Electronics
08/03/2022
Practice 4, true RMS value in Matlab.
César Gonzales Pozada, César Alejandro Cabrera Cuéllar, Eric Samuel Quiroz Gonzales,
Adair Téllez Aviles
 Breadboard: It is a test board in which electronic elements
Abstract— Here we are going to work with Matlab to obtain the
value of the voltage RMS and the figure of each graph solved in
the previous practice.
Index Terms—Voltage transformer, Oscilloscope, Peak
Voltage , Electronics, Matlab.
I. INTRODUCTION
n this practice we are going to simulate the exercises of the
I previous practice with help of the software “Matlab”, we
need to obtain the graph of each exercise and the value of
the voltage RMS to show that the calculous and the simulation
was correct.
II. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Oscilloscope: An oscilloscope is a measuring instrument for
electronics. Plot a graph of amplitude on the vertical axis and
time on the horizontal axis. It is widely used by students,
designers, engineers in the field of electronics. It is often
complemented by a multimeter, a power supply, and an
arbitrary or function generator. [1]
Electronics: Electronics can be defined as the study and
application of the behavior of electrons in various scenarios.
These can be the vacuum, gases and semiconductors subjected
to the action of electric and magnetic fields. [2]
Electrical signals: Electrical signals are also called analog
signals. They can have any reading within the range and are
only limited by the characteristics of the recording and
indicating instruments. They continuously transmit the values
to the controller. [2]
Oscilloscope probe: It is a device that allows a physical
connection between a signal source or test point (DUT) and an
electronic measurement instrument, such as an oscilloscope.
[3]
and cables can be inserted with which circuits are assembled
without the need to solder any of the components.
Breadboards have holes connected to each other by small
metal sheets. [3]
Voltage transformer: A voltage transformer is an electrical
element that allows the voltage to be increased or decreased in
an alternating current electrical circuit.
These types of devices can reduce or increase the voltage that
enters a home or business in addition to allowing the
distribution of energy to the different points that make up a
network. [4]
Matlab: MATLAB (short for MATrix LABoratory, "matrix
laboratory") is a numerical computation system that offers an
integrated development environment (IDE) with its own
programming language (M language). It is available for Unix,
Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux platforms. [5]
III. MATERIALS
 Oscilloscope
 Protoboard
 24V/5A transformer
 Oscilloscope probe
IV. METHODOLOGY
Exercise 1: "Find the RMS value of the equation".
For Exercise 1, we were presented with the following
equation;
𝑉(𝑡) = 180 sin(𝜃) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 0 < 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋
Where the naked eye can see that it is the equation of a
sinusoidal signal.
For this occasion, a code was made in the matlab software, to
check our results from the previous practice, in addition to
graphing the same function, and even marking the RMS
voltage.
For this, the variables begin to be declared and the meaning of
each of them is shown below.
In Figure 1.1 you can see T, which would be the period, in this
part it is remembered that the devices refresh their value 5
1

