Name: Date:

1
Experiment

Passive Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters

Objectives:
1. Plot the gain-frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) R-C low-pass filter.
2. Determine the cutoff frequency and roll-off of an R-C first order (one-pole) low-pass filter.
3. Plot the phase frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) low-pass filter.
4. Determine how the value of R and C affects the cutoff frequency of an R-C low-pass filter.
5. Plot the gain-frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) R-C high-pass filter.
6. Determine the cutoff frequency and roll-off of a first order (one-pole) R-C high-pass filter.
7. Plot the phase-frequency response of a first-order (one-pole) high-pass filter.
8. Determine how the value of R and C affects the cutoff frequency of an R-C high-pass filter.

Materials:
One function generator
One dual-trace oscilloscope
Capacitors: 0.02uF, 0.04uF
Resistors: 1kohms, 2kohms

In electronic communication systems, it is often necessary to separate a specific range of

frequencies from the total frequency spectrum. This is normally accomplished with filters. A filter
is a circuit that passes a specific range of frequencies while rejecting other frequencies. A passive
filter consists of passive circuit elements, such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors. There are
four basic types of filters, low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop. A low-pass filter is
designed to pass all frequencies below the cutoff frequency and reject all frequencies above the
cutoff frequency. A high-pass filter is designed to pass all frequencies above the cutoff frequency
and reject all frequencies below the cutoff frequency. A band-pass filter passes all frequencies
within a band of frequencies and rejects all other frequencies outside the band. A band-stop filter
rejects all frequencies within a band frequencies and passes all frequencies outside the band. A
band-stop filter is often referred to as notch filter.

The most common way to describe the frequency response characteristics of a filter is to
plot the filter voltage gain (VO/Vin) in dB as a function of frequency (f). The frequency at which the
output power gain drops to 50% of the maximum value is called the cutoff frequency (fc). When
the output power gain drops to 50%, the voltage gain drops 3 dB (0.707 of the maximum value).
When the filter dB voltage gain is plotted as a function of frequency, it is called a Bode plot. A
bode plot is an ideal plot of filter frequency response because it assumes that the voltage gain
remains constant in the passband until the cutoff frequency is reached, and then drops in straight
line. The filter network voltage gain in dB is calculated from the actual voltage gain (A) using the
equation
AdB = 20 log A
Where A=VO/Vin

A low-pass R-C filter is shown in Figure 1-1. At frequencies well below the cutoff frequency,
the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much higher than the resistance of resistor R, causing the
output voltage to be practically equal to the input voltage (A=1) and constant with variations in
frequency. At frequencies well above the cutoff frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C
is much lower than the resistance of resistor R and decreases with an increase in frequency, causing
the output voltage to decrease 20 dB per decade increase in frequency. At the cutoff frequency, the
capacitive reactance of capacitor C is equal to the resistance of resistor R, causing the output
voltage to be 0.707 times the input voltage (-3dB). The expected cutoff frequency (fc) of the low-
pass filter in Figure 1-1, based on the circuit component values, can be calculated from

Xc = R
1
=R
2𝜋𝑓𝑐 𝐶

Solving for fc produces the equation

1
= fc
2𝜋𝑅𝐶

A high-pass R-C filter is shown in Figure 1-2. At frequencies well above the cutoff
frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is much lower than the resistance of resistor R,
causing the output voltage to be practically equal to the input voltage (A = 1) and constant with
variations in frequency. At frequencies well below the cutoff frequency, the capacitive reactance of
capacitor C is much higher than the resistance of resistor R and increases with decrease in
frequency, causing the output voltage to decrease 20 dB per decade decrease in frequency. At the
cutoff frequency, the capacitive reactance of capacitor C is equal to the resistance R, causing the
output voltage to be 0.707 times the input voltage (-3 dB). The expected cutoff frequency fc of the
high-pass filter in Figure 1-2, based on the circuit component values, can be calculated from

1
fc = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶
Figure 1-1 Low-Pass R-C Filter

When the frequency at the input of a low-pass filter increases above the cutoff frequency,
the filter output voltage drops at a constant rate. When the frequency at the input of a high-pass
filter decreases below the cutoff frequency, the filter output voltage also drops at a constant rate.
The constant drop in filter output voltage per decade increase (x10), or decrease (÷10), in
frequency is called roll-off. An ideal low-pass or high-pass filter would have an instantaneous drop
at the cutoff frequency (fc), with full signal level on one side of the cutoff frequency and no signal
level on the other side of the cutoff frequency. Although the ideal is not achievable, actual filters
roll off at -20 dB/decade per pole (R-C circuit). A one-pole filter has one R-C circuit tuned to the
cutoff frequency and rolled off at -20 dB/decade. A two-pole filter has two R-C circuits tuned to the
same cutoff frequency and rolls off at -40 dB/decade. Each additional pole (R-C circuit) will cause
the filter to roll off an additional -20 dB/decade. Therefore, an R-C filter with more poles (R-C
circuits) more closely approaches an ideal filter.

