EC1022 Electrical Systems Laboratory

Guidebook*

Chulantha Kulasekere, Ph.D. ⌈chulantha.k@[Link]⌋

Version 2.0†

Abstract Laboratory sessions on Electrical Systems are an essential part of the undergradu-
ate engineering curriculum. They provide hands-on experience that complements
theoretical knowledge, helping you to bridge the gap between classroom learn-
ing and real-world applications. Through these experiments, you will develop a
practical understanding of fundamental electrical principles such as Ohm’s Law,
circuit analysis, AC circuit operations etc.
Participating in these labs will enhance your ability to analyze and troubleshoot
electrical circuits, build confidence in using electrical instruments and measure-
ment techniques, and reinforce concepts learned in lectures through direct appli-
cation.
This manual contains all the necessary instructions to help you successfully con-
duct the laboratory experiments and gain the maximum benefit from them. Please
read and follow the instructions carefully, and pay close attention to the rules
governing the conduct of the laboratory sessions.

*
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology 2025 The document is prepared using the [Link] LaTeX
template developed by Simon Sigurdhsson <sigurdhsson@[Link]>
†
ECK/09/06/2025 Last updated 09/06/2025
Contents

1 Introduction 4

2 Supporting Instructional Material 4

3 Module Administration Information 5

3.1 Learning Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2 Laboratory instructors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.3 Laboratory Delivery Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pre-Lab Activity Framework [6]Laboratory Activity [6]Post-Lab Activity Framework [6]
3.4 Laboratory Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.5 Missed or Makeup Laboratory Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 Laboratory Safety Procedures 8

5 General grading guidelines 9

5.1 Late submissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.2 Grading table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6 Laboratory Schedules 9

7 Students’ Rights 9

8 Plagiarism 10

9 Lab 0: Lab Safety, Job Hazards, and Equipment Basics 12

9.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
9.2 Pre-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Lab Safety and Other Relevant Guidelines [12]Jab hazard evaluation [13]
9.3 Laboratory Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Introduction to Equipment [13]Understanding Bread Board Connections [14]Understanding
Bread Board Connections via a Simple Circuit [14]
9.4 Post-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

10 Lab 1: Lab test equipment, basic DC measurements and Ohms law 18

10.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.2 LO-PO Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.3 Pre-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.4 Laboratory Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Preamble [20]Apparatus and Quality Inputs [21]Laboratory Procedure [21]
10.5 Post-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

11 Lab 2: Mesh analysis, Nodal analysis, and Thévenin Equivalent Circuits 27

11.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
11.2 LO-PO Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
11.3 Pre-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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 11.4 Laboratory Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Preamble [30]Apparatus and Quality Inputs [30]Laboratory Procedure [30]
11.5 Post-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

12 Lab 3: AC Circuit Measurements 35

12.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
12.2 LO-PO Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
12.3 Pre-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
12.4 Laboratory Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Preamble [37]Apparatus and Quality Inputs [38]Laboratory Procedure [38]
12.5 Post-Lab Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

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1 Introduction

Laboratory work is a critical and integral part of engineering education. This manual serves as
your guide to the Basic Electrical Systems Laboratory in the first-year engineering program. It
outlines the framework, procedures, and expectations, helping you gain the maximum benefit
through structured, hands-on interaction.
In this manual, we use QUCS-S, an open-source circuit simulation tool, for simulating circuits.
However, you are free to use any other suitable circuit simulation software to complete the
required simulations.
Each laboratory session is organized into three segments:

Pre-Lab Activities: You are expected to complete assigned readings and worksheets
before attending the lab session. A short 5-minute quiz based on the pre-lab material will
be conducted on CourseWeb.

In-Class Laboratory Activity: During the lab, you will conduct experiments, collect data,
and complete the lab activity sheet using the observations gathered. This sheet must be
submitted before leaving the session.

Post-Lab Reflection Activity: After the session, you will complete additional reading
and analysis. This will be assessed through another 5-minute CourseWeb quiz.

The laboratory sheets are designed to encourage an inquiry-based, investigative approach,

fostering critical thinking and deeper understanding. Each lab activity will be guided by a
detailed worksheet, and supporting materials such as instructional videos on circuit setup will
be available online. You are also expected to maintain a personal lab logbook to record your
observations and reflections. Although instructors will not review this logbook, it will serve as
a valuable resource for tracking your learning and progress.
While the lab is designed to promote independent learning, we strongly encourage you to
reach out to your instructors for any clarifications or support regarding lab activities.

2 Supporting Instructional Material

You are encouraged to use the following tools to enhance your understanding of the course
material and to assist with your laboratory submissions.

Xournal++: Available for both Windows and Linux, this tool can be used to annotate PDF
files. You can download the binaries from
[Link]

QUCS-S: This is an open-source SPICE program that can be used for circuit simula-
tions. Binaries are available for both Windows and Linux systems. You can download
it from [Link] Alternative options include National Instru-
ments MULTISIM Student Version and Analog Devices LTSpice. Both are fully functional
on Windows, but Linux is not supported.

[Link]: This GPT-based system can be used to deepen your understanding and
explore topics discussed in class.

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 PDFSam: A PDF editor that allows you to split or merge PDF files before uploading
the relevant parts to CourseWeb. You may need to extract specific laboratory sheets
from the main manual before uploading. Windows and Linux versions are available at
[Link]

If you are using AI to enhance your learning or understanding, please do so responsibly and
not as a means to cheat the system. AI tools can be powerful support resources when used with
discipline and integrity.

3 Module Administration Information

In this section the guidelines associated with the delivery will be outlined.

3.1 Learning Outcomes

The module outline presents four learning outcomes (LOs) and the table below shows how these
LOs relate to the four laboratory experiments you will be conducting.

Laboratory LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Lab test equipment, basic DC x x - x

measurements and Ohms law

Thevenin law, Mesh analysis, x x x x

and Nodal analysis

AC Laboratory equipment and x x - x

circuits

AC networks x x - x

In addition to learning outcomes, there are 12 program outcomes (POs) also listed in the
module outline. In each laboratory sheet we will provide how these LOs are related to the POs.
By studying these relationships you will be able to understand what is expected from you as a
student and what graduate attributes you will attain at the end of the course.

