7

Parallel R, L, C Circuits
Objective
This exercise examines the voltage and current relationships in parallel R, L, C networks. Of particular
importance is the phase of the various components and how Kirchhoff’s current law is extended for AC
circuits. Both time domain and phasor plots of the currents are generated. A technique to measure current
using a current sense resistor will also be explored.

Theory Overview
Recall that for resistors, the voltage is always in phase with the current, for capacitors the voltage always
lags the current by 90 degrees, and for inductors the voltage always leads the current by 90 degrees.
Because each element has a unique phase response between +90 and -90 degrees, a parallel combination
of R, L, and C components will yield a complex impedance with a phase angle between +90 and -90
degrees. Due to the phase response, Kirchhoff’s current law must be computed using vector (phasor)
sums rather than simply relying on the magnitudes. Indeed, all computations of this nature, such as a
current divider, must be computed using vectors.

Equipment
(1) AC function generator model: srn:
(1) Oscilloscope model: srn:

Components
(1) 10 nF actual:
(1) 10 mH actual:
(1) 1 k actual:
(3) 10  actual:
actual:
actual:
Schematics

Figure 7.1 Figure 7.2

Figure 7.3

Procedure

RC Circuit

1. Using Figure 7.1 with a 10 V p-p 10 kHz source, R=1 k, and C=10 nF, determine the theoretical
capacitive reactance and circuit impedance, and record the results in Table 7.1 (the experimental
portion of this table will be filled out in step 6). Using the current divider rule, compute the
resistor and capacitor currents and record them in Table 7.2.

2. Build the circuit of Figure 7.1 using R=1 k, and C=10 nF. A common method to measure current
using the oscilloscope is to place a small current sense resistor in line with the current of interest. If
the resistor is much smaller than the surrounding reactances it will have a minimal effect on the
current. Because the voltage and current of the resistor are always in phase with each other, the
relative phase of the current in question must be the same as that of the sensing resistor’s voltage.
Each of the three circuit currents will be measured separately and with respect to the source in
order to determine relative phase. To measure the total current, place a 10  resistor between
ground and the bottom connection of the parallel components. Set the generator to a 10 V p-p sine
wave at
10 kHz. Make sure that the Bandwidth Limit of the oscilloscope is engaged for both channels. This
will reduce the signal noise and make for more accurate readings. Also, consider using waveform
averaging, particularly to clean up signals derived via the Math function.
3. Place probe one across the generator and probe two across the sense resistor. Measure the voltage
across the sense resistor, calculate the corresponding total current via Ohm’s law and record in
Table
7.2. Along with the magnitude, be sure to record the time deviation between the sense waveform and
the input signal (from which the phase may be determined eventually).

4. Remove the main sense resistor and place one 10  resistor between the capacitor and ground to
serve as the capacitor current sense. Place a second 10  resistor between the resistor and ground
to sense the resistor current. Leave probe one at the generator and move probe two across the sense
resistor in the resistor branch. Repeat the Ohm's law process to obtain its current, recording the
magnitude and phase angle in Table 7.2. Finally, move probe two so that it is across the capacitor’s
sense resistor. Measure and record the appropriate values in Table 7.2. Note that if you are using a
four channel oscilloscope, simultaneous input, resistor and capacitor measurements are possible.

5. Move probe one to the resistor’s sense resistor and leave probe two at the capacitor’s sense resistor.
Save a picture of the oscilloscope displaying the voltage waveforms representing iR, iC and iin (i.e., the
Math waveform computed from iR + iC).

6. Compute the deviations between the theoretical and experimental values of Table 7.2 and record the
results in the final columns of Table 7.2. Based on the experimental values, determine the
experimental Z and XC values via Ohm’s law (XC=VC/iC, Z=Vin/iin) and record back in Table 7.1 along
with the deviations.

7. Create a phasor plot showing iin, iC, and iR. Include both the time domain display from step 4 and
the phasor plot with the technical report.

RL Circuit

8. Replace the capacitor with the 10 mH inductor (i.e. Figure 7A.2), and repeat steps 1 through 7 in
like manner, using Tables 7.3 and 7.4.

RLC Circuit

9. Using Figure 7.3 with both the 10 nF capacitor and 10 mH inductor (and a third sense resistor),
repeat steps 1 through 7 in like manner, using Tables 7.5 and 7.6. Note that it will not be possible to
see all four waveforms simultaneously in step 5 if a two channel oscilloscope is being used. For a
four channel oscilloscope, place a probe across each of the three sense resistors.
 Data Tables

RC Circuit

Theory Experimental % Deviation

Table 7.1

Theory Mag Theory θ Exp Mag Exp Delay Exp θ % Dev Mag % Dev θ
iC
iR
iin

Table 7.2

RL Circuit

Theory Experimental % Deviation

Table 7.3

Theory Mag Theory θ Exp Mag Exp Delay Exp θ % Dev Mag % Dev θ
iL
iR
iin

Table 7.4
RLC Circuit

Theory Experimental % Deviation

Table 7.5

Theory Mag Theory θ Exp Mag Exp Delay Exp θ % Dev Mag % Dev θ
iC
iL
iR
iin

Table 7.6

Questions
1. What is the phase relationship between R, L, and C components in a parallel AC circuit?

2. Based on measurements, does Kirchhoff’s current law apply to the three tested circuits (show work)?

3. In general, how would the phasor diagram of Figure 7.1 change if the frequency was raised?

4. In general, how would the phasor diagram of Figure 7.2 change if the frequency was lowered?