Why is the pulse width in an RC circuit larger than expected?

In summary, the speaker built a simple RC circuit and is trying to understand why the pulse width obtained from the oscilloscope is larger than expected based on the equation Vo(t) = E(e^(-t/RC)). However, without specific values for the resistor, capacitor, and other variables, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the discrepancy. The equation provided is for voltage on the capacitor, not pulse width, and the speaker may need to calculate the time it takes for the voltage to change between two pre-set values instead.
  • #1
hilman
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Hi, I have a question. So, I've built this simple RC circuit. Of course, the pulse width is then obtained from the oscilloscope. But, according to equation Vo(t) = E(e^(-t/RC)), the value t (pulse width) is larger. Considering the resistor, condenser, Voh, Vil, IC delay, and others, how should I say why above situations happened?
 
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  • #2
Given the total lack of specifics, it's hard to say. Perhaps you did a wrong calculation. How could we know since you have not given any actual values for anything?
 
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  • #3
hilman said:
Vo(t) = E(e^(-t/RC)),

That's not the equation for the pulse width, just the voltage on the capacitor.

In most (all?) RC pulse generators what matters is the time it takes for the voltage on the capacitor to go from one pre-set voltage to another. Those voltages depend on the circuit (which you haven't detailed).
 

Related to Why is the pulse width in an RC circuit larger than expected?

1. What is an RC circuit and how does it work?

An RC circuit is a type of electrical circuit that is composed of a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) connected in series or parallel. The resistor controls the flow of current in the circuit, while the capacitor stores and releases electrical energy. When connected to a power source, the capacitor charges up to the same voltage as the source, and then gradually discharges through the resistor. This process repeats itself, creating a series of pulses or waves.

2. How is pulse width related to an RC circuit?

Pulse width is the duration of time in which the voltage or current in an RC circuit rises from 0% to 100% of its maximum value. In other words, it is the time it takes for the capacitor to charge up to the same voltage as the power source. The pulse width is directly proportional to the values of the resistor and capacitor in the circuit. A larger resistor or capacitor will result in a longer pulse width, while a smaller resistor or capacitor will produce a shorter pulse width.

3. What is the formula for calculating pulse width in an RC circuit?

The formula for calculating pulse width in an RC circuit is: t = 1.1 x R x C, where t is the pulse width in seconds, R is the resistance in ohms, and C is the capacitance in farads. This formula assumes that the capacitor has been charged to approximately 63% of its maximum voltage.

4. How does changing the resistor and capacitor values affect the pulse width?

Changing the values of the resistor and capacitor in an RC circuit will directly affect the pulse width. A larger resistor or capacitor will result in a longer pulse width, while a smaller resistor or capacitor will produce a shorter pulse width. This is because a larger resistor will slow down the charging and discharging process of the capacitor, while a larger capacitor will take longer to charge up to the same voltage as the power source.

5. What are some practical applications of RC circuits and pulse width?

RC circuits and pulse width have many practical applications in electronics and technology. They are commonly used in timing circuits, oscillators, and filters. In addition, pulse width modulation (PWM) is a technique that uses RC circuits to control the amount of power delivered to a circuit, making it useful for applications such as motor speed control and LED brightness control. RC circuits are also used in audio and radio frequency circuits, as well as in electronic instruments and equipment for measuring and testing purposes.

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