3.2 Laboratory instructors

Each year the faculty will assign instructors to support you with the laboratory instructions.
The names of the assigned instructors will be published on the courseweb page at
[Link]

3.3 Laboratory Delivery Framework

The laboratory sessions will be a combination of independent work and guided instructions,
delivered through detailed lab sheets. To gain the maximum benefit, it is essential that you
come well-prepared by reviewing the pre-lab material in advance. Your ability to interpret

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results and understand the experimental outcomes will be significantly enhanced if you are
familiar with the underlying theory and procedures beforehand.
The laboratory engagement is structured into three key stages, as explained below:

3.3.1 Pre-Lab Activity Framework

The pre-lab activity is designed to ensure you have a strong grasp of the theoretical concepts rel-
evant to the upcoming laboratory experiment. Completion of all pre-lab tasks is mandatory
before attending the lab session.
Pre-lab tasks may include:

1. Reading assigned materials or articles

2. Performing theoretical calculations

3. Completing any preparatory work required for the lab session

You are encouraged to use AI tools, such as [Link], to assist in researching and answering
pre-lab questions. However, always verify AI-generated answers by consulting datasheets or
performing your own calculations. Responsible use of AI can help streamline your preparation
and deepen your understanding.
At the start of each lab session, you will take a brief, 5-minute CourseWeb-based quiz consist-
ing of two questions drawn from the pre-lab material. This quiz will take place during the first
10 minutes of the session.

3.3.2 Laboratory Activity

Equipped with the knowledge gained from the pre-lab preparation, you will engage in a struc-
tured lab activity that provides practical insights into the theory learned in lectures. Instructors
will be available throughout the session to offer guidance and clarify doubts.
To support your work, simulation videos—demonstrated by an instructor—will be provided.
These can be referred to at any point during the lab to help resolve technical issues or uncer-
tainties related to the experiment.

3.3.3 Post-Lab Activity Framework

The post-lab activity is designed as a reflective and extension exercise. Here, you will deepen
your understanding of the concepts explored during the lab by performing additional calculations
and simulations. TO find answers you can follow a similar process adopted by you for the pre-lab
session.
In the following week, you will be required to complete a 5-minute CourseWeb quiz consisting
of two questions based on your post-lab investigations. You may complete this quiz at your
convenience within the allotted time window.

3.4 Laboratory Rules

The following laboratory rules must be strictly adhered to when conducting experiments:

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 • Be punctual when attending laboratory sessions. Students arriving more than 15 minutes
late will not be allowed to participate in the session. Please refer to Section 3.5 for
instructions on what to do if you miss a session for any reason.

• A schedule of lab sessions and assigned lab stations (see Section 6) will be circulated in
advance. You are not permitted to attend sessions outside your allocated schedule without
explicit approval from the instructors. This scheduling is necessary to ensure smooth
management of the lab classes.

• If you miss a lab without informing the instructors in advance, they reserve the right
to deny you a makeup session. If you a lab, you must obtain prior approval from the
instructors to complete it during another regular session.. One makeup session will be held
at the end of the semester, during which you may complete one missed lab. Attendance
without approval will not be accommodated under any circumstances.

• Proper attire is mandatory. All students must wear closed-toe shoes in the laboratory to
comply with internal and IESL safety regulations. Additionally, please ensure your dress
is appropriate for a laboratory environment. Safety rules are expanded in Section 4.

• No food or drinks are allowed within the laboratory premises.

• You are expected to work at your designated lab station each week. In case of any equip-
ment malfunction, please inform the instructor immediately to request a station change.
Note that the condition and organization of your lab station will be considered when
evaluating your grade, as outlined in the item below.

• The lab follows 5S organizational standards. You are expected to leave the lab in the same
orderly condition as you found it. For example:
– Chairs should be placed behind the yellow line.
– Equipment should be centered within the yellow lines.
– Probes and cables must be neatly folded and placed beside the equipment.
– All equipment and components must be returned to their designated locations.
– Do not leave any foreign materials at your station (eg. papers, pencil shavings, wires
etc). Non-compliance will result in a first warning, and from the second instance
onward, the group’s lab grade will be set to zero. Before leaving, ensure that all lab
equipment is switched off at your station.

• You are expected to complete all pre-lab activities before attending the lab session. Stu-
dents who have not completed the pre-lab work will have a difficult time answering the
pre-lab quiz. Please review these materials thoroughly to ensure the learning outcomes
are met.

• You must maintain a lab logbook documenting all observations and findings during each
lab session. While this logbook will not be graded, it is essential for an engineer to
document their findings in this manner.

• Post-lab quiz will be available in the following week and will take around 5 mins of your
time to complete.

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 • Plagiarism or copying will result in a grade of zero for the lab and you will not be allowed to
retake the session. While group work is encouraged during experiments, all assignments
and reports must be submitted individually. Please refer to Section 7 for the academic
integrity policy.

• You must conduct yourself in a manner that does not disturb other students during labo-
ratory activities.

• University property must remain in the laboratory at all times. Do not move any equipment
between laboratories without explicit permission from the instructor in charge.

3.5 Missed or Makeup Laboratory Sessions

Attendance at laboratory sessions is mandatory, and you are not permitted to miss a class
without a valid reason. In the case of a medical emergency, you must provide appropriate
documentation, such as a medical certificate or prescription, as evidence.
If you anticipate missing a lab session due to a pre-planned commitment, you must inform
the instructors in advance and make alternate arrangements. Failure to notify the instructors,
obtain prior approval, or submit valid medical documentation may result in the denial of a
makeup session.
A single day at the end of the semester is allocated for completing one missed practical. The
specific date will be included in the course schedule.

4 Laboratory Safety Procedures

Please read the following safety guidelines carefully. Use common sense at all times while in
the laboratory, and seek assistance from an instructor when in doubt.

• The laboratory operates on a 230V AC, 50Hz line voltage. Use extreme caution when
handling, moving, or unplugging equipment. Each lab station is equipped with a switch
panel—use it to disconnect power before moving any equipment.

• Shoes with rubber soles must be worn at all times to minimize the risk of electric shock.

• Fire extinguishers are installed both inside and outside the laboratory. Familiarize yourself
with the safety instructions displayed at each fire extinguisher location.

• Immediately report any hazardous conditions to your lab instructor. This includes issues
such as frayed or exposed electrical cords, sparks from equipment, loose wall sockets, or
burning odors.

• No student is permitted to work alone in the laboratory. You must always be accompanied
by a lab partner, an instructor, or a lab technician.

• Report any equipment failure to the lab instructor immediately. Do not attempt to repair
or tamper with faulty equipment.

• If you are engaged in soldering activities, always wear a protective mask and use a fume
extractor to ensure safety.

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 • When unsure about any aspect of laboratory safety, consult your lab instructor before
proceeding. Never touch unfamiliar or uncertain equipment without guidance.

