time constant

What is 'time constant'? What does 'time constant' mean?

First-order delay elements vary with the characteristics of an exponential function. A simple way to express the speed of change is thus desirable. A way called the “time constant” is used. The time constant estimates the time required to reach 100% if the slop at startup (0%) is maintained. It is, however, difficult to find the time constant from the startup slop. If the value after a time equivalent to the time constant in measured in first-order delay calculation, it will be approximately 63%. Thus, the time required to reach 63% is measured and used to calculate the time constant.

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