FIRST ORDER CIRCUITS

Source-free response: 𝒙(𝒕) = 𝒙(𝟎)𝒆−𝒕/𝝉

Step response: 𝒙(𝒕) = 𝒙(∞) + [𝒙(𝟎) − 𝒙(∞)]𝒆−𝒕/𝝉

NARURAL RESPONSE STEP RESPONSE

RC
Capacitor
voltage
cannot
change
instantly 
𝑽(𝟎+ ) = 𝑽(𝟎− ) Replace X  V Time Constant,   RC

RL
Inductor
current
cannot
change
L
Time Constant,  
instantly 
𝑰(𝟎 +)
= 𝑰(𝟎 −)
Replace X  I
R

1
 FIRST ORDER CIRCUITS

Source-Free RC Circuits

Example 1
Refer to the circuit below. Let VC (0) = 45 V. Determine VC, Vx, and io for t ≥ 0.
[ ]

Example 2
If switch in circuit below is opened at t = 0, find V(t) for t ≥ 0.
[ ]

2
 FIRST ORDER CIRCUITS

Source-Free RL Circuits

Example 1
Find i and Vx in the circuit. Let i(0) = 5 A. [ ]

Example 2
For the circuit, find i(t) for t > 0. [ ]

3
 FIRST ORDER CIRCUITS

Step Response RC Circuits

Example 1
The switch in the figure has been position A for a long time. At t = 0, to switch moves to B.
Determine v(t) for t > 0 and calculate its values at t = 1s and t = 4s.
[ , v(1) = 20.9V, v(4) = 27.97V]

Example 2
In the figure, the switch has been closed for a long time and is opened at t = 0. Find i and v for all
time.

4
 FIRST ORDER CIRCUITS

Step Response RL Circuits

Example 1
Find i(t) in the circuit in the figure for t > 0. Assume that the switch has been closed for a long time.
[ ]

Example 2
The switch in the figure has been closed for a long time. Find i(t) for t > 0.
[ ]