CHAPTER 7

FIRST- AND SECOND-ORDER TR ANS IENT CIRCUITS

SUMMARY
First-Order Circuits

An RC or RL tran sien t circuit is said to be first order if it

con ta ins only a sin gle capacitor or single inductor. The
vo ltage or current anywhere in the network can be obtained
by solv ing a first-order differe ntial eq uation.
The form of a first-order differen tial equation with a constant forcing fun cti on is
dX ( I)

The response of a first-order transient circuit to an input

pulse can be obtained by treating the pulse as a combinati on of two step-fun cti on inpu ts.
Second-Order Circuits

The voltage or current in an RLC transient circui t can be

described by a constant coeffi cient differential eq uation
of th e fonn

X(I)

dl

d'x(l)

dX(I)

dr

df

- -,- + n wo - - +

- - + - - =A
T

,
WQX(I)

= j(l)

where f(t) is the network forcing functi on.

and the soluti on is

The characteristi c equ ati on for a second-orde r ci rcuit is

52 + 2'wos +
= 0 , where' is the damp ing ratio and
Wo is the undamped natural freq uency.

w5

where A T is referred to as the steady-state so lution and

called the time constant.

is

The function e - 1/ 1 decays to a value th at is less than 1% of

its initial value after a peri od of ST. Therefore, the time
co nstant , T , determines the time required for the circuit to
reach steady state.
The time constant for an RC circuit is RTh C and for an RL
ci rcuit is L/ RTh , where RTh is the Th evenin equi valent
res istance looking into the circuit at the terminal s of the
storage element (i.e., capacitor or inductor).
The two approaches proposed for solving first-order
transien t circuits are the differential equation approach and
the step-by- step method. In the former case, the differential
equation that de scribes the dynamic behavior of the circuit
is solved to determine the desired so luti on. In the latter
case, the initial cond iti ons and the steady-state value of the
vo ltage across the capacitor or current in the inductor are
used in conjuncti on with the circuit 's time constant and the
know n form of the desired vari ab le to obtai n a so luti on.

If the two roots of the characteri stic equation are

real and unequal , then , > I and the network response is

overdamped
real and equal , then , = I and the network response is
criticall y damped
complex conjugates, then, < I and the network
response is underdamped
The three types of dampin g together with the correspo ndin g
network response are as follows:
1.

O verdamped:

x(t) =
2.

K le-((Wo- wo'-"N)t

+ K 2e -

C ritically damped: X(f) = Ble-cwol

3. Underdamped: x{t)
where

0-

'wo and

=
Wd

e-o-t(A I

Wo

WQ+WD'-"N)t

B2t e-,wol

COS W ti f

+ A 2 sinw d I),

Two initial co nditi ons are required to deri ve the two

unknown coefficients in the network response equ ations.

PROBLEMS

7.1 Use the differential equation approach to find i(t) for

1 > 0 in the network in Fig. P7. 1.
( =

4 kO

60
12V

1 kO

;(1)
2H

Figure Pl.l

7.2 Use the di fferential equation approach to find io(f ) for

t > 0 in the network in Fig. P7.2.

60

2 kO

Figure P].2

4 rnA

2 kO

300

~F

357

PROBLEMS

7 .3 Use the differe ntial equation approach to fi nd 'Do(r)

for t > 0 in the c ircuit in Fig. P7 .3 and plot the

7.6 Use the differential equation approach to find vc(r) for

( > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7.6.

response including the time interval just prior to

switch action.

9 kfl
4kfl

12 kfl

+
+
6V

100

vc(r)

6V

100

~F

~F

Figure P7.3
Figure P7.6
Use the differenti al equation approach to find iIJ( r) for
r > 0 in the circ uit in Fig. P7.7 and plot the response

7-4 Use the differential equati on approach to fi nd vc( r) for

I > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7.4 and plot the response

including the time interval just prior to closing

the switch.

including the time interval just prior to closing the

switch.
2 kfl

4 kfl

200

12 kfl

~F

4 kfl

6 kfl

r~ 0
12 kfl

6V

+
6V

6 kfl

2 kfl

Figure P7.7
7.8 Use the differential equation approach to find voCr) for
t > 0 in the circuit in Fig . P7.8 and plot th e response

Figure P7.4

includin g the time interval just pri or 10 openin g the

s witch.

7.5 Use the differential eq uation approach to find vc( r) for

( > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7.S.
r

r~ 0
r-~4-~~~~~--~-------o

6 kfl
12 V

6 kfl

6 kfl

+
3 kfl

L-------~

100

~F

______~----~O

Figure P7.S
7.9 Use the differential equation approac h to find io( r) for

12V

t > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7 .9 and plot the response

incl ud ing the time interval just prio r 10 opening the
s wi tch.

