Transient Analysis of First Order RC and RL circuits

The circuit shown on Figure 1 with the switch open is characterized by a particular
operating condition.
Since the switch is open, no current flows in the circuit (i=0) and vR=0. The voltage
across the capacitor, vc, is not known and must be defined. It could be that vc=0 or that
the capacitor has been charged to a certain voltage vc = V0 .
R i

+ vR -
+
C vc
-

Figure 1

Let us assume the non-trivial initial equilibrium or initial steady state condition for the
capacitor voltage vc = V0 and let’s close the switch at time t = 0 , resulting in the circuit
shown on Figure 2.
R i

t=0 + vR -
+
C vc
-

Figure 2

After closing the switch, current will begin to flow in the circuit. Energy will be
dissipated in the resistor and eventually all energy initially stored in the capacitor,
1
EC = C vc 2 , will be dissipated as heat in the resistor. After a long time, the current will
2
be zero and the circuit will reach a new, albeit trivial, equilibrium or steady state
condition (i=0, vc=0, vR=0).

The transient characteristics of the circuit describes the behavior of the circuit during the
transition from one steady state condition to another. In this class we will develop the
tools for describing and understanding this transient phenomena.

1
Source Free RC Circuit

As out first example let’s consider the source free RC circuit shown on Figure 3.
R i

t=0 + vR -
+
C vc
-

Figure 3

Let’s assume that initially the “ideal” capacitor is charged with a voltage vct =0− = V0 .
At time t = 0 , the switch is closed, current begins to flow in the circuit and we would like
to obtain the form of the voltage vc as a function of time for t>0. Since the voltage across
the capacitor must be continuous the voltage at t = 0+ is also Vo.

Our first task is to determine the equation that describes the behavior of this circuit. This
is accomplished by using Kirchhoff’s laws. Here we use KLV which gives,

vR (t ) + vc (t ) = 0 (0.1)

Using the current voltage relationship of the resistor and the capacitor, Equation (0.1)
becomes
dv (t )
RC c + vc (t ) = 0 (0.2)
dt

Note that the product RC has the unit of time. (Ohm)(Farad) → seconds
RC is called the time constant of the circuit and it is often assigned the variable τ = RC .

Equation (0.2) along with the initial condition, vct =0 = V0 describe the behavior of the
circuit for t>0. In fact, since the circuit is not driven by any source the behavior is also
called the natural response of the circuit.

Equation (0.2) is a first order homogeneous differential equation and its solution may be
easily determined by separating the variables and integrating. However we will employ a
more general approach that will also help us to solve the equations of more complicated
circuits later on.

Assume that a solution to Equation (0.2) is of the form given by

vc(t ) = Ae st (0.3)

2
The parameters A and s are to be determined by the specific characteristics of the system.
By substituting equation (0.3) into equation (0.2) we obtain,
RCAse st + Ae st = 0 (0.4)
Or equivalently,
( RC s + 1) Aest = 0 (0.5)

The only non-trivial solution of Equation (0.5) follows from

( RC s + 1) = 0 (0.6)

This is called the characteristic equation of the system. Therefore s is

1
s=− (0.7)
RC
And the solution is
−t −t
vc(t ) = Ae RC
= Ae τ (0.8)

The constant A may now be determined by applying the initial condition vct =0 = V0 which
gives
A = V0 (0.9)
And the final solution is
−t
vc(t ) = V0 e RC (0.10)

The plot of the voltage vc is shown on Figure 4.

At t=0 the voltage starts at V0 and subsequently it exponentially decays to zero.

Figure 4

3
Source Free RL Circuit

Now let’s consider the RL circuit shown on Figure 5.

R t=0 i
b
+ vR - a
+
L vL
-

Figure 5

Initially the switch is at position a and there is a current I 0 circulating in the loop
containing the “ideal” inductor. This is the initial equilibrium state of the circuit and its
schematic is shown on Figure 6(a). At time t=0 the switch is moved from position a to
position b. Now the resistor R is incorporated in the circuit and the current I 0 begins to
flow through it as shown Figure 6(b).
Io R i(t)
b
a + vR -
+ +
L vL L vL
- -

(a) (b)

Figure 6

Our goal is to determine the form of the current i(t).

