RC Networks and complex numbers

In summary, The conversation is discussing the calculation of the capacitance in a series RC load impedance, with a given resistance of 60 Ohms and a complex impedance of 60 - j80. The equation for the impedance of a capacitor is mentioned and it is explained that the imaginary component on the complex plane is associated with the capacitance. The frequency of 2GHz is mentioned and it is clarified that the 80 in the complex number represents the impedance of the capacitor. The conversation concludes with the understanding that the equation given can be used to calculate the capacitance in the given scenario.
  • #1
OnceMore
23
1
Hello.

I maybe should have put this in the maths section, but it is related to electronics, so I figured here.

I am reading Microwave Engineering by Pozar, and in one of the examples, it says that the series RC load impedance is ZL = 60 - j80, so the resistance is 60 Ohms and the capacitance is 0.995pF. But is doesn't expalin how that C value was arrived at.

I was initially thinking that this was arrived at by comverting to polar form, but that doesn't seem to be it.

Could someone please help me with this?

Thanks.

-S
 
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  • #2
The impedance of a capacitor is given by,
[tex]Z_C=\frac{1}{j\omega{C}}[/tex]
which given a RC network, would be associated with the imaginary component on the complex plane.
 
  • #3
Thanks :)

Okay, so, I know the frequency is 2GHz, which gets me ω. But what is Zc, is that the 80 in the complex number?

-S
 
  • #4
Yes. The impedance of a network is given in the form Z=R+jX, where resistances are the real parts, and inductors and capacitors are the imaginary part. By plugging your values into the equation I gave you, you will indeed see that it is -j80!
 
  • #5
I get it now.

Many thanks!

-S
 

1. What is an RC network?

An RC network is a type of electrical circuit that consists of a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) connected in series or in parallel. It is commonly used in electronics to filter and process signals.

2. What is the purpose of an RC network?

The purpose of an RC network is to manipulate the behavior of an electrical signal. It can be used to filter out certain frequencies, create time delays, or perform other signal processing tasks.

3. How do complex numbers relate to RC networks?

In an RC network, the impedance (total resistance to the flow of current) is a complex number. This is because the capacitor has a reactance (resistance to AC current) that is dependent on frequency and is represented by the imaginary unit, j. Therefore, complex numbers are used to calculate the behavior of RC networks.

4. What is the significance of the RC time constant?

The RC time constant is the time it takes for the voltage across a capacitor in an RC network to reach approximately 63% of its maximum value when charged or discharged. It is an important parameter in determining the time response of an RC network and is calculated by multiplying the resistance value (R) by the capacitance value (C).

5. How do you analyze an RC network using complex numbers?

To analyze an RC network using complex numbers, you can use techniques such as impedance matching, voltage division, and current division. By representing the different components of the network as complex numbers, you can use algebraic operations to determine the overall impedance and voltage or current values in the circuit.

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