Experiment (1)

Frequency Analysis with LT Spice

Objectives
• To simulate simple RC filter circuits using AC analysis.
• To be able to present results using plots for various circuit variables.

Pre-lab Work
Before starting this experiment, you need to study the document “Introduction to LT Spice IV with
Examples”, by Nicholas Lombardo, Linear Technology, 2015.

Circuits

Figure 1: RC Filter 1. Figure 2: RC filter 2.

Procedure
Part (1): AC Analysis.

1. Connect the circuit in figure 1. Use the circuit elements values given by the lab instructor. Set
𝑉!" as a sinusoidal ac voltage source with frequency 𝑓 and maximum amplitude 𝑉#$% .
2. Simulate the circuit using the AC analysis function and generate the gain spectrum curve
(Transmission Function). Use dB scale for the gain and log scale for the frequency.
3. Change the values of 𝐶& and 𝐶' and observe the simulation curves.

Part (2): Frequency Response Test.

1. Connect the circuit in figure 2. Use the circuit elements values given by the lab instructor. Set
𝑉!" as a sinusoidal ac voltage source with frequency 𝑓 and maximum amplitude 𝑉#$% .
2. Simulate the circuit using the AC analysis function and generate the gain spectrum curve
(Transmission Function).
3. Next, we use Transient Analysis to test the frequency response of the circuit. Set 𝑉!" as a
sinusoidal ac voltage source with frequency 𝑓 and maximum amplitude 𝑉#$% . Observe the
Laboratory Manual EE 3011: Electronics I.

time-domain output waveform. Take readings of the output amplitude for several settings of
the input frequency (including low, medium, high and very high values). Enter the results in
table 2.
4. Repeat step (3) but set 𝑉!" as a single pulse (any type; square, gaussian, etc.) that contains a
large frequency content. Observe the output waveform using Transient Analysis.

Results and Analysis

Part (1): AC Analysis.

1. From your simulations, find the simulated bandwidth of the filter for different values of 𝐶&
and 𝐶' . Record your results in table 1.

Table 1. Simulated and calculated bandwidth.

Simulated Theoretical %
Capacitor values
Bandwidth Bandwidth Difference

2. What type of filter is circuit 1? Explain.

3. Comment on the results in table 1. Explain any difference between the simulated and
theoretical results for different capacitor values.

4. If the output of the circuit is taken across the resistor, what kind of a filter is obtained? Explain
your answer and support it using simulation results.
2
Page
Laboratory Manual EE 3011: Electronics I.

Part (2): Frequency Response Test.

1. For each frequency setting, calculate the gain (V/V) of the circuit and enter results in table 2.

Table 2. Test Results.

Frequency Input Output

Gain
(Hz) Amplitude (V) Amplitude (V)

2. Do the gain results in table 2 comply with the frequency response of the circuit? Explain.

3. Do you get the same pulse shape at the output in step 4? Explain and comment on the obtained
output waveform.
3
Page