We start by deriving the equation that describes the behavior of the circuit for t>0. KVL
around the mesh of the circuit on Figure 6(b) gives.

vR (t ) + vL (t ) = 0 (0.11)

Using the current voltage relationship of the resistor and the inductor, Equation (0.11)
becomes

L di (t )
+ i (t ) = 0 (0.12)
R dt

4
 L
The ratio has the units of time as can be seen by simple dimensional analysis.
R

By assuming a solution of the form,

i (t ) = Be st (0.13)

Equation (0.12) becomes after substitution

⎛L ⎞ st
⎜ s + 1⎟ Be = 0 (0.14)
⎝R ⎠

The non-trivial solution of Equation (0.14) is

R
s=− (0.15)
L

And the solution becomes

−t
i (t ) = Be L / R (0.16)

The constant B may now be determined by considering the initial condition of the circuit
it =0 = I 0 , which gives B = I 0 . And the completed solution is
−t
i (t ) = I 0 e L / R (0.17)
L
The ratio is the characteristic time constant of the RL circuit. Figure 7 shows the
R
normalized plot of i(t).

Figure 7

5
RC and RL circuits with multiple resistors.

The capacitor of the circuit on Figure 8 is initially charged to a voltage Vo. At time t=0
the switch is closed and current flows in the circuit. The capacitor sees a Thevenin
equivalent resistance which is

( R 2 + R3) R1
R eq = (0.18)
R1 + R 2 + R3

R2 t=0 i

+
R3 R1 C vc
-

Figure 8

Therefore once the switch is closed, the equivalent circuit becomes

Req

+
C vc
-

Figure 9
The characteristic time is now given by

τ = Req C (0.19)
And the evolution of the voltage vc is

−t
Req C
vc(t ) = V0 e (0.20)

6
RL Circuit with multiple resistors and inductors.

Let’s consider the circuit shown on Figure 10 which contains multiple inductors and
resistors. Initially the switch is closed and has been closed for a long time. At time t=0
the switch opens and we would like to obtain the transient behavior of the circuit for t>0.
In particular we are interested in determining the current i(t) as indicated on the circuit of
Figure 11

4R L Io 0.5R

t<0

2R + 2L L
Vs 2R
-

Figure 10

4R L i(t) 0.5R

t>0

2R + 2L L
Vs 2R
-

Figure 11

In order to find the initial ( t = 0+ ) current flowing in the circuit we consider the circuit on
Figure 10. The circuit may be simplified by combining the resistors and taking into
account the operational characteristics of the inductor at equilibrium. Since under DC
conditions the inductors act as short circuits the corresponding circuit becomes
4R Io 0.5R

t<0

2R +
Vs 2R
-
Figure 12

7
 Vs
And thus the current Io = 2 . Therefore at the moment that the switch is opened, the
R
current is known. This is the initial condition for our problem.

After the switch is opened, the circuit becomes

4R L i(t) 0.5R

2R 2L L
2R

Figure 13

By combining the resistors and the inductors the circuit reduces to

2R 5L/3 i(t)

Figure 14

Vs
With the initial condition for the current it =0 = I 0 = 2 the solution for the current i(t)
R
becomes

Vs −56LR t
i (t ) = 2 e (0.21)
R

For this example we have been able to combine the inductances into an equivalent
inductance and thus derive the first order differential equation for the behavior of the
circuit.
However, this reduction is not possible in general. If after the reduction more than one
reactive element remains in the circuit the order of the system differential equation is
equal to the number of reactive elements. We will discuss the transient behavior of these
higher order systems next class.

8
Forced Response of RC Circuits

For the circuit shown on Figure 15 the switch is closed at t=0. This corresponds to a step
function for the source voltage Vs as shown on Figure 16.We would like to obtain the
capacitor voltage vc as a function of time. The voltage across the capacitor at t=0 (the
initial voltage) is Vo.

R i

t=0 + vR - +
+
Vs C vc
-
-

Figure 15

Vs

t
Figure 16

The equation that describes the system is obtained by applying KVL around the mesh.

vR(t ) + vc (t ) = Vs (0.22)

Which by using the current-voltage relationships becomes

dvc (t )
RC + vc (t ) = Vs (0.23)
dt

By setting τ = RC , the time constant of the circuit, Equation (0.23) becomes

dvc (t )
τ + vc (t ) = Vs (0.24)
dt

The solution of this equation is the combination (superposition) of the homogeneous

solution vch (t ) and the particular solution vcp (t ) .

vc = vch + vcp (0.25)

9
The homogeneous solution satisfies the equation

dvch (t )
τ + vch (t ) = 0 (0.26)
dt

And the particular solution the equation

dvcp (t )
τ + vcp (t ) = Vs (0.27)
dt
The homogeneous equation corresponds to the source free problem already investigated
and its solution is
−t
vch (t ) = Ae τ (0.28)

The constant A is undefined at this point but any value will satisfy the differential
equation.

The particular solution is found by inspection to be

vcp = Vs (0.29)
And thus the total solution becomes
−t
vc (t ) = Vs + Ae τ (0.30)

The constant A may now be determined by considering the initial condition of the
capacitor voltage. The initial capacitor voltage is Vo and thus A=Vo-Vs.

