Step response worksheet with answers

Free printable Step response worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
+−10 VR = 47 kΩC = 4.7 µFvC​

An uncharged capacitor C = 4.7 µF is charged from a 10 V step source through a resistor R = 47 kΩ. How long after closing the switch does the capacitor voltage reach 98 % of its final value? Find t in ms.

R = 47 kΩC = 4.7 µFV = 10 V98 %
t = ms
2.Easy
t (s)y(t)y(∞) = ?

A first-order system G(s) = 2.5/(0.5s + 1) receives a step input of size 1 at t = 0, starting from rest. Find the final value y(∞) of the output.

G(s) = 2.5/(0.5s + 1)U = 1
y(∞) =
3.Medium
t (s)y(t)1tp​ = ?

A system has the transfer function G(s) = 58/(s² + 10s + 58) and receives a unit step input. Find the peak time tp of the step response.

G(s) = 58/(s² + 10s + 58)
tp = s
4.Medium
t (s)y(t)0.5

A system has the transfer function G(s) = 27.5/(s² + 6s + 55) and receives a unit step input. The poles are s = σ ± jωd. Find the real part σ.

G(s) = 27.5/(s² + 6s + 55)
σ =
5.Hard
k = 1000 N/mc = 22 N·s/mm = 0.5 kgF = 50 Nx(t)

A mass m = 0.5 kg hangs on a spring k = 1000 N/m with a viscous damper c = 22 N·s/m (m·x″ + c·x′ + k·x = F). At rest in equilibrium, a constant force F = 50 N is suddenly applied. Find the largest displacement xmax in mm.

m = 0.5 kgk = 1000 N/mc = 22 N·s/mF = 50 N
xmax = mm
6.Hard
t (s)y(t)1tp​ = 0.1 s5 %

The step response of a second-order system without zeros shows 5 % overshoot, and the first peak occurs at t = 0.1 s. Find the natural frequency ωn.

%OS = 5 %tp = 0.1 s
ωn = rad/s

Answer key

  1. 1. t = 864.2 ms
  2. 2. y(∞) = 2.5
  3. 3. tp = 0.5469 s
  4. 4. σ = −3
  5. 5. xmax = 58.47 mm
  6. 6. ωn = 43.41 rad/s

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