• Be aware of the location of the first aid kit. You may request the assistance of an instructor
to access it if necessary.

5 General grading guidelines

In this section we will provide you with the general grading guidelines. However each laboratory
sheet will have additional information on how the grading for that lab is carried out. You are
expected to use PDFSam software to extract the relevant laboratory sheet, and complete it
before submitting it to the CourseWeb.

5.1 Late submissions

In general, late submissions are not accepted. All coursework must be submitted via CourseWEB,
and deadlines are strictly enforced. Failure to upload the required material by the deadline
will be treated as a non-submission and may result in a zero grade. Please ensure that your
submissions are completed well in advance to avoid any technical issues.

5.2 Grading table

The following can be used as a rough guideline as to how the different components of the lab
will be assessed. Specific information will be provided within the lab sheet.

Grade item

10 % pre lab quiz

80 % In lab activity

10 % Post lab quiz

6 Laboratory Schedules

Laboratory sessions will be conducted as per the delivery plan provided in the courseweb.

7 Students’ Rights

Laboratory sessions will be conducted with full transparency at all stages. You will be informed
of the grading rubric well in advance of each assessment. It is your right to request access to
your graded lab work to verify that the marking aligns with the published rubric.
Graded coursework will be returned to you either on the same day or during the following
week. This ensures you have the opportunity to review your marks and discuss any discrepancies
with the instructor(s) before final grades are submitted.

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 For any clarifications regarding grading, you are encouraged to contact either the lecturer in
charge or one of the laboratory instructors.

8 Plagiarism

The definitions and ideas in this section are adapted from [Link]. You are
encouraged to visit the site for additional information.
Plagiarism is commonly misunderstood as simply copying someone else’s work or ideas. How-
ever, it encompasses a broader range of unethical practices. According to standard definitions,
plagiarism is:

• Stealing and passing off the ideas or words of another as one’s own.

• Using another’s work without properly crediting the source.

• Committing literary theft.

• Presenting an idea or product as new and original when it is derived from an existing
source.

Most cases of plagiarism can be easily avoided by citing your sources. Properly acknowledging
borrowed material and providing clear references allow your audience to trace the original
source and gives credibility to your work.
Plagiarism will be dealt with seriously. Any student found guilty of plagiarism will
receive a grade of zero for the assignment and will not be permitted to retake or resubmit
the work.

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 Lab 0: Lab Safety, Job Hazards, and
Equipment Basics10

Group Members Names ID Number

Date

10
Use PDFsam program to extract the completed laboratory sheet and upload it to the relevant courseweb dropbox
to be graded.

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9 Lab 0: Lab Safety, Job Hazards, and Equipment Basics

9.1 Objectives

This introductory session marks your first visit to the laboratory. The primary objectives are
to familiarize yourself with fundamental lab safety protocols, recognize common job-related
hazards, and gain a basic understanding of essential laboratory equipment. Please note that
this lab is informational and will not be graded.

9.2 Pre-Lab Activity

In general, the pre-lab activity includes an in-class quiz conducted at the beginning of the lab
session. However, for this particular lab, the instructor will provide the necessary information
during the session, and you will be required to complete the pre-lab activity within the lab
itself.

9.2.1 Lab Safety and Other Relevant Guidelines

You will be introduced to the laboratory environment, including essential safety protocols and
operational procedures. This foundational knowledge is critical for maintaining a safe and
productive laboratory experience.
A detailed set of laboratory guidelines will be made available on Courseweb for your reference.
All students are expected to review these materials thoroughly and ensure they understand the
safety measures in place. Instructors will also brief you on the specific safety procedures to be
followed within the laboratory.
After completing the activity, you are required to check each of the provided boxes to confirm
your understanding of the safety requirements. By signing this document, you acknowledge
your responsibility and agree to comply with all established safety protocols.

# Safety Protocol Agreement

I have identified the locations of fire extinguishers both inside and

1.
outside the laboratory.
I am aware of how to operate a fire extinguisher in case of an emer-
2.
gency.
I know the location of the emergency circuit breaker and understand
3.
how to operate it.
I have identified the exit doors of the laboratory in case evacuation
4.
is required.
I am aware of the proper attire required when attending laboratory
5.
sessions.
6. I carry a list of emergency contact numbers with me.
I have read and understood the safety notices posted within the
7.
laboratory.

Full Name Signature

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9.2.2 Jab hazard evaluation

Filling out the Job Hazard Form before attending a practical class is a critical safety measure. It
ensures that students are fully aware of the potential risks associated with laboratory work and
confirms their understanding of the necessary safety procedures, including the proper use of
personal protective equipment and emergency response protocols. This process promotes a
culture of responsibility and accountability, encouraging students to take ownership of their
safety and that of others. Additionally, it helps institutions comply with legal and regulatory
requirements related to occupational health and safety. Most importantly, it enhances overall
preparedness and significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents during laboratory sessions.
In order to facilitate this, the instructors will present you with a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
form. Please fill it and sign the compliance given below.

I have completed the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) form after carefully considering the
potential hazards associated with the experiments and have identified appropriate
mitigation measures.

Full Name Signature

9.3 Laboratory Activity

In this lab, you will become familiar with some of the equipment that will be used in future
sessions. You will also conduct a brief experiment to learn how to use a breadboard for circuit
construction.

9.3.1 Introduction to Equipment

There are three basic laboratory equipment you will be using. They are

• Function Generator

• Digital Multimeter

• DC Power Supply

• Oscilloscope

• Bread board.

This short video provides an overview of how to use the function gen-
erator, digital multimeter, DC power supply, and oscilloscope. User
manuals for the equipment will also be available on the course website.

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9.3.2 Understanding Bread Board Connections

The figure below illustrates the general layout of a section of a breadboard. The internal
connections are highlighted in red, and all other rows parallel to the red lines follow the same
connection pattern.

F D

C
A B

Using two jumper wires and a digital multimeter in Ω mode, measure the resistance between
the specified points. Record your readings.

Between Resistance (Ω) Conclusion (Open/Short)

A and B

A and C

C and G

G and E

E and D

E and F

This short video provides an overview of how to use breadboard for

circuit connections. You can experiment with components to completely
understand the concept of solder less connections.

9.3.3 Understanding Bread Board Connections via a Simple Circuit

In this activity, you will work with a simple LED circuit and learn how
to test it using various pieces of equipment to become familiar with
their operation. Begin by reviewing the circuit construction in the short
video provided in the link.

LA.1 Construct the circuit shown in Figure 9.1 on the breadboard.

LA.2 Identify the anode and cathode of the LED.

