ACTIVE FILTERS

Course teachers :
Dr. Tushar
Jadhav Dr. A.V.
Bang
Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
VISHWAKARMA INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY,
Pune, Maharashtra
Disclaimer

Dear Readers,

• The material, the figures, equations are taken from my

own book

• Since I didn’t get much time to redraw the figures I am

taking as it is from the book on Linear Integrated
Circuits

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 2

 Filter classifications

Filters
• Filter- An electronic
circuit which Based on filter Based on Based on
signals of certain
allows components components frequency band
frequencies and
blocks all RC filters Active filters LPF
frequencies other
• Filters are classified
LC filters Passive filters HPF
as shown in figure

Crystal filter BPF

BSF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 3

Active filters vs Passive filters

Active Filters Passive filters

Use active element such as transistor, FET Use only passive components
or opamp with passive components
Active filters don’t use inductors hence They may have inductors in addition to
they are compatible with ICs resistor and capacitor
Absence of inductor – needs less space Inductors are bulky and acquire more
space
Absence of inductor -Less costly Costly
Opamp provides gain and isolation(non No gain.
inverting mode) No
isolatio
Opamp ---Loading problem is overcome
n
However they need power supply to betwee
operate the opamp n input
and
Stability considerations limit their use upto output
100kHz
Loadin
BW of opamp limits the response g
proble
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 4
m exist
Passive
 Advantages and disadvantages of Active filters over
Passive filters

• Refer previous slide:

• Those points marked in green are advantages of

Active filters over Passive filters

• Those marked in red are disadvantages of active

filters over Passive filters

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 5

 Filters (based on Band of frequencies)

• We have seen these types in Engg ckt analysis. Filter on the

basis of frequency bands are classified as
1. Low Pass filter(LPF)
Passes all the signals of frequencies below certain frequency (cut off
frequency) and blocks all other frequencies

2. High Pass filter(HPF)

Passes all the signals of frequencies above certain frequency (cut off
frequency) and blocks all other frequencies

3. Band Pass filter(BPF)

Allows certain band of frequencies (bandwidth) and block all other

4. Band Stop filter(BSF)

Blocks certain band of frequencies (bandwidth) and passes all other
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 6
Ideal filter response (based on Band of frequencies)

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 7

 Filters (based on Band of frequencies)

• Some important terms-

1. Cut off frequency- Frequency at which the gain of the filter
becomes 0.707 times the maximum gain of the filter ( that is,
3dB less than max gain in dB) is called as cut off frequency
2. Pass Band – Band of frequencies in which gain of the filter is
more than 0.707 times the max gain.
3. Stop Band – Band of frequencies in which gain of the filter is
less than its gain at cut off frequency
4. Roll off rate- The rate at which the gain of filter varies in the
stop band after cut off frequency. The rate is typically
expressed in dB/decade
• For example – The LPF has pass band between 0 Hz and cut off frequency
where as stop band after cut off frequency
• HPF has pass band after cut off frequency and stop band between 0 Hz and
cut off frequency Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 8
Filter Approximation: Butterworth filters

• Ideal filters are difficult to realize(implement) in

practice. Hence filter response is approximated
using different approximations. One of such
approximation is Butterworth approximation
• Here, we approximate the filter response that is
its transfer function ( Gain of the filter as
function of frequency) according to Butterworth
requirements

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 9

Filter Approximation: Butterworth filters

• Butterworth filters are called as flat- flat filter

since its response if flat both in the pass band
and stop band. (See response in LPF on next
slides)
• Butterworth filters have transfer function-
• H(s)=
• Here, H(s) = filter gain at s=
• = max gain of the filter
• B(s) = butter worth polynomial
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 10
Filter Approximation: Butterworth filters

• Butter worth polynomials for different

orders
(n) are given below. Note that s= and =2

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 11

First order Butterworth LPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 12

 First order Butterworth LPF

• See the circuit diagram-

• The non inverting amplifier is connected at the output of RC
circuit which acts as LPF
• Note that there is only one RC network and capacitor is
grounded. Input is given to resistance R. Since one RC network is
used, its order is one. Hence called as first order Butterworth
LPF.
• When input frequency is zero, capacitor acts as open. Hence the
gain of the circuit will be 1+Rf/R1 which also happens to be
maximum gain of the filter that is in Butterworth equation.
• Figure also show the frequency response for first order LPF
• The gain equation for the filter response can be derived as
follows
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 13
 Gain of First-order LPF
 jX C
VA  Vin
R   jX C 

1
j 2  1 and  jX C 
j 2fC

Vin
V A 
1 j 2fRC 1
where f H   cutoff freq. of LPF
2RC
 R 
Vo  1  F   VA
 R1  Vo AF
The gain magnitude,  and
Vin 1  f / fH 
2
 R  Vin
Vo  1  F 
 R1  1  j 2fRC  f 
Phase angle,    tan 1  
Vo AF f
 H

