SlideShare a Scribd company logo
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
                 Amafel Bldg. Aguinaldo Highway Dasmariñas City, Cavite




                                    EXPERIMENT # 1

                          Passive Low-Pass and High-Pass Filter




Bani, Arviclyn C.                                                     June 28, 2011
Signal Spectra and Signal Processing/ BSECE 41A1                      Score:




                                  Eng’r. Grace Ramones
                                    Instructor
OBJECTIVES
1.    Plot the gain frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) R-C low-pass filter.
2.    Determine the cutoff frequency and roll-off of an R-C first-order (one-pole) low-pass filter.
3.    Plot the phase-frequency of a first-order (one-pole) low-pass filter.
4.    Determine how the value of R and C affects the cutoff frequency of an R-C low-pass filter.
5.    Plot the gain-frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) R-C high pass filter.
6.    Determine the cutoff frequency and roll-off of a first-order (one-pole) R-C high pass filter.
7.    Plot the phase-frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) high-pass filter.
8.    Determine how the value of R and C affects the cutoff frequency of an R-C high pass filter.



COMPUTATION

Step 4




Step 6




Question – Step 6




Question – Step 7
             –


Step 15
Step 17




Question – Step 17




Question – Step 18



DATA SHEET

MATERIALS
One function generator
One dual-trace oscilloscope
Capacitors: 0.02 µF, 0.04µF
Resistors: 1 kΩ, 2 kΩ

THEORY
In electronic communication systems, it is often necessary to separate a specific range of
frequencies from the total frequency spectrum. This is normally accomplished with filters. A filter is
a circuit that passes a specific range of frequencies while rejecting other frequencies. A passive
filter consists of passive circuit elements, such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors. There are
four basic types of filters, low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop. A low-pass filter is
designed to pass all frequencies below the cutoff frequency and reject all frequencies above the
cutoff frequency. A high-pass is designed to pass all frequencies above the cutoff frequency and
reject all frequencies below the cutoff frequency. A band-pass filter passes all frequencies within a
band of frequencies and rejects all other frequencies outside the band. A band-stop filter rejects all
frequencies within a band of frequencies and passes all other frequencies outside the band. A
band-stop filter rejects all frequencies within a band of frequencies and passes all other
frequencies outside the band. A band-stop filter is often is often referred to as a notch filter. In this
experiment, you will study low-pass and high-pass filters.

The most common way to describe the frequency response characteristics of a filter is to plot the
filter voltage gain (Vo/Vi) in dB as a function of frequency (f). The frequency at which the output
power gain drops to 50% of the maximum value is called the cutoff frequency (f C). When the output
power gain drops to 50%, the voltage gain drops 3 dB (0.707 of the maximum value). When the
filter dB voltage gain is plotted as a function of frequency on a semi log graph using straight lines to
approximate the actual frequency response, it is called a Bode plot. A bode plot is an ideal plot of
filter frequency response because it assumes that the voltage gain remains constant in the
passband until the cutoff frequency is reached, and then drops in a straight line. The filter network
voltage in dB is calculated from the actual voltage gain (A) using the equation
AdB = 20 log A
where A = Vo/Vi
A low-pass R-C filter is shown in Figure 1-1. At frequencies well below the cut-off frequency, the
capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much higher than the resistance of resistor R, causing the
output voltage to be practically equal to the input voltage (A=1) and constant with the variations in
frequency. At frequencies well above the cut-off frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C
is much lower than the resistance of resistor R and decreases with an increase in frequency,
causing the output voltage to decrease 20 dB per decade increase in frequency. At the cutoff
frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is equal to the resistance of resistor R, causing
the output voltage to be 0.707 times the input voltage (-3dB). The expected cutoff frequency (fC) of
the low-pass filter in Figure 1-1, based on the circuit component value, can be calculated from
XC = R



Solving for fC produces the equation


A high-pass R-C filter is shown in figure 1-2. At frequencies well above the cut-off frequency, the
capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much lower than the resistance of resistor R causing the
output voltage to be practically equal to the input voltage (A=1) and constant with the variations in
frequency. At frequencies well below the cut-off frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C
is much higher than the resistance of resistor R and increases with a decrease in frequency, causing
the output voltage to decrease 20 dB per decade decrease in frequency. At the cutoff frequency,
the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is equal to the resistance of resistor R, causing the output
voltage to be 0.707 times the input voltage (-3dB). The expected cutoff frequency (fC) of the high-
pass filter in Figure 1-2, based on the circuit component value, can be calculated from


