SEMICONDUCTOR

FILTERS

SOLVED

Q.) Explain in detail about Filters.

Ans: The output of a rectifier is pulsating in nature, i.e., it contains
as well as dc components. At the output, we want only dc
components. Therefore, we have to remove (filter) ac
components. The circuit used for this purpose is known as filter.
Generally, inductors and capacitors are used as filter
components. The inductor acts as a short circuit for de but has a
large impedance for ac. Similarly, the capacitor acts as an open
circuit for dc and almost short circuit for ac. Hence, inductance
cannot be placed in a shunt arm across the load, otherwise dc will
be shorted. Therefore, it is always connected in series with the
load. Similarly, capacitance is open for dc, i.e., it blocks dc.
Hence, it cannot be connected in series with the load. It is always
connected in shunt arm, parallel to the load.
There are four types of filter
1) Inductor filter

2) Capacitor filter

3) Choke input or LC filter

4) C-L-C or filter

Q.) Write a note on capacitive filter.

Ans: In a capacitor filter, the capacitor is connected in parallel with
the load RL. During the positive half-cycle, the diode D1 is forward
biased and the diode D2 is reverse biased. Therefore, current
flows through D1, charging the capacitor will appear as output
voltage. Output voltage increases up to point A. After point A,
input voltage starts decreasing but the capacitor is already
charged to the value Vm. Hence, the diode D1 is reverse biased in
1

SEMICONDUCTOR

FILTERS

SOLVED

the positive half-cycle itself and capacitor discharges slowly

through RL.
At the same time, positive half-cycle is over and the negative
half-cycle begins. Due to this, D1 continues to be reverse biased.
Now, the diode D2 is also reverse biased due to voltage across
the capacitor. Therefore, the capacitor continues to discharge and
reaches the point B. At this time, voltage at the point B is more
than the capacitor voltage and so the diode D2 is forward biased
and again, the capacitor charges to the value Vm. The process
repeats. Thus, amount of fluctuation is less at the output, i.e., ac
component is reduced after connecting the capacitor.