Experiment 1: Frequency Response of
Series RLC Circuit & Bode Plot Analysis
Objectives
- Construct a series RLC circuit and observe its response.
- Analyze voltage and phase shift behavior with varying frequency.
- Determine the resonant frequency of the circuit.
- Plot Bode magnitude and phase plots using experimental data.
Apparatus and Components
Component Specification
Function Generator Sine wave, variable frequency
Dual Channel Oscilloscope 2-channel
Breadboard Standard
Resistor (R) 12 kΩ
Inductor (L) 68 mH
Capacitor (C) 0.01 µF
Digital Multimeter (DMM) Optional (for Vin & Vout)
Jumper Wires As required
Theory Overview
A series RLC circuit exhibits resonance when the inductive reactance equals the capacitive
reactance:
ω₀ = 1/√(LC), f₀ = 1/(2π√(LC))
Impedance of the circuit:
Z = √(R² + (ωL - 1/ωC)²)
Gain (in dB):
Gain (dB) = 20 log₁₀(Vout/Vin)
Phase shift (φ) between input and output:
φ = arctan((ωL - 1/ωC) / R)
Experimental Procedure
Part A: Circuit Construction
1. Connect the following series RLC circuit on a breadboard:
Function Generator (+) → R → L → C → Function Generator (− / Ground)
2. Connect:
- Oscilloscope CH1 across the input (Vin).
- Oscilloscope CH2 across the resistor (Vout = VR).
Part B: Data Collection for Bode Plot
1. Set the function generator to produce a sine wave at 100 Hz.
2. For each selected frequency (e.g., 100 Hz to 10 kHz):
- Record Vin and Vout using the oscilloscope.
- Calculate Gain (dB).
- Measure time difference between CH1 and CH2 waveforms to find phase delay:
φ = 360° × f × Δt
3. Suggested frequency sweep points: 100 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 5 kHz, 10 kHz
Data Table Template
Frequency Vin (V) Vout (V) Gain (dB) Δt (s) Phase Shift
(Hz) (°)
Part C: Plotting the Bode Plot
1. Plot Gain (dB) vs. Frequency (log scale).
2. Plot Phase Shift (°) vs. Frequency (log scale).
3. Mark the resonant frequency on the plots.
Calculations
- Calculate the theoretical resonant frequency:
f₀ = 1/(2π√(LC)) = 1/(2π√(68×10⁻³ × 0.01×10⁻⁶))
- Compare with the experimental resonance point (peak gain or zero phase shift).
Discussion Questions
1. How does the voltage across R vary with frequency?
2. What is the significance of the resonance point on your Bode plot?
3. Is your circuit more inductive or capacitive at frequencies below and above resonance?
4. How does damping (resistance) affect the sharpness of the resonance peak?
Conclusion
Summarize your observations:
- Was the theoretical resonance frequency close to the experimental?
- Did the Bode plot match the expected shape for a series RLC circuit?