Multi inductor or capacitor RLC circuits

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the natural frequency of RLC circuits, particularly focusing on circuits with multiple inductors and capacitors. Participants explore the implications of circuit complexity on natural frequency calculations and the methods for analyzing such circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the standard equation for the natural frequency of an RLC circuit and questions how it changes with multiple inductors or capacitors.
  • Another participant suggests that multiple LC circuits do not yield a single natural frequency, indicating that different tanks can resonate at vastly different frequencies.
  • There is a mention of the complexity of the waveform resulting from multiple damped frequencies in such circuits.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding literature on calculating natural frequencies for complex circuits.
  • Concerns are raised about the transient behavior of circuits requiring advanced tools like Laplace transforms for accurate analysis.
  • Phasors are introduced as a potential method for analyzing AC circuits, suggesting a similarity to resistor analysis but with complex impedances.
  • A participant indicates a plan to limit their program's capabilities to avoid handling overly complex frequency computations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that calculating natural frequencies in complex RLC circuits is not straightforward and may not yield a single frequency. There is no consensus on the best approach to analyze such circuits, with differing opinions on the necessity of advanced mathematical tools.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential for missing assumptions regarding circuit configurations and the complexity of transient behavior analysis. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the applicability of various mathematical techniques to the problem at hand.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in circuit analysis, particularly those dealing with complex RLC circuits and seeking to understand the implications of multiple components on natural frequency calculations.

ricc
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
So I know that the equation for the natural frequency of an RLC circuit is:
ω0=(LC)-1/2
I'm just wondering how this would change for a circuit with more than one inductor or capacitor. Say for instance an inductor in parallel with a capacitor, both connected in series to another inductor.

Cheers in advance for any help you can give me.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Do you know how to perform circuit analysis on a circuit like you described?
 
ricc,
With multiple LRCs you don't get a single natural frequency. One LC tank can be resonating at 1GHz while another is resonating at 1MHz. Your step or impulse response will likely be a more complicated waveform consisting of a superposition of multiple damped frequencies. Have you studied Laplace transforms yet?
 
Up until now I though I could. I can find total impedance and everything, it's just getting the frequency for complicated circuits like this. I can't find any literature on it either.
 
the_emi_guy
No, I haven't done laplace transforms. I'm asking this because I'm doing a computer project and want my programme to be able to give me the natural frequency. Laplace transforms sound a bit too out of scope for this.
 
ricc
Unfortunately there may not be a single natural frequency.
Total impedance is relatively easy to compute because it involves steady-state behavior of the circuit. Transient behavior of the circuit, which would include natural frequencies, requires a more advanced set of tools such as Laplace transforms.
 
ricc, did you learn how to use phasors in AC circuit analysis?

The actual circuit analysis is very similar to what you might have done with resistors, but now you have complex impedances instead of just resistance.

You can use a phasors approach or laplace transform to consider single frequencies or a transfer function that will tell you how the circuit behaves over the frequency spectrum.
 
the_emi_guy
Ah well, thanks for your help. I can just put a limiting factor in the programme to stop it from trying to compute this type of problem.
 

Similar threads

Basic question about RLC circuits
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Formula for Resonant Frequency of 2 Metal Coaxial Cylinders?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Q-Factor in Series-Parallel Shunt Circuits
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
What explains the current flow in a LC circuit?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
About the definition of resonance frequency
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
7K
Exploring LRC AC Series Circuits
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Understanding RLC Circuits: How Do I Calculate Currents for Each Component?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
EM Waves Generated by an LC Circuit?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
RLC Circuit with a Gyrator as an Inductor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Transforming DC to AC: The Role of Inductors and Capacitors in RLC Circuits
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
6K