RC Circuit Calculator
Calculate time constant, characteristic frequency, and capacitor charging behavior for RC circuits
RC Circuit Parameters
Resistance value of the resistor
Capacitance value of the capacitor
RC Circuit Results
Time Constant: τ = R × C = 0 Ω × 0.000e+0 F
Characteristic Frequency: f = 1 / (2π × R × C) = 1 / (2π × τ)
Example Calculation
Audio Low-Pass Filter
Application: Low-pass filter for audio processing
Resistance: 1.6 kΩ
Capacitance: 100 nF
Target cutoff: ~1 kHz for removing high-frequency noise
Calculation Results
τ = R × C = 1600 Ω × 100×10⁻⁹ F = 160 μs
f = 1 / (2π × RC) = 1 / (2π × 160×10⁻⁶) ≈ 995 Hz
Perfect for removing frequencies above 1 kHz
RC Circuit Applications
Low-Pass Filter
Blocks high frequencies, allows low frequencies
fc = 1/(2πRC)
High-Pass Filter
Blocks low frequencies, allows high frequencies
Same fc, different configuration
Timing Circuit
Controls charging/discharging rates
τ = RC
Charging Milestones
RC Circuit Tips
Larger RC = slower charging, lower cutoff frequency
Time constant τ determines charging speed
Cutoff frequency is where output drops to 70.7%
Phase shift occurs around cutoff frequency
Use for signal conditioning and timing
Understanding RC Circuits
What is an RC Circuit?
An RC circuit is a fundamental electrical circuit consisting of a resistor (R) and capacitor (C) connected in series or parallel. The resistor controls current flow while the capacitor stores electrical energy, creating time-dependent behavior essential for filtering and timing applications.
Key Characteristics
- •Time constant τ = RC determines response speed
- •Exponential charging/discharging behavior
- •Frequency-dependent response (filtering)
- •Phase shift between input and output
Mathematical Relationships
Time Constant: τ = R × C
Cutoff Frequency: fc = 1 / (2π × R × C)
Charging Voltage: V(t) = V₀ × (1 - e^(-t/τ))
Discharging Voltage: V(t) = V₀ × e^(-t/τ)
Current: I(t) = (V₀/R) × e^(-t/τ)
Common Applications
- •Audio crossover networks and tone controls
- •Power supply filtering and smoothing
- •Timer circuits and delay generators
- •Coupling and decoupling in amplifiers
- •Signal conditioning and noise filtering