capacitorchargingdischargeoscilloscopesignal processing
I set up an RC circuit and connected it with a signal generator. In the lab instructions, I was told to apply a "square wave signal" in order to see the transient response of the circuit in the oscilloscope screen.
My question:
Could someone please tell me why a square wave is necessary in this case? What would be the problem with a sinusoidal signal?
First of all, in circuit diagrams we make the (incorrect) assumption that energy goes from positive to negative (typically referred to as conventional flow). Unless you are getting really in depth to a topic, this assumption will be more or less ok to work with and is the same assumption that everyone is using. We all know that energy flows from negative to positive, but we simply disregard that to make our lives easier. In almost all normal circumstances that incorrect assumption will only simplify our lives and not make anything not work (in fact it works better, because everyone else is making the same assumption)
The negative wire of the function generator should be connected to ground (aka common) so that the voltage references are connected to the same base (0v).
Each oscilloscope probe has a positive and negative end. This records the voltage difference between the two ends. IE, the positive end is hooked to 5v and the negative end is hooked to 3v the oscilloscope will read 2v (5-3). In this circuit both ends are hooked to 0v (gnd).
The circuit of two resistors is acting as a voltage divider Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1+R2))
In the case above however R1 and R2 are flipped.
So what you are measuring in this circuit is on channel A, the point voltage going into the divider (volts at the top of R2 to gnd), and on channel B, the voltage between R1 & R2 vs gnd.
The amplitude of the function generator is the amplitude of the signal typically in volts or a multiple there of. So in theory (without knowing what function generator you are using), yes amplitude of 5 = 5v, when referenced to gnd.
Here is a simulation of what should be happening. Run the time domain simulation that I setup, and feel free to change the parameters.
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
I realized that the "DISABLE" mode is open on function generator. When i closed it, the signal became correct. You can see "DISABLE" button on the right side of function generator in photo. The problem was solved.
Best Answer
The author of the lab wants you to see the typical step response on which you can measure the time constant.
If you put in a sine wave, you will get out a sine wave with a different amplitude and phase. Try doing just that and then sweeping the frequency on the function generator.