Fig 1-1 Low-Pass R-C Filter




When the frequency at the input of a low-pass filter increases above the cutoff frequency, the filter
output drops at a constant rate. When the frequency at the input of a high-pass filter decreases
below the cutoff frequency, the filter output voltage also drops at a constant rate. The constant
drop in filter output voltage per decade increase (x10), or decrease ( 10), in frequency is called
roll-off. An ideal low-pass or high-pass filter would have an instantaneous drop at the cut-off
frequency (fC), with full signal level on one side of the cutoff frequency and no signal level on the
other side of the cutoff frequency. Although the ideal is not achievable, actual filters roll-off at -
20dB/decade per pole (R-C circuit). A one-pole filter has one R-C circuit tuned to the cutoff
frequency and rolls off at -20dB/decade. At two-pole filter has two R-C circuits tuned to the same
cutoff frequency and rolls off at -40dB/decade. Each additional pole (R-C circuit) will cause the filter
to roll-off an additional -20dB/decade. Therefore, an R-C filter with more poles (R-C circuits) more
closely approaches an ideal filter.


In a pole filter, as shown the Figure 1-1 and 1-2 the phase (θ) between the input and the output will
change by 90 degrees and over the frequency range and be 45 degrees at the cutoff frequency. In a
two-pole filter, the phase (θ) will change by 180 degrees over the frequency range and be 90
degrees at the cutoff frequency.
Fig 1-2 High-Pass R-C Filter




PROCEDURE

Low-Pass Filter

Step 1 Open circuit file FIG 1-1. Make sure that the following Bode plotter settings are selected:
Magnitude, Vertical (Log, F=0 dB, I=–40dB), Horizontal (Log, F=1 MHz, I=100 Hz)
Step 2 Run the simulation. Notice that the voltage gain in dB has been plotted between the
frequencies 200 Hz and 1 MHz by the Bode plotter. Sketch the curve plot in the space provided.


             AdB




                                                                                 f
Question: Is the frequency response curve that of a low-pass filter? Explain why.
=I expected it. This filter pass the low frequency and blocks the high frequency depending on the
cutoff frequency.

Step 3 Move the cursor to a flat part of the curve at a frequency of approximately 100 Hz. Record
the voltage gain in dB on the curve plot.
AdB = -0.001 dB

Step 4      Calculate the actual voltage gain (A) from the dB voltage gain (AdB)
A = 0.99988 1

Question: Was the voltage gain on the flat part of the frequency response curve what you
expected for the circuit in Fig 1-1? Explain why.
= I expected it, at below cutoff frequency, the VI is approximately equal to Vo making the voltage
gain approximately equal to 1.



Step 5 Move the cursor as close as possible to a point on the curve that is 3dB down from the dB at
100 Hz. Record the frequency (cut-off frequency, fC) on the curve plot.
fC = 7.935 kHz

Step 6 Calculate the expected cutoff frequency (fC) based on the circuit component values in Figure
1-1.
fC = 7.958 kHz



Question: How did the calculated value for the cutoff frequency compare with the measured value
recorded on the curve plot?
= Almost the same and only has 0.29% difference.

Step 7 Move the cursor to a point on the curve that is as close as possible to ten times f C. Record
the dB gain and frequency (f2) on the curve plot.
       AdB = -20.108 dB

Question: How much did the dB gain decrease for a one decade increase (x10) in frequency? Was it
what you expected for a single-pole (single R-C) low-pass filter?
= The circuits roll-off is at rate of 17.11 dB decrease per decade increase in frequency. I expected it
because, above frequency the output voltage decreases 20dB/decade increase in frequency; 17.11
dB is approximately equal to 20 dB per decade.
Step 8 Click “Phase” on the Bode plotter to plot the phase curve. Make sure that the vertical axis
initial value (1) is -90 and the final value (F) is 0. Run the simulation again. You are looking at the
phase difference (θ) between the filter input and output as a function of frequency (f). Sketch the
curve plot in the space provided.


               θ




                                                                                      f



Step 9 Move the cursor to approximately 100 Hz and 1 MHz and record the phase (θ) in degrees on
the curve plot for each frequency (f). Next, move the cursor as close as possible on the curve to the
cutoff frequency (fC) and phase (θ) on the curve plot.
100 Hz: θ = –0.72o
1MHz: θ = –89.544o
fC: θ = –44.917o

Question: Was the phase at the cutoff frequency what you expected for a singles-pole (single R-C)
low-pass filter? Did the phase change with frequency? Is this expected for an R-C low-pass filter?
= I expected it. The phase changes between the input and output. I expected it because the input
and the output change 88.824 degrees or 90 degrees on the frequency range and 44.917 degrees or
45 degrees.


