Solve RLC behavior fast with clear numeric outputs. Compare series and parallel responses across frequencies. Download reports, validate units, and study resonance safely today.
| Circuit | R (Ω) | L (H) | C (F) | f (Hz) | f0 (Hz) | |Z| (Ω) | Irms (A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series | 10 | 0.05 | 1e-6 | 1000 | 712.38 | 41.21 | 0.0858 |
| Series | 2 | 0.01 | 4.7e-6 | 800 | 734.86 | 3.54 | 0.999 |
| Parallel | 1000 | 0.02 | 1e-6 | 500 | 1125.40 | 780.42 | 0.0045 |
RLC solvers perform best when values match real measurement scales. Common bench parts include resistors from 1 to 10000 ohms, inductors from 1 microhenry to 10 henry, and capacitors from 1 picofarad to 10 millifarad. Measure R with a meter, and confirm L and C at the test frequency, because datasheets quote 1 kHz values.
The resonant frequency f0 = 1/(2π√(LC)) links energy exchange between L and C. Around f0, series circuits show minimum impedance magnitude and maximum current, while parallel circuits show maximum impedance magnitude and minimum supply current. Bandwidth is estimated as BW ≈ f0/Q, so a 1 kHz circuit with Q = 20 has BW near 50 Hz.
The damping ratio ζ indicates whether oscillations appear after a step or impulse in a series model. ζ below 1 produces ringing at ωd = ω0√(1−ζ²), ζ equal 1 returns fastest non oscillatory settling, and ζ above 1 yields slower non oscillatory decay. The attenuation α = R/(2L) sets the exponential envelope; doubling R doubles α and shortens the decay constant.
Real power depends on resistive loss. For series, P = Irms²R; for parallel, P ≈ Vrms²/R. Phase angle tracks reactive dominance: negative phase suggests capacitive behavior, positive phase suggests inductive behavior, and near zero phase indicates near resonant operation. At resonance, the reactive terms cancel, yet component voltages can exceed the source by roughly Q times in high selectivity designs.
Q compresses frequency selectivity into one number. For series, Qs = (1/R)√(L/C); for parallel (high Q), Qp ≈ R√(C/L). Higher Q increases peak response near resonance but reduces bandwidth and increases sensitivity to tolerances. With 5 percent L and 5 percent C, f0 can shift by about 5 percent, so verify margins in filters and oscillators.
A sweep plot reveals how impedance, current, and phase evolve across frequency. Set the sweep to span at least 0.2×f0 to 5×f0 for clear curvature. Use more points for high Q circuits where peaks are narrow; 200 points is a default. Export CSV or PDF to document design iterations, compare revisions, and share with reviewers.
It calculates resonance, impedance magnitude, phase angle, current, estimated Q, bandwidth, damping ratio, and real power using your selected series or parallel model and the entered units.
Series Q uses loss in R along the current path. Parallel Q here uses a high‑Q approximation based on shunt resistance. For low resistance or wide bandwidth, treat the parallel Q as a guideline.
Enter peak amplitude. If you only know RMS, multiply by √2 before input. The solver reports Irms directly, so power estimates align with standard AC calculations.
Start near 0.2×f0 and end near 5×f0 for most designs. For high selectivity, increase points so the peak is smooth and the phase transition is well resolved.
Ideal zero resistance removes damping and makes Q undefined. The solver will still compute reactance‑based impedance, but power and bandwidth outputs may show N/A because real losses are not represented.
Use it for analysis and documentation, then validate with component tolerances, parasitics, and measurements. For critical hardware, confirm results with simulation tools and verified lab data.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.