And the complete solution is

t
−
vc (t ) = Vs + (Vo − Vs ) e τ (0.31)

Figure 17 shows the plot of vc(t) for Vo=1 Volt, Vs=5 Volt as a function of the
normalized quantity t / τ . Note that after 5 time constants the voltage vc is within 99% of
the voltage Vs.

10
 Figure 17

Now let’s consider the RC circuit shown on Figure 18. The switch has been at position a
for a log time and thus there is no voltage across the capacitor plates at time t=0. At time
t=0 the witch is moved from position a to position b where it stays for time t1 and
subsequently returned to position a. This switch action corresponds to the rectangular
pulse shown on Figure 19.

b R
a
+ vR - +
+
Vs C vc
-
-

Figure 18

Vs

0 t1 t
Figure 19

11
We would like to obtain the voltage vc(t).

First we know that the initial condition is vct =0 = 0 . We also know that after a long time
(t>>t1) the voltage will go back to zero. The solution of the system will tell us the
evolution of the voltage vc from time t=0 to t=t1 and for t>t1.

The solution for t1>t>0 is

t
−
vc (t ) = Vs (1 − e τ ) (0.32)

For t>t1 the solution is determined by considering as the initial condition, the voltage
across the capacitor at t=t1.

t1
−
vc (t1) = Vs (1 − e τ ) (0.33)

And the solution for t>t1 is

t1 t
− −
vc (t ) = Vs (1 − e τ )e τ
(0.34)

Figure 20 shows the complete evolution of the voltage vc where we have taken t1=2τ.

Figure 20

12
 Procedure for transient analysis of RC and RL circuits.

1. Determine the equivalent inductance/capacitance ( Leq , Ceq )

2. Determine the Thevenin equivalent resistance, Req , seen by ( Leq , Ceq )

Leq
3. The characteristic time is now known τ = Req Ceq or τ =
Req

4. Calculate the initial value for the voltage/current flowing in the circuit
a. Capacitor acts as an open circuit under dc conditions
i. For a transition happening at t = 0 , vc(t = 0− ) = vc(t = 0+ )
b. Inductor acts as a short circuit under dc conditions
i. For a transition happening at t = 0 , iL (t = 0− ) = iL (t = 0+ )

5. Estimate the value of vc , iL as t → ∞ (final value)

6. The complete solution is:

−t
solution = final value + [initial value - final value ] e τ

−t
vc(t ) = vc( t →∞ ) + ⎡ vc(t =0+ ) − vc( t →∞ ) ⎤ e τ
⎣ ⎦

−t
iL (t ) = iL (t →∞ ) + ⎡iL (t = 0+ ) − iL (t →∞ ) ⎤ e τ
⎣ ⎦

13
The operation of the circuit shown on Figure 21 is similar to the one discussed above.
The switch has been at position a for a log time and thus there is no voltage across the
capacitor plates at time t=0. At time t=0 the witch is moved from position a to position b
where it stays for time t1 and subsequently returned to position a. This switch action
creates the rectangular pulse shown on Figure 19.
R1
b R2
+ vR2 - a
+ vR1 - +
+
Vs C vc
-
-

Figure 21

The RC circuit shown on has two time constants.

For 0<t<t1 the time constant is τ 1 = ( R1 + R 2)C .
For t>t1 the time constant is τ 2 = R 2C .

The solution now is

t
−
vc (t ) = Vs (1 − e τ1
) For t ≤ t1
t1 t
(0.35)
− −
vc (t ) = Vs (1 − e τ1
)e τ2
For t > t1

The plot of vc(t) is shown on Figure 22 for R1 = R 2, τ 1 = 2(τ 2) and t1 = 2(τ 1)

Time constant τ 1

Time constant τ 2 = 12 (τ 1)

Figure 22

14
Problems.

The fuse element is a resistor of resistance Rf which is destroyed when the current
through it exceeds a certain value.
The switch in the circuit has been in the closed position for a long time. At time t=0 the
switch is opened. If the maximum current that can flow through the fuse is Im, calculate
the minimum resistance of the fuse (Rf) as a function of Im and the other circuit
parameters.

t=0
R2

R1
+
Vs L
-
Rf

Determine R1 and R2 so that vR(t =o+ ) = 2 Volts and vR( t =1ms ) = 1 Volts
R2
+ vR -
Is
t=0
R1 L 50mH
1A

15
Illustrative Examples:

Example 1:Find the current in a series RL circuit having R =2Ω and L = 10H when a DC voltage V
of 100V is applied. Find the value of the current 5 secs. after the application of the DC voltage.