Figure Pr.S
4 kfl
3 kfl

4kfl

Figure P7.9

12 kfl

12 kfl

8 kfl

358
0

CHAPTER 7

FIRST- AND SECOND-ORDER TRANSI E N T CIRC UIT S

7.10 Use the differential eq uation approach to fin d 'v i I ) for

(>

switch.

0 in the circuit in Fig. P7. IO and plol the response

incl uding the lime interval just prior lO opening the

Iii

7.13 Using the differential equat ion approach, find io(1) for
t > 0 in the circu it in Fig. P7. 13 and plot the response
including the time interval just prior 10 opening the
switch.

100

~F

SV
SO

SV

12 kO
-+}--+--~~--~-------O

2H

12V
12V

120

40
I

8 kO

Vo (l)

4 kO

Figure P7.13
~-------+--------4-------0

Figure P7.10

0 7.11 In the network in Fig, P7,11. find iol / ) for I > 0 using
the differential equati on approach.

7.14 Use the differential equation approach to find i(l ) for

r > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7. 14 and the plot the
response including the time interval j ust prior to opening
the switch.

so

1 kO

5kO

40

2H

120

2A

2 kO

1 kO

Figure P7.11
Figure P7.14

7 12 Use the differential equation approach to find iL{ t ) for

t > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7.12 and plot th e respon se
including the lime interval just prior to opening the

7.15 Use the step- by-step method to find i,,( / ) for

ci rcuit in Fig. P7.15.

switch.

+
6V

120

SO

2H

.\

-J

SkO

'iJ0

I ~ 0

60

30

Figure Pl.15
Figure P7.12

2H

12 V

> 0 in the

PROBLEMS

716 Usc the step- by-step technique to find ( ,(I ) for

> 0 in

12 V

7.18 Use the step-by-step method to lind i,,(/) for / > [) in

th e circuit in Fig. P7.1 8.

the network in Fig. P7 . 16.

4 kfl

2 kO

200

359

6fl

~F

6 kO

60

24V

Figure P7.16
Figure P7.18

7.17 Find io(l ) for t > 0 in the network in Fig. 7.17 using the
step-by-step method.

7.19 Use the step-by-step method to lind io(l ) for / > 0 in

1- 0

the circuit in Fig. P7. 19.

~/

6A

4fl

12 fl

!t 1 H

6fl

200

~F

12 kO

12 kfl

iiI)

Figure P].17

Figure P].19

7.20 Find

'vo(t)

for (

>

0 in the net work in Fig. P7.20 lI sing the step-by-step

technique.
3 kfl

3kfl

200

~F

+
24 V

1~ 0

6 kO

2 kfl

Vo (l)
0

Figure P7.20

7. 21 Use the step-by-step technique 10 find i)/) for I > 0 in

the netwo rk in Fig. P7.21.

722 Use th e step-by -step method to find 'V,,(r) for t

th e network in Fig. P7.22.

/

4 kfl

4 kfl
4 kO

4 kfl

200

~F

6kfl
100

Figure P7.21

Figure P7.22

~F

> 0 in

360
0

CHAPTER 7

FIRST AND SECONDORDER TRANSIENT C I RC U ITS

7-23 Use the step-by-step method to find v,,( r) for r > 0 in

7.25 Find 'V,,( / ) for / > 0 in Ihe circuil in Fig. P7.25 us ing

the network in Fig. P7.23.

the step-by- step method.

t= 0

.!...H
3

/ = 0

r-~+-~-+--~---~-------O

311

611

4f!

411
211

12V

211

12V

611

6A

2H

+
o
Figure P7.25
7. 26 Find vQ(t ) for t > 0 in the network in Fi g. P7.26 using
the step-by-step method.

Figure P7.23

<> 7.24 Find 'vA t ) for

t > 0 in the network in Fig. P7.24 using

the step-by-step method .

2 kl1

2 kl1

2kl1

2 kl1

50 (LF

t = 0

---0

'Vc(I)

2 kf!

100 (LF
4 kl1

vo(1)

4 kl1

12V

12 V

Figure P7.26

Figure P7.24
7.27 Find vo(r ) for t

>

4 kl1

0 in the network in Fig. P7.27 us ing the step-by-step technique.

4 kl1

4 kl1

24 V

2 kl1

1= 0
L -______~------+-------~-----~O

Figure P7.27
7.28 Use the st ep-by-step method 10 find i,,(r) for [

> 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7.28.

4 kl1

24 V

Figure P7.28

4 kl1
1= 0

2 kl1

PROBLEMS

361

7. 2 9 Find vo(t ) for I > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7.29 using the
s tep ~ by-s tep

method.