Vin 1  j  f / f H 
Gain of First-order LPF
Vo AF
We know that , the gain magnitude, 
Vin 1  f / fH 
2

Vo
Case 1 : At very low frequencies, that is f  f H ,  AF
Vin

Vo A
Case 2 : At f  f H ,  F  0.707 AF
Vin 2

Vo
Case 3 : At f  f H ,  AF
Vin
First order Butterworth LPF

• Refer above equation. If we equate this with first

order Butterworth equation ( see table on slide 11)
ƒ
• H(s)= 0
= 0 ƒ
ωH ƒH
ω =
ƒ
• Note that,
1
=
•
• These are design equations of first order Butterworth LPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 17

 First order Butterworth LPF

Example: Design active low pass filter at a cut-off frequency of 1kHz

with a passband gain of 2.

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 17

 First order Butterworth LPF

Frequency Scaling: To change cut off frequency from fH to fH’

Multiply R or C by fH / fH’, preferably R.

In the previous example if cut-off frequency is changed to 1.6 kHz,

design the circuit.

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 17

Second order Butterworth LPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 18

 Second order Butterworth LPF

• See the circuit diagram-

• The non inverting amplifier is connected at the output of two RC
circuits which acts as LPF
• Note that there are two RC networks and capacitor of first RC
network is connected to feedback path where as capacitor of
second RC network is grounded .
• Input is given to resistance R. Since two RC networks are used,
its order is TWO. Hence called as SECOND order Butterworth
LPF.
• When input frequency is zero, both capacitors acts as open.
Hence the gain of the circuit will be 1+Rf/R1 which also happens
to be maximum gain of the filter that is H0 in Butterworth
equation.
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 19
 Second order Butterworth LPF

• Figure also show the frequency response for Second

order LPF
• Note that the roll off rate after cut off frequency is
doubled. It is -40 db/decade
• The frequency response of second order LPF is same as
first order with roll off rate in stop band double the
earlier.
• Note that, roll off rate = order of filter * -20 db/decade
• Hence here it is = -40 db/decade
• The equation for gain of the filter and cut off frequency
can be derived similarly. These equations are given on
next slide
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 20
Second order Butterworth LPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 21

Second order Butterworth LPF

• Here,

• H(s)= 0
2

• If we equate the gain equation of second order

LPF with this equation we get the condition for the
maximum gain of the filter and that is,
• 3- = 1.414 Hence, =1.586
• Note that, = ƒ
Hence, =0.586
1

• where and ==
• These are design equations of Second order Butterworth
LPF
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 22
 Second order Butterworth LPF

Transfer function of circuit is 𝐴

𝐻 ( 𝑠 )= 2 2 2
1
𝑠 𝐶 𝑅 + 𝑠𝐶𝑅 ( 3 − 𝐴 ) +1
1
General form of H(s) is 2 𝜔𝐻 =
𝐶𝑅

where A is gain, ωH is angular cut-off frequency, α is damping factor

4
Butterworth

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 22

 Second order Butterworth LPF

Comparing 3 and 4 3 − 𝐴 𝑓 =1.1414

𝑅𝑓
𝐴 𝑓 =1.586=1+
𝑅1

𝑅 𝑓 =0.586 𝑅1

1 R=R2=R3
𝑓 𝐻=
2 𝜋 𝑅𝐶 C=C2=C3

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 22

 Second order Butterworth LPF

Example: Design second order Butterworth LPF for a cutoff frequency of 1kHz

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 22

First order Butterworth LPF - Numerical

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 25

 HPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 26

First order Butterworth HPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 27

 First order Butterworth HPF
• See the circuit diagram-
• The non inverting amplifier is connected at the output of CR
circuit which acts as HPF
• Note that there is only one CR network and resistor is grounded.
Input is given to capacitance C. Since one CR network is used, its
order is one. Hence called as first order Butterworth HPF.
• When input frequency is infinite, capacitor acts as short. Hence
the gain of the circuit will be 1+Rf/R1 which also happens to be
maximum gain of the filter that is H0 in Butterworth equation.
• Figure also shows the frequency response for first order HPF
• The gain equation for the filter response can be derived as
follows

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 28

First order Butterworth HPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 29

First order Butterworth HPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 30

First order Butterworth LPF
• Thus HPF has constant gain equal to = Af= 1+Rf/R1 after cut
off frequency
• Initially the gain of the filter is zero. The gain increases
0.707
to times Af at cut off frequency with roll off rate
+20db/decade then becomes maximum for all the
and
frequencies above cutoff
• Thus, HPF passes all the frequencies higher than cut off freq.
and blocks all other frequencies.
• Design equations-
ƒ
• =
1

•
• These are design equations of first order Butterworth HPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 31