times/s, according to the IEEE, therefore each refresh lasts 0.2
s.
On the other hand, there is Fs, which is the recommended
frequency in instrumentation (1200/0.2=240).
Finally it have t, which is the time, for your understanding:
"start: interval: end"
Figure 2.1 “Code for the graph”
Later we have the function, which is stored in the variable "v",
it can be seen that it is multiplied by 180 (Figure 1.2).
Figure 1.2 “Code for the graph”
Then proceed to graphing. But in the same way the Vrms is
added, for this the length function is used that allows knowing
how many values are in V (Figure 1.3)
Figure 1.3 “Code for the graph”
The general formula for Vrms can then be entered, which is
known to be:
𝑉𝑝
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 =
√2
Although in Matlab an equivalence was introduced (Figure
1.4)
Figure 1.4 “Code for the graph”
Finally, the necessary lines are introduced so that the Vrms is
added to the graph in addition to activating the grid (Figure
1.5).
Figure 2.5 “Code for the graph”
Electronics
08/03/2022
Exercise 2: "Find the RMS value of the equation".
For this problem we have the equation 20 sin(𝜃) + 5, which
belongs to a sinusoidal signal, this equation also has an offset
(vertical displacement).
𝑉(𝑡) = 20 sin(𝜃) + 5 𝑓𝑜𝑟 0 < 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋
Subsequently, the Matlab software is used to arrive at the
value of the Vrms of said function.
For this, the variables begin to be declared and the meaning of
each of them is shown below.
In Figure 2.1 you can see T, which would be the period, in this
part it is remembered that the devices refresh their value 5
times/s, according to the IEEE, therefore each refresh lasts 0.2
s.
On the other hand, there is Fs, which is the recommended
frequency in instrumentation (1200/0.2=240).
Finally it have t, which is the time, for your understanding:
"start: interval: end"
Figure 2.1 “Code for the graph”
Later we have the function, which will be stored in the
variable "V", it can be seen that it is multiplied by 20 and also,
followed by the argument, the +5 of the offset is inserted
(Figure 2.2).
Figure 2.2 “Code for the graph”
Then proceed to graphing. But in the same way the Vrms is
added, for this the length function is used that allows knowing
how many values are in V (Figure 2.3)
Figure 2.3 “Code for the graph”
The general formula for Vrms can then be entered, which is
known to be:
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08/03/2022
𝑉𝑝 previously the 0.2 s were handled, if this value is left only a
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = fraction of a first period is seen, fs is frequency of sampling
√2
Although in Matlab an equivalence was introduced (Figure and with more values it becomes more vertical and finally t is
2.4) the time vector (Figure 3.1)

Figure 2.4 “Code for the graph”

Finally, the necessary lines are introduced so that the Vrms is

added to the graph in addition to activating the grid (Figure
2.5).

Figure 3.1 “Code for the graph”

Subsequently, the signal function is generated, which can be

seen to be equal to the sinusoidal one, but with the difference
that "square" is used and not "sin" to operate the argument
Figure 2.5 “Code for the graph”
(Figure 3.2).
Exercise 3: "Saw graph to find the RMS value of the
graphed voltage".
Figure 3.2 “Code for the graph”
For exercise 3 we have a square wave, which, unlike the
sinusoidal signal, does not go through intermediate values.
The Vrms of this wave should be found (Figure 3.1).
Then proceed to graphing. But in the same way the Vrms is
added, for this the length function is used that allows knowing
how many values are in V (Figure 3.3)

Figure 3.1 "Study graph for exercise 3".

It can be seen that the square wave is different from a Figure 3.3 “Code for the graph”
sinusoidal signal. The way to solve this problem will be with
your Vpeak and with your period. It can see that it goes from 0 Again the general formula for Vrms can then be entered,
to 𝜋 in 2 and from 𝜋 to 2𝜋 in -2. which is known to be:
𝑉𝑝
Then: 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 =
√2
2→ 0<𝑡≤𝜋 Although in Matlab an equivalence was introduced (as can be
𝑉(𝑡) = {
−2 → 𝜋 < 𝑡 ≤ 2𝜋 seen in Figure 3.3)

Because the problem is going to be solved by the Matlab
software, the code that begins with the variables must be
developed again.
Where 2pi does not represent angle, it represents a value
(period of the signal), f the frequency, in the case of T
Finally, the necessary lines are introduced so that the Vrms is
added to the graph in addition to activating the grid (Figure
3.4).
3