4kfl

4 kfl

+
8 kfl

50

~F

12 V

Figure 1'7.29

7.30 Use the stepby-step method to lind iJ I ) for I > 0 in the network in
Fig. P7.30.
4 kfl

3 kfl

36 V

3 kfl

150~F

2kfl

12 V

3 kfl

Figure 1'7.30

731 Use the step-by-step method to find io(l ) for I > 0 in the
netwo rk ill Fig. P7.3 1.

7.32 Find io(l ) for I > 0 in the network in Fig. P7.32 using
the step-by-step method.
12 V

2 kfl
6 kfl

6 kfl
I

6 kfl

io(l)
I

/'

:--..

Figure P7.31

+
-

12 V

2 kfl

2 kfl

" f; 50 ~F

4 kfl

Figure 1'7.32

2 kfl

362

CHAPTER 7

FIRST - A N D S E CO ND - OR DE R TRANSIENT CIRCUIT S

733 Use the Slepbystep tec hnique to lind 'V,,( I ) for 1 > 0 in
the circuit in Fig. P7.33 .

7.)6 The switc h in the circliit in Fig. P7.36 is moved at I = O.

Find i,J/ ) for I > 0 using the step-by-step technique.
t= 0

+
50 ~F '

6 kn

f<

6 kn

'V n (

2 kn

4 kn

I)
12 kn

30V

6 kn

6kn

12 mH

12 V

0
1~ 0

Figure P7.36

:--..

6 kn

7.37 The sw itch in th e circuit in Fig. P7.37 is moved at t =

Find iR( t ) for t > 0 using the step-by-step techniqu e.

CP 12V

o.

t= 0

5 kn

3 kn

3 kn

Figure P7.33
6 kn

20V

5mH

12V

7.34 Use the step bystep technique to find i,,(I) for 1 > 0 in

the network in Fig. P7 .34.

Figure P7.37
7.38 The swi tc h in the circuit in Fi g. P7.38 is moved at 1 = O.
Find ;,,(/ ) for 1 > 0 using the step-by-step technique.

4 kn

100

1= 0

2kn

~F

2 kn

2 kn
2 kn

12 kn

4V
24V

12 kn
20 mH

Figure P7.34
Figure P].38

0 7.35
~

Find vi r) for t > 0 in th e network in Fi g. P7.35 usin g

the step-by-ste p technique.

7.39 The switc h in the circlLit in Fig. P7.39 is ope ned at f = O.

Find 1)0( /) for ( > 0 lI sin g the step-by-ste p technique.
16kn 10~F

+
2n

2H

2n
12 V

-+
+

24 V

t =0

Figure P7.35

Figure P7.39

4kn

vo(t )

1~ 0
".,- - - - - - < 0

16 kn

12 kn

Iii
..;;..,

PROB L EMS

363

7.40 Use the Slep by ste p method to fin d v,,(t) fo r t > 0 in the 7.43 Find i(/ ) for r > 0 in the circui t of Fig. P7.43 using

the step-by-step method.

circuit in Fi g. P7.40.

6ll
t = 0

t = O 2 11

t = 0

O.S H
12 V

2 ll

2ll

2 11

itt)

30V

2 ll

2H

--0

+
6ll

3ll

2 ll

2A
t

Figure P7.43

vo(t)

io(t)
7.44 Use the step-by-step technique to find v,,(r) for, > 0 in

Figure P7.40

C 7.4

the circui t in Fig. P7.44.

Find i(l) for ( > 0 in the circuit of Fig. P7.4 1 usin g the
step-by-step meth od.

611
12 II

12 II

+
lO ll
l OS V

t =O

1H

4 11

2H

l S II
2 ll

L--v~--~------~----~o

itt)
6ll

Figure P7.44
6 ll
7.45 Find vo(t) for I > 0 in the circuit in Fig. P7.45 using the
step-by-step method .

Figure P7.41

C 742

2ll

t=O

SH

Find ve(r) for 1 > 0 in the circui t of Fig. P7.42 using

24 V

th e step-bY-Slep method .

611

3 11
1 II

Sll

Figure P7.45
Sll

20 II

t
6A

O.S F

- vc(t) +
10 II
Sll

7.46 Use the step-by-step method 10 find i,,( t ) for t > 0 in the
circuit in Fig. P7.46.
4 mH

lOll

12 mH
10mA

10 kll

10 kll

io(t)

Figure P7.42
Figure P7.46

t = 0

3 64

CHA P T E R 7

FIRST AND SECONDORD E R TRANSIENT CIRCUITS

>

~ 747 Use Ihe step-bY-Siep tec hnique to fin d i.,{l) for I

0 in network in Fig. P7.47.

12 V

r-------------~-+.~------------,

2 kO

r= 0

4 kO

2 kO

600 ~F
200

300

~F

~F

i,lr)

Figure P7.47
~

7.48 Find ;. (1) for I > 0 in the circui t in Fig. P7.48 using the Slep-by-Slep technique.
3 kO

1 kO
~ 2 kO

6 kO (
;,,(1)
12V

200

~IF

1/

1/

1\

1\

50

~F

150

n'=o

~F

6V

1 kO

Figure P7.48

749 Use the step- by-Slep method to find vo ( I) for I > 0 in

the network in Fig. P7.49.

