This course covers second order circuits, AC circuit analysis, frequency response, Bode plots, Laplace transforms, convolution and circuit analysis using Laplace transforms. The course covers Chapters 8 – 16 of “Electric Circuits” by Alexander and Sadiku. Here you will find lecture notes, lecture videos, and old exams.
Course Introduction – Lecture #1
This lecture introduces the course and contains practical examples of the course material all around us.
Second Order Circuits – Chapter 8
These lectures cover transient behavior of second order circuits. I introduce a set of “Rules” that cover initial and transient conditions for capacitors and inductors. I refer back to these rules throughout the course and students have found them very helpful. In my classes we talk about “thuds” (overdamped systems) and “boings” (underdamped systems).
Complex Numbers and Circuit Analysis – The bridge between second order time domain circuits and AC analysis
In this lecture I will describe the relationship between complex exponentials and phasors used in AC circuit analysis. We are going to de-mystify that dreaded e^jwt with intuitive arguments, counter-rotating vectors, and simple math. After you watch this lecture, complex numbers will be another tool in your toolbox, and phasors will be a useful application of them. You will be surprised at how easy it is!
AC Circuit Analysis – Chapters 9 and 10
These two lectures introduce AC steady-state analysis using phasors. The lectures show the phasor technique and also show the theory behind it. These are the fundamentals of signal processing!
Power in AC Circuits – Chapter 11
Review for Exam 1
This lecture is a review of Lectures 1 – 11
Mutual Inductance and Transformers – Chapter #13
Frequency Response and Bode Plots – Chapter #14
Professors disagree on the value of teaching Bode Plots. Some believe Bode Plots are still relevant, and some believe that computers have made them obsolete. I believe that:
1) Complex transfer functions should be plotted with a computer.
2) The basic mathematics behind Bode plotting will reinforce your understanding of circuit analysis.
3) Using Bode plot techniques for simple circuits is a valuable practical skill – you’ll see examples of this in the lectures.
My lectures focus on the concepts of frequency response, and we use Bode plots when they are useful, and computer tools when applicable.
Laplace Transforms with circuit applications – Chapters #15 and 16.
You studied Laplace Transforms in your math classes and you learned that you could solve certain differential equations using algebra instead of calculus – which is great if you have differential equations to solve…
In circuit analysis, differential equations are extremely valuable – so those Laplace transforms take on a new importance. In these lectures, we start from the beginning. I came up with a technique called the “Laplace Transform Roadmap” which many students have found useful.
Laplace Transforms – Applications to 14th-century churches and sleazy bars with cinder block walls, and slighted lead singers – Acoustics!
This lecture is a favorite of mine and with students. It starts off with a sleepy introduction to integrodifferential equations, but then moves into acoustics and sound systems. Appropriate for EE 310? Absolutely! In addition to the fun musical stuff, the Laplace transforms are completely applicable. Plus you’ll get insights on FIR digital filtering.