Step 10        Change the value of resistor R to 2 kΩ in Fig 1-1. Click “Magnitude” on the Bode
plotter. Run the simulation. Measure the cutoff frequency (fC) and record your answer.
fC = 4.049 kHz
Question: Did the cutoff frequency changes? Did the dB per decade roll-off changes? Explain.
= The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The
single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of high frequency even if the
resistance changes.


Step 11        Change the value of capacitor C is 0.04 µF in Figure 1-1. Run the simulation. Measure
the new cutoff frequency (fC) and record your answer.
fC = 4.049 kHz

Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain.
= The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The
single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of high frequency even if the
capacitance changes.
High-Pass Filter


Step 12      Open circuit file FIG 1-2. Make sure that the following Bode plotter settings are
selected: Magnitude, Vertical (Log, F=0 dB, I=–40dB), Horizontal (Log, F=1 MHz, I=100 Hz)

Step 13        Run the simulation. Notice that the gain in dB has been plotted between the
frequencies of 100Hz and 1 MHz by the Bode plotter. Sketch the curve plot in the space provided.


            AdB




                                                                                    f



Question: Is the frequency response curve that of a high-pass filter? Explain why.
= I expected it. This filter pass the high frequency and blocks the low frequency depending on the
cutoff frequency.
Step 14       Move the cursor to a flat part of the curve at a frequency of approximately 1 MHz
Record the voltage gain in dB on the curve plot.
AdB = 0 dB

Step 15        Calculate the actual voltage gain (A) from the dB voltage gain (AdB).
A=1

Question: Was the voltage gain on the flat part of the frequency response curve what you expected
for the circuit in Figure 1-2? Explain why.
= Yes I expected it, frequencies well above the cut-off frequency VO equal to Vi so the voltage gain A
equals 1

Step 16        Move the cursor as close as possible to the point on the curve that is 3dB down from
the dB gain at 1MHz. Record the frequency (cutoff frequency, fC) on the curve plot.
fC = 7.935 kHz

Step 17        Calculate the expected cut of frequency (fC) based on the circuit component value in
Figure 1-2
fC = 7.958 kHz

Question: How did the calculated value of the cutoff frequency compare with the measured value
recorded on the curve plot?
= The circuit has 0.29% difference.

Step 18        Move the cursor to a point on the curve that is as close as possible to one-tenth fC.
Record the dB gain and frequency (f2) on the curve plot.
AdB = -20.159 dB

Question: How much did the dB gain decrease for a one-decade decrease ( ) in frequency? Was it
what you expected for a single-pole (single R-C) high-pass filter?
= The dB gain decreases 18.161 dB per decrease in frequency. I expected it, because the frequencies
below the cutoff frequency have output voltage almost decrease 20dB/decade decrease in
frequency.

Step 19         Click “Phase” on the Bode plotter to plot the phase curve. Make sure that the
vertical axis initial value (I) is 0o and the final value (f) is 90o. Run the simulation again. You are
looking at the phase difference (θ) between the filter input and output as a function of frequency
(f). Sketch the curve plot in the space provided
θ




                                                                                       f




Step 20        Move the cursor to approximately 100 Hz and 1 MHz and record the phase (θ) in
degrees on the curve plot for each frequency (f). Next, move the cursor as close as possible on the
curve to the cutoff frequency (fC). Record the frequency (fC) and phase (θ).

at 100 Hz: θ = 89.28
at 1MHz: θ = 0.456o
at fC(7.935 kHz): θ = 44.738o

Question: Was the phase at the cutoff frequency (fC) what you expected for a single-pole (single R-
C) high pass filter?
It is what I expected, the input and the output change 89.824 degrees almost 90 degrees on the
frequency range and 44.738 degrees almost degrees.

Did the phase change with frequency? Is this expected for an R-C high pass filter?
= Yes the phase between the input and output changes. It is expected in R--C high pass filter

Step 21         Change the value of resistor R to 2 kΩ in Figure 1-2. Click “Magnitude” on the Bode
plotter. Run the simulation. Measure the cutoff frequency (fC) and record your answer.
fC = 4.049 kHz
Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain.
= The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The
single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of low frequency even if the
resistance changes.

