RESONANCE
SERIES RESONANCE
For an R–L–C series circuit, when XL =XC, the applied voltage V and the current I are in phase. This effect is
called series resonance. At resonance:
1. VL =VC
2. Z =R (i.e. the minimum circuit impedance possible in an L–C–R circuit)
3. I =V/R (i.e. the maximum current possible in an L–C–R circuit)
4. Since XL =XC, then 2πfrL =1/2πfrC from which,
fr2= 1/(2π)2 LC and fr = 1/2π√LC Hz
where fr is the resonant frequency.
5. The series resonant circuit is often described as an acceptor circuit since it has its minimum
impedance, and thus maximum current, at the resonant frequency.
6. Typical graphs of current I and impedance.
Q-factor
At resonance, if R is small compared with XL and XC, it is possible for VL and VC to have voltages many
times greater than the supply voltage
Voltage magnification at resonance = voltage across L (or C) ÷ supply voltage V
This ratio is a measure of the quality of a circuit (as a resonator or tuning device) and is called the Q-
factor.
Hence
Q-factor = VL /V = IXL /IR = XL/R = 2πfrL/R
Alternatively,
Q-factor = VC/V = IXC/IR = XC/R = 1/2πfrCR
Bandwidth and Selectivity
Figure 15.22 shows how current I varies with frequency in an R–L–C series circuit. At the resonant
frequency fr , current is a maximum value, shown as Ir . Also shown are the points A and B where the
current is 0.707 of the maximum value at frequencies f1 and f2. The power delivered to the circuit is [Link]
I =0.707 Ir , the power is (0.707 Ir)2R=0.5 I2r R, i.e. half the power that occurs at frequency fr . The points
corresponding to f1 and f2are called the half-power points. The distance between these points, i.e. ( f2
−f1), is called the bandwidth.
Selectivity is the ability of a circuit to respond more readily to signals of a particular frequency to which it
is tuned than to signals of other frequencies. The response becomes progressively weaker as the
frequency departs from the resonant frequency. The higher the Q-factor, the narrower the bandwidth and
the more selective is the circuit. Circuits having high Q-factors (say, in the order of 100 to 300) are
therefore useful in communications engineering. A high Q-factor in a series power circuit has
disadvantages in that it can lead to dangerously high voltages across the insulation and may result in
electrical breakdown.
PARALLEL RESONANCE
Comparison of Series and Parallel Resonance with Q-Factor
Series Resonance
Definition: Occurs in a series RLC circuit when inductive reactance (XLX_LXL) equals capacitive
reactance (XCX_CXC).
Key Characteristics:
o Circuit impedance is minimum (equals RRR), allowing maximum current flow.
o Voltage across LLL and CCC can be much higher than the supply voltage due to resonance.
o Used in applications like tuning circuits and radio receivers.
Q-Factor:
o Defined as: Q=ω0LR=1ω0CRQ = \frac{\omega_0 L}{R} = \frac{1}{\omega_0 C R}Q=Rω0L
=ω0CR1
o A high Q-factor results in:
Narrow bandwidth.
High voltage magnification.
Increased selectivity and reduced energy loss.
Parallel Resonance
Definition: Occurs in a parallel RLC circuit when the total reactive admittance is zero (inductive
and capacitive admittances cancel out).
Key Characteristics:
o Circuit impedance is maximum, theoretically infinite in an ideal circuit.
o Source current is minimized.
o Used in filter circuits to pass or block specific frequencies.
Q-Factor:
o Defined as: Q=Rω0L=ω0CRQ = \frac{R}{\omega_0 L} = \omega_0 C RQ=ω0LR=ω0CR
o A high Q-factor results in:
Narrow bandwidth.
High current magnification.
Enhanced selectivity and reduced energy loss.
Summary of Differences
Aspect Series Resonance Parallel Resonance
Impedance Minimum (equals RRR). Maximum (theoretically infinite).
Current Maximum at resonance. Minimum at resonance.
Current magnification in the
Voltage/Current Voltage magnification across LLL and CCC.
branches.
Q-Factor Formula Q=ω0LRQ = \frac{\omega_0 L}{R}Q=Rω0L Q=ω0CRQ = \omega_0 C RQ=ω0CR
Applications Tuning circuits, oscillators. Filters, amplifiers.