Figure 3.4 “Code for the graph”
Exercise 4: "Saw graph in Matlab with RMS value of
voltage".
For exercise number 4, the professor of the subject proposed a
voltage whose graph is of type "saw", the work in the previous
practice was to find the RMS voltage value of the graph by
arithmetic calculations, now the work to be done is to graph
the RMS voltage in the mathematical processing software
MATLAB; the graph can be seen in Figure 4.1.
Figure 4.1 "Study graph for exercise 4".
To be able to graph the RMS voltage, the function that
governs the voltage signal is needed, since it is not a
sinusoidal or alternating current signal, the voltage function
and the true RMS value, were worked on in a previous
practice, and the results were as follows:
 𝑇 = [0,2𝜋]
𝟓
 𝒗(𝒕) = 𝒕−𝟓
𝝅 To finish with the algorithm, a line was programmed that
 𝑣𝑅𝑀𝑆 = 2.8868 𝑉
Once you have the v(t) function needed to find the actual RMS
voltage, and the RMS value as a reference, you have
completed the data necessary to be able to start with the
programming code in Matlab.
To start with the programming algorithm, a new script is
started in the Matlab interface and a few header lines are put
to ensure that when the program created in the new script is
run, console data, variables, information in the "command
window" or even pop-ups are deleted, the lines of code are as
follows:
Electronics
08/03/2022
Figure 4.2 "First Algorithm Fragment for Exercise 4".
Continuing with the algorithm, the variable "T" is entered,
which corresponds to the graphing time, which is standardized
in a value of 0.2s; continuing with the variable "Fs" where
you have a frequency of 20 which is multiplied by the peak
value of the voltage signal which in this case is 5; a time
vector was entered to indicate the graphing interval, based on
the variable "Fs" and a period of to replicate the graph in
Figure 4.1, although it could be without affecting the
simulation result. To enter the function the command
"sawtooth" was used, which generates a graph of type saw,
for the specific case of the graph, the value of the function
"sawtooth" was multiplied by 5 and it was ordered to graph
with respect to the value of the time vector "t".. To finish
with the second fragment of the algorithm, a window with a
graph was configured through the "plot" command and a
graph of the variable "t" was specified with respect to
the "V" function, in addition to adding labels to the axes of
the plane, as well as the configuration in the graphing lines.
The lines of code are as follows (see Fig. 4.3.):
Figure 4.3 "Second Algorithm Fragment for Exercise 4".
indicates the RMS value of the voltage, for this first the length
of the vector generated by the variable of the function
named "V" was obtained. Remembering that to know the
value of Figure 4.3 "Second Algorithm Fragment for Exercise
4".
To finish with the algorithm, a line was programmed that
indicates the RMS value of the voltage, for this first the length
of the vector generated by the variable of the function
named "V" was obtained. Remembering that to know the
value of "𝑽𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆𝑹𝑴𝑺 " the following equation is used:
the following equation is used:
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1 𝑡
𝑣𝑅𝑀𝑆 = √ ∫ 𝑣(𝑡)2 𝑑𝑡 𝒆. 𝒄 (𝟐)
𝑡 0

Knowing the equation was assigned in a variable "V2" the

value of raising the voltage function squared, then the whole
equation was achieved thanks to the
commands "sqrt" and "sum", and finally the value
of "Vrms" is multiplied with a vector that goes from 1 to the Figure 5.3 “Code for the graph”
value of "N", the graph of the value of "Vrms" is added to
the graph previously generated with its respective format From figure 5.1 we know that our period is 2π so we store it in
configuration. a variable named “periodo” in line 5 of the figure 5.3, then we
1
know that by formula the frequency is equal to so we
The lines of code are as follows (see Fig. 4.4.): 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑𝑜
store it in a variable as we can see in line 6.
In line 8 we stablish the graphing time that is equal to 10 times
the period this because if we put 0.2 seconds, that is the
refresh time of the electronic equipment, we can only saw a
fraction of a period because here a period have 2π seconds.
In line 9 we have the sample rate that must be at least 20 times
the frequency so we can obtain a more exactly graph.
Figure 4.4 "Third Algorithm Fragment for Exercise 4".
Exercise 5: "saw graph to find the RMS value of the In line 10 we have the vector of time that allow us to plot the
graphed voltage". graph in function of the time.
In exercise 5, the professor gives us a graph of a voltage signal
(figure 5.1) where we can see the value of the peak voltage but
we want to know which value would the voltage RMS would
be.

Figure 5.4 “Code for the graph”

Figure 5.1 "Study graph for exercise 5".
Now with help of the software “Matlab” we are going toplot
this graph and the value of it voltage RMS.
In figure 5.4 we can see the use of the function “sawtooth”
that generates a sawtooth wave with period 2π for the
elements of the time array, we know that the amplitude of the
wave is −8 → 8 so we indicate this by multiply the function
by 8, as the argument of the function we have 2 ∗ 𝑝𝑖 ∗ 𝑓 ∗ 𝑡
because this function works similar as the “sin” function, we
can see that we include “0.5” this is because we need a
triangular wave so we indicate that the peak point of the
period is going to be in the half of the values.