Step 22        Change the value of the capacitor C to 0.04µF in Figure 1-2. Run the simulation/
measure the cutoff frequency (fC) and record you answer.
fC = 4.049 kHz

Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain.
= The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The
single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of low frequency even if the
capacitance changes.
CONCLUSION

The following conclusions are made after experimenting. This will compare the low-pass filter and
the high-pass filter:

The frequencies that allowed by the filter:
        (Low-Pass Filter) Allows the frequencies below the cut-off frequency and blocks the
        frequencies above the cut-off frequency.
        (High-Pass Filter) Allows the frequencies above the cut-off frequency and blocks the
        frequencies below the cut-off frequency.
Voltage Gain:
        Both Low Pass and High Pass has a voltage gain of 1.
        VO = VI
        (Low-Pass Filter) The voltage gain at well below the cutoff frequency is almost equal to 1;
        (High-Pass Filter) The voltage gain becomes 1 if it is well above the fC
Roll-off:
        (Low-Pass Filter) decreases by 20 dB per decade increase in frequency.
        (High-Pass Filter) decreases by 20 dB per decade decrease in frequency.
Phase
        (Low-Pass and High Pass Frequency) The phase of low-pass and high-pass between the input
        and the output changes 90 degrees over the frequency range and 45 degrees at the cutoff
        frequency.
When Resistance and Capacitance Changes:
        (Effect on Cutoff for Low-Pass and High-Pass Filter) If the resistance or capacitance changes,
        the cutoff frequency also changes. Cutoff is inversely proportional to the resistance and
        capacitance.
        (Effect on Roll-off for Low-Pass and High-Pass Filter) Roll-off is not affected by the resistance
        and the capacitance.

More Related Content

DOCX
Exp1 (passive filter) agdon
DOCX
Exp2 passive band pass and band-stop filter
DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (5)
DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (8)
DOCX
Comm008 e4 maala
DOCX
Exp passive filter (9)
DOCX
Comm008 e4 pagara
DOCX
Cauan (2)
Exp1 (passive filter) agdon
Exp2 passive band pass and band-stop filter
Exp amplitude modulation (5)
Exp amplitude modulation (8)
Comm008 e4 maala
Exp passive filter (9)
Comm008 e4 pagara
Cauan (2)

What's hot (20)

DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (6)
DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (3)
DOCX
Comm008 e4 balane
DOCX
Objectives
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 2 - FINALS (for PULA)
DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (2)
PPT
Receivers
PPTX
Band pass filter
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT AMPLITUDE MODULATION COPY 2
DOCX
Exp passive filter (4)
DOCX
PPTX
Noise basics and its modelling
DOCX
Comm008 e4 bani
PDF
Lecture 5 - Superheterodyne Receivers.pdf
PPTX
Noise.pptx
PPTX
Fm demodulation using zero crossing detector
PPT
Active filters
PPTX
Filters
PPT
Eca unit 6
PDF
Angle Modulation.pdf
Exp amplitude modulation (6)
Exp amplitude modulation (3)
Comm008 e4 balane
Objectives
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 2 - FINALS (for PULA)
Exp amplitude modulation (2)
Receivers
Band pass filter
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT AMPLITUDE MODULATION COPY 2
Exp passive filter (4)
Noise basics and its modelling
Comm008 e4 bani
Lecture 5 - Superheterodyne Receivers.pdf
Noise.pptx
Fm demodulation using zero crossing detector
Active filters
Filters
Eca unit 6
Angle Modulation.pdf
Ad

Viewers also liked (6)

DOCX
Exp passive filter (8)
DOCX
Satellite communication valladolid
DOCX
Cellular bani
DOCX
Objective2
DOC
Agdonexp2 passive
DOCX
Exp passive filter (8)
Satellite communication valladolid
Cellular bani
Objective2
Agdonexp2 passive
Ad

Similar to Exp passive filter (7) (20)

DOCX
Exp passive filter (5)
DOCX
Exp passive filter (6)
DOCX
Exp passive filter (3)
DOCX
Exp passive filter (2)
DOCX
Exp passive filter (1)
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
Comm8(exp.3)
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
National college of science and technology
DOCX
PDF
5. An analog filer has system fnction Ha(s)--a (a) (10 pts,) Comvert .pdf
PPT
unit-5 2nd part active filters by ACEIT.ppt
PPT
Active Filter (Low Pass)
Exp passive filter (5)
Exp passive filter (6)
Exp passive filter (3)
Exp passive filter (2)
Exp passive filter (1)
Comm8(exp.3)
National college of science and technology
5. An analog filer has system fnction Ha(s)--a (a) (10 pts,) Comvert .pdf
unit-5 2nd part active filters by ACEIT.ppt
Active Filter (Low Pass)

