Mini Tutorial

MT-202
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Allpass Filters If the function is changed to a low-pass function (Figure 1B),

the filter is still a first-order allpass and the delay equations still
by Hank Zumbahlen, hold, but the signal is inverted, changing from 0° at dc to −180°
Analog Devices, Inc.
at high frequency.
IN R1 R1 OUT IN R1 R1 OUT

IN THIS MINI TUTORIAL

C
Allpass filters, consisting of first-order allpass filters and R

second-order allpass filters, require only one operational R C

amplifier (op amp). Allpass filters are one of multiple discrete

10400-002
circuits described in a series of mini tutorials. (A) (B)

Figure 1. First-Order Allpass Filter

INTRODUCTION TO ALLPASS FILTERS SECOND-ORDER ALLPASS

In most cases, the amplitude response of a filter is of primary A second-order allpass circuit shown in Figure 2 was first
concern. Another type of filter that leaves the amplitude of the described by Delyiannis (see the References section). The main
signal intact, but introduces phase shift is called an allpass filter. attraction of this circuit is that it only requires one op amp.
The purpose of this filter is to add phase shift (delay) to the Remember also that an allpass filter can also be realized as
response of the circuit. The amplitude of an allpass is unity for 1 – 2 BP.
all frequencies. The phase response, however, changes from 0° C
OUT
to 360° (for a 2-pole filter) as the frequency is swept from 0 R2
C
to infinity. One use of an allpass filter is to provide phase IN
R1

equalization, typically in pulse circuits. It also has application R3

in single side band, suppressed carrier (SSB-SC) modulation

10400-003
R4
circuits.
The transfer function of an allpass filter is Figure 2. Second-Order Allpass Filter

ω  One may use any of the band-pass realizations discussed in

s 2 −  0  s + ω 0 2
 Q  this series of mini tutorials to build the filter, but be aware of
H (s) = (1) whether the BP inverts the phase or not. In addition, be aware
ω 
s 2 +  0  s + ω 0 2 that the gain of the BP section must be 2. To this end, the dual
 Q  amplifier band-pass filter (DABP) structure is particularly
Note that an allpass transfer function can be synthesized as useful, since its gain is fixed at 2. To select an op amp, we
HAP = HLP – HBP + HHP = 1 – 2HBP (2) primarily need to concern ourselves with the bandwidth. The
rule of thumb is that the open-loop gain of the amp at the
FIRST-ORDER ALLPASS resonant frequency should be at least 20 dB. Also, since there
The general form of a first-order allpass filter is shown in is a capacitor in the feedback network, a current feedback
Figure 1. If the function is a simple RC high pass (Figure 1A), amplifier is probably not appropriate.
the circuit has a phase shift that goes from −180° at 0 Hz. and Figure 3 and Figure 4 summarize design equations for various
0°at high frequency. It is −90° at ω = 1/RC. The resistor may be active filter realizations. In all cases, H, ωo, Q, and α are given,
made variable to allow adjustment of the delay at a particular taken from the design tables.
frequency.

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MT-202 Mini Tutorial
FIRST-ORDER ALLPASS DESIGN EQUATIONS SECOND-ORDER ALLPASS DESIGN EQUATIONS
s−
1 ω 
VO s 2 − s 0  + ω0 2
= RC Q 
VIN 1
s+ ω 
RC s 2 + s 0  + ω0 2
R1 R1 Q 
IN OUT
C
OUT
C
R2
R1 C
R IN

10400-003
R3

10400-006
Figure 3. R4

 RC 
Phase Shift (φ ) = − 2 Tan −1   Figure 5.
 2πF 
 2  1
2 RC s 2 − s  +
Group Delay = VO  R 2 C  R1 R 2 C
2
(2 π FRC )2 + 1 VIN
=
 2  1
s 2 + s  +
Delay at dc = 2 RC  R 2 C  R1 R 2 C
2

Given a phase shift of φ at a frequency = F To design the filter, choose C.

 φ k = 2πF0C
RC = 2 π F TAN  − 
 2 2Q
R2 =
Figure 4 design is the same as Figure 3 except the sign of the k
phase changes.
1
R1 R1 R1 =
IN OUT 2kQ
R R3 = R1
Q
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C
R4 =
2
Figure 4.

REFERENCES
Delyiannis, T. High-Q Factor Circuit with Reduced Sensitivity, Electronic Letters, Volume 4, December 1968. p. 577.
Zumbahlen, Hank. Linear Circuit Design Handbook. Elsevier. 2008. ISBN: 978-7506-8703-4.
REVISION HISTORY
4/12—Revision 0: Initial Version

©2012 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and

registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
MT10400-0-4/12(0)

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