Why is the pulse width in an RC circuit larger than expected?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the unexpected pulse width in an RC circuit, specifically referencing the equation Vo(t) = E(e^(-t/RC)). Participants clarify that this equation describes the voltage across the capacitor, not the pulse width itself. The pulse width is determined by the time it takes for the capacitor voltage to transition between specific threshold levels, which depend on the circuit configuration. The lack of detailed circuit specifications hinders accurate analysis and troubleshooting.

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  • Familiarity with capacitor charging and discharging equations
  • Knowledge of oscilloscope usage for measuring voltage
  • Basic concepts of voltage thresholds in pulse generation
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Electronics students, hobbyists building RC circuits, and engineers designing pulse generators will benefit from this discussion.

hilman
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Hi, I have a question. So, I've built this simple RC circuit. Of course, the pulse width is then obtained from the oscilloscope. But, according to equation Vo(t) = E(e^(-t/RC)), the value t (pulse width) is larger. Considering the resistor, condenser, Voh, Vil, IC delay, and others, how should I say why above situations happened?
 
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Given the total lack of specifics, it's hard to say. Perhaps you did a wrong calculation. How could we know since you have not given any actual values for anything?
 
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hilman said:
Vo(t) = E(e^(-t/RC)),

That's not the equation for the pulse width, just the voltage on the capacitor.

In most (all?) RC pulse generators what matters is the time it takes for the voltage on the capacitor to go from one pre-set voltage to another. Those voltages depend on the circuit (which you haven't detailed).
 

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