Measuring the damping frequency from an oscilloscope reading

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring the damping frequency from oscilloscope readings in a circuit simulation using LTSpice. Participants explore concepts related to undamped natural frequency, damped frequency of oscillation, and the effects of damping elements in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states equations for the damping ratio and asks how to find the undamped natural frequency from oscilloscope readings.
  • Another participant asserts that the frequency of the green signal represents the damped frequency of oscillation and suggests using the provided equations to find the undamped frequency.
  • A participant inquires if the undamped frequency corresponds to the frequency of the rising portion of the signal in a critically damped scenario.
  • It is mentioned that the undamped frequency is the natural frequency of the circuit, which would be the frequency of oscillation without damping elements.
  • Another participant clarifies that the natural frequency cannot be determined by simply removing resistors from the circuit, as it is inherently part of the transfer function.
  • A later reply suggests that the ongoing discussion might be helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of how to identify the undamped natural frequency and the role of damping elements, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on specific equations and circuit characteristics, but there are limitations regarding assumptions about the circuit configuration and the definitions of terms like "natural frequency" and "damped frequency."

Boltzman Oscillation
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Homework Statement
From the oscilloscope reading, find the undamped frequency of oscillation, damped exponent, and damped frequency of oscillation if the damping ratio is .1.
Relevant Equations
shown below
I know the following equations for if the damping ratio is less than 1:
$$\sigma = -\zeta \omega_n$$
$$\omega = \sqrt{(1 - \zeta ^2)\omega^2_n}$$
I am given the following circuit that I built on LTSpice:
cirucit.png

Measuring the voltage between node 2 and ground (blue), and the voltage Vc4(t) (green) I get the following reading:
1570766890109.png

what is the undamped frequency of oscillation, damped exponent, and damped frequency of oscillation? All I really need is the undamped natural frequency because I will be able to use the formulas to find the rest. How can I find it? Is it just the frequency of the green signal? Vc4(t)?
 
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The frequency of the green squiggle is the damped frequency of oscillation. You'd have to use your equation to solve for the undamped frequency.
 
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Anachronist said:
The frequency of the green squiggle is the damped frequency of oscillation. You'd have to use your equation to solve for the undamped frequency.
Ah I guessed as much. In a critically damped scenario i get the following reading:
1570777882082.png

this time the blue line is my capacitor voltage. I am asked for the undamped frequency, is this just the frequency of the rising portion of the signal?
 
Boltzmann Oscillation said:
I am asked for the undamped frequency, is this just the frequency of the rising portion of the signal?
It is the natural frequency of the circuit i.e. the frequency with which the output would oscillate had there been no damping element(s).
 
cnh1995 said:
It is the natural frequency of the circuit i.e. the frequency with which the output would oscillate had there been no damping element(s).
Ah so without the resistors.
 
Boltzmann Oscillation said:
Ah so without the resistors.
Yes, but you can't find it by removing the resistors in the original circuit. The natural frequency term appears automatically in the transfer function.
 

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