RLC Parallel Circuit Calculator

An RLC parallel circuit consists of a resistor (R), inductor (L), and capacitor (C) connected in parallel across the same voltage source. Each component carries its own current while sharing the same voltage.

Total impedance is calculated using the admittance method: Z = 1/Y, where Y = √(G² + (BC - BL)²). G is conductance (1/R), BC is capacitive susceptance (1/XC), and BL is inductive susceptance (1/XL).

Inductive reactance (XL) = 2πfL opposes current changes in an inductor. Capacitive reactance (XC) = 1/(2πfC) opposes voltage changes in a capacitor. Both are measured in ohms and depend on frequency.

In parallel RLC circuits, inductive and capacitive currents are 180° out of phase. They partially cancel each other out, so the total current (vector sum) can be smaller than the largest individual branch current.

At resonance, inductive and capacitive reactances are equal (XL = XC), so their currents cancel out completely. The total current equals only the resistive current, and impedance is at its maximum value.

Frequency changes the reactances: XL increases with frequency while XC decreases. This affects the current distribution and total impedance. At low frequencies, capacitive current dominates; at high frequencies, inductive current dominates.

Admittance (Y) is the reciprocal of impedance (Y = 1/Z) and represents how easily current flows through the circuit. It's measured in siemens (S) and is calculated as the vector sum of conductance and susceptances.

Total power is calculated as P = I²R or P = V²/R, where only the resistive component dissipates real power. Reactive components (L and C) store and release energy but don't consume power over a complete cycle.