Phasor Representation

Phasor (phase vector) is a vector representing a sinusoidal function.

For the phasor:

  • Magnitude is the rms value of the wave
  • Angle is the angular position ϕ\phi, with respect to a reference direction

Can also be represented by a complex number. But jj is used as the imaginary unit becasue ii is used for time-varying current.

Representation

  • Polar form
    A=∣A∣∠ϕA=\lvert{A}\rvert\angle\phi
  • Cartesian or rectangular form
    A=Ax+jAyA=A_x+jA_y

Here:

  • ∣A∣=Arms=Ax2+Ay2\lvert{A}\rvert=A_{\text{rms}}=\sqrt{A_x^2+A_y^2}
  • Ax=∣A∣cos⁡ϕA_x=\lvert{A}\rvert\cos{\phi}
  • Ay=∣A∣sin⁡ϕA_y=\lvert{A}\rvert\sin{\phi}
  • j=−1j=\sqrt{-1}
  • tan⁡ϕ=AyAx\tan{\phi}=\frac{A_y}{A_x}
Written by September 29, 2026 1 min read
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