Solution: This is a straightforward problem which can be solved by applying the formula.
First let us find out the Time constant τ of the series LR circuit which is given by τ = L/R secs.

∴ τ = 10/2 = 5 secs
The current in a series LR circuit after the sudden application of a DC voltage is given by :
i(t) = V/R ( 1 – e –t/τ )
∴ i(t)at 5 secs = 100/2 ( 1 – e –5/5 ) = 5 (1 –e –1 ) = 50 ( 1 – 1/ e ) = 31.48

∴ 𝐢(𝐭)𝐚𝐭 𝟓 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐬 = 𝟑𝟏. 𝟒𝟖 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐬

Example 2: A series RL circuit has R= 25 Ω and L = 5 Henry. A dc voltage V of 100 V is applied to

this circuit at t = 0 secs. Find :
(a) The equations for the charging current , and voltage across R & L
(b) The current in the circuit 0.5 secs after the voltage is applied.
(c) The time at which the drops across R and L are equal.

Solution: The solutions for (a) and (b) are straightforward as in the earlier problem.
(a)Time constant τ of the series LR circuit which is given by τ = L/R secs
∴ τ = 5/25 = 1/5 secs
 The charging current is given by i(t) = V/R ( 1 – e –t/τ )

It is also given by i(t) = I ( 1 – e – t/τ ) where I is the final steady state current and is
equal to V/R

= 100/25 (1 – e –t/(1/5)) = 4 ( 1 – e – 5t) Amps

i(t) = 4 ( 1 – e – 5t ) Amps
 The voltage across R is given by vR =i(t).R = V/R ( 1 – e –t/τ ).R = V ( 1 – e –t/τ )
vR= 100 (1—e—5t )
 The voltage drop across L can be found in two ways.
1. Voltage across Inductor vL = L di/dt
 2. Voltage across Inductor vL = V –vR
But it is easier to find using the second method. ∴ vL = 100 -- 100 (1—e—5t )
vL = 100. e—5t

(b) At time t= 0.5 secsi(t) = 4 (1–e5 t ) = 4 (1 – e – 2.5 ) = 3.67 Amps

(c) To find out the time at which the voltages across the Inductor and the Resistor are equal we
can equate the expressions for vR = 100 (1—e—5t ) and vL = 100.e—5t and solve for t. But the
simpler method is, we know that since the applied voltage is 100 V the condition v R =vLwill also
be satisfiedwhenvR =vL = 50 V. i.e vR = 100 (1—e—5t ) = 50 volts and vL= 100.e—5t = 50 V. We
will solve the second equation [ vL = 100. e—5t = 50 V ] to get t which is easier.

e—5t = 50/100 = 0.5 .

Taking natural logarithm on both sides we get:
--5t .ln(e) = ln 0.5 i.e --5t .1 = -0.693 i.e t = 0.693/5 = 0.139 secs

∴ The voltages across the resistance and the Inductance are equal at time t = 0.139 secs

Example 3: In the figure shown below after the steady state condition is reached , at time t=0
the switch K is suddenly opened. Find the value of the current through the inductor at time t =
0.5 seconds.

Solution: The current in the path acdb ( through the resistance of 40 Ω alone) is 100/40 =
2.5Amps.( Both steady state and transient are same )
The steady state current through the path aefb (through the resistance of 40 Ω and inductance
of 4H ) is also = 100/40 = 2.5 Amps.

Now when the switch K is suddenly opened, the current through the path acdb( through the
resistance of 40 Ω alone) immediately becomes zero because this path contains only resistance.
But the current through the inductor decays gradually but now through the different path efdce
The decay current through a closed RL circuit is given by I.e – t / τ where I is the earlier steady
state current of 2.5 amps through L and τ = L/R of the decay circuit. It is to be noted carefully
here that in the decay path both resistors are there and hence R =40+40 = 80Ω
Hence τ= L/R = 4/80 = 0.05 secs
Hence the current through the inductor at time 0.5 secs is given by i(t) @0.5secs =2.5.e – 0.5 / 0.05
i.e i(t) @0.5secs = 2.5.e – 10

i.e i(t) @0.5secs= 1.14x10 – 4 Amps

Example 4: In the circuit shown below the switch is closed to position 1 at time t = 0 secs. Then
at time t = 0.5 secs the switch is moved to position 2. Find the expressions for the current
through the circuit from 0 to 0. 5 msecs and beyond 0. 5 msecs.