More from Sarah Krystelle (20)

DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 2 - FINALS (for CAUAN)
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for PULA)
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for CAUAN)
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for AGDON)
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for ABDON)
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT AMPLITUDE MODULATION
DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (7)
DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (4)
DOCX
Exp amplitude modulation (1)
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
DOCX
Exp5 tagasa
DOCX
Exp5 bani
DOCX
Exp5 balane
DOCX
Exp5 agdon
DOCX
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 2 - FINALS (for CAUAN)
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for PULA)
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for CAUAN)
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for AGDON)
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT 1 - FINALS (for ABDON)
SIGNAL SPECTRA EXPERIMENT AMPLITUDE MODULATION
Exp amplitude modulation (7)
Exp amplitude modulation (4)
Exp amplitude modulation (1)
Exp5 tagasa
Exp5 bani
Exp5 balane
Exp5 agdon

Recently uploaded (20)

PDF
cuic standard and advanced reporting.pdf
PPT
“AI and Expert System Decision Support & Business Intelligence Systems”
PDF
KodekX | Application Modernization Development
PDF
The Rise and Fall of 3GPP – Time for a Sabbatical?
PDF
TokAI - TikTok AI Agent : The First AI Application That Analyzes 10,000+ Vira...
PDF
Agricultural_Statistics_at_a_Glance_2022_0.pdf
PDF
Profit Center Accounting in SAP S/4HANA, S4F28 Col11
PDF
Encapsulation theory and applications.pdf
PDF
Advanced methodologies resolving dimensionality complications for autism neur...
PPT
Teaching material agriculture food technology
PPTX
20250228 LYD VKU AI Blended-Learning.pptx
PDF
Per capita expenditure prediction using model stacking based on satellite ima...
PPTX
Big Data Technologies - Introduction.pptx
PPTX
ACSFv1EN-58255 AWS Academy Cloud Security Foundations.pptx
PDF
Build a system with the filesystem maintained by OSTree @ COSCUP 2025
PDF
7 ChatGPT Prompts to Help You Define Your Ideal Customer Profile.pdf
PPTX
sap open course for s4hana steps from ECC to s4
PDF
Building Integrated photovoltaic BIPV_UPV.pdf
PDF
Review of recent advances in non-invasive hemoglobin estimation
PPTX
Digital-Transformation-Roadmap-for-Companies.pptx
cuic standard and advanced reporting.pdf
“AI and Expert System Decision Support & Business Intelligence Systems”
KodekX | Application Modernization Development
The Rise and Fall of 3GPP – Time for a Sabbatical?
TokAI - TikTok AI Agent : The First AI Application That Analyzes 10,000+ Vira...
Agricultural_Statistics_at_a_Glance_2022_0.pdf
Profit Center Accounting in SAP S/4HANA, S4F28 Col11
Encapsulation theory and applications.pdf
Advanced methodologies resolving dimensionality complications for autism neur...
Teaching material agriculture food technology
20250228 LYD VKU AI Blended-Learning.pptx
Per capita expenditure prediction using model stacking based on satellite ima...
Big Data Technologies - Introduction.pptx
ACSFv1EN-58255 AWS Academy Cloud Security Foundations.pptx
Build a system with the filesystem maintained by OSTree @ COSCUP 2025
7 ChatGPT Prompts to Help You Define Your Ideal Customer Profile.pdf
sap open course for s4hana steps from ECC to s4
Building Integrated photovoltaic BIPV_UPV.pdf
Review of recent advances in non-invasive hemoglobin estimation
Digital-Transformation-Roadmap-for-Companies.pptx

Exp passive filter (7)