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 LED

DC Source +
− Resistor

Figure 9.1

LA.3 Set the DC source voltage to 5 V and select a 1 kΩ resistor (color code: brown-black-red)
to complete the circuit.

LA.4 Using a digital multimeter in DC mode, measure the voltage across the DC source, the
LED, and the resistor. Record your readings in the table below.

Element Voltage (V)

DC Source

LED

Resistor

Write your observations related to the measured values.

LA.5 Replace the DC source with the function generator as shown in the Figure 9.2 below.
Configure it as follows: Waveform type: Square wave, Frequency: 5 Hz, Amplitude: 5 V,
Duty cycle: 25%.

LA.6 Change the duty cycle and record your observations.

Duty Cycle Observation

25%

50%

75%

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 LED

Function Generator Resistor

Figure 9.2

9.4 Post-Lab Activity

PL.1 Research and explain the operation of a diode.

PL.2 Skim through the user manuals of the listed equipment and familiarize yourself with their
operating specifications.

PL.3 Study the resistor color code and understand how it is used to determine the resistance
value.

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 Lab 1: Lab test equipment, basic DC
measurements and Ohms law

Group Members Names ID Number

Date

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10 Lab 1: Lab test equipment, basic DC measurements and Ohms law

In order for you to become and effective engineer you need to know how to efficiently handle
equipment, have some idea about the limitations of such equipment, and the measurement
standards you will have to observe. As you carry out the lab you are expected to identify the
salient facts related to the above three issues.

10.1 Objectives

The objectives of this laboratory is to understand how to effectively use the equipment to obtain
an accurate readings. It will also extend knowledge to understand meter loading and direction
of measurements.

10.2 LO-PO Mapping

PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12

LO1

LO2

LO4

H indicates a high correlation between the LO and the PO, L indicates a low correlation, and M
indicates a medium correlation.

10.3 Pre-Lab Activity

Please answer the following questions in preparation for the upcoming laboratory exercise.
Completing these questions will both deepen your background knowledge of the topic and help
you prepare for the Pre-Lab quiz, which will be given at the beginning of the lab session. No
additional submissions are required for these pre-lab activities.

PL.01 Read the PS-2303 DC power supply user manual and gather the following information: (a)
What are the DC output voltage and current ranges of the power supply unit? (b) Above
what ambient temperature does the power supply fail to meet the specified performance?

PL.02 Based on the User Manual for the Keysight U1231A True RMS digital multimeter (DMM),
answer the following questions:
• What is the nominal input impedance of the multimeter?
• What is the resistance of the DMM when measuring DC voltage?
• Explain the relevance of a True RMS multimeter in measurements.
• What is the accuracy of a 400.0 mA DC current measurement using this DMM?
• What is the minimum DC current value that can be measured by the DMM?

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PL.03 Figure 10.1 shows a series circuit. Use a simulation software to find the current in the
circuit, the voltage drops across each resistor, and the node voltages. Tabulate the results
in Table 10.1.

R1
B C
I 1.8 kΩ

20 V +
− 2.2 kΩ R2

1.5 kΩ
A D
R3

Figure 10.1

Table 10.1

I (mA) VR1 (V) VR2 (V) VR3 (V) VA (V) VB (V) VC (V) VD (V)

PL.04 Use the values VA , VB , VC and VD from Table 10.1 to compute the following:

Table 10.2

VBA (V) VBC (V) VCD (V) VDA (V)

PL.05 Compare the values from Table 10.2 and the corresponding values from Table 10.1 and
comment. We note that VR1 = VBC , VR2 = VCD , and VR3 = VDA .

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PL.06 For Figure 10.2, calculate the voltage across each resistor, the current through each
resistor, and the total current drawn from the supply. Tabulate these calculated results in
Table 10.3 to enable comparison between the theoretical and practical results after the
lab session.

IT

20 V +
− R1 1.8 kΩ R2 2.2 kΩ R3 1.5 kΩ

I1 I2 I3

Figure 10.2

Table 10.3

IT (mA) I1 (mA) I2 (mA) I3 (mA) VR1 (V) VR2 (V) VR3 (V)

PL.07 Use the values from Table 10.3 to show that the circuit in Figure 10.2 satisfies the Kir-
choff’s Current Law (KCL).

10.4 Laboratory Activity

10.4.1 Preamble

In this experiment, we will use basic Ohm’s law to illustrate the use of a DC power supply and
multimeter, measure resistances with the multimeter, understand the polarity of voltage and
current, explore the impact of the voltage reference point, and apply Kirchhoff’s voltage and
current laws.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.020 20

10.4.2 Apparatus and Quality Inputs

The following apparatus and quality inputs should be used for the experiment.

Item

PS-2303 Dual DC Power supply x 1

Keysight U1231A DMM x 1

Sanwa YX360TRF Analog Multimeter x 1

Resistors 1.5 KΩ x 1, 1.8 KΩ x 1, 2.2 KΩ x 1

Breadboard

The instructors have prepared a comprehensive video walk-through of

the entire lab session, highlighting key challenges you may encounter
during the experiment. It is essential that you watch the video in its
entirety before beginning the lab. As the session is limited to two hours,
adequate preparation—particularly through reviewing this material—is
critical to successfully completing the experiment within the allotted
time.

10.4.3 Laboratory Procedure

LA.01 Use of DC Power Supply and Multimeter for Measurements

LA.01.01 Voltage measurements: When measuring voltages the meter should be con-
nected in parallel to the element being measured and the polarity of the terminals
will decide whether the reading is positive or negative. As such the voltmeter can
be used to determine the polarity of the current flow. Connect a circuit as shown in
Figure 10.3 and observe the readings and comment.

Red Probe Black Probe

+ +

20 V +
− 1.8 KΩ V 20 V +
− 1.8 KΩ V

- -
Black Probe Red Probe
(a) (b)

Figure 10.3

Measure the voltages and record them in Table 10.4. Then, comment on your obser-
vations.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.021 21

 Table 10.4

Figure Voltage (V) Comments/Observations

10.3(a)

10.3(b)

LA.01.02 Current measurements: When measuring current the meter should be con-
nected in series to the element through which the current is measured and the
polarity of the terminals will decide whether the reading is positive or negative. As
such the ammeter can be used to determine the polarity of the current flow similar
to the voltmeter. Connect a circuit as shown in Figure 10.4 and observe the readings.

Red Probe A Black Probe Black Probe A Red Probe

20 V +
− 1.8 KΩ 20 V +
− 1.8 KΩ

(a) (b)

Figure 10.4

Measure the voltages and record them in Table 10.5. Then, comment on your obser-
vations.