Solution:The time constant τof the circuit in both the conditions is same and is given by τ = L/R
= 0.5/50 = 0.01 secs

1. During the time t=0 to 0.5 msecs. i(t) is given by the standard expression for growing
current through a L R circuit: i(t)during 0 to 0.5 msecs = V/R ( 1—e –t / τ )
i(t)during 0 to 0.5 msecs = V/R ( 1—e –t / 0.01 ) Amps
And the current i(t) @ t= 0.5 msecs = 10/50 ( 1-- e – 0.5x10-3 / 0.01 ) = 0.2 (1 – e—0.05 ) = 9.75 mA
i(t) @ t = 0.5 msecs = 9.75 mA and this would be the initial current when the switch is moved to
position 2

2. During the time beyond 0.5 msecs ( switch is in position 2): The initial current is 9.75 mA .
The standard expression for the growing currenti(t) = V/R ( 1—e –t / τ ) is not applicable now
since it has been derived with initial condition of i(t) =0 at t=0 where as the initial condition for
the current i(t) now in position 2 is 9.75 mA . Now an expression for i(t) in position 2 is to be
derived from first principles taking fresh t=0 and initial current i(0) as 9.75mA.
The governing equation in position 2 is given by :
50i+0.5di/dt = 5
We will use the same separation of variables method to solve this differential equation. Dividing
the above equation by 0.5, then multiplying by dt and separating the terms containing the two
variables i and t we get:
100i + di/dt = 10 i.e 100i.dt +di = 10.dt i.e di = dt ( 10 – 100i ) i.e di/ ( 10 – 100i ) = dt
Now integrating on both sides we get

--1/100 ln ( 10 -- 100i ) = t + K ----------- (1)

The constant K is now to be evaluated by invoking the new initial condition i(t) = 9.75 mAat t =0

--1/100 ln ( 10 – 100x9.75X10--3 ) = K = --1/100 ln ( 10 – 0.975 ) = --1/100 ln (9.025)

Substituting this value of K in the above equation (1) we get

--1/100 ln ( 10 -- 100i ) = t --1/100 ln (9.025)
--1/100 ln ( 10 -- 100i ) + 1/100 ln (9.025) = t
--1/100 [ln ( 10 -- 100i ) -- ln (9.025)] = t
--1/100 . ln [ ( 10 -- 100i ) / (9.025)] = t
ln [( 10 -- 100i ) / (9.025)] = --100t
Taking antilogarithm to base e on both sides we get:
( 10 -- 100i ) / (9.025)] = e--100t
( 10 -- 100i ) = 9.025 x e--100t
( 10 --9.025 x e--100t ) = 100i
i = ( 10 --9.025 x e--100t )/ 100 = 10/100 -- 9.025 x e--100t /100

And finally i = 0.1 –0.09. e--100t

The currents during the periods t = o to 0.5 mses and beyond t = 0.5msec are shown in the
figure below. Had the switch been in position 1 all through, the current would have reached the
steady state value of 0.2 amps corresponding to source voltage of 10 volts as shown in the top
curve. But since the switchis changed to position 2 the current changed it’s path towards the
new steady state current of 0.1 Amps corresponding the new source voltage of 5 Volts from 0.5
msecs onwards.

Example 5: In the circuit shown below the switch is kept in position 1 upto 250 μsecs and then
moved to position 2. Find
(a) The current and voltage across the resistor at t = 100 μsecs
(b) The current and voltage across the resistor at t = 350 μsecs
Solution : The time constant τ of the circuit is given by τ = L/R = 200mH/8KΩ = 25 μsec and is
same in both the switch positions.

(a)The current in the circuit upto 250 μsec ( till switch is in position 1 ) is given by :
i(t) growing = V/R (1 – e –t / τ ) = (16/8)X10--3 (1 – e –t / 25 x10--6 ) = 2x(1 – e –t / 25 x10 –6) mA

 The current in the circuit @100μsec is given by

i(t) @100 μsec = 2x (1 – e –100 μsec / 25 μsec) mA = 2x(1 – e –4) mA = 1.9633 mA

i(t) @100 μsec = 1.9633 m

 The Voltage across the resistoris given by vR@100 μsec = R x i(t) @100 μsec
vR@100 μsec = 8 KΩ x1.9633 mA = 15.707 V

vR@100 μsec = 15.707 V

(b)

 The current in the circuit @350 μsec is the decaying current and is given by:

i(t)Decaying= I(0).e – t / τ where I(0) is the initial current and in this case it is the growing current
@250μsec. ( Since the switch is changed @250μsec ) The time t is to be reckoned from this time
of 250 μsec. Hence t = (350—250) = 100μsec. So we have to calculate first i(t)growing(@250
μsec)which is given by:
i(t) growing(@250 μsec) = V/R (1 – e –t / τ ) = (16/8)X10--3 (1 – e –t / 25 μsec) = 2x(1 – e –250/ 25 μsec) mA
=2x(1 – e –10) mA = 1.999 mA
i(t)growing(@250 μsec)= 1.999 mA = I(0)

