Teaching AC circuit analysis with MATLAB

MATLAB is a numerical computation software package for engineering and scientific calculations. MATLAB is primarily a tool for matrix computations. MATLAB is being used to teach filter design, random processes, control systems and communication theory. This paper presents an approach to teaching circuit analysis topics using specially-designed exercises that can be done using MATLAB running on personal computers or modern workstations. The MATLAB exercises cover sinusoidal AC analysis, network characteristics and frequency response. Some MATLAB functions that are useful in teaching AC circuit analysis are introduced. The MATLAB programs for doing the exercises have been provided. In addition, the SPICE circuit analysis software program is compared to MATLAB. The interactive programming and versatile graphics of MATLAB is especially effective in enhancing the teaching topics in electrical engineering.