RLC Circuit
Apply a step voltage to a series RLC circuit and watch charge and current respond — the electrical twin of a damped oscillator.
RLC Circuit StudioLive
series RLC step response
Controls
Apply a step voltage to a series RLC circuit and watch charge and current respond — under-, over-, or critically damped.
Presets
Data Inspector
Damping ζ0.750
Regimeunderdamped
ω₀1.000
Governing equation
Reading this result: ζ = 0.750 < 1: underdamped. With ω₀ = 1.000 rad/s the charge overshoots and rings, oscillating while it decays toward its steady value. Lower ζ means more ringing.
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How it works
The circuit is governed by a second-order ODE, L·q″ + R·q′ + q/C = V, integrated in time. The damping ratio ζ decides whether the response oscillates (underdamped), returns slowly (overdamped), or settles as fast as possible without overshoot (critically damped).
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Frequently asked questions
Is this RLC circuit simulation tool really free?▾
Yes. RLC Circuit runs entirely in your browser using your device's own compute, so local use is free forever. You only pay Compute Tokens if you scale a job to the cloud.
Do I need to install anything?▾
No. Everything runs client-side in a modern browser — no downloads, no license, no account required to start.
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How accurate are the results?▾
The solver uses established numerical methods, but results are for research and educational purposes and should be validated against experiment or professional review before you rely on them.