Hence i(t)@350 μsec =I(0).e – t / τ = 1.99x e – 100 μsec /25 μsecmA = 1.99x e – 4mA = 0.03663 mA

i(t)@350 μsec = 0.03663 mA

 The voltage across the resistor vR @350 μsec = Rxi(t@350 μsec) = 8KΩx0.03663 mA
vR @350 μsec= 0.293V
Example 6: In the circuit shown below the switch is kept in position 1 up to 100 μ secs and then
it is moved to position 2 . Supply voltage is 5V DC . Find

a) The current and voltage across the capacitor at t = 40 μ secs

b) The current and voltage across the resistor at t = 150 μ secs

Solution:The time constant τ of the circuit is same in both conditions and is given by τ = RC =
40x103x200x10x-12 = 8 μsec

a) The time t = 40 μsec corresponds to the switch in position 1 and in that condition the
current i(t) is given by the standard expression for charging current

i(t) = (V/R) [e-t/τ ]

i(t) @40 μsec = 5v/40KΩ [e-40/8 ] Amps = 0.125x[ e-5 ] mA = 0.84224 μA

i(t) @40 μsec = 0.84224 μA

The voltage across the capacitor during the charging period is given by V [1- e-t/τ ].

vC(t) @40 μsec = 5[1 -- e-40/8 ] = 5[1 -- e-5 ] = 4.9663 Volts

vC(t) @40 μsec = 4.9663 Volts

b) The time t = 150 μsec corresponds to the switch in position 2 and the current i(t) is
given by the discharge voltage expression i(t) = [vC(t)0/R]. e-t/τ
 Where vC(t)0 is the initial capacitor voltage when the switch was changed to position 2
and it is the voltage that has built up by 100 μsec during the charging time (switch in
position 1 ) and hence is given by
vC(t)@100μsec = 5[1- e-100/8 ] volts = 5x[1- e-12.5 ] Volts = 4.999 Volts
And now t=150 μsec from beginning is equal to t = (150-100) = 50 μsec from the time
switch is changed to position 2.
Therefore the current through the resistor at 150 μsec from the beginning = i(t)150μsec=
(4.999/40KΩ). e-t/τ
i(t)150μsec = 0.1249 x e-50/8 = 0.241 μA
i(t)150μsec = 0.241 μA
And the voltage across the resistor = R x i(t) = 40KΩ x 0.241 μA = 0.00964v

Example 7: In the circuit shown below find out the expressions for the current i 1 and i2 when
the switch is closed at time t= 0

Solution: It is to be noted that in this circuit there are two current loops 1 and 2 . Current i1
alone flows through the resistor 15 Ω and the current i2 alone flows through the inductance0.5
H where as both currents i1 and i2 flow through the resistor 20 Ω. Applying KVL to the two
loops taking care of this point we get

20(i1 + i2 ) + 15 i1 = 100 i.e 35 i1 + 20 i2 = 100 ------ (1)

and 20(i1 + i2 ) + 0.5 di2/dt = 100 ; 20 i1+ 20 i2 +0.5 di2/dt = 100 ------- (2)

Substituting the value of i1 = [100/35 – (20/35) i2] = 2.86 – 0.57 i2 obtained from the above
equation (1) into equation (2) we get :

20 [2.86 – 0.57 i2] +20i2 + 0.5 (di2/dt) = 100

57.14 – 11.4 i2 +20i2 + 0.5 (di2/dt) = 100

(di2/dt) i2 +17.14 i2 = 85.72

The solution for this equation is given by i2(t) = K. e – 17.14t + 85.72/17.14 and the constant K
can be evaluated by invoking the initial condition. The initial current through the inductor = 0
at time t = 0 .

Hence K = -- 85.72/17.14 = -- 5

Therefore i2(t) = 5 ( 1-- e – 17.14t ) Amps

And current i1(t) = 2.86 – 0.57 i2 = 2.86 – 0.57 [5 ( 1-- e – 17.14t ) ] = 0.01 + 2.85 e – 17.14t Amps

And current i1(t) = 0.01 + 2.85 e – 17.14t Amps

Example 8 : In the circuit shown below find an expression for the current i(t) when the switch is
changed from position 1 to 2 at time t= 0 .

