Circuit Equations

There are two (related) approaches:

1. Derive the circuit (differential) equations in the time domain, then

transform these ODEs to the s-domain;
2. Transform the circuit to the s-domain, then derive the circuit
equations in the s-domain (using the concept of "impedance").

We will use the first approach. We will derive the system equations(s)
in the t-plane, then transform the equations to the s-plane. We will
usually then transform back to the t-plane.

EXAMPLE 1

Consider the circuit when the switch is closed at t = 0 with VC(0) = 1.0
V. Solve for the current i(t) in the circuit.

Note: Throughout this page these problems are also solved using Scientific
Notebook. They are TEX files and you need Scientific Notebook or similar, to
view them.
EXAMPLE 2

Solve for i(t) for the circuit, given that V(t) = 10 sin5t V, R = 4 W and
L = 2 H.

EXAMPLE 3

In the circuit shown below, the capacitor is uncharged at time t = 0. If

the switch is then closed, find the currents i1 and i2, and the charge on
C at time t greater than zero.
EXAMPLE 4

In the circuit shown, the capacitor has an initial charge of 1 mC and

the switch is in position 1 long enough to establish the steady state.
The switch is moved from position 1 to 2 at t = 0. Obtain the transient
current i(t) for t > 0.

EXAMPLE 5

The system is quiescent. Find the loop current i2(t).

EXAMPLE 6

Consider a series RLC circuit where R = 20 W, L = 0.05 H and C = 10-

4
F and is driven by an alternating emf given by E = 100 cos 200t.
Given that both the circuit current i and the capacitor charge q are
zero at time t = 0, find an expression for i(t) in the region t > 0.

EXAMPLE 7

A rectangular pulse vR(t) is applied to the RC circuit shown. Find the

response, v(t).

Graph of vR(t):

Note: v(t) = 0 V for all t < 0 s implies v(0-) = 0 V.