Network Analysis

Tutorial on RMS - Part 3

That's right V_rms is sqrt(mean v²).

V_rms = {[50² + (-50)²]/2}^1/2 = {[2500 + 2500]/2}^1/2 = {2500}^1/2 = 50 V

Now let's find the rms value of a more complex voltage.

To find the rms voltage, we must analyze this waveform in several stages.  Let us start with the formal definition of rms:

In this equation, t₀ is some arbitrary time, and time t₀ + T is the time one period later.  Although the equation is written for a voltage v, it works for current i also.  The wave must be periodic (repetitive), or it is not possible to find an rms value.

What is the period of this voltage?

After you get the answer, please click on an option:
Go on to the next part of the tutorial.
Go back to the main menu.