Term #738
time constant
Claim Term
time constant
Origin matter
—
Reference Case 1
FSP1777
Date Added
4/18/20
Created
4/18/20, 2:33 PM
Modified
4/18/20, 2:33 PM
Full Desc
"Time constant" refers to a constant value used in a circuit that includes a resistor and a capacitor connected in series, either in a charging configuration with a voltage or potential source or in a discharging configuration with a ground source or load discharging the capacitor. A time constant is a value in seconds equal to a resistance for the resistor multiplied by a capacitance for the capacitor. A time constant may be represented by the Greek letter Tau. If a target time constant is known, then an amount of resistance and/or an amount of capacitance for the resistor and capacitor may be adjusted to satisfy other design criteria for a circuit.