  • 1. NATIONAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Amafel Bldg. Aguinaldo Highway Dasmariñas City, Cavite EXPERIMENT # 1 Passive Low-Pass and High-Pass Filter Bani, Arviclyn C. June 28, 2011 Signal Spectra and Signal Processing/ BSECE 41A1 Score: Eng’r. Grace Ramones Instructor
  • 2. OBJECTIVES 1. Plot the gain frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) R-C low-pass filter. 2. Determine the cutoff frequency and roll-off of an R-C first-order (one-pole) low-pass filter. 3. Plot the phase-frequency of a first-order (one-pole) low-pass filter. 4. Determine how the value of R and C affects the cutoff frequency of an R-C low-pass filter. 5. Plot the gain-frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) R-C high pass filter. 6. Determine the cutoff frequency and roll-off of a first-order (one-pole) R-C high pass filter. 7. Plot the phase-frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) high-pass filter. 8. Determine how the value of R and C affects the cutoff frequency of an R-C high pass filter. COMPUTATION Step 4 Step 6 Question – Step 6 Question – Step 7 – Step 15
  • 3. Step 17 Question – Step 17 Question – Step 18 DATA SHEET MATERIALS One function generator One dual-trace oscilloscope Capacitors: 0.02 µF, 0.04µF Resistors: 1 kΩ, 2 kΩ THEORY In electronic communication systems, it is often necessary to separate a specific range of frequencies from the total frequency spectrum. This is normally accomplished with filters. A filter is a circuit that passes a specific range of frequencies while rejecting other frequencies. A passive filter consists of passive circuit elements, such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors. There are four basic types of filters, low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop. A low-pass filter is designed to pass all frequencies below the cutoff frequency and reject all frequencies above the cutoff frequency. A high-pass is designed to pass all frequencies above the cutoff frequency and
  • 4. reject all frequencies below the cutoff frequency. A band-pass filter passes all frequencies within a band of frequencies and rejects all other frequencies outside the band. A band-stop filter rejects all frequencies within a band of frequencies and passes all other frequencies outside the band. A band-stop filter rejects all frequencies within a band of frequencies and passes all other frequencies outside the band. A band-stop filter is often is often referred to as a notch filter. In this experiment, you will study low-pass and high-pass filters. The most common way to describe the frequency response characteristics of a filter is to plot the filter voltage gain (Vo/Vi) in dB as a function of frequency (f). The frequency at which the output power gain drops to 50% of the maximum value is called the cutoff frequency (f C). When the output power gain drops to 50%, the voltage gain drops 3 dB (0.707 of the maximum value). When the filter dB voltage gain is plotted as a function of frequency on a semi log graph using straight lines to approximate the actual frequency response, it is called a Bode plot. A bode plot is an ideal plot of filter frequency response because it assumes that the voltage gain remains constant in the passband until the cutoff frequency is reached, and then drops in a straight line. The filter network voltage in dB is calculated from the actual voltage gain (A) using the equation AdB = 20 log A where A = Vo/Vi A low-pass R-C filter is shown in Figure 1-1. At frequencies well below the cut-off frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much higher than the resistance of resistor R, causing the output voltage to be practically equal to the input voltage (A=1) and constant with the variations in frequency. At frequencies well above the cut-off frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much lower than the resistance of resistor R and decreases with an increase in frequency, causing the output voltage to decrease 20 dB per decade increase in frequency. At the cutoff frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is equal to the resistance of resistor R, causing the output voltage to be 0.707 times the input voltage (-3dB). The expected cutoff frequency (fC) of the low-pass filter in Figure 1-1, based on the circuit component value, can be calculated from XC = R Solving for fC produces the equation A high-pass R-C filter is shown in figure 1-2. At frequencies well above the cut-off frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much lower than the resistance of resistor R causing the output voltage to be practically equal to the input voltage (A=1) and constant with the variations in frequency. At frequencies well below the cut-off frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much higher than the resistance of resistor R and increases with a decrease in frequency, causing the output voltage to decrease 20 dB per decade decrease in frequency. At the cutoff frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is equal to the resistance of resistor R, causing the output
