 7

Experiment 4

B. LEAD AND LAG NETWORKS

Procedure

B1. LAG NETWORK SINUSOIDAL RESPONSE CALCULATION

Calculate the output voltage of the lag network in figure B-1 if a 1 VPk-Pk sinusoidal signal
is applied to the input. Record the results in table B.1 with frequencies of 100Hz, 1 KHz
and 10 KHz.

Figure B-1: Lag Network

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise B-1

B2. LAG NETWROK SINUSOIDAL RESPONSE MEASUREMENTS

Starting with a frequency of 100 Hz on the function generator, apply a sinusoidal wave
input of amplitude 1 V to the lag network shown in Fig. B-1. Observe the input and
output waveforms on the oscilloscope and record the results. Repeat for sinusoidal
waves with frequencies of 1 KHz and 10 KHz.
Select the figure of input and output wave.

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise B-2

B3. LAG NETWORK WITH SQUARE WAVE

Apply a square waveform of 100 Hz frequency and 1 V peak-to-peak amplitude to the lag
network and measure the amplitude of the output voltage on the oscilloscope. Repeat
for frequencies of 1 KHz and 10 KHz.
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 8

Experiment 4

Select the figure of input and output wave.

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise B-3

B4. LEAD NETWORK SINUSOIDAL RESPONSE CALCULATION

Repeat Parts B.1 for the lead network shown in figure B-4. Record the results in table
B.4.

Figure B-4: Lead Network

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise B-4

B5. LEAD NETWROK SINUSOIDAL RESPONSE MEASUREMENTS

Repeat Parts B.2 for the lead network shown in figure B-4. Record the results in table
B.5.
Select the figure of input and output wave.

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise B-5

B6. LEAD NETWORK WITH SQUARE WAVE

Repeat Parts B.3 for the lead network shown in figure B-4. Record the results in table
B.6. Select the figure of input and output wave.

Exercise • Refer to in-lab 4 exercise B-6

 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 9

Experiment 4

Discussion on Part B

I. Given a Lag network (Figure B-2) with a sinusoidal input:

1. Calculate the cutoff frequency the network.

2. Explain the shape of the output waveforms of various

frequencies, with particular reference to filter perspective.

3. What should be the relationship between the RC time constant

and the frequency of the input so that the filter does not
introduce appreciable attenuation?

4. Explain the shape of the output waveforms of the lag network to

sinusoidal wave inputs in terms of phase shift.

II. Given a Lag network (Figure B-2) with a square input:

1. Explain the shape of the output waveforms of various

frequencies, with particular reference to the fundamental
property of a capacitor charging/discharging functions.

2. Explain the shape of the output waveforms of various

frequencies, with particular reference to filter perspective and
Fourier theorem of periodic signals

3. What should be the relationship between the RC time constant

and the frequency of the square input so that the lag network
does not introduce appreciable attenuation? Compare to that of
the sinusoidal signal.

4. The lag network acts as differentiator or integrator? At which

frequencies with respect to RC time constant? Verify by
calculation and from the output waveform shape that function of
the lag network.

III and IV: Apply all the above to lead network (Figure B-4).

Note: The cutoff frequency is defined as the frequency at which the output
amplitude is 1/√2 times its maximum value.
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 10

Experiment 4

III. OUTCOMES

By the end of Experiment IV, students:

 Should know the different ways of calculating and measuring the phase shift
between two sinusoidal signals
 Should know the differences between RC lead and lag networks and their
applications.
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 11

Experiment 4

IV. APPENDIX 1: IN LAB REPORT

EXERCISE A-0: RESISTORS

Measure all the resistors given to you.

Theoretical Measured
Value Value
1 KΩ
20 KΩ

EXERCISE A-1: PHASE SHIFT

Calculate the phase shift θ (in degrees) between the input voltage and output voltage of
the circuit in figure A-1.

Calculated value

Phase shift Θ degrees

EXERCISE A-2: PHASE SHIFT

1. Measure the phase shift between the input voltage and output voltage of the
circuit in figure A-1 using Y-T format:

Phase Shift Measurements

Y-T Format ∆ ∆T= usec T= usec Θ= degrees

2. Measure the phase shift between the input voltage and output voltage of the
circuit in figure A-1 using X-Y format (Lissajous):

Phase Shift Measurements

Lissajous
2B= 2A= Θ= degrees
Figure
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 12

Experiment 4

EXERCISE B-1: LAG NETWORK OUTPUT VOLTAGE CALCULATIONS

1. Calculate the output voltage of the lag network in figure B-1 if a 1 VPk-Pk
sinusoidal signal is applied to the input. Below are the frequencies:

Lag Network (Calculated)

Output Voltage
Frequency Input Voltage
mVPk-Pk

100 Hz 1 VPk-Pk

1 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

10 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

EXERCISE B-2: LAG NETWORK OUTPUT VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT

1. Measure the output voltage of the lag network in figure B-1 if a 1 VPk-Pk sinusoidal
signal is applied to the input. Below are the frequencies.

