Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.

Paul

Name of Faculty : PARIMAL KUMAR PAUL.

Designation : Sr. Lecturer In Eiectronics &Tele-Communication Engg.

Polytechnic Name : Jangipur Govt. Polytechnic

Discipline : Electronics & Communication Engg.

Semester : 3rd

Subject / Course : Analog Eletronics - I

Topic : Rectifire and Power Supply

Unit No. / Module : 8.2 Filter Circuit

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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

FILTER_Circuit
The ripple in the signal denotes the presence of some AC component. This ac component has to
be completely removed in order to get pure dc output. So, we need a circuit that smoothens the
rectified output into a pure dc signal.
A filter circuit is one which removes the ac component present in the rectified output and allows
the dc component to reach the load.
The following figure shows the functionality of a filter circuit.

A filter circuit is constructed using two main components, inductor and capacitor. We have
already studied in Basic Electronics tutorial that
• An inductor allows dc and blocks ac.
• A capacitor allows ac and blocks dc.
Let us try to construct a few filters, using these two components.

Series Inductor Filter

As an inductor allows dc and blocks ac, a filter called Series Inductor Filter can be constructed
by connecting the inductor in series, between the rectifier and the load. The figure below shows
the circuit of a series inductor filter. The inductive reactance X L may be expressed as
XL = ωL = 2πfL
For D.C. f = 0, XL = 0.
Therefore, for D.C. inductor acts as a short circuit or provides an easy path (But for A.C. inductor
offers large opposition and acts almost as an open circuit.).

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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

The rectified output when passed through this filter, the inductor blocks the ac components that
are present in the signal, in order to provide a pure dc. This is a simple primary filter.

In this arrangement , ahigh value inductor L is connected in series with the rectifier element
and the load as shown in the figure below . The filtering action of an inductor filter

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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

Fig – FW rectifier with series inductor filter

depends upon its property of opposing any change in the current flowing through it. The inductor
offers a high impedance to the ac components but offers almost zero resistance to the desired dc
components . Thus ripples are removed to a large extent.

For d.c. (zero frequency) , the choke(inductor) resistance RC in series with the load resistance RL
forms a voltage divider and d.c. voltage across the load is given by

VL = VDC . RL / (RC + RL ) = VDC / (1+ RC / RL) ……………………eqn. - 1

Where, VDC is d.c voltage output from a full-wave rectifier. Usually, Choke coil resistance RC is
much smaller than RL and therefore, almost entire of the d.c voltage is available across the load
resistance RL. Fourier series for the rectified output voltage is given by
2 4 4
VL = VL max ( 𝜋 - 3𝜋cos 2ωt - 15𝜋cos 4 ωt - …..)

Since the reactance of inductor increases with the increase in frequency, better filtering of
the higher harmonic components takes place, so, effect of third and higher harmonic voltages can
be neglected.

An obvious from eqn.-1 , if inductor coil resistance RC is negligible in comparison to load

resistance RL, then the entire d.c component of rectifier output is available across RL and is equal
2
to 𝜋 VL max. The ac voltage partly drops across RL.Since choke and RL are connected in series ,
the maximum value of voltage drop across load resistance RL due to second harmonic voltage
4
(3𝜋 VL max ).

4
We have , Vac max = VL max RL / √(RL2+XL2)
3𝜋

Rms value of this ac voltage drop across load resistance RL is given by

4 1
Vac rms = . VL max RL / √(RL2+XL2)
3𝜋 √2

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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

It is seen that ripple decreases with decrease in R L (or increase in load current I) so, inductor
filter is more efficient for high load current or small load resistance RL..

In case the load resistance is infinite, i.e., the output is an open-circuit, then , ripple factor from
√2
eqn.-5.61 will be 𝛾 = = 0.471
3

This is slightly less than the value of 0.482. The difference being attributable to the omission of
higher harmonics.

Shunt Capacitor Filter

As a capacitor allows ac through it and blocks dc, a filter called Shunt Capacitor Filter can be
constructed using a capacitor, connected in shunt, as shown in the following figure.

