RC Circuit Transient Simulation


Using the RC circuit, Run a .tran (Transient) simulation for 5 milliseconds with a step size of 200 microsecond. Plot the voltage across the capacitor over time to show the charging curve.
Here is the transient charging curve of the capacitor over 5 ms (step size 200 µs):
RC Charging Curve

Image

Key points:
  • τ = R·C = 1 kΩ × 1 µF = 1 ms
  • V(OUT) at 1 ms ≈ 3.16 V (63% of 5 V)
  • V(OUT) at 5 ms ≈ 4.97 V (99.3% of 5 V)
Change resistor value
Check discharge behavior
Shorter simulation step
Vary capacitor value

R1
Resistance
1kΩ
5V Step Input
C1
Capacitance
1uF

RC Charging Circuit (Transient analysis)

RC Charging Circuit (Transient analysis) thumbnail