Solution: The following points are to be noted with reference to this circuit:

 When the switch is changed to position 2 the circuit is equivalent to a normal source
free circuit but with a current dependent voltage source given as 10i.
 The initial current in position 2 is same as the current when the switch was in position 1
( for a long time ) and is given by I0 = 500/(40+60) = 5 Amps

The loop equation in position 2 is given by : 60i + 0.4 di/dt = 10i i.e ( 50/0.4 )i + di/dt = 0

Writing the equation in the ‘s’notation where ‘s’ is the operator equivalent to (d/dt) we get

( s+ 125 ) i = 0 and the characteristic equation will be ( s+ 125 ) = 0

Hence the solution i(t) is given by i(t) = K . e --125t. The constant K can be evaluated by invoking
the initial condition that i(t) @ t=0 is equal to I0 = 5 amps .Then the above equation becomes:

5 = K . e—125X0 i.e K = 5 and hence the current in the circuit when the switch is changed to
position 2 becomes: i(t) = 5. e--125t Amps
Example 9 : In the circuit shown below find an expression for the current i(t) when the switch is
opened at time t= 0

Solution: The following points may be noted with reference to this circuit:

 When the switch is opened the circuit is equivalent to a normal source free circuit but
with a current dependent voltage source given as 5i.
 The initial current I0 when the switch is opened is same as the current when the switch
was closed for a long time and is given by I0 = 100/(10+10) = 5 Amps

The loop equation when the switch is opened is given by :

(1/4x10—6)∫idt + 10i = 5i
(1/4x10—6)∫idt + 5i = 0

Differentiating the above equation we get :

5.(di/dt) + (1/4x10—6)i = 0 i.e. = (di/dt) + (1/20 x 10—6)i = 0

Writing the above equation in the ‘s’notation where ‘s’ is the operator equivalent to (d/dt) we
get

( s+ 1/20 x 10—6 ) i = 0 and the characteristic equation will be ( s+ 1/20 x 10—6 ) = 0

The solution i(t) is given by i(t) = K . e–t/20 x 10—6. The constant K can be evaluated by invoking
the initial condition that i(t) @ t=0is equal to I0 = 5 amps .Then the above equation becomes:

5 = K . e –t/20 x 10—6 i.e K = 5 and hence the current in the circuit when the switch is opened
becomes: i(t) = 5. e –t/20 x 10—6 Amps

Example 10: A series RLC circuit as shown in the figure below has R = 5Ω,L= 2H and C =
0.5F.The supply voltage is 10 V DC . Find

a) The current in the circuit when there is no initial charge on the capacitor.
b) The current in the circuit when the capacitor has initial voltage of 5V
c) Repeat question (a) when the resistance is changed to 4 Ω
 d) Repeat question (a) when the resistance is changed to 1 Ω

Solution: The basic governing equation of this series circuit is given by :

Ri + 1/C∫ 𝒊𝒅𝒕 + L. (di/dt)= V
On differentiation we get the same equation in the standard differential equation form
L(d2i/dt2)+ R(di/dt)+ (1/C)i = 0

By dividing the equation by L and using the operator ‘s’ for d/dt we get theequation in the
form of characteristic equation as :
[s2 + (R/L)s + (1/LC)] = 0

Whose roots are given by:

s1,s2 =− R/2L±√[(R/2L)2− (1/LC)]= −α ±√(α2– ω02)

and three types of solutions are possible.

1. α > ω0, i.e when LC > (2L/R)2 s1 and s2 will both be negative real numbers, leading to what is
referred to as an over damped responsegiven by :
i (t) = A1es1t+ A2es2t
2. α = ω0, , i.e when LC = (2L/R)2 s1 and s2 are equal which leads to what is called a critically
damped responsegiven by :
i (t) = e−αt(A1t + A2)
2
3. α < ω0, i.e when LC < (2L/R) both s1 and s2 will have nonzero imaginary components, leading to
what is known as an under damped responsegiven by :

i (t) = e−αt(A1 cosωd t + A2 sinωd t)

whereωdis called natural resonant frequency and is given given by:
ωd = √ω02– α2

The procedure to evaluate the complete solution consists of the following steps for each part of the
question:
1. We have to first calculate the roots for each part of the question and depending on to which
case the roots belong we have to take the appropriate solution .
2. Then by invoking the first initial condition i.e i = 0 at t=0 obtain the first relation between A1
and A2or one of its values.
3. If one constant value is obtained directly substitute it into the above solution and take its first
derivative. Or else directly take the first derivative of the above solution
 4. Now obtain the value di/dt @ t= 0from the basic RLC circuit equation by invoking the initial
conditions of vC@ t=0 and i(t) @ t=0 . Now equate this to the differential of the solution for i(t) to
get the second relation between A1 and A2( or the second constant . Now using these two
equations we can solve for A1 and A2 and subsititute in the solution for i(t) to get the final
solution.