  • 5. voltage to be 0.707 times the input voltage (-3dB). The expected cutoff frequency (fC) of the high- pass filter in Figure 1-2, based on the circuit component value, can be calculated from Fig 1-1 Low-Pass R-C Filter When the frequency at the input of a low-pass filter increases above the cutoff frequency, the filter output drops at a constant rate. When the frequency at the input of a high-pass filter decreases below the cutoff frequency, the filter output voltage also drops at a constant rate. The constant drop in filter output voltage per decade increase (x10), or decrease ( 10), in frequency is called roll-off. An ideal low-pass or high-pass filter would have an instantaneous drop at the cut-off frequency (fC), with full signal level on one side of the cutoff frequency and no signal level on the other side of the cutoff frequency. Although the ideal is not achievable, actual filters roll-off at - 20dB/decade per pole (R-C circuit). A one-pole filter has one R-C circuit tuned to the cutoff frequency and rolls off at -20dB/decade. At two-pole filter has two R-C circuits tuned to the same cutoff frequency and rolls off at -40dB/decade. Each additional pole (R-C circuit) will cause the filter to roll-off an additional -20dB/decade. Therefore, an R-C filter with more poles (R-C circuits) more closely approaches an ideal filter. In a pole filter, as shown the Figure 1-1 and 1-2 the phase (θ) between the input and the output will change by 90 degrees and over the frequency range and be 45 degrees at the cutoff frequency. In a two-pole filter, the phase (θ) will change by 180 degrees over the frequency range and be 90 degrees at the cutoff frequency.
  • 6. Fig 1-2 High-Pass R-C Filter PROCEDURE Low-Pass Filter Step 1 Open circuit file FIG 1-1. Make sure that the following Bode plotter settings are selected: Magnitude, Vertical (Log, F=0 dB, I=–40dB), Horizontal (Log, F=1 MHz, I=100 Hz) Step 2 Run the simulation. Notice that the voltage gain in dB has been plotted between the frequencies 200 Hz and 1 MHz by the Bode plotter. Sketch the curve plot in the space provided. AdB f
  • 7. Question: Is the frequency response curve that of a low-pass filter? Explain why. =I expected it. This filter pass the low frequency and blocks the high frequency depending on the cutoff frequency. Step 3 Move the cursor to a flat part of the curve at a frequency of approximately 100 Hz. Record the voltage gain in dB on the curve plot. AdB = -0.001 dB Step 4 Calculate the actual voltage gain (A) from the dB voltage gain (AdB) A = 0.99988 1 Question: Was the voltage gain on the flat part of the frequency response curve what you expected for the circuit in Fig 1-1? Explain why. = I expected it, at below cutoff frequency, the VI is approximately equal to Vo making the voltage gain approximately equal to 1. Step 5 Move the cursor as close as possible to a point on the curve that is 3dB down from the dB at 100 Hz. Record the frequency (cut-off frequency, fC) on the curve plot. fC = 7.935 kHz Step 6 Calculate the expected cutoff frequency (fC) based on the circuit component values in Figure 1-1. fC = 7.958 kHz Question: How did the calculated value for the cutoff frequency compare with the measured value recorded on the curve plot? = Almost the same and only has 0.29% difference. Step 7 Move the cursor to a point on the curve that is as close as possible to ten times f C. Record the dB gain and frequency (f2) on the curve plot. AdB = -20.108 dB Question: How much did the dB gain decrease for a one decade increase (x10) in frequency? Was it what you expected for a single-pole (single R-C) low-pass filter? = The circuits roll-off is at rate of 17.11 dB decrease per decade increase in frequency. I expected it because, above frequency the output voltage decreases 20dB/decade increase in frequency; 17.11 dB is approximately equal to 20 dB per decade.
  • 8. Step 8 Click “Phase” on the Bode plotter to plot the phase curve. Make sure that the vertical axis initial value (1) is -90 and the final value (F) is 0. Run the simulation again. You are looking at the phase difference (θ) between the filter input and output as a function of frequency (f). Sketch the curve plot in the space provided. θ f Step 9 Move the cursor to approximately 100 Hz and 1 MHz and record the phase (θ) in degrees on the curve plot for each frequency (f). Next, move the cursor as close as possible on the curve to the cutoff frequency (fC) and phase (θ) on the curve plot. 100 Hz: θ = –0.72o 1MHz: θ = –89.544o fC: θ = –44.917o Question: Was the phase at the cutoff frequency what you expected for a singles-pole (single R-C) low-pass filter? Did the phase change with frequency? Is this expected for an R-C low-pass filter? = I expected it. The phase changes between the input and output. I expected it because the input and the output change 88.824 degrees or 90 degrees on the frequency range and 44.917 degrees or 45 degrees. Step 10 Change the value of resistor R to 2 kΩ in Fig 1-1. Click “Magnitude” on the Bode plotter. Run the simulation. Measure the cutoff frequency (fC) and record your answer. fC = 4.049 kHz
