MAPUA UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF EECE ECEA111L

Department of Electronics Engineering

SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER
ENGINEERING

Activity 2 Passive Filters

SUBMITTED BY:
Yalung, Mharlon Jefferson SA.

ECEA111L / B18
November 17, 2021

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Activity 2: Passive Filters

Required: Simulink File
Laboratory Report (.pdf)
Video Documentation/Presentation (.mp4)

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

A. Simulate the frequency response of a Low-pass filter circuit.

B. Simulate the frequency response of a High-pass filter circuit.

BASIC CONCEPTS

1. Filters are used in the field of electronics and communications to reject

unwantedfrequencies and allow desired signal frequency.
2. There are four broad types of filters according to frequency response: low
pass, highpass, band pass and band reject.
3. The three basic filter circuit configurations are L, T and 𝜋-type.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Filters are circuits capable of allowing signals with certain selected frequencies while
rejecting signals with other frequencies. This property is called selectivity. Passive filters, RC, RL,
RLC or LC, provide only frequency selectivity. Active filters use transistors or op-amps combined
with passive circuits.

Coils and capacitors are used as filter elements because they are frequency dependent
and have very little power loss. Basically, a coil or capacitor alone produces some attenuation.
The reactance of a capacitor decreases with frequency. A coil in series with a variable frequency
source provides more attenuation as frequency increases. In parallel with the source, the
opposite effect results because the low frequencies are shunted to ground while more voltage
isdeveloped for high frequencies. Conversely, a capacitor in series with the source attenuates
thelow frequencies more than the high frequencies; in parallel it develops the low frequency
voltagesand shunts the high frequencies to the ground.

Simple RC and RL, low-pass and high-pass L-type filter circuits are shown in Figure 1.

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L-type HPF -type HPF

FIGURE 1
Filter Circuits

Notice that the placement of capacitor and inductor as filter element is interchanged forhigh-pass
and low-pass filters.

The four basic categories of filters are low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band- stop. Their
frequency responses are shown in Figure 2.

FIGURE 2: Frequency Response

The most important consideration in any filter circuit design is the cut-off frequency, the
frequency that will separate the pass band and the stop band. Pass band refers to the range of
frequencies that the filter will allow to have an output voltage while the stop band is the range
of frequencies, which the filter will attenuate.

At the cut-off frequency (also called the break or corner frequency), the power output
will be one-half the maximum power input. Consequently, the

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voltage will be
1
𝑃! =
2
𝐸𝑐% 𝑃"#$
1 𝐸"#$ %
=
𝑅 2 𝑅
1
𝐸! = 𝐸"#$
√2

Or it is also the 70.70% of the maximum input voltage. In a simple RC-L-type filter, the cut-off can be
determined as

1
𝑓𝑐 = 𝑅𝐶
2𝜋
for RL-L-type filters,

𝑓! = 1
2𝜋 𝐿+ 𝑅

While for other filter composed of more than once capacitor or inductor, cut off frequency can
be determined using the same analysis, applying combination of series and parallel elements.

PROCEDURES

Objective A: Frequency Response of a Low-Pass L-Type Filter

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 3 using LTSPICE. Set the input voltage for 500- Hz,
500-mVpk-pk sinusoidal input signal.

Figure 3

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2. Measure the peak-to-peak output voltage (across C1) the oscilloscope. Record the output
voltage in Table 1.

3. Compute the cut-off frequency of the L-type low-pass filter using the formula

1 1
𝑓𝑐 = = = 15915.49 𝐻𝑧
2𝜋𝑅𝐶 2𝜋(1Ω)(10𝜇)

𝑓𝑐 = 15915.49 𝐻𝑧

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4. Vary the input frequency from 500Hz to 100KHz and measure the peak-to-peak output
voltage. Repeat for all given input frequencies.

Frequency (Hz) Eo (mVpk-pk)

500 499.75344
1k 499.01595
3k 491.34726
5k 477.01411
10k 423.36651
15k 363.86359
20k 311.3385
30k 234.3249
50k 151.65724
100k 78.588363
TABLE 1

5. Plot the frequency response of the filter with the frequency as abscissa/ x-axis and the peak-to-
peak output voltage as ordinate/y-axis. Use a logarithmic scale for the graph.

