Module Code: UFMFH8-15-3 Academic Year: 2020/2021

Module Name: Digital Signal Processing Coursework

Coursework
Implementing a 3-Band Equaliser
1. Task
Design and implement a 3-band equaliser using MATLAB subject to the design requirements given
below. This is an individual project.

2. Equaliser Primer
An n-band equaliser is a device used to correct the frequency response characteristic of a signal
processing system. Equalisers can be implemented using digital or analogue filters. The whole
bandwidth of the equaliser is divided into n frequency bands, which can be individually amplified (a
3-band equaliser is shown in Figure 1). Thus, any desired frequency characteristic can be
approximated. Very simple 3-band or 7-band equalisers are found in nearly every modern hi-fi system.
Basically, an n-band equaliser is implemented using a low pass filter, a high pass filter and a set of
n-2 band pass filters.

Gain Low Pass

Frequency

Gain Band Pass

In + Out
Frequency

Gain High Pass

Frequency

Figure 1: 3-Band Equaliser

3. Filters’ Design Requirements: Design three filters

• Low Pass
• High pass
• Band pass

Suggested requirements are as follows. Is this the best distribution for the filters? Refer to
deliverable (f)).

Equaliser bandwidth: 22 kHz

Low pass band: 0 → 7.33 kHz
Band pass band: 7.33 → 14.66 kHz
High pass band: 14.66 → 22 kHz
Pass band ripple: max. 5%
Stop band rejection min 40 dB
Mild phase distortions are acceptable.
Sampling frequency fs = 48 kHz
.
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Module Code: UFMFH8-15-3 Academic Year: 2020/2021
Module Name: Digital Signal Processing Coursework

The passband ripples apply also to the combination of the three filters. It is expected that the
frequency response of the 3 combined filters falls into a band of 0.95 to 1.05 (assuming a
normalised response). To achieve this, it will be necessary to scale the individual filters.

4. Design Hints

• Though either finite impulse response filters (FIR) or infinite impulse response filters (IIR) can be
used, FIR filters should be used for the CW.

• When using FIR filters, any type of window can be used. However, it might be a good idea to
think about a filter with a Hamming Window, a Hann Window or a Kaiser Window.

• Any software tool can be used to determine the filters’ coefficients (e.g. Matlab’s filterDesigner
[1] or Excel).

5. Deliverables

You must submit an individual report containing the following (10 A4 sheets Max):

a. Derivation of your filter coefficients (using the theory covered in the lectures).
You don’t have to calculate all of them. Three coefficients per filter will be
enough (be careful, when calculating the coefficients for both the bandpass and
the high pass filters).
b. The frequency response of each filter based on the generated coefficients (must
be labelled using meaningful units). The diagrams must prove that each filter
fulfils the requirements.
c. A diagram showing that the combination of the three filters can be scaled such
that the frequency response stays in at 0db plus minus 5% for all relevant
frequencies.
d. All diagrams require a short description how they were obtained, together with
relevant equations where applicable.
e. Proof that the filters actually work, e.g. plots of a buffer, showing a signal made
up of two frequencies (one in the stop band and one in the pass band) before
and after filtering.
f. Discuss the borders of the frequency bands with respect to the hearing abilities
of the average human and the likely frequency content of music. Propose and
discuss an improved distribution of the bandwidth into three bands. How about
a seven bands equaliser? (a single A4 sheet Max)
g. Briefly discuss your choice of the window function (approx. 200 words). Think
about comparing different windows.

Notes:

1. The functionality proofs for both the filters and the equaliser should be done using
MATLAB. Any MATLAB code used for the project should be submitted (appendix).
Add comments to the code.
2. The work should be properly referenced using either UWE’s Harvard style or IEEE
style.

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Module Code: UFMFH8-15-3 Academic Year: 2020/2021
Module Name: Digital Signal Processing Coursework

6. Marks Breakdown

Task Marks
1. Working equaliser 15
2. Filter design
• Design description and equations (a) 20
• Frequency response diagrams (x4) (b)(c) and (d) 20
• Functionality proof of the filters (e) 15
3. Frequency band discussion (f) 10
4. Window function discussion (g) 10
5. Clear and well commented MATLAB code 5
6. Conclusion and referencing 5
Total 100

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Module Code: UFMFH8-15-3 Academic Year: 2020/2021
Module Name: Digital Signal Processing Coursework

7. References

[1] Introduction to the Filter Designer

https://uk.mathworks.com/help/signal/examples/introduction-to-filter-designer.html

[2] P.A. Lynn & W. Fuerst, “Introductory Digital Signal Processing”, 2nd Edition, John Wiley
& Sons, 1998

Figure 2: Combined frequency response of all Figure 3: Magnified version of figure 2

three filters

Figure 4: Frequency response of a typical high Figure 5: Frequency response of the whole
pass FIR filter (rectangular window) equaliser. All three bands receiving equal
amplification

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