Exp: Capacitor Charging and Discharging

OBJECTIVE
When you have completed this exercise, you will be able to determine the time constant
of an RC circuit by using calculated and measured values. You will verify your results
with an oscilloscope.

DISCUSSION

The time constant () of a circuit is the amount of time required for current (inductive
circuit) or voltage (capacitive circuit) to reach 63% of its maximum value.
An RC circuit time constant (in seconds) is the product of the circuit resistance (in
ohms) and capacitance (in farads).
An RL circuit time constant is the division of the circuit resistance divided into the
inductance (in henries).
Five time constants are required for the component to reach 99% maximum.
Universal time constant charts are used to determine the amount of voltage across a
capacitor or current through an inductor when the time constant is known.
Charging and discharging curves are equal and opposite.

Equipment:

Function Generator, Power Supply, DMM and Bread Board

Components:

Resistor (100k, 1k) and Capacitor (10F). Reset Switch (2)

PROCEDURE
1. Connect the circuit shown.
2. Switch S1 and S2 are normally open. (S1 provide Charging path and S2 for
discharging)
3. Connect Ch1 of the Oscilloscope across the capacitor and apply 15 Vdc.
4. While monitoring the voltage across capacitor (VC) with an oscilloscope, press
and hold (close) S1 about 15 seconds. Capacitor will charge upto what voltage.
5. Now discharge capacitor by press and hold S1 via R3.

6. One time constant equals the resistance times the capacitance. In your circuit:
7. Calculate and measure the time constant of the circuit.

8. Compare your measured value of total charging time to the calculated value of
one time constant. Was the total time required to charge C1 to 15 volts
approximately equals to 5 time constant?

CONCLUSION
The time constant of an RC circuit equals total resistance RT multiplied by CT.
A capacitor with no initial charges to 99% of the applied voltage in 5 time constants.
A fully charged capacitor discharge to 1% of the initial charge in 5 time constants.
When you know the time constant, you can use the universal time constant chart to
predict the amount of charge on a capacitor at any point in its charge of discharge
time.

EWB INSTRUCTION
1. Connect the circuit as shown in figure and measure the voltage using Oscilloscope.
2. Plot the transient response in Electronics Workbench and attach the plot in your
report.