Electrical Engineering › Section O · Pulses, nonsinusoidal signals, and system analysis › Topic O.2
R-C response to square waves
Feed a square wave into a resistor and capacitor and what comes out depends on one comparison: the half-period against the time constant. The same idea explains rounded clock edges, spikes, triangle waves, sagging pulses and the adjustment screw on an oscilloscope probe.
In this topic
- A square wave is a string of steps
- The transient equation, restated
- Long half-periods: full charge each time
- Worked example: a slow square wave
- Half-periods comparable with τ
- Worked example: raising the frequency
- Short half-periods: integrating and coupling
- The compensated oscilloscope probe
- Worked example: compensating a ×10 probe
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…