RL Step Response

Inside this lesson

Derive i(t) = If + (I0 − If)e^(−t/τ) from the first-order RL differential equation
Identify the final (steady-state) current by treating the inductor as a short circuit
Compute the time constant τ = L / R_th using the Thévenin resistance seen by the inductor
Recognize the duality between RC and RL step responses and apply the same recipe to both

Unlock the full Circuits & Digital Systems course

Every paid lesson in this course — one purchase.
Interactive simulators for circuit building, Bode plots, phasor diagrams, logic gates, and more.

Unlock the course →

One-time purchase — see options on the next page.

or unlock everything with all-access

Not ready yet? See the free preview lessons across the course.

⚖️

Educational content covering topics typical of a first- and second-year electrical engineering curriculum. Not a substitute for accredited coursework, and not suitable for real circuit or system design without review by a licensed professional engineer.