Table 10.5

Figure Current (mA) Comments/Observations

10.4(a)

10.4(b)

(Note: After the above exercise you will realize that in future the voltage and currents
should be recorded with the magnitude as well as the direction. That is applicable to all
lab exercises in the future)
LA.01.03 Setting the power supply to have a 300 mA current limit: The procedure to
setup the Master and Slave outputs independently to have a current limit of 300 mA
is given below. This ensures the supply doesn’t deliver more current than this even
under short-circuit or fault conditions. Once the following procedure is completed,
DO NOT re-adjust current controls during this 2-hour laboratory session.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.022 22

 Here’s how its done:
Step 1 : Set the mode selector to Independent. This configures the power supply
so that the Master and Slave outputs operate as two separate power supplies
(Other modes (like Series or Parallel) would combine the channels for higher
voltage or current).
Step 2 : Place a short circuit across the output (for Master first). Connect the positive
and negative terminals of the output together using a wire or similar conductor.
This creates a known zero-ohm load, so all the current is determined by the
power supply’s current limit setting.
Step 3 : Adjust the voltage control to mid-range. Set the voltage knob to around 50%
(e.g., if max is 30V, set it to approximately 15V). This is arbitrary but ensures
there’s enough voltage headroom.
Step 4 : Adjust the current control to 300 mA. Use the current limit knob to adjust
the current while watching the built-in ammeter on the power supply. Because
of the short circuit, the current draw is limited only by the supply. You use this
to precisely set the current limit to 300 mA (DO NOT use a multimeter here–the
power supply’s internal ammeter reflects the actual output current during the
short.)
Step 5 : Repeat the same process for the Slave output Do the exact steps again: short
the Slave output, set voltage to mid-range, adjust current limit to 300 mA. Once
the settings are done remove the short circuit.
LA.01.04 Setting the power supply output voltages for master and slave: Set the DMM
to DC voltage measurement mode. Ensure you connect the red probe to the red
terminal and the black probe to the black terminal of the DC power supply. Measure
and adjust both the Master and Slave output voltages to 20V.
LA.01.05 Using the DMM for Ohm measurements: Set the DMM to resistance measure-
ment mode. Measure a few resistors and record their values in Table 10.6. Compare
these measurements with the values indicated by the color bands.
We note that due to the resistance having a tolerance its calculated
value will have a range. We also should be mindful of how we
measure the resistance using the DMM. The link provides the
pitfalls you should be aware of.

Table 10.6

Color Bands Tolerance Band Calculated value range Measured value

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.023 23

LA.02 Measurements in a Series DC Circuit
LA.02.01 Connect the circuit shown in Figure 10.1 using the correct values of the resis-
tances. Connect the circuit to the Master output of the DC source which should be
already set to 20 V.
LA.02.02 Set the DMM to DC voltage measurement mode and measure the following values,
ensuring that both polarity and magnitude are recorded, in Table 10.7. Additionally,
measure and record the current in the circuit.

Table 10.7

I (mA) VR1 (V) VR2 (V) VR3 (V) VA (V) VB (V) VC (V) VD (V)

LA.02.03 Compare the calculated values in Table 10.1 with the measured values in Ta-
ble 10.7 and provide your observations.

LA.02.04 Explain if the Kirchoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) is satisfied based on your readings
from Table 10.7.

LA.02.05 Use the values VA , VB , VC and VD from Table 10.7 to compute the following:

Table 10.8

VBA (V) VCB (V) VDC (V) VDA (V)

LA.02.06 Compare the values from Table 10.8 and the equivalent values from Table 10.2,
and Table 10.7 and comment.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.024 24

LA.03 Measurements in a Parallel DC Circuit
LA.03.01 Connect the circuit shown in Figure 10.2 using the correct values of the resis-
tances. Connect the circuit to the Master output of the DC source which should be
already set to 20 V.
LA.03.02 Set the DMM to the appropriate mode—DC voltage or current measurement—and
measure and record the values in Table 10.9, ensuring that both polarity and magni-
tude are recorded.

Table 10.9

IT (mA) I1 (mA) I2 (mA) I3 (mA) VR1 (V) VR2 (V) VR3 (V)

LA.03.03 Compare the calculated values in Table 10.9 and the measured values in Ta-
ble 10.3 and provide your observations.

LA.03.04 Use the values from Table 10.9 to show that the circuit in Figure 10.2 satisfies
the Kirchoff’s Current Law (KCL).

10.5 Post-Lab Activity

After successfully completing the laboratory exercise, gather the following information in
preparation for the post-lab assessment. Complete the answers to the questions below, then
attempt the 5-minute quiz. You may either write your answers as an essay or upload a document
with your responses to CourseWeb.

PO.01 What the the consequences of resistor tolerance during measurements?

PO.02 For the series circuit given in Figure 10.1 how would the values in Table 10.1 change if
meter loading is considered.

PO.03 Calculate the maximum currents which can be handled by each of the resistors in Fig-
ure 10.2.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.025 25

Lab 2: Mesh analysis, Nodal analysis, and
Thévenin Equivalent Circuits

Group Members Names ID Number

Date

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.026 26

11 Lab 2: Mesh analysis, Nodal analysis, and Thévenin Equivalent
Circuits

In this laboratory, you will explore three foundational techniques for circuit analysis: mesh anal-
ysis, nodal analysis, and Thévenin’s theorem. These methods provide systematic approaches
to determine voltages and currents in complex electrical networks. Mesh and nodal analyses
simplify circuit equations by focusing on loops and nodes, respectively, using fundamental laws
such as Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws. Thévenin’s theorem allows any linear circuit
to be reduced to an equivalent single voltage source and series resistance, greatly simplifying
the analysis of load behavior. Mastery of these techniques is essential for understanding and
designing efficient electrical systems, and forms the basis for tackling more advanced circuit
challenges in future studies.

11.1 Objectives

The objective of this laboratory experiment is to enable students to systematically compare

simulated, calculated, and experimentally measured results obtained through mesh analysis,
nodal analysis, and Thévenin’s theorem. By analyzing these three approaches, students will
develop a deeper understanding of circuit behavior, identify sources of discrepancies, and
formulate informed conclusions about the practical application and limitations of each method.

11.2 LO-PO Mapping

PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12

LO1

LO2

LO4

H indicates a high correlation between the LO and the PO, L indicates a low correlation, and M
indicates a medium correlation.