NOTE: Select the corresponding figures of input and output wave for each
frequency.

Lag Network (Measured)

Output Voltage
Frequency Input Voltage
mVPk-Pk

100 Hz 1 VPk-Pk

1 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

10 KHz 1 VPk-Pk
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 13

Experiment 4

EXERCISE B-3: LAG NETWORK WITH SQUARE WAVE

1. Measure the output voltage of the lag network in figure B-1 if a 1 VPk-Pk square
signal is applied to the input. Below are the frequencies.

NOTE: Select the corresponding figures of input and output wave for each
frequency.

Lag Network (Measured)

Output Voltage Output Voltage
Frequency Input Voltage Min (mV)
Max (mV)

100 Hz 1 VPk-Pk

1 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

10 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

EXERCISE B-4: LEAD NETWORK OUTPUT VOLTAGE CALCULATION

1. Calculate the output voltage of the lead network in figure B-4 if a 1 VPk-Pk
sinusoidal signal is applied to the input. Below are the frequencies.

Lag Network (Calculated)

Output Voltage
Frequency Input Voltage
mVPk-Pk

100 Hz 1 VPk-Pk

1 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

10 KHz 1 VPk-Pk
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 14

Experiment 4

EXERCISE B-5: LEAD NETWORK OUTPUT VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS

1. Measure the output voltage of the lead network in figure B-4 if a 1 VPk-Pk
sinusoidal signal is applied to the input. Below are the frequencies.

NOTE: Select the corresponding figures of input and output wave for each
frequency.

Lead Network (Measured)

Output Voltage
Frequency Input Voltage
mVPk-Pk

100 Hz 1 VPk-Pk

1 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

10 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

EXERCISE B-6: LEAD NETWORK WITH SQUARE WAVE

1. Measure the output voltage of the lead network in figure B-4 if a 1 VPk-Pk square
signal is applied to the input. Below are the frequencies.

NOTE: Select the corresponding figures of input and output wave for each
frequency.

Lag Network (Measured)

Output Voltage Output Voltage
Frequency Input Voltage Min (mV)
Max (mV)

100 Hz 1 VPk-Pk

1 KHz 1 VPk-Pk

10 KHz 1 VPk-Pk
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 15

Experiment 4

V. APPENDIX 1: LEAD AND LAG NETWORKS (TRANSFER FUNCTION AND PHASE

SHIFT CALCULATIONS

Impedance of a Resistor R = R
1 1
Impedance of a capacitor C = =
𝑗𝑤𝐶 𝑗2𝜋𝑓𝐶

𝑊 = 2𝜋𝑓 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦

A. LAG NETWORK

In order to calculate the transfer function of the given network, we have to get the
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡
ratio .
𝑉𝑖𝑛

Applying voltage divider on the output (capacitor), then

1
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑗𝑤𝐶 1
= 1 =
𝑉𝑖𝑛 𝑅+ 1 + 𝑗𝑤𝑅𝐶
𝑗𝑤𝐶

To find the magnitude of the output, we can use the transfer function derived above.

Vout (magnitude) = Transfer function * Vin

1 1
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = | | 𝑉𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛
1 + 𝑗𝑤𝑅𝐶 √1 + (𝑤𝑅𝐶)2
 EECE 312L : Electric Circuits and Electronics Lab 16

Experiment 4

Example: Calculate the output voltage of the lag network in figure B-1 if a 1 VPk-Pk
sinusoidal signal at 100 Hz is applied to the input. R= 1KΩ and C= 0.1 uF.

1 1
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛 = (1 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 𝑝𝑘 − 𝑝𝑘)
√1 + (𝑤𝑅𝐶)2 √1 + [(𝑢2𝜋100)(1 ∗ 103 )(0.1 ∗ 10−6 ]2

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 0.998 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 𝑝𝑘 − 𝑝𝑘

To find the phase shift between the output and the input, we can also use the derived
transfer function.

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 1
=
𝑉𝑖𝑛 1 + 𝑗𝑤𝑅𝐶

Phase shift 𝜃 = (𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫) − 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓

𝛉 = 0 − tan−1 (𝑤𝑅𝐶) = − tan−1 (𝑤𝑅𝐶)

B. LEAD NETWORK

Transfer function

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑅 𝑗𝑤𝑅𝐶
= 1 =
𝑉𝑖𝑛 𝑅+ 1 + 𝑗𝑤𝑅𝐶
𝑗𝑤𝐶

Output voltage in magnitude

𝑗𝑤𝑅𝐶 𝑤𝑅𝐶
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = | | 𝑉𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛
1 + 𝑗𝑤𝑅𝐶 √1 + (𝑤𝑅𝐶)2

Phase shift

𝛉 = 𝟗𝟎° − tan−1 (𝑤𝑅𝐶)