AC WAVEFORMS

BASIC AC THEORY
 AC WAVEFORMS
Parameters of Alternating Signal

f = 1 λ = v
T f

 Period (T) – the time of one complete cycle in seconds

 Frequency (f) – the number of cycles per second (Hertz)
a. 1 cycle/second (cps) = 1 Hertz (Hz)
b. Proper operation of electrical equipmnent requires specific frequency
c. Frequencies lower than 60 Hz would cause flicker when used in lightning
 Wavelength (λ) – the length of one complete cycle
 Propagation Velocity (v) – the speed of the signal
 Phase (Φ) – an angilar measurement that specifies the position of a sine wave relative to
reference
BASIC AC THEORY
 AC WAVEFORMS
THE SINUSOIDAL WAVE
 Is the most common AC waveform that is practically
generated by generators used in household and industries
 General equation for sine wave:

A(t) = Am sin (ωt + Φ)

Where:
a(t) – instantaneous amplitude of voltage or current at a given time (t)
Am – maximum voltage or current amplitude of the signal
ω – angular velocity in rad/sec; ω = 2πf
t – time (sec)
Φ – phase shift ( + or – in degrees)
BASIC AC THEORY
 AC WAVEFORMS
Measurements of AC Magnitude
AMPLITUDE
 It is the height of an AC waveform as depicted on a graph over time (peak, peak-
to-peak, average, or RMS quantity)

 PEAK AMPLITUDE – the height of an AC waveform as measured from the

zero mark to the highest positive or lowest negative point on a graph. Also
known as the crest amplitude of a wave.

BASIC AC THEORY