11.3 Pre-Lab Activity

Complete the pre-laboratory activities thoroughly to prepare for the upcoming session. These
activities are designed to enhance your understanding of the relevance and importance of
applying circuit analysis methods. You are expected to have your theoretical calculations and
simulation results ready before the pre-lab quiz. During the quiz, you may be required to upload
your calculations and graphs to support your answers.
The circuit in Figure 11.1 will be used to analyze using the Mesh, Nodal, and Thévenin
theories.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.027 27

 R1 VA R3 VB R5
a
120 Ω 330 Ω 100 Ω
R4 470 Ω

E1 20 V I1 R2 820 Ω I2 I3 R6 47 Ω

E2 15 V
R7
b
100 Ω

Figure 11.1

PL.01 Simulation results for Mesh and Nodal Analysis: You may use any SPICE simulation
software of your choice to perform the following tasks

PL.01.01 Using your chosen SPICE simulation software, recreate the schematic shown
in Figure 11.1. Note that the mesh current I1 corresponds to the branch current
flowing through resistor R1 , while mesh current I2 corresponds to the branch current
through resistor R3 , and so forth.
PL.01.02 Fill in Table 11.1 with the simulated values for the mesh and nodal variables.
Report all values rounded to one decimal place.

Table 11.1

I1 (mA) I2 (mA) I3 (mA) VA (V) VB (V)

PL.02 Theoretical Results for Mesh and Nodal Analysis:

PL.02.01 Calculate the theoretical values of the mesh currents I1 , I2 , and I3 , as well as the
node voltages VA and VB , using appropriate circuit analysis methods.
PL.02.02 Record the computed values in Table 11.2, rounding each value to one decimal
place.

Table 11.2

I1 (mA) I2 (mA) I3 (mA) VA (V) VB (V)

PL.03 Compare the simulated and theoretical values, and provide a detailed commentary on
their agreement or discrepancies. Discuss whether the results validate Kirchhoff’s Voltage
Law (KVL) and Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) within the context of the analysis. Highlight

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.028 28

 any observed deviations and possible reasons, such as measurement tolerances, simulation
assumptions, or component non-idealities.

PL.04 Simulation Results for Thévenin Theorem

PL.04.01 Remove resistor R6 as the load resistor. Using current and voltage probes, deter-
mine the open-circuit voltage Vab and the short-circuit current Iab at the terminals.
Calculate the Thévenin equivalent resistance as Rth = Vab /Iab .
PL.04.02 Record the simulation results in Table 11.3.

Table 11.3

Vab (V) Iab (mA) Rth (Ω)

PL.05 Theoretical results for the Thévenin Theorem

PL.05.01 Remove resistor R6 as the load resistor, and perform a theoretical calculation
to determine the open-circuit voltage Vab and the short-circuit current Iab at the
terminals. Then, calculate the Thévenin equivalent resistance using the formula
Rth = Vab /Iab .
PL.05.02 Record the theoretical results in Table 11.4.

Table 11.4

Vab (V) Iab (mA) Rth (Ω)

PL.05.03 Replace E1 and E2 with short circuits and calculate the equivalent resistance
Rth and comment.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.029 29

11.4 Laboratory Activity

11.4.1 Preamble

Predicting the performance of various electronic circuits and power networks requires an
engineer to analyze them using a range analysis technique. A few of the fundamental analysis
methods are investigated in this laboratory. This experiment introduces the basic concepts of
DC circuit analysis using Mesh analysis, Nodal analysis, and Thévenin theorems.

11.4.2 Apparatus and Quality Inputs

The following apparatus and quality inputs should be used for the experiment.

Item

PS-2303 Dual DC Power supply x 1

Sanwa CD800a DMM x 1

Resistors 47 Ω x 1, 100 Ω (1/2W) x 2, 330 Ω x 1, 470 Ω x 1, 820 Ω x 1, 120 Ω (1/2W) x 1

Breadboard

The instructors have prepared a comprehensive video walk-through of

the lab session, highlighting key challenges you may encounter during
the experiment. It is essential that you watch the video in its entirety
before beginning the lab. As the session is limited to two hours, ad-
equate preparation—particularly through reviewing this material—is
critical to completing the experiment within the allotted time.

11.4.3 Laboratory Procedure

Ensure that all results are recorded with an accuracy of one decimal place. 1. After setting
the DC power supply control to independent, adjust the current limit for both supply Master
and Slave to 300 mA (as in Laboratory 1). Note that all the following measurements must be
recorded as a magnitude with its polarity (or current direction).

LA.01 Measurement Results for Mesh and Nodal Analysis

LA.01.01 Construct the circuit shown in Figure 11.1 on the breadboard. Use the dual power
supply outputs labeled Master and Slave for sources E1 and E2 , respectively. Align
the circuit orientation with the figure to facilitate accurate measurement. Measure
the mesh (loop) currents and node voltages using the digital multimeter (DMM).
LA.01.02 Compile the simulation results from Table 11.1 and the theoretical results from
Table 11.2. Present these alongside your measured results in Table 11.5 for compre-
hensive comparison.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.030 30

 Table 11.5

Type I1 (mA) I2 (mA) I3 (mA) VA (V) VB (V)

Simulated

Calculated

Measured

LA.01.02 Comment on the results of Table 11.5. Also deduce if the KVL and KCL is satisfied
by the circuit.

LA.02 Measurement Results for Thévenin Theorem.

LA.02.01 Disconnect resistor R6 , assuming it is the load resistor for the Thévenin analysis.
Using a digital multimeter (DMM), measure the open-circuit voltage across terminals
a and b, denoted as Vab = Vth , and the short-circuit current from a to b, denoted as
Isc . Record the measured values in Table 11.6.
LA.02.02 Disconnect the voltage sources E1 and E2 from the circuit, replacing them with
short circuits. Use the DMM to measure the equivalent resistance Rth seen across
terminals a and b. Record the measured resistance in Table 11.6.
LA.02.03 Gather the simulation results from Table 11.3 and the theoretical results from Ta-
ble 11.4. List these along with your measured values in Table 11.6 for comprehensive
comparison and analysis.

Table 11.6

Type Vab (V) Iab (mA) Rth (Ω)

Simulated

Calculated

Measured

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.031 31

 LA.02.04 Comment on the results in Table 11.6.

11.5 Post-Lab Activity

After successfully completing the laboratory exercise, please gather the following information
to prepare for the post-lab assessment. Complete the answers to the questions below. You
may either write your responses in essay form or upload a document with your answers to
CourseWeb.

• Carefully review the laboratory procedure and results.

• Address all questions thoroughly, supporting your answers with relevant data and obser-
vations from the lab.