7.51 Find ;,,(1) for I > 0 in the network in Fig. P7.5 1 using the
Slep-bY-Siep method.
1= 0

r-~~--~~~--~-----O

6 kO

2 kO

2 kO

2 kO

2 kO

2 mH

2 kn

12 V

Figure P7.51
Figure P7.49

o 7.50 Use the Slep-bY-Siep method to find ;. (1) for I > 0 in

q}

7.52 Find ir.(I) for 1 > 0 in the circuit of Fig. P7.5 2 using the
step-by-step method.
1= 0

the network in Fig. P7.50.

+

v,et)

10 V

4n

40

5V, (t)

;0(1)
3H

t
Figure P7.50

2H

L -______~--------+--<+ -

60
12 V

20

1= 0

3A

2H

Figure P7.52

PROB L E M S

0 753
~

Use the step-by-ste p technique to tlnd vo( r) for

the network in Fi g. P7.53.
24V

3 kO

3kO

200 ",F

>

0 in

7.56 Find the output voltage v l1 (t ) in the ne twork

in Fi g. P7.56 if the input voltage is
'Vj (l ) = S(I/ (I) - 1/ (1 - 0.05V.

Va(l)

2 kO

+
6V

365

1 ",F

6 kO

V;(I)

100 kO

L - - -____ -----<o

Figure 1'7.53

Figure P7.56

754 The current source in the network in Fig. P7.54a is

defined in Fig. P7.54 b. The initial vo ltage across the
capacitor mu st be zero. (W hy?) De termine the current
iJ I ) for I > O.

20

2F

20

7.57 Th e vo ltage 'v(t ) shown in Fi g. P7.57a is given by the

graph shown in Fig. P7.57b. If iL( O) = 0, an swer the
foll ow in g questi ons: (a) how mu ch e nergy is stored in
th e inductor at 1 = 3 s? (b) how much power is supplied by th e source at I = 4 s? (c) what is i(1 = 6 s)?
and (d) how muc h power is a bsorbed by the indu ctor at
I = 3 5?

20

i(l)

(a)

V(I)

20

2H

i L(I)

i(l) (A)
(a)

6 f-- - ,

V(I )

4.5

(s)

10 V

(b)

Figure P7.54

7. 55 Detennine the equ at ion for the voltage v,,( r ) for ( > 0 in

- 10 V

Fi g. P7.55a whe n subj ec ted to the input pul se show n in

Fi g. P7.55 b.

I(S)

(b)

Figure 1'7.57
7.58 Given th at v,.,(Q- ) = - 10 V and v<,(Q-) = 20 V in
the circuit in Fig. P7.58. fin d i(O+ ).
4fl
(a)

V( I) (V)
vCl
12

(b)

Figure P7.SS

(s)

~+
V~(I)
F

T
TL_2_ F
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _4_ --.J

Figure P7.S8

1= 0

366

CHAPTER 7

FIRST AND S E CONDORD ER TRANSIENT CIRCUIT S

759 Th e switch in the circuit in Fig. P7.59 is cl osed at t

If i,(O-) = 2 A. determin e i,(o+), v.(o+). and

= O.

= 00) .

i,(1

763 Give n that i(l) = 13.33e-' - 8.33e- o" A for I > 0 in

the network in Fig. P7.63. find the following:
(a) v,( O), (b) V,(I = I s), and (c) the capac itance C.

1= 0

+
2H

vcCt)

20

3H

Figure 1'].59

Figure 1'].63

7. 60 In the network in Fig. P7.60 find i(l) for

V"I(D-) = - lOY , ca lculate vdD- ).

i(l)

Vcl (I)

> O. If

7.64 Given that itt) = 2.5 + l.5e-" A for I > 0 in the

circuit in Fig. P7.64, find RI R2 and L.

D3~+
VC2(t)

0.6 F

Figure 1'].60

7.61 In the circuit in Fig. P7.6 1, 'UN( t ) =

I

IOOe-~uol V for

< O. Find V.( I ) for I > O.

Figure P7.64
7.65 For the ci rcu it in Fig. P7 .65 , choose RIo R2 and L such
that

1= 0

+
1000

250

V,,( I )

VI/(t)

= -20 e- lIt , Y

and the current i 1 never exceeds I A .

Figure P7.61

762 The switc h.in the ci~cui t in Fig. P7.62 has been cl osed
for a long time and IS opened at f = O. If
'jP
v,.(t ) = 20 - 8e...05' Y. find R,. R" and C.

R,

10V

o-- - -....--<J
1=0

R2

2A

C O'

R,
1= 0

,,- ('

Figure P7.62

'" vcCt)

Figure P7.65