Second order Butterworth HPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 32

Second order Butterworth HPF

• See the circuit diagram-

• The non inverting amplifier is connected at the output of two CR circuits
which acts as HPF
• Note that there are two CR networks and resistor of first CR network is
connected to feedback path where as resistor of second CR network is
grounded .
• Input is given to capacitance C. Since two CR networks are used, its order is
TWO. Hence called as SECOND order Butterworth HPF.
• When input frequency is zero, both capacitors acts as open. Hence the gain
of the circuit will be zero. At infinite frequency both capacitors act as short
hence the gain of filter becomes 1+Rf/R1 which also happens to be maximum
gain of the filter that is H0 in Butterworth equation.
• The gain equation is-

| |
𝑉0
=
𝐴𝑓

√
𝑉 𝑖𝑛 Af = 1.586

( )
4
𝑓𝐿
1+
𝑓
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 33
 Second order Butterworth HPF
• Figure also show the frequency response for Second order HPF
• Note that the roll off rate at which gain increases is doubled. It is
+40 db/decade
• The frequency response of second order HPF is same as
first order with roll off rate in stop band double the earlier.
• Note that, roll off rate = order of filter * +20 db/decade
• Hence here it is = +40 db/decade
• The equation for gain of the filter and cut off frequency can be
derived similarly. These equations are given on next slide

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 34

Second order Butterworth HPF

• Here,

• H(s)= 0
2

• If we equate the gain equation of second order

HPF with this equation we get the condition for
the maximum gain of the filter and that is,
• 3- = 1.414 Hence, =1.586
• Note that, = ƒ
Hence, =0.586
1

• where and ==
• These are design equations of Second order Butterworth
HPF
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 35
Second order Butterworth HPF

• Here,

• H(s)= 0
2

• If we equate the gain equation of second order

LPF with this equation we get the condition for the
maximum gain of the filter and that is,
• 3- = 1.414 Hence, =1.586
• Note that, = ƒ
Hence, =0.586
1

• where and ==
• These are design equations of Second order Butterworth
LPF
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 36
Second order Butterworth hPF- Numerical

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 37

Necessity of higher order filters
• Order of filter- It’s the order of Butterworth polynomial in the equation of
filter Gain. It’s the number of RC or CR combinations/networks used in the
filter
• The roll off rate that is the rate at which the gain of the filter decreases (in
LPF) or increases (in HPF) in stop band depends on the order of filter as
• Roll off rate= (order of filter i.e. n )× ( ±20dB/decade )
• Hence more the order, more the rate so as to bring the filter response close
to the ideal one.
• See the different response curves( in stop band ) of LPF for different orders

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 38

 Higher order filters

• Higher order filters can be realized( obtained)

from combinations of lower order filter
• For example,
• To get the circuit of 3rd order LPF we can combine 1st order
LPF and 2nd order LPF
• Similarly to get 4th order LPF we can combine two
2nd order filters
• Same is true for higher order HPF

1st order LPF 2nd order LPF Vo

Vin

3rd order LPF

2nd
order LPF 2nd order LPF
Vin Vo
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 39
4rd order LPF
Band Pass and Band stop filters

• BPF- LPF and HPF of same order can be connected

in series to obtain BPF. Here, fH > fL
• BSF- LPF and HPF of same order can be connected
in parallel to obtain BSF. Here, fH < fL

1st order LPF 1st order HPF

Vin

1st order BPF

1st order LPF

Adder or
summing Vo
Vin
amplifier
1st
order HPF
1st order BSF
Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 40
Band Pass filter

• BPF- LPF and HPF of same order can be connected

in series to obtain BPF. Here, fH > fL

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 41

Band Stop/Reject filter

• BSF/BRF- LPF and HPF of same order can be connected in

parallel to obtain BSF. Here, fH < fL

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 42

 Simple numerical
• What will be the gain of 1st order LPF and 2nd order LPF at frequencies 100 Hz and
2KHz. Cut off frequency fH = 1kHz. Maximum gain of the filter is 10.

• Solution : Gain at any frequency f for 1st order LPF can be determined by
ƒ 10
Hence gain at 100Hz = 𝐴 𝑓 = =
2 9.95 100 2
(1 + (1000)
H
10
Hence gain at 2KHz = 𝐴 𝑓 = = 4.47
2000 2
(1 + ( )
1000 ƒ
Gain at any frequency f for 2 order LPF can be determined by
st
4
H

Hence gain at 100Hz =9.99 Hence gain at 2KHz = 1.95

Notice that the decrease in the filter gain is large in case of 2nd order filter(1.95) than 1st
order filter (4.47). Thus roll off rate doubles. Note that 100 Hz lies in the pass band
where as 2K lies in the stop band of LPF

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 43

Thank You !

Active filters Dr.T.R.Jadhav 44