In a one-pole filter, shown in Figures 1-1 and 1-2, the phase (ϴ) between the input and the
output will change by 90 degrees over the frequency range and be 45 degrees at the cutoff
frequency. In two-pole filter, the phase (ϴ) will change by 180 degrees over the frequency range
and be 90 degrees at the cutoff frequency.

Figure 1-2 High-Pass R-C Filter

Low Pass Filter
Procedure:
Step 1 Open circuit figure 1-1. Make sure that the following Bode plotter settings are selected:
Magnitude, Vertical (Log, F=0dB, I=-40dB), Horizontal (Log, F=1 MHz, I=100Hz)
Note: If you are performing this experiment in a laboratory environment, you will not have a Bode
plotter available. You will need to plot the frequency response curves by making a measurement at
different frequencies using an oscilloscope and plot the curves on semilog graph paper.

Step 2 Run the simulation. Notice that the voltage gain in dB has been plotted between the
frequencies of 100 Hz and 1 MHz by the Bode plotter. Sketch the curve plot in the space
provided.

AdB

F
Question: Is the frequency response curve that of a low-pass filter? Explain why.

Yes, because the graph shows a downward curve after passing the critical frequency which means
that the frequency beyond that can pass the filter.

Step 3 Move the cursor to a flat part of the curve at a frequency of approximately 100 Hz.
Record the voltage gain in dB on the curve plot.

Step 4 Calculate the actual voltage gain (A) from the dB voltage gain AdB.
AdB = 20 log A
-0.001 = 20log A
A = 0.9998

Question: Was the voltage gain on the flat part of the frequency response curve what you expected
for the circuit in Figure 1-1? Explain why.

Yes, because the voltage gain is still below the cutoff frequency making the input and output
voltage approximately equal to 1 or A = 1

Step 5 Move the cursor as close as possible to a point on the curve that is 3 dB down from the
dB gain at 100 Hz. Record the frequency (cutoff frequency, fc) on the curve plot.
Step 6 Calculate the expected cutoff frequency (fc) based on the circuit component values in
Figure 1-1.
1
fc = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶
1
fc = 2𝜋(1𝑘)(0.02𝑢𝐹)

fc = 7957.7472 or 7.957 kHz

Question: How did the calculated value for the cutoff frequency compare with the measured value
recorded on the curve plot?

The calculated value is approximately equal to the measured value since the measured dB in the
bode plotter is not exactly equal to -3dB that’s why the calculated value and measured value is
approximately equal.

Step 7 Move the cursor to a point on the curve that is as close as possible to ten times fc.
Record the dB gain and frequency (f2) on the curve plot.

Question: How much did the dB gain decrease for a one-decade increase (x10) in frequency? Was
it what you expected for a single-pole (single R-C) low-pass filter?
The dB gain -17.026 after one-decade increase in frequency. Yes, because it’s stated that in low
pass filter, each pole increases the dB by -20 per decade which the measured value shows in the
picture above.

Step 8 Click “Phase” on the Bode plotter to plot the phase curve. Make sure that the vertical axis
initial value (I) is -90o and the final value (F) is 0o. Run the simulation again. You are
looking at the phase difference (ϴ) between the filter input and output as a function of
frequency (f). Sketch the curve plot in the space provided.
ϴ

f
Step 9 Move the cursor to approximately 100 Hz and 1 MHz and record the phase (ϴ)
in degrees on the curve plot for each frequency (f). Next, move the cursor as close as
possible on the curve to the cutoff frequency (fc). Record the frequency (fc) and phase
(ϴ) on the curve plot.
100Hz = -0.72 degrees
1 MHz = -89.544 degrees
7.959 kHz = -45.003 degrees

Question: Was the phase at the cutoff frequency (f ) what you expected for a single-pole (single R-
c

C) low-pass filter?

Yes, since in the single-pole low pass filter the input(100Hz) and output(1MHz) frequency change
nearly 90 degrees while the frequency at the cutoff(7.959kHz) is 45 degrees.

Did the phase change with frequency? Is this expected for an R-C low-pass filter?

Yes, the phase change with frequency. It’s also what I expect from a R-C low-pass filter
Step 10 Change the value of resistor R to 2kΩ in Figure1-1. Click “Magnitude” on the
Bode plotter. Run the simulation. Measure the new cutoff frequency (fc) and
record your answer.

Measured = 3.981 kHz

1
fc = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶
1
fc = 2𝜋(2𝑘)(0.02𝑢𝐹)

fc = 3978.87 or 3.978 kHz

Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain.

Yes, the cutoff frequency change into 3.978 kHz while the dB per decade remains the same with
the value of -20 dB/decade because the change in the resistance only affects the value of the cutoff
frequency.