• Ensure clarity and completeness in your responses.

Once you have completed your written answers, proceed to attempt the 5-minute quiz.

PO.1 Tabulate all the resistors used in the circuit shown in Figure 11.1. For each resistor,
calculate the power dissipation using the measured currents. Use the formula

P = I 2 R,

where P is the power dissipated, I is the current through the resistor, and R is its resistance.
Based on these calculations, propose an appropriate power rating (wattage) for each
resistor to ensure safe operation.

PO.2 Explain the relevance of the tolerance of resistors to the accuracy of the loop current mea-
surement. Discuss how variations in resistor values due to tolerance affect the precision
and reliability of the measured current in the circuit.

PO.3 In activities LA.02.01 and LA.02.02, you obtained the Thévenin resistance using two
different methods. For each method, explain the possible sources of error that may have
affected your results. Discuss how these errors could influence the accuracy and reliability
of the calculated Thévenin resistance.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.032 32

PO.4 In activity LA.02.02, you replaced the voltage sources with a short circuit, which is an
approximation. Instead, the voltage source should be replaced by its internal resistance.
Describe a small experiment to determine the internal resistance of a DC voltage source.
Your explanation should include:

• The experimental setup and procedure, including how to measure the terminal
voltage and current with different load resistors.
• How to use the collected voltage and current data to calculate the internal resistance,
typically by analyzing the voltage-current (V-I) characteristic of the source.
• The relevance of selecting appropriate resistor power ratings to prevent resistor
damage during the experiment, ensuring safety and accuracy.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.033 33

 Lab 3: AC Circuit Measurements

Group Members Names ID Number

Date

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.034 34

12 Lab 3: AC Circuit Measurements

An undergraduate laboratory on AC circuit measurements introduces students to the fundamen-

tal principles and experimental techniques used to analyze alternating current (AC) electrical
circuits. Unlike direct current (DC) circuits, where current flows in one direction, AC circuits
involve current that periodically reverses direction, typically following a sinusoidal waveform.
In these labs, students work with basic components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
Each component responds differently to AC signals: resistors maintain voltage and current in
phase, capacitors cause the current to lead the voltage by 90°, and inductors cause the current
to lag the voltage by 90°.
We then proceed to use the oscilloscope for measurements and a function generator to provide
the AC signal. In this experiment, we will use a simple RC circuit to demonstrate the operation
of the equipment in AC circuits, as well as to explore some key theories related to AC circuit
behavior.

12.1 Objectives

The primary objectives of the lab include:

• Gaining hands-on experience in constructing AC circuits.

• Learning to operate essential test equipment like oscilloscopes, function generators, and
digital multimeters.

• Measuring and analyzing AC quantities such as amplitude, frequency, phase difference,

impedance, and power.

• Understanding the concept of impedance (a combination of resistance and reactance) and

its impact on circuit performance.

Students also learn to apply theoretical knowledge by confirming analytical predictions

through measurement, which is critical for fields like power electronics, communications, and
control systems. Ultimately, these labs help bridge the gap between theory and practice, building
foundational skills for further studies and professional applications in electrical engineering

12.2 LO-PO Mapping

PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12

LO1

LO2

LO4

H indicates a high correlation between the LO and the PO, L indicates a low correlation, and M
indicates a medium correlation.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.035 35

12.3 Pre-Lab Activity

Please answer the following questions in preparation for the upcoming laboratory exercise.
Completing these questions will both deepen your background knowledge of the topic and help
you prepare for the Pre-Lab quiz, which will be given at the beginning of the lab session. No
additional submissions are required for these pre-lab activities.

PL.01 Refer to the user manual for the Keysight U1231A Multimeter to answer the following
questions:
a. What is the nominal input impedance of the Keysight U1231A when measuring AC
voltage?
b. What are the specified frequency limitations for the 50 V range when measuring AC
voltage?
c. It is required to measure the amplitude of a 5 kHz audio signal. Comment, with reasons,
on the suitability of using the Keysight U1231A Multimeter for this task.
d. Is the measured AC value the peak value or the RMS value?

PL.02 Refer to the user manual of the SFG-2110/2100 Digital Function Generator answer the
following questions:
a. What is the frequency range of the Function Generator?
b. List the types of output waveforms available from the Function Generator.
c. What is the maximum amplitude of the output waveform from the function generator?

PL.03 Refer to the User Manual for the Digital Storage Oscilloscope DSO1052B to answer the
following questions
a. List the types of input coupling available.
b. What is the input impedance of the oscilloscope with DC coupling?
c. Does the scope’s input impedance vary with AC or DC coupling setting?
d. What is the VOLTS/DIV range applicable to amplitude measurements?
e. What is the horizontal time base measurement range?
f. What quantities can be measured using the Automatic Measurement function MEA-
SURE?

PL.04 A sinusoidal waveform vin (t) has the following equation.

vin (t) = vm cos(ωt + ϕ) = 2.5 cos(2 × 103 t + 00 ) V.

For the above expression find,

a. The instantaneous value of voltage at t = 0.18 ms, vin (0.18) V.
b. The frequency f of the supply in Hz.
c. Period T of the waveform.
d. The peak to peak value Vp-p of the waveform.
e. The average value Vav of the waveform.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.036 36

 f. The RMS value Vrms of the waveform,
and tabulate the values in Table 12.1.

Table 12.1

f (Hz) T (ms) vin (0.18) (V) Vp-p (V) Vav (V) Vrms (V)

PL.05 A simple RC circuit is given in Figure 12.1

R
A B
+
680 Ω

vin (t) C 0.18 µF vout (t)

GND −

Figure 12.1

PL.05.01 Use a SPICE simulator to find vout (t) if the input signal is vin (t) = 2.5 cos(2 ×
103 t + 00 ) V. Record the parameters listed in Table12.2. Record the voltages as peak
values and the phase shift in degrees.

Table 12.2

Waveform Peak voltage (V) Frequency (Hz) Phase (Degree)

Input vin (t) 00

Output vout (t)

PL.05.02 Draw the waveforms vin (t) and vout (t) on the same graph37
PL.05.05.03 Carry out a theoretical calculation to obtain the same parameters listed in
Table12.2 and compare.

12.4 Laboratory Activity

12.4.1 Preamble

In Lab 1 and 2 we learned how to use equipment related to DC circuits. This lab is designed
to introduce students to the fundamental principles and practical techniques of working with
alternating current (AC) electrical circuits. In this lab, students gain hands-on experience with
37
You may use SPICE to draw these waveforms

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.038 37

common electrical instruments such as oscilloscopes, function generators, digital multimeters,
and breadboards. They learn to measure and analyze various AC quantities including voltage,
current, frequency, and phase, as well as how to construct and troubleshoot basic AC circuits
incorporating components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

12.4.2 Apparatus and Quality Inputs

The following apparatus and quality inputs should be used for the experiment.

