Time constants are parameters of first order linear systems.  They are a measure of how quickly first order linear systems respond.

• Why learn about time constants?
• Time constants are parameters of first order linear systems, but they are an important concept in higher order systems.  You need to know about them to understand linear systems well, and you can't get through control systems if you don't know this topic well.
• What should you know to learn about time constants?
• You really should be in or have taken a course in differential equations.  However, if you work at it, you can get to know basic ideas about time constants if you know integral calculus.
• For electrical time constants, you will need to know something about basic resistor-capacitor circuits.
• What do you need to know about time constants?
• How they arise in basic circuits
• How to measure them using lab data
• How do you use time constants?
• You will need to be able to use time constants when:
• You study simple filters
• you study control systems
• What if?
• If you have a second order (or higher order) system or circuit, you will need to learn about more complex kinds of system and circuit response.
• Problems
• Click here for Problems on Time Constants.

        Here are some links to experiments you can do that will help you learn about time constants.

• Sensor Time Constants