Teoría de Circuitos AC

Activity 2. Series AC Circuits

Time: Two sessions
Group two persons.

Objectives:

1. Understand and analyze the behavior of AC circuits in series configurations using R, L, and C
elements.
2. Develop proficiency in using an oscilloscope to measure and analyze AC signals

Introduction

In this laboratory, students will delve into the fundamental principles of alternating current (AC) circuit
analysis, focusing on circuits composed solely of resistors, capacitors, and inductors arranged in series
configurations. The study of AC circuits is pivotal in the field of electrical engineering, as it forms the basis
for understanding the behavior of electrical systems that operate with time-varying currents and voltages.
This includes a vast array of applications, from household electronics to large-scale power distribution
systems. By exploring the dynamic interactions between voltage and current in these basic components,
students will gain insights into the foundational concepts of reactance, impedance, and the phase
relationships that characterize AC circuits. The practical skills developed through this lab are critical for
anyone pursuing a career in electrical engineering or related fields, providing a bridge between theoretical
concepts and real-world electrical phenomena.

The laboratory sessions are designed to not only reinforce theoretical knowledge but also to equip
students with essential hands-on experience in using an oscilloscope, a versatile instrument crucial for
analyzing and debugging electronic circuits. Through guided experiments, students will learn how to
measure voltage across circuit components in real time and utilize the oscilloscope's math functions to
deduce the current waveform. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the circuit's behavior,
enabling students to visualize the effects of component values on the circuit's performance directly. By
integrating theoretical calculations with empirical measurements, the lab aims to foster a deeper
understanding of AC circuit analysis and enhance students' ability to apply this knowledge to complex
engineering problems.

Activity Description

In this activity, students will investigate the behavior of a series AC circuit that includes a fixed resistor
and a variable reactive component (either a capacitor or an inductor). The primary objective is to
understand how changing the reactive element influences the voltage across each component and the
current flowing through the circuit. Students will conduct measurements for two distinct configurations:
one with a capacitor and one with an inductor in series with the resistor. By recording and analyzing the
voltage across each component and the circuit's overall current, students will explore concepts such as
reactance, impedance, and the phase relationship between current and voltage in AC circuits.
Procedure A

1. Begin by constructing a series circuit with the function generator, the fixed resistor, and the
variable inductor as shown in Figure 1. You must choose an appropriate signal frequency (f) to
prevent excessive power delivery from the signal generator.

Figure 1. Circuit Design.

2. Record the voltages in the oscilloscope as indicated in Figure 1. Moreover, perform the operation
CH1 – CH2 to obtain the voltage on impedance Z (Vz). Check the Oscilloscope user manual –Chapter
6—for additional information. You can modify the channel label—Chapter 2—to get better display
information.
3. Visualize on the screen the measured frequency, Vp-p, and zero crossing time delay between the
Vz and VR. Use Cursor Measurement—Chapter 6—for time delay measurement.
4. Save the scope image and record the data using a USB.
5. Use Matlab to analyze the information saved. Provide Vz vs T and I vs T plots.

Procedure B

Change the inductor by a capacitor and repeat all steps in Procedure A. Be careful when selecting the
signal frequency to prevent excessive power delivery.

Analysis

• Compare the effects of the inductor and capacitor on the circuit’s impedance, phase angle, and
the relationship between voltage and current.
• Discuss how the reactance of the capacitor and inductor varies with frequency and affects the
overall circuit behavior.
• Relate the observed phase differences to the theoretical phase relationships expected in resistor-
inductor (RL) and resistor-capacitor (RC) series circuits.

Deliverables:

1. Live script
2. PDF del live script.
3. Additional files required to execute the code

Note. Do not share the code or files with colleagues from different groups, or all involved groups may be
penalized with a grade of 0.0.