(a) s1,s2 = − R/2L±√[(R/2L)2− (1/LC)] = (-5/2x2)±√[(5/2x2)2 – (1/2x0.5)] = -1.25 ± 0.75.

i.e. s1 = --0.5 and s2 = --2

In this case the roots are negative real numbers and the solution is given by :
i (t) = A1es1t+ A2es2t= A1e-0.5t+ A2e-2t ------- (1)
Now we will apply the first initial condition i.e i(t) = 0 at t=0 .Then we get
0 = A1e-0.5x0+ A2e-2x0 i.e. A1+ A2 = 0

The basic equation for voltage in the series RLC circuit is given as :

V = R.i(t) + vC(t) + L.(di/dt) i.e di/dt = 1/L [ V -R.i(t) - vC(t)

At time t=0 we get
(di/dt)@ t=0 = 1/L [ V -R.i(t=0) - vC(t=0) ] ----------- (2)
But we know that the voltage across the capacitor and current are zero at time t=0 .
Therefore (di/dt)@ t=0 = V/L = 10/2 = 5 --------- (3)

Now the equation for i(t) at equation (1) is differentiated to get

(di/dt) = -0.5A1e-0.5t-2A2e-2t
and the above value of (di/dt)@ t=0 = 5 is substituted in that to get the second equation with A1 and A2
(di/dt)@ t=0 = 5 = -0.5A1e-0.5x0-2A2e-2x0 = -0.5A1--2A2
Now we can solve the two equations for A1 and A2

A1+ A2 = 0 and -0.5A1--2A2 = 5 to get A1 = 10/3 and A2 = --10/3

And the final solution for i(t) is : (10/3)[e-0.5t– e-2t ] Amps

(b) At time t=0 the voltage across the capacitor = 5V ie. vC(t=0) = 5V . But i(t=0) is still =0.using these
values in the equation (2) above we get
(di/dt)@ t=0 = ½ (10-5 ) = 2-5
Then the two equations in A1 and A2 are A1+ A2 = 0 and -0.5A1--2A2 =2.5
Solving these two equations we get A1 = 5/3 and A2 = -5/3
And the final solution for i(t) is : (5/3)[e-0.5t– e-2t ] Amps

(c) The roots of the characteristic equation when the Resistance is changed to 4
s1,s2 = − R/2L±√[(R/2L)2− (1/LC)] = (-4/2x2) ±√[(4/2x2)2 – (1/2x0.5)] = -1.0
i.e the roots are real and equal and the solution is given by
i (t) = e−αt(A1t + A2) = e−1t(A1t + A2) -------- (4)
Now using the initial condition i(t) = 0 at time t=0 we get A 2 = 0

We have already found in equation (3) for the basic series RLC circuit (di/dt)@ t=0 = 5
Now we will find di(t)/dt of equation (4) and equate it to the above value.
di /dt = -e−1t(A1t + A2) + e−1t (A1) = e−1t [A1 – A1t –A2] and
(di /dt) @t=0= e−1x0 [A1 – A1x0 –A2] i.e A1 – A2 = 5
Therefore A1 =5 and A2 = 0
And the final solution for i(t) is i(t) = 5te−1tAmps

(d) Roots of the characteristic equation when the resistance is changed to 1 Ω are :

s1,s2 = − R/2L±√[(R/2L)2− (1/LC)] = (-1/2x2) ±√[(1/4)2 – (1/2x0.5)] = --0.25 ±j0.94

The roots are complex and so the solution is then given by : i (t) = e−αt(A1 cosωd t + A2 sinωd t)
Where α = 0.25 and ωd= 0.9465
Now we will apply the initial conditions to find out the constants A1 and A2
First initial condition is i(t)@t=0 = 0 applying this into the equation : i (t) = e−αt(A1 cosωd t + A2 sinωd t)
we get A1 = 0 and using this value of A1 in the abve equation for i(t) we get
i (t) = e−αt(A2 sinωd t)
We have already obtained the second initial condition as di (t) /dt@t=0= 5 from the basic equation of the
series RLC circuit. Now let us differentiate above equation for current i.e :i (t) = e−αt(A2 sinωd t) and
equate it to 5 to get the second constant A2
di (t) /dt = e−αt(A2 ωd cos ωd t) + (A2 sinωd t) . –α. e−αt
di (t) /dt @t=0 =A2. ωd= 5
i.e A2 = 5 / ωd = 5/0.94 = 5.3
Now using this value of A2 and the values of α = 0.25 and ωd = 0.94in the above expression for the
current we finally get :
i (t) = e−0.25t(2.569 sin 1.9465t)

The currents in all the three different cases (a), (c) and (d) are shown below :