Applying a square wave (from 0 to 5V) on a RC circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of a square wave (0 to 5V) on an RC circuit, where the output across the resistor exhibits both positive and negative values. This phenomenon occurs due to the capacitor acting as a DC blocking component, which eliminates the DC offset from the square wave. The phase difference of -90 degrees between voltage and current in the capacitor further contributes to this behavior. The term "DC blocking capacitor" is crucial in understanding the circuit's operation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RC circuit fundamentals
  • Knowledge of capacitor behavior in AC and DC circuits
  • Familiarity with square wave signals
  • Basic concepts of phase difference in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the role of DC blocking capacitors in circuit design
  • Learn about the frequency response of RC circuits
  • Explore the effects of phase shift in capacitive circuits
  • Investigate square wave generation and its applications in electronics
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Electronics students, circuit designers, and engineers interested in understanding the behavior of capacitors in AC applications and the implications of DC blocking in signal processing.

brad sue
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Hi,
I am working with capacitor now and I have this question. I am applying a square wave (from 0 to 5V) on a RC circuit.
At the output ( at the resistor) I get a positive and negative values? why is that ?
I am suspecting the fact that the capacitor create a phase difference of -90 degree(between voltage and current)..but I cannot figure out the correct answer.
please can someone help me?
 
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The capacitor is blocking the DC component of your 0-5V square wave. The DC offset of the driving source does not matter if you couple it to the load resistor with a capacitor. The cap is referred to as a DC blocking capacitor in this configuration.
 
Thank you very much berkeman!
 

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