6. The 3-dB voltage point occurs at the theoretical cut-off frequency of the filter. Calculate the 3-
dB point of the low pass filter using the formula

𝐸3𝑑𝐵 = 0.707𝐸𝑂𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.707(500) = 353.5 𝑚𝑉

𝐸3𝑑𝐵 = 353.5 𝑚𝑉

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7. Mark the 3-dB point on the graph. Draw a vertical line from this point down to the frequency
scale. Record the frequency at the point of intersection. This determines the cut-off frequency of
the low-pass filter.

𝑓𝑐 = 15915.49 𝐻𝑧

8. Compare the calculated and measured values of the cut-off frequency. Are they in
agreement?
Given that the 3-dB point of the low pass filter value is 353.5 mV, a measured value of
15915.38 Hz the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter is obtained. In line with this, the
obtained value corresponds with the obtained calculated value of the cut- off frequency in
low pass filter which is 15915.49 Hz. Also, there is a minimal discrepancy between
calculated and measured values of the cut-off frequency in low pass filter which can be
concluded that they are in agreement.

9. Describe the frequency response of the low-pass filter.

As depicted in the simulation results and waveform simulation, it is determined that the simulated
frequency response of the low-pass filter has a corresponding practical frequency response. The
frequency response depicted in the low-pass filter pass through below the given cut-off frequency.
Above the given cut-off frequency, all frequencies or frequency response are attenuated. With this,
this corresponds to the idea that input frequency varies inversely to the peak-peak output voltage.
Meaning, the relationship between input frequency to the peak-peak output voltage is inversely
proportional.

10. Reduce the output of the Function Generator to zero.

Objective B: Frequency Response of a High-Pass L-Type Filter

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 4 using LTSPICE. Set the input voltage for 500- Hz,
500-mVpk-pk sinusoidal input signal.
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FIGURE 4
L-Type High-Pass Filter

2. Measure the peak-to-peak output voltage (across C1) the oscilloscope. Record the output
voltage in Table 2.

3. Compute the cut-off frequency of the L-type low-pass filter using the formula

1 1
𝑓𝑐 = = = 15915.49 𝐻𝑧
2𝜋𝑅𝐶 2𝜋(1Ω)(10𝜇)

𝑓𝑐 = 15915.49 𝐻𝑧
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4. Vary the input frequency from 500Hz to 100 KHz and measure the peak-to-peak output
voltage. Repeat for all given input frequencies.

Frequency (Hz) Eo (mVpk-pk)

500 15.700217
1k 31.354101
3k 92.616234
5k 149.84422
10k 265.9415
15k 342.93336
20k 391.23949
30k 441.69202
50k 476.44526
100k 493.78525

TABLE 2

5. Plot the frequency response of the filter with the frequency as abscissa and the peak-to- peak
output voltage as ordinate. Use a logarithmic scale for the graph.

6. The 3-dB voltage point occurs at the theoretical cut-off frequency of the filter. Calculate the 3-
dB point of the high pass filter using the formula

𝐸3𝑑𝐵 = 0.707𝐸𝑂𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 0.707(500) = 353.5 𝑚𝑉

𝐸3𝑑𝐵 = 353.5 𝑚𝑉

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7. Mark the 3-dB point on the graph. Draw a vertical line from this point down to the frequency
scale. Record the frequency at the point of intersection. This determines the cut-off frequency of
the high-pass filter.

𝑓𝑐 = 15915.49 𝐻𝑧

8. Compare the calculated and measured values of the cut-off frequency. Are they in
agreement?
Given that the 3-dB point of the high pass filter value is 353.5 mV, a measured value of
15915.49Hz the cut-off frequency of the high-pass filter is obtained. In line with this, the
obtained value corresponds with the obtained calculated value of the cut- off frequency in
high-pass filter which is 15915.49Hz. Also, there is a minimal discrepancy between
calculated and measured values of the cut-off frequency in the high-pass filter which can
be concluded that they are almost equal or in agreement.

9. Describe the frequency response of the high-pass filter.

As depicted in the simulation results and waveform simulation, it is determined that the simulated
frequency response of the high-pass filter has also a corresponding practical frequency response.
The frequency response of the high-pass filter below the given cut-off frequency results a low or
reduced output voltage. On the other hand, the frequency response of the high-pass filter above the
given cut-off frequency results a high or increased output voltage. With this, this corresponds to the
idea that input frequency varies directly to the peak-to-peak output voltage. Meaning, the
relationship between input frequency to the peak-to-peak output voltage is directly proportional.

