RLC Circuit

A series RLC circuit contains elements of resistance, inductance, and capacitance connected in series with an AC source, as shown below:

Series RLC Circuit Phasor (Vector) Diagram:

• The current vector I is the common quantity and is drawn as a horizontal line.

• The voltage vector, V_R , is in phase with I and placed on the current line.

• The voltage vector, V_L , is 90° ahead of I since the voltage leads the current by exactly 90° in an inductor.

• The voltage vector, V_C , is placed 90° behind that of I since the voltage lags the current by exactly 90° degrees in a capacitor.

• To combine the voltages, the two reactive voltage values, which are 180 degrees out of phase with each other, are subtracted.

• The total applied voltage (V_total ) is the vector sum of the