Item

Digital Function Generator 33500B x 1

Sanwa CD800a DMM x 1

Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) DSO1052B x 1

Resistor 680 Ω x 1

Capacitor 0.18 µF x 1

Breadboard

The instructors have prepared a comprehensive video walk-through of

the lab session, highlighting key challenges you may encounter during
the experiment. It is essential that you watch the video in its entirety
before beginning the lab. As the session is limited to two hours, ad-
equate preparation—particularly through reviewing this material—is
critical to completing the experiment within the allotted time.

You will be using the DSO and the function generator, which are sophisticated instruments.
Their use should always refer back to the user guides that come with the instruments. For your
convenience, the two user guides are provided below.

DSO1052B Manual 33500B Manual

12.4.3 Laboratory Procedure

LA.01 Use of Digital Oscilloscope

LA.01.01 Turn ON the oscilloscope and wait for the display to stabilize. Follow the proce-
dure outlined in Step 6 on page 26 of the Keysight 1000B Series Oscilloscopes User’s
Guide to perform a low-frequency probe compensation. Specifically, connect the
probe to channel 1 (BNC input) and the probe tip to the PROBE COMP connector on

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.039 38

 the oscilloscope. Press the AUTO SCALE button. Repeat the procedure for channel 2.
The AUTO SCALE feature automatically adjusts the DSO settings to obtain a stable
display of the input waveform. If the correctly compensated square wave is not
displayed, adjust the low-frequency compensation as shown in Figure 4 on page 26
of the manual.
LA.01.02 Adjust the horizontal controls and vertical controls shown in Figure 12.2 and
see how the waveform measurement per division changes.

Figure 12.2

LA.01.03 Use the MEAS function in the Controls menu to determine the waveform fre-
quency (f ), period (T ), peak-to-peak voltage (Vp-p ), rise time (tr ), and pulse width
(τ ). Record these values in Table 12.3 and verify if they agree with the specifications
given in the manual.

Table 12.3

f (Hz) T (ms) Vp-p (V) tr (ms) τ (ms)

LA.02 Coupling the Function Generator to the Oscilloscope

LA.02.01 Setup the function generator to produce the signal vin (t) = 2.5 cos(2×103 t+00 ) V
by following the procedure given below based on the controls in Figure 12.340 . This
40
Slight changes in the front panel may be noticed when using the function generator in the laboratory, however
the operation is similar

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.041 39

 process is outlined in the Agilent 33500 Series Operating and Service Guide page 18.
Select sine waveform via 6 , set the peak-to-peak amplitude to 5 V and the frequency
to 2 kHz by using 7 and keypad 10 (you may alternatively use the knob 11 and
the buttons 12 to do the same thing). Connect the output of the function generator
16 to the Channel 1 of the oscilloscope.

Figure 12.3

LA.02.02 Obtain a stable display and use the MEAS function of the oscilloscope to de-
termine the Frequency (f ), Period (T ), Peak to Peak voltage (Vp-p ), Mean (Vav ) and
rms (Vrms ) Voltages of the waveform and tabulate them in Table 12.4 together with
the calculated values from Table 12.1. You can use the CURSORS to measure the
Peak-to-Peak voltage and the period of the waveform.

Table 12.4

Type f (Hz) T (ms) vin (0.18) (V) Vp-p (V) Vav (V) Vrms (V)

Calculated

Measured

LA.03 Using the Oscilloscope for Signal Phase Measurements

LA.03.01 Connect the circuit shown in Figure 12.1 on a bread board. Connect vin (t) setup
in part LA.02.01 as the input.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.042 40

 LA.03.02 Monitor both the input voltage and the voltage across the capacitor using the
DSO probes. The ground clips of both probes should be connected to point GND in
Figure 12.1. Connect the Channel 1 measuring clip to point A and the Channel 2
measuring clip to point B in Figure 12.1.
LA.03.03 Use the MEAS function on the oscilloscope to measure the peak voltage and
frequency of both the input and output waveforms. With the CURSOR function set to
time, determine the time difference between corresponding points on each waveform,
and then calculate the phase angle (in degrees). For greatest accuracy, measure this
time difference at points with the steepest slope, such as where the waveforms cross
the zero-volt axis. Tabulate all results in Table 12.5.

Table 12.5

Waveform Peak voltage (V) Frequency (Hz) Phase (Degree)

Input vin (t) 00

Output vout (t)

Here vout (t) = vC (t) is the voltage across the capacitor C.

LA.03.04 Compare the calculated values in Table 12.2 and the measured values in Ta-
ble 12.5 and comment.

LA.03.05 In order to measure the voltage across the resistor we modify the circuit as shown
in Figure 12.4. This is because the DSO can only measure voltages with respect to
the ground GND (the zero-voltage reference point).
LA.03.06 Follow the procedure outlined in LA.03.02 and LA.03.03 to obtain the same
measurements and tabulate them in Table 12.6.

Table 12.6

Waveform Peak voltage (V) Frequency (Hz) Phase (Degree)

Input vin (t) 00

Output vout (t)

Here vout (t) = vR (t) is the voltage across the resistor R.

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.043 41

 C
A B
+

0.18 µF
vin (t) R 680 Ω vout (t)

GND −

Figure 12.4

LA.03.07 Convert the signals measured in Table 12.5 and Table 12.6 into time domain
signals and show that vin (t) = vR (t) + vC (t).

12.5 Post-Lab Activity

After successfully completing the laboratory exercise, please gather the following information
to prepare for the post-lab assessment. Complete the answers to the questions below. You
may either write your responses in essay form or upload a document with your answers to
CourseWeb.
Once you have completed your written answers, proceed to attempt the 5-minute quiz.

PO.01 Comment on the phase difference between vin (t) and vR (t), and between vin (t) and vC (t).

PO.02 Using the measured voltages and phase angles, calculate the circuit current.

PO.03 Calculate the power factor of the circuit using both the calculated and the measured
voltage values, then compare the results.

PO.04 If you increase the frequency of vin (t) to 2 kHz, how would the values in Table 12.5 and
Table 12.6 change?

PO.05 Is there any alternative method to measure vR (t) without using the procedure outlined
in LA.03.05/LA.03.06?

The EC1022ElectricalSystemsLaboratoryGuideBook package, v2.044 42