Step 11 Change the value of capacitor to 0.04 µF in Figure 1-1. Run the simulation.
Measure the new cutoff frequency (fc) and record your answer.

fc = 3.978 kHz
Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain.

The change in capacitance only affect the cutoff frequency while the dB per decade remains the
same.

High-Pass Filter

Step 12 Open circuit file FIG1-2. Make sure that the following Bode plotter settings are selected:
Magnitude, Vertical (Log, F=0, I=-40 dB), Horizontal (Log, F=1 MHz, I= 100 Hz).

Note: If you are performing this experiment in a laboratory environment, you will not have a Bode
plotter available. You will need to plot the frequency response curves by making a measurement at
different frequencies using an oscilloscope and plot the curves on semilog graph paper.

Step 13 Run the simulation. Notice that the gain in dB has been plotted between the frequencies
of 100 Hz and 1 MHz by the Blode plotter. Sketch the curve plot in the space provided.
Question: Is the frequency response curve that of a high-pass filter? Explain why.

AdB

F
Step 14 Move the cursor to a flat part of the curve at a frequency of approximately 1 MHz.
Record the voltage gain in dB on the curve plot.

Step 15 Calculate the actual voltage gain (A) from the dB voltage gain AdB.
AdB = 20 log A
-0 = 20log A
A=1

Question: Was the voltage gain on the flat part of the frequency response curve what you expected
for the circuit in Figure 1-2? Explain why.

Yes, since the frequency is above the cutoff frequency the value of A is equal to 1

Step 16 Move the cursor as close as possible to a point on the curve that is 3 dB down from the
dB gain at 1 MHz. Record the frequency (cutoff frequency, fc) on the curve plot.

Step 17 Calculate the expected cutoff frequency (fc) based on the circuit component values in
Figure 1-2.
1
fc = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶
1
fc = 2𝜋(1𝑘)(0.02𝑢𝐹)

fc = 7957.7472 or 7.957 kHz

Question: How did the calculated value of the cutoff frequency compare with the measured value
recorded on the curve plot?

They are approximately equal since in the measured value, the dB is not exactly at -3dB.

Step 18 Move the cursor to a point on the curve that is as close as possible to one-tenth fc. Record
the dB gain and frequency (f2) on the curve plot.

Question: How much did the dB gain decrease for a one-decade decrease (÷10) in frequency?
Was it what you expected for a single-pole (single R-C) high-pass filter?
-20 dB/ decade. It is the value that I expect since it’s stated in a high-pass filter that it decreases -
20dB every decade.

Step 19 Click “Phase” on the Bode plotter to plot the phase curve. Make sure that the vertical axis
initial value (I) is 0o and the final value (F) is 90o. Run the simulation again. You are looking at the
phase difference (ϴ) between the filter input and output as a function of frequency (f). Sketch the
curve plot in the space provided.

AdB

f
Step 20 Move the cursor to approximately 100 Hz and 1 MHz and record the phase (ϴ) in
degrees on the curve plot for each frequency (f). Next, move the cursor as close as
on the curve to the cutoff frequency (fc). Record the frequency (fc) and phase (ϴ) on
the curve plot in the space provided.
100Hz = 82.28 degrees
1 MHz = 0.456 degrees
7.945 kHz = 45.046 degrees

Question: Was the phase at the cutoff frequency (f ) what you expected for a single-pole (single R-
c

C) high-pass filter?

Yes.

Did the phase change with frequency? Is this expected for an R-C high-pass filter?

Yes, the phase change like before and this is what I expect in a R-C high-pass filter.

Step 21 Change the value of resistor R to 2 kΩ in Figure 1-2. Click “Magnitude” on the Bode
plotter. Run the simulation. Measure the cutoff frequency (fc) and record your answer.

fc = 3.981 kHz
Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain.

Like before, only the cutoff frequency change when the resistance is changed
Step 22 Change the value of capacitor C to 0.04 µF in Figure 1-2. Run the simulation. Measure the
cutoff frequency (fc) and record your answer.

fc = 3.981 kHz

Question: Did the cutoff frequency change? Did the dB per decade roll-off change? Explain.

Yes, the cutoff frequency change, the dB per decade remains the same even if the capacitance is
changed.

TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS
1. Based on the Bode plotter readings, determine the value of C.
 1
fc = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶
1
3.176kHz = 2𝜋(5𝑘)𝐶
1
C = 2𝜋(5𝑘)(3.176𝑘𝐻𝑧)
C = 10nF

2. Based on the Bode plotter readings, determine the value of R.

1
fc = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶
1
3.176kHz = 2𝜋𝑅20𝑛𝐹
1
R = 2𝜋(20𝑛𝐹)(1.994𝑘𝐻𝑧)
R = 3.990k ohms