The rectified output when passed through this filter, the ac components present in the signal are
grounded through the capacitor which allows ac components. The remaining dc components
present in the signal are collected at the output. The capacitor offers opposition is called capacitive
reactance and is denoted by XC.
Where XC = 1/ ωC = 1/ 2πfC
But for D.C., we know that frequency f = 0
Therefore, XC = 1/ 2π x0xC = ∞

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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

So, a capacitor for D.C. acts as an open circuit and blocks the D.C.
The above filter types discussed are constructed using an inductor or a capacitor. Now, let’s try
to use both of them to make a better filter. These are combinational filters.

L-C Filter

A filter circuit can be constructed using both inductor and capacitor in order to obtain a better
output where the efficiencies of both inductor and capacitor can be used. The figure below shows
the circuit diagram of a LC filter.

The rectified output when given to this circuit, the inductor allows dc components to pass through
it, blocking the ac components in the signal. Now, from that signal, few more ac components if
any present are grounded so that we get a pure dc output.
This filter is also called as a Choke Input Filter as the input signal first enters the inductor. The
output of this filter is a better one than the previous ones.

Π- Filter (Pi-filter)
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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

This is another type of filter circuit which is very commonly used. It has capacitor at its input and
hence it is also called as a Capacitor Input Filter. Here, two capacitors and one inductor are
connected in the form of π shaped network. A capacitor in parallel, then an inductor in series,
followed by another capacitor in parallel makes this circuit.
If needed, several identical sections can also be added to this, according to the requirement. The
figure below shows a circuit for π filter ( Pi−filter).

Working of a Pi filter

In this circuit, we have a capacitor in parallel, then an inductor in series, followed by another
capacitor in parallel.
• Capacitor C1 − This filter capacitor offers high reactance to dc and low reactance to ac
signal. After grounding the ac components present in the signal, the signal passes to the
inductor for further filtration.
• Inductor L − This inductor offers low reactance to dc components, while blocking the ac
components if any got managed to pass, through the capacitor C1.
• Capacitor C2 − Now the signal is further smoothened using this capacitor so that it allows
any ac component present in the signal, which the inductor has failed to block.
Thus we, get the desired pure dc output at the load.

Ripple Factor
The ripple voltage in case of a full wave rectifier with shunt capacitor is given by
Vr = Idc / 2fC1 …………… [As C = C1]
The rms value of second harmonic voltage is given by
1 𝐼𝑑𝑐 𝐼𝑑𝑐
Vac rms = Vr / π√2 = 𝜋√2 . 𝜋√2. 2𝑓𝐶1 = √2𝐼𝑑𝑐. XC1

Where, XC1 = 1 / ωC1 = 1/ 4πfC1 , reactance of input capacitor C1 at second harmonic frequency.
Now, Vac rms is applied to L-section, so, the ripple voltage can be obtained by multiplying X C2 /
XL i.e.,

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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

Bleeder Resistor

Bleeder resistors are standard high value resistors which are used to discharge the capacitor
in filter circuit. The discharging of the capacitors is really important because even if the power
supply is OFF, a charged capacitor can give a shock to anybody. So it is really essential to add a
bleeder resistor to avoid any mishaps. It also have other applications but the main purpose to use
it is for safety purpose.

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Analog Electronics - I Module 8.2 by P.K.Paul

Why bleeder resistors are used?

1. Safety Purpose
Lets consider a simple circuit as shown below. Here a capacitor is attached in parallel with main
circuit. Now when the power supply is ON, the capacitor will get charged to its peak value and
remains charged even after the power is turned OFF, and that can be a big hazard if you are working
with really high valued capacitors. This capacitor can give a high shock. So to prevent this, a
resistor of a high value is connected in parallel with the capacitor, so that it may get discharged
completely into the resistor.

2. Voltage Regulation
Voltage regulation is the ratio of difference between full load voltage and no load voltage to the
full load voltage i.e. it indicates that if a system can provide constant voltage for different loads.