  • 9. Question: Did the cutoff frequency changes? Did the dB per decade roll-off changes? Explain. = The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of high frequency even if the resistance changes. Step 11 Change the value of capacitor C is 0.04 µF in Figure 1-1. Run the simulation. Measure the new cutoff frequency (fC) and record your answer. fC = 4.049 kHz Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain. = The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of high frequency even if the capacitance changes. High-Pass Filter Step 12 Open circuit file FIG 1-2. Make sure that the following Bode plotter settings are selected: Magnitude, Vertical (Log, F=0 dB, I=–40dB), Horizontal (Log, F=1 MHz, I=100 Hz) Step 13 Run the simulation. Notice that the gain in dB has been plotted between the frequencies of 100Hz and 1 MHz by the Bode plotter. Sketch the curve plot in the space provided. AdB f Question: Is the frequency response curve that of a high-pass filter? Explain why. = I expected it. This filter pass the high frequency and blocks the low frequency depending on the cutoff frequency.
  • 10. Step 14 Move the cursor to a flat part of the curve at a frequency of approximately 1 MHz Record the voltage gain in dB on the curve plot. AdB = 0 dB Step 15 Calculate the actual voltage gain (A) from the dB voltage gain (AdB). A=1 Question: Was the voltage gain on the flat part of the frequency response curve what you expected for the circuit in Figure 1-2? Explain why. = Yes I expected it, frequencies well above the cut-off frequency VO equal to Vi so the voltage gain A equals 1 Step 16 Move the cursor as close as possible to the point on the curve that is 3dB down from the dB gain at 1MHz. Record the frequency (cutoff frequency, fC) on the curve plot. fC = 7.935 kHz Step 17 Calculate the expected cut of frequency (fC) based on the circuit component value in Figure 1-2 fC = 7.958 kHz Question: How did the calculated value of the cutoff frequency compare with the measured value recorded on the curve plot? = The circuit has 0.29% difference. Step 18 Move the cursor to a point on the curve that is as close as possible to one-tenth fC. Record the dB gain and frequency (f2) on the curve plot. AdB = -20.159 dB Question: How much did the dB gain decrease for a one-decade decrease ( ) in frequency? Was it what you expected for a single-pole (single R-C) high-pass filter? = The dB gain decreases 18.161 dB per decrease in frequency. I expected it, because the frequencies below the cutoff frequency have output voltage almost decrease 20dB/decade decrease in frequency. Step 19 Click “Phase” on the Bode plotter to plot the phase curve. Make sure that the vertical axis initial value (I) is 0o and the final value (f) is 90o. Run the simulation again. You are looking at the phase difference (θ) between the filter input and output as a function of frequency (f). Sketch the curve plot in the space provided
  • 11. θ f Step 20 Move the cursor to approximately 100 Hz and 1 MHz and record the phase (θ) in degrees on the curve plot for each frequency (f). Next, move the cursor as close as possible on the curve to the cutoff frequency (fC). Record the frequency (fC) and phase (θ). at 100 Hz: θ = 89.28 at 1MHz: θ = 0.456o at fC(7.935 kHz): θ = 44.738o Question: Was the phase at the cutoff frequency (fC) what you expected for a single-pole (single R- C) high pass filter? It is what I expected, the input and the output change 89.824 degrees almost 90 degrees on the frequency range and 44.738 degrees almost degrees. Did the phase change with frequency? Is this expected for an R-C high pass filter? = Yes the phase between the input and output changes. It is expected in R--C high pass filter Step 21 Change the value of resistor R to 2 kΩ in Figure 1-2. Click “Magnitude” on the Bode plotter. Run the simulation. Measure the cutoff frequency (fC) and record your answer. fC = 4.049 kHz
  • 12. Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain. = The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of low frequency even if the resistance changes. Step 22 Change the value of the capacitor C to 0.04µF in Figure 1-2. Run the simulation/ measure the cutoff frequency (fC) and record you answer. fC = 4.049 kHz Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain. = The cutoff changes, as a matter of fact it decreases. The dB per decade roll-off did not change. The single pole’s roll-off will always approach 20 dB per decade in the limit of low frequency even if the capacitance changes.
  • 13. CONCLUSION The following conclusions are made after experimenting. This will compare the low-pass filter and the high-pass filter: The frequencies that allowed by the filter: (Low-Pass Filter) Allows the frequencies below the cut-off frequency and blocks the frequencies above the cut-off frequency. (High-Pass Filter) Allows the frequencies above the cut-off frequency and blocks the frequencies below the cut-off frequency. Voltage Gain: Both Low Pass and High Pass has a voltage gain of 1. VO = VI (Low-Pass Filter) The voltage gain at well below the cutoff frequency is almost equal to 1; (High-Pass Filter) The voltage gain becomes 1 if it is well above the fC Roll-off: (Low-Pass Filter) decreases by 20 dB per decade increase in frequency. (High-Pass Filter) decreases by 20 dB per decade decrease in frequency. Phase (Low-Pass and High Pass Frequency) The phase of low-pass and high-pass between the input and the output changes 90 degrees over the frequency range and 45 degrees at the cutoff frequency. When Resistance and Capacitance Changes: (Effect on Cutoff for Low-Pass and High-Pass Filter) If the resistance or capacitance changes, the cutoff frequency also changes. Cutoff is inversely proportional to the resistance and capacitance. (Effect on Roll-off for Low-Pass and High-Pass Filter) Roll-off is not affected by the resistance and the capacitance.