Series-Parallel R, L, C Circuits
Objective
This exercise examines the voltage and current relationships in series-parallel R, L, C networks. Often
series-parallel circuits may be analyzed along the lines of the simpler series-only or parallel-only circuits,
but where each “element” may comprise a complex impedance rather than a singular R, L, or C component.
Both Kirchhoff’s current law and Kirchhoff’s voltage law may be applied to these circuits. In this exercise,
both time domain and phasor plots of the voltages and currents are generated.
Theory Overview
Many complex R, L, C networks may be analyzed by reducing them to simpler series or parallel circuits,
perhaps through an iterative process in more involved instances. In this analysis each series or parallel
element is in fact a complex impedance made up of a series or parallel combination of other components
and thus producing a phase angle between +90 and -90 degrees. Consequently, the simple “all right angles”
phasor diagrams found for basic series and parallel circuits may be replaced with more general phasor
diagrams with non-right angles. In spite of this, both Kirchhoff’s current law and Kirchhoff’s voltage law
must still be satisfied for the entire circuit, as well as any sub-circuits or branches.
Equipment
(1) AC function generator
(1) Oscilloscope
Components
(1) 10 nF
(1) 10 mH
(1) 1 kΩ
(2) 10 Ω
Schematics
Procedure
Circuit 1
1. Using Figure 8.1 with a 10 kHz sine wave at 10 V p-p source, R=1 kΩ, L=10 mH, and C=10 nF,
determine the theoretical inductive and capacitive reactances, parallel branch reactance and total circuit
impedance, and record the results in Table 8.1 (the experimental portion of this table will be filled out in
step 5). Using Ohm’s law and the voltage divider rule compute the capacitor and inductor-resistor voltages
along with the input current and record them in Table 8.2.
2. Build the circuit of Figure 8.1 using R=1 kΩ, L=10 mH, and C=10 nF. Set the generator to a 10 kHz sine
wave and 10 V p-p. Make sure that the Bandwidth Limit of the oscilloscope is engaged for both channels.
This will reduce the signal noise and make for more accurate readings.
3. Place probe one across the generator and probe two across the parallel inductor-resistor branch. Using
the Math function, the capacitor voltage may be found by subtracting the voltage of probe two from that of
probe one. Also, the input current may be found by dividing the capacitor’s voltage by its reactance.
Measure the parallel branch voltage and capacitor voltage, both magnitude and phase, and record in Table
8.2. Compute the input current and record in Table 8.2.
4. Take a picture of the three voltage waveforms.
5. Compute the deviations between the theoretical and experimental values of Table 8.2 and record the
results in the final columns of Table 8.2. Based on the experimental values, determine the experimental
total Z and parallel branch Z values via Ohm’s law (e.g., Z T=Vin/iin) and record back in Table 8.1 along with
the deviations.
6. Create a phasor plot showing Vin, VLR, and VC. Include both the time domain display from step 4 and the
phasor plot with the technical report.
Circuit 2
7. Using Figure 8.2 with a 10k Hz sine wave at 10 V p-p, R=1 kΩ, L=10 mH, and C=10 nF, determine the
theoretical inductive and capacitive reactances, series branch impedance and total circuit impedance, and
record the results in Table 8.3. Using Ohm’s law compute the capacitor and inductor resistor currents along
with the input current and record them in Table 8.4.
8. Build the circuit of Figure 8.2 using R=1 kΩ, L=10 mH, and C=10 nF. Insert a 10 Ω current sense
resistor at the bottom of the LR leg and another at the bottom of the capacitor leg. Set the generator to a 10
kHz sine wave and 10 V p-p. Make sure that the Bandwidth Limit of the oscilloscope is engaged for both
channels. This will reduce the signal noise and make for more accurate readings.
9. Place probe one across the generator and probe two across the inductor-resistor branch sense resistor.
The inductor-resistor current may be found by dividing the probe two voltage by the sense resistor. The
capacitor current is found in a similar manner using its current sense resistor (use probe three if available,
otherwise perform this twice using probe two). Record both magnitude and phase of the two currents in
Table 8.4.
10. Take a picture of the Vin and iLR sense waveforms and also of the Vin and iC sense waveforms (one
combined picture if using three probes, otherwise two separate pictures).
11. To measure the input current, remove the two sense resistors and place one of them so that it is between
ground and the bottom junction of the resistor and capacitor. Move probe two to this sense resistor and
measure the voltage. From this, compute the total current and record both magnitude and phase in Table
8.4.
12. Take a picture of the Vin and iin sense waveforms.
13. Compute the deviations between the theoretical and experimental values of Table 8.4 and record the
results in the final columns of Table 8.4. Based on the experimental values, determine the experimental
total Z and series branch Z values and record back in Table 8.3 along with the deviations.
14. Create a phasor plot showing iin, iLR, and iC. Include both the time domain displays from steps 10 & 12
and the phasor plot with the technical report.
Computer Simulation
15. Build the circuit of Figure 8.1 in a simulator. Using Transient Analysis, determine the voltage across the
inductor and compare the magnitude and phase to the theoretical and measured values recorded in Table
8.2.
Data Tables
Circuit 1
Circuit 2
Questions
1. Is the phase relationship between circuit voltages or currents in a series-parallel AC circuit necessarily a
right-angle relationship?
2. Based on measurements, do KVL and KCL apply to the tested circuits (show work)?
3. In general, how would the phasor diagram of Figure 8.1 change if the frequency was raised?
4. In general, how would the phasor diagram of Figure 8.2 change if the frequency was lowered?