Figure 5.2 “Code for the graph”

In figure 5.2 we have the tree first lines of code that help us to
clear the screen, then to clear the memory and then to close
everything.

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Figure 5.5 “Code for the graph”
Exercise 2: "Find the RMS value of the equation".
Now we need to obtain the value of the voltage RMS of the
wave so we use the lines 14, 15 and 16 of the figure 5.5. First When running the program, the generated sine wave can be
we need a vector that have the same length of “x” that in this seen (Figure 2.6).
case is the sawtooth function, then we calculate the value of
1
the voltage RMS in line 15 by the formula √ ∑𝑖𝑛=0 𝑣(𝑛)2
𝑁
then we create the vector that contain the values of the RMS
voltage in line 16.
Finally we only need to plot the graph and the values of the
voltage RMS, so we use the lines 18 to 21.

V. EXPERIMENTATION AND RESULTS

Exercise 1: "Find the RMS value of the equation".
When running the program, the generated sine wave can be
seen (Figure 1.6).

Figure 2.6 “graph result”.

It can be seen that the duration time is 0.2 s, in addition to

having an offset, this graph does not start at 0, it starts at +5,
as it should be. Finally you can see the Vrms line as well as
the grid that was activated.
In addition, as mentioned at the beginning, due to its duration,
in the Figure 12 periods can be seen.

Exercise 3: "Saw graph to find the RMS value of the

Figure 2.6 “graph result”.
It can be seen that the duration time is 0.2 s, and the RMS is
127.3
In addition, as mentioned at the beginning, due to its duration,
in the Figure 12 periods can be seen.
graphed voltage".
When running the program you can see the graph, it contains 2
periods in addition to the fact that its Vrms is in the same
place as its Vpeak, a characteristic that can indicate that the
generated code is correct.
It can be seen that it goes from 2 to 2 and finally that said
signal does start at 0 (Figure 3.5).

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𝑽𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆𝑹𝑴𝑺

Figure 4.6 "GRAPH of RMS voltage signal in saw, exercise

4".

Exercise 5: "saw graph to find the RMS value of the

Figure 3.5 “graph result”. graphed voltage".
Here we are going to show how do the graph results.
Exercise 4: "Saw graph in Matlab with RMS value of
voltage".
Once the programming corresponding to the algorithm in
Matlab is finished, we proceed to verify that the results are
correct in the graph made by the mathematical processing
program, in Figure 4.5 the graphic result of the program
performed is

Figure 5.6 “graph result”.

As we can see in figure 5.6 we graph 10 periods but we can

graph only one or 100 if we want, we can do this by
modifying the line 8 in figure 5.3.

Figure 4.5 "Graph of voltage signal in saw, exercise 4".

To check the RMS voltage value calculated in a previous

laboratory practice, a "data cursor" marker is added, the result
was as follows:

Figure 5.7 “graph result”

