Calculate the amplitude of the fifth harmonic (square wave + HP filter)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the amplitude of the fifth harmonic of a square wave after passing through a high pass filter. Participants explore the implications of filter characteristics, including corner frequency and damping coefficient, on the output amplitude of the fifth harmonic.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation for the output amplitude factor using a high pass filter's transfer function, suggesting an output amplitude of 0.01018 volts for the fifth harmonic.
  • Another participant points out that the correct output should be calculated using the input voltage of 1 volt, leading to a different expected output amplitude.
  • There is a discussion about the Fourier series representation of a square wave, with participants agreeing on the formula for the amplitude of the fifth harmonic as 4A/5π.
  • One participant realizes that the frequency used in the transfer function calculation was incorrect, as it should correspond to the fifth harmonic frequency of 40,000 rad/s.
  • Another participant humorously notes the confusion among their study group regarding the calculations and the nature of the fifth harmonic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to calculating the output amplitude, with some agreeing on the formula for the fifth harmonic while others debate the correct frequency to use in the transfer function. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact output amplitude due to these differing calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of variables and the specific conditions under which the calculations are made. The dependence on the correct frequency for the transfer function is also highlighted.

Twinflower
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Homework Statement


A high pass filter tuned for a corner freq. of 40 000 rad/sek and with a damping coeffisient of 1/sqrt(2) is being subjected to a square wave voltage with amplitide of 1 volt and 8000 rad/sek.
What is the amplitude of the fