Experiment No.

Study of PC oscilloscope and lowpass RC filter.

Instructions and guidelines:

1. Study and understand how to operate the PC-based oscilloscope-cum-signal generator.

2. On the oscilloscope-cum-signal generator setup, investigate the frequency response of a series

circuit comprising of a resistance, and a capacitance, with the output taken across the
capacitance. The input to the circuit shall be a sinusoid of constant amplitude and variable
frequency. The output amplitude should be studied and explained as a function of the sinusoid
frequency. (Make a table which shows the variation in the output amplitude with change in input
frequency [around 20 readings]. Take more readings around cut off frequency to observe the
change clearly). [5 marks]

3. Now apply a square wave as the input to the RC circuit. Study the output across the capacitor
for different values of the resistance and capacitance. Vary the frequency of the square wave
from very low (a few Hertz/ tens of Hertz) to a few kHz in each case. Observe the output
qualitatively. Draw the input-output waveforms for two frequencies, one below cut off and one
above cut off for only one RC pair. [5 marks]

4. Challenge: Explain the output of the RC circuit when the input is the square wave as in
Point 3. [2 marks]

5. Challenge (only if the group has time after performing the mandatory part of the experiment) -
In parallel with the capacitor, place a series combination of another capacitor and resistor. Take
the output across this new resistance. Observe the variation of amplitude as a function of
frequency. Explain the variation. [3 marks]
Circuit 1

Circuit 2