7

In figure 5.7 we can see the results of the graph showing only
two periods, we can see that one period goes from 0 → 2𝜋 and
it peak value was in π, we also can see the value of the voltage
RMS that matches with the value obtained in the previous
practice.
VI. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
Exercise 2: "Find the RMS value of the equation".
What is obtained with Matlab is equal to what is obtained by
analytically developing this sinusoidal signal and the Vrms
coincides, therefore the developed code is correct.
On the other hand, in Figure 2.7 you can see a variant in case
you want to see the area under the curve.
Figure 2.7 “graph result”.
Exercise 3: "Saw graph to find the RMS value of the
graphed voltage".
For this graph there were differences when generating the
code since here it is easier to vary the number of periods. On
the other hand, the square function is used, which does not
have any difficulty since it is similar to using the sine
function.
Finally, the same result was reached in software as the one
obtained analytically.
Exercise 4 “Saw graph to find the RMS value of the
graphed voltage".
Electronics
08/03/2022
Thanks to the handling of specific functions in Matlab, it was
possible for the collaborative team to replicate the graph in
Figure 4.1, as well as to correctly perform the graph with the
real RMS value of the sawtooth graph of exercise
4. Remaining, as a result of practice, the source code made in
Matlab to carry out the graphing of the actual RMS value of
the energy line presented in the saw graph (see Figure 1), and
ensures that it can be used for any graph that corresponds to
the type "sawtooth".
Exercise 5: "saw graph to find the RMS value of the
graphed voltage".
With help of the software Matlab we can prove that the results
obtained in the previous practice are correct and we can learn
how to plot the graph of the exercise and learn some news
functions in Matlab .
VII. CONCLUSIONS
A. General conclusion
Matlab is a multidynamic software for applied mathematics or
as described in its own domain "It is a product that millions of
engineers and scientists around the world use to analyze and
design the systems and products that transform our world" [5].
For the purposes of the requested work Matlab was used as a
grapher of the calculations previously performed, with the
help of some commands such as "sawtooth", "awgn",
"square", "ones", "sum", "plot", etc. And in the end it was
possible to verify that the previously extracted calculations are
correct.
The RMS voltage is a data that is of vital importance when
you are working with electronic circuits, since the RMS value
allows you to specify a wave or wave signal as a CD current,
since it is the equivalent CD voltage that delivers the same
amount of energy to a load in a circuit as the AC signal does
over its cycle. [6]
B. Individual conclusion
César Alejandro Cabrera Cuéllar
This practice initially allows you to make a comparison or
verify the results obtained analytically and thus make the most
accurate calculations.
On the other hand, it allows a better interpretation of the
results in addition to taking advantage of various benefits that
Matlab has for cases that are closer to reality.
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Adair Téllez Aviles [3] Anónimo. (2022). señales electricas. 11-02-2022, de StuDocu Sitio web:
https://www.studocu.com/cl/document/universidad-tecnologica-de-
It was possible to notice that the results obtained by means of chile/proyecto-electrico/01-senales-electricas-y-formas-de-
the software are very similar to those obtained in an analytical ondas/6323980
way previously carried out in the previous practice, in this way [4] et al. (2019). ¿Qué es un transformador eléctrico y cómo funciona?.
we could notice that we have carried out the calculations in the febrero 11, 2021, de tecsa Sitio web:
https://www.tecsaqro.com.mx/blog/que-es-un-transformador-electrico/
appropriate way.
[5] The MathWorks, Inc.. (2020). MATLAB Product Description.
Eric Samuel Quiroz González 24/10/2020, de The MathWorks, Inc. Sitio web:
https://la.mathworks.com/help/matlab/learn_matlab/product-description.html
Simulating the wave of the excessive and the value of the [6] Anónimo. (2015). ¿Qué es el Voltaje RMS?. 04/03/2022, de Aprender
voltage RMs it’s a great way to prove our results and to sobre electrónica. Sitio web:
increase our capabilities to use the software because it is a http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articulos/Voltaje-RMS.php
software that allows us many things and let us to work more
efficiently and quickly.

Cesar Gonzalez Pozada.

At the end of the practice I feel satisfied to have been able to

graph in Matlab the real RMS voltage value, which could be
supplied by some electronic device, which in the case of
exercise 4 (which I perform) was a non-sinusoidal energy
signal and therefore the known clearance of peak voltage
between the root of 2 could not be applied, then by means of
the "sawtooth" function the actual RMS voltage could be
plotted as a signal with a saw graph.

C: Individual contribution

César Alejandro Cabrera Cuéllar

For this practice I developed the program for exercises 2 and 3

as well as the methodology, experimentation and discussion of
their results.
Adair Téllez Aviles

For this practice I made the development of the exercise 1.

Eric Samuel Quiroz González

For this practice I made the development of the exercise 5.

Cesar Gonzalez Pozada.

For this practice I wrote the methodology, experimentation
and discussion of the results of exercise 4, in addition to the
general conclusion.

REFERENCES
[1] Final Test S.A. de C.V.. (2022). ¿Que es un osciloscopio?. 11-02-2022, de
FiNAL TEST Sitio web: https://www.finaltest.com.mx/product-p/art-
9.htm
[2] Anónimo. (2022). Qué es la electrónica y cuál es su importancia. 11-02-
2022, de Aprende INSTITUDE Sitio web:
https://aprende.com/blog/oficios/reparacion-electronica/que-es-la-
electronica/