Solving for C in terms of L: Find C in RLC Circuit for 950kHz Station

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the capacitance \( C \) in an RLC circuit to tune into a specific AM radio station frequency of 950 kHz, considering the circuit's response and bandwidth requirements. Participants are exploring the relationships between resistance \( R \), inductance \( L \), and capacitance \( C \) for effective reception.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to use gain formulas and resonant frequency concepts to relate \( C \) to \( L \) and the frequency. There are questions about the implications of bandwidth and the definitions of parameters like \( Q \). Some participants suggest specific formulas for \( C \) based on resonant frequency considerations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on the relationships between circuit parameters and questioning the assumptions regarding bandwidth. There is no clear consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being explored, including the implications of the Q factor and bandwidth definitions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are noting the complexity of the problem and the potential confusion regarding the definitions of bandwidth in the context of AM radio signals. There is also acknowledgment of the challenge posed by the course's focus on differential equations rather than circuit theory.

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Homework Statement


You are building a simple passive AM radio using a series RLC circuit with an voltage source of V sin(omega*t) and the voltage drop V_R across the resistor as the system response.

You would like to know the relations between the values of R,L,and C in order to tune to a station at 950kHz and with good enough reception. The bandwidth of the AM radio station is about 10 kHz. By good enough reception, you mean that the gain of V_R should drop to a small fraction, say 1/10 of the maximum gain at the two boundary frequencies v_1 kHz and v_2 kHz.

Find C (with units microF) in terms of L (with units H) and v=950,000 Hz. (Remember omega has units rad/s, which are equivalent to units of 1/(2*pi)Hz.)

(Substitute v=950,000 Hz, enter in terms of L)

There is also the second question but perhaps I will be able to solve it on my own if I get this one right.2. The attempt at a solution

I tried to use the formula for gain squared (with all information provided) but it gets very complicated. I am on the wrong track, I think.

(95^2=(r^2*omega^2)/((1/c-l*omega^2)^2+r^2*omega^2))

95^2=(r^2*(10+omega)^2)/((1/c-l*(10+omega)^2)^2+r^2*(10+omega)^2)

where v_1=2*pi*omega
v_2=2*pi*(omega+10)

 

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Consider the resonant frequency of the LC circuit, when XL = –XC.
Consider the ratio XL/R and the Q of the circuit.
 
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Baluncore said:
Consider the resonant frequency of the LC circuit, when XL = –XC.
Consider the ratio XL/R and the Q of the circuit.

Something like this: C= 1/((950000*2*pi)^2*l) ?
 
Last edited:
Baluncore said:
Consider the resonant frequency of the LC circuit, when XL = –XC.
Consider the ratio XL/R and the Q of the circuit.

Q=95? I am not sure.

The second question: Find R (with units of kiloOhms) in terms of L (with units H) and v=950 kHz.

1000*L ?
 
Poetria said:
Something like this: C= 1/((950000*2*pi)^2*l) ?
Yes.

Poetria said:
Q=95? I am not sure.
Maybe, but first;
Poetria said:
The bandwidth of the AM radio station is about 10 kHz.
Is that the bandwidth of the audio AF to be transmitted, or of the RF channel allocated in the radio spectrum?
An AM RF signal has symmetrical upper and lower sidebands, so it needs twice the audio bandwidth in the RF channel.
 
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Baluncore said:
Yes.Maybe, but first;

Is that the bandwidth of the audio AF to be transmitted, or of the RF channel allocated in the radio spectrum?
An AM RF signal has symmetrical upper and lower sidebands, so it needs twice the audio bandwidth in the RF channel.

OK. I have to think about it. I have discovered that this is a different Q (full width at half maximum -1/sqrt(2) and not 1/10) so this formula doesn't fit here. Well, this is a course on differential equations. I don't know much about circuits. I will get to the bottom of it.
 

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