🌀 RLC Circuit Calculator
Analyze a series RLC circuit to find its resonant frequency, quality factor (Q), and bandwidth.
What is an RLC circuit?
An RLC circuit combines a resistor (R), inductor (L), and capacitor (C). In a series RLC circuit, these three components share the same current, and their combined behavior determines how the circuit responds to different frequencies — including a resonant frequency where the inductive and capacitive reactances cancel out.
The formulas used
The resonant frequency is f₀ = 1 / (2π√(LC)). The quality factor, which describes how sharply the circuit responds near resonance, is Q = (1/R)√(L/C) for a series circuit. The bandwidth of the resonance peak is approximately f₀ / Q, and the damping ratio is (R/2)√(C/L).
A higher Q means a narrower, sharper resonance peak (common in radio tuning), while a lower Q means a broader, more damped response. This tool is for general electronics education and reference; real-world components include tolerances and parasitic effects not captured here.