Understanding Signal Distortion & Phase Shift w/ Resistor/Capacitor Circuits

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In summary, capacitance and inductance in a circuit allow different frequencies to travel with differing degrees of attenuation and phase shift. This can cause the received signal to be different from the signal sent. With low and high pass filters, we can control the type of signal that continues through the circuit by attenuating high or low frequencies. In a purely resistive circuit, the received signal will be a scaled version of the sent signal, with no distortion. In order to change the phase of the sent signal, a resistance is needed in the circuit. This is because the phase shift is the angle between voltage and current in an RLC circuit, and without resistance, the phase difference will be either +90 or -90 degrees. Adding resistance allows
  • #1
jeff1evesque
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Statement:
Capacitance and inductance in a circuit allow different frequencies to travel with differing degrees of attenuation and phase shift. This causes the received signal to be different from the signal sent.

Question:
With low and high pass filters, we can control what kind of signal continues to the remaining portion of the circuit by attenuating either signal at high frequencies or at low frequencies [by the construction of resistors and capacitors]. Can someone explain to me how one would change the phase of the signal sent; more specifically
Capacitance and inductance in a circuit allow different frequencies to travel with differing degrees of phase shift?

Statement:
In a purely resistive circuit, the signal received will be a scaled version of the signal sent [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] no distortion.

Question:
Does this mean the amplitude of the signal received will smaller? I am not familiar with the term distortion, does that mean the signal will have the same wavelength?

Thanks,


JL
 
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  • #2
jeff1evesque said:
Statement:
Capacitance and inductance in a circuit allow different frequencies to travel with differing degrees of attenuation and phase shift. This causes the received signal to be different from the signal sent.

Question:
With low and high pass filters, we can control what kind of signal continues to the remaining portion of the circuit by attenuating either signal at high frequencies or at low frequencies [by the construction of resistors and capacitors]. Can someone explain to me how one would change the phase of the signal sent; more specifically

Statement:
In a purely resistive circuit, the signal received will be a scaled version of the signal sent [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] no distortion.
The phase shift is the angle [itex]\phi[/itex] between voltage and current in an RLC circuit. If the circuit does not contain resistance the phase difference will be + 90 or -90 ([itex]+- \frac{\pi}{2}[/itex]. In order to have a phase difference of something in between you need resistance.

See, for example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_impedance

AM
 
  • #3
That's all that's meant by it? Since we have a capacitor in the circuit, the wave that travels through the capacitor will have a voltage that is 90 degrees difference in phase? Is there any other implications- should the wave after going through the capacitor be 90 degrees out of phase with the wave coming into the capacitor?

Andrew Mason said:
In order to have a phase difference of something in between you need resistance.AM
So any kind of resistance will due (pure resistors, capacitors-with their impedance, inductors)?

Thanks,

JL
 

1. What is signal distortion?

Signal distortion is the alteration of a signal's waveform, caused by various factors such as interference, noise, and non-linearities in the circuit components. It can result in a decrease in the accuracy and fidelity of the signal.

2. How does a resistor affect signal distortion?

A resistor can cause signal distortion by introducing resistance to the flow of current, which can result in a decrease in signal amplitude and distortion of the signal's shape. This is known as voltage attenuation.

3. What is phase shift in a resistor/capacitor circuit?

Phase shift is the difference in timing between the input and output signals in a resistor/capacitor circuit. It is caused by the time delay introduced by the capacitor as it charges and discharges.

4. How does a capacitor contribute to signal distortion and phase shift?

A capacitor can cause signal distortion and phase shift by storing and releasing electrical charge, which creates a time delay in the circuit. This can result in changes to the signal's amplitude and phase, leading to distortion.

5. How can signal distortion and phase shift be minimized in a resistor/capacitor circuit?

To minimize signal distortion and phase shift in a resistor/capacitor circuit, high-quality components should be used, and proper circuit design and layout techniques should be implemented. Additionally, using feedback circuits and adjusting component values can also help reduce distortion and phase shift.

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