Lab 10 - RLC Circuits

PH 411 – Electric Circuit Lab
Lab 10: RLC circuits
Objective: Explore the properties of RLC circuits.
Equipment: Inductor, Capacitor, Resistor, AC power supply (function generator), NI Elvis II Platform
Introduction: An RLC circuit consists of three elements, an inductor, a capacitor and a resistor. The
inductor and capacitor are used to store and release energy over time, generating an oscillating current.
The resistor dissipates energy and acts as a means of damping the oscillations. Without the resistor the
oscillations between the inductor and capacitor would continue indefinitely. An AC voltage source in
series with the RLC components forces the RLC circuit to oscillate in the same way as the voltage source.
Procedure:
1. Set up a series RLC circuit, using a function generator as the AC source
2. Using an Oscilloscope:
a. Measure the voltage as a function of time for each element.
i. Determine angular frequency, peak to peak voltage (Vp-p) and phase.
b. Determine the current as a function of time from the voltage across the resistor.
i. Determine angular frequency, peak to peak current (Ip-p) and phase.
c. Determine the phase shift between the current and voltage for each element.
d. Determine the impedance and the phase shift phase shift for the entire circuit.
3. Use the impedance analyzer for the NI ELVIS II to determine the complex impedance of the
circuit. Compare this with the results obtained from the time domain voltages and currents.
a. Simulate this RLC circuit in PSpice, compare with the experimental results.
4. Set up a parallel RLC circuit. Include a resistor in series with the capacitor and the inductor.
a. Repeat 2 and 3 for the parallel RLC circuit.
b. Analyze the circuit using the techniques discussed in lecture.
Compare all experimental results with simulation and with theoretical models presented in the text.
NI Elvis II Platform:
a. Turn on the computer and the power to the NI Elvis II Platform (in the back near the power
cord)
b. Set up your circuit on the NI Elvis system.
c. Use the oscilloscope leads connected to the base for voltage measurements.
d. The impedance Analyzer is in the NI Instrument Launcher. Connect the leads directly across
the circuit. There should be no power connected to the circuit.

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