10. Reduce the output of the Function Generator to zero

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Interpretation
Activity 2 governs the use of passive filters in L-type RC filter circuits and the simulation of the
frequency response of low-pass filter circuit and high-pass filter circuit. The activity is divided into two parts
and simulation. In the first part, low-pass filter is utilized as the resistor is connected to the voltage source in
series connection while in part 2, high-pass filter as the capacitor is connected to the voltage source in series
connection. In part 1, an L-type RC low-pass filter circuit is constructed using LTspice with a 500Hz voltage
source and a sinusoidal input signal of 500-Vpk-pk. Next, a 16.068dB for measured peak-to-peak output
voltage across the capacitor is obtained with a given spice directive using the values in corresponding
frequency and amplitude. Using the formula 𝑓𝑐 =
1
2𝜋𝑅𝐶
, a 15915.49Hz is obtained for the cut-off frequency. In the simulation, an AC analysis is used
with 500Hz start frequency, 100kHz stop frequency, and octave or the type of sweep. In table 1, it is observed
that the increase in different ranges in input frequency results a gradual decrease to peak- peak output voltage
across the capacitor. This corresponds to idea that the input frequency varies inversely to the peak-peak output
voltage as the high frequency response above the given cut-off frequency attenuates or rapidly decreases in the
stopband zone. In part 2, an L-type RC high-pass filter circuit is constructed using LTspice with the same
components for the low-pass filter circuit. A 29.9526 dB for measured peak-to-peak output voltage across the
capacitor is obtained with a given spice directive. In this case, same ac analysis set up, components, and
calculated cut-off frequency of 15915.49Hz is utilized. In table 2, it is observed that the increase in input
frequency results an increase to peak-peak output voltage across the capacitor. This corresponds to idea that
the input frequency varies proportionally to the peak-peak output voltage as the low frequencies above the
given cut-off frequency of the high-pass filter attenuates thereby increasing the output voltage. Furthermore, an
almost equal or a minimal discrepancy between calculated and measured values of the cut-off frequency in the
high-pass filter is depicted which can be concluded that they are in agreement. With this, the simulations of the
frequency response depicted the theoretical background of passive filters.

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Conclusion

Overall, the experiment succeeded as the objectives observed the simulation of the frequency
response of a L-type low-pass filter circuit and a L-type high-pass filter circuit. In the values obtained, a cut-
off frequency of 15915.49Hz is obtained for the low-pass filter circuit and high-pass filter circuit. Aside from
that, same given values of passive components are utilized for both filter circuits. In low-pass filter, the resistor
is connected to the voltage source in series connection while high-pass filter is where the capacitor is
connected to the voltage source in series connection. Both filter circuits differ by the arrangement of their
passive components and function. In filter circuits, it is determined a low-pass filter or a high-pass filter
depends on how the passive elements such as the resistor and the capacitor are connected in series with respect
to the output signal. For the L-type low- pass filter circuit, the increase in input frequency results a decrease to
the value of the peak-to-peak output voltage. With this, it can be concluded that the input frequency varies
inversely to the peak-to- peak output voltage as shown on table 1 which depicts the cut-off frequency at 3db
point and 353,5mV value of the peak-to-peak output voltage. For the L-type high-pass filter circuit, the
increase in input frequency results an increase to the value of the peak-to-peak output voltage. After the cut-off
frequency, the frequencies that passes through is blocked by the stopband. With this, it can be concluded that
the input frequency varies directly to the peak-to-peak output voltage. Meaning, both varies proportionally to
each other. Lastly, the calculated cut-off frequency of 15915.49Hz for both filter circuits have minimal
discrepancy compared to the measured cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter circuit with 15915.38Hz and
high-pass filter circuit with 15915.49Hz. With the small percentage error or minimal discrepancy of the
calculated and measured, it is concluded that the obtained values are accurate and valid.

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 500Hz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 1kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 3kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 5kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 10kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 15kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 20kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 30kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 50kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of Low Pass Filter at 100kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 500Hz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 1kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 3kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 5kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 10kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 15kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 20kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 30kHz

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Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 50kHz

Simulation results of peak-to-peak output voltage of High Pass Filter at 100kHz

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Proof (Objective A)

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Proof (Objective B)

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