Second Order System

1 Examples of 2nd order RCL circuit.

2 The source-free series RLC circuit.
3 The source-free parallel RLC circuit.
4 Step response of a series RLC circuit.
5 Step response of a parallel RLC.

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1 Examples of Second Order RLC circuits
What is a 2nd order circuit?
A second-order circuit is characterized by a second-order differential
equation. It consists of resistors and the equivalent of two energy
storage elements.

RLC Series RLC Parallel RL T-config RC Pi-config

2
2 Source-Free Series RLC Circuits (1)

• The solution of the source-free series RLC

circuit is called as the natural response of
the circuit.

• The circuit is excited by the energy initially

stored in the capacitor and inductor.

𝑑 2 𝑖 𝑅 𝑑𝑖 𝑖
+ + =0
𝑑 𝑡 𝐿 𝑑𝑡 𝐿𝐶
2

The 2nd order of or

expression 𝑑2 𝑣𝑐 𝑅 𝑑 𝑣𝑐 𝑣𝑐
+ + =0
𝑑𝑡
2
𝐿 𝑑𝑡 𝐿𝐶

How to derive and how to solve?

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2 Source-Free Series RLC Circuits (2)
There are three possible solutions for the following 2nd order
differential equation:

d 2 i R di i
2
  0
dt L dt LC

d 2i di 2 R 1
2
 2   0i 0 where  and 0 
dt dt 2L LC
General 2nd order Form Damping constant Resonant or
undamped angular
frequency

The types of solutions for i(t) depend on the

relative values of a and w.
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2 Source-Free Series RLC Circuits (3)
There are three possible solutions for the following 2nd order differential
equation based on the poles of the characteristic equations (s1 and s2):

d 2i di 2
2
 2   0i 0
dt dt

1. If a > wo, over-damped case

i (t )  A1e s1t  A2 e s2t 2
where s1, 2       0
2

2. If a = wo, critically damped case

i(t )  ( A2  A1t )e t where s1, 2   

3. If a < wo, under-damped case

i (t )  e t ( B1 cos  d t  B2 sin  d t ) where  d   02   2

Damped angular frequency 5

2 Source-Free Series RLC Circuits (4)
Example 1
If R = 10 Ω, L = 5 H, and C = 2 mF in 8.8, find
α, ω0, s1 and s2.

What type of natural response will the circuit

have?

Answer: underdamped
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2 Source-Free Series RLC Circuits (5)
Example 2
The circuit shown below has reached steady
state at t = 0-.

If the make-before-break switch moves to

position b at t = 0, calculate i(t) for t > 0.

Answer:
7
3 Source-Free Parallel RLC Circuits (1)
0
1
Let i (0)  I 0   v(t )dt
L

v(0) = V0
Apply KCL to the top node:

t
v 1 dv
  vdt  C  0
R L  dt
Taking the derivative with
respect to t and dividing by C

The 2nd d 2 v 1 dv 1
order of 2
  v0
dt RC dt LC
expression
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3 Source-Free Parallel RLC Circuits (2)
There are three possible solutions for the following 2nd order
differential equation:
d 2v dv 2 1 1
2
 2   0v  0 where   and 0 
dt dt 2 RC LC
Damping constant Resonant or
1. If a > wo, over-damped case undamped angular
frequency
v(t )  A1 e s1t  A2 e s2t where s1, 2      2  0
2

2. If a = wo, critical damped case

v(t )  ( A2  A1t ) e t where s1, 2   

3. If a < wo, under-damped case

v (t )  e t ( B1 cos  d t  B2 sin  d t ) where d   02   2 9

3 Source-Free Parallel RLC Circuits (3)
Example 3
Refer to the circuit shown below, find v(t) for t > 0.

Answer:
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4 Step-Response Series RLC Circuits (1)
• The step response is obtained
by the sudden application of a
dc source.

The 2nd d 2 v R dv v vs
order of 2
  
expression
dt L dt LC LC

The above equation has the same form as the equation for source-free series
RLC circuit.
• The same coefficients (important in determining the frequency parameters).
• Different circuit variable in the equation.

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4 Step-Response Series RLC Circuits (2)
The solution of the equation should have two components:
the transient response vt(t) & the steady-state response vss(t):

v (t )  vt (t )  v ss (t )
 The transient response vt is the same as that for source-free case
vt (t )  A1e s1t  A2 e s2t (over-damped)
vt (t )  ( A1  A2t )e t (critically damped)
vt (t )  e t ( A1 cos d t  A2 sin d t ) (under-damped)

The steady-state response is the final value of v(t).

 vss(t) = v(∞)
The values of A1 and A2 are obtained from the initial conditions:
 v(0) and dv(0)/dt. 12
4 Step-Response Series RLC Circuits (3)
Example 4
Having been in position for a long time, the switch in the circuit below is moved to
position b at t = 0. Find v(t) and vR(t) for t > 0.

Answer:

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5 Step-Response Parallel RLC Circuits (1)
• The step response is obtained
by the sudden application of a
dc source.

The 2nd order of d 2i 1 di i Is

expression 2
  
dt RC dt LC LC

It has the same form as the equation for source-free parallel RLC circuit.
• The same coefficients (important in determining the frequency parameters).
• Different circuit variable in the equation.

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5 Step-Response Parallel RLC Circuits (2)
The solution of the equation should have two components:
the transient response vt(t) & the steady-state response vss(t):

i (t )  it (t )  iss (t )
 The transient response it is the same as that for source-free case
it (t )  A1e s1t  A2 e s2t (over-damped)
it (t )  ( A1  A2t )e t (critical damped)
it (t )  e t ( A1 cos  d t  A2 sin d t ) (under-damped)

 The steady-state response is the final value of i(t).

 iss(t) = i(∞) = Is
 The values of A1 and A2 are obtained from the initial conditions:
 i(0) and di(0)/dt. 15
5 Step-Response Parallel RLC Circuits (3)
Example 5
Find i(t) and v(t) for t > 0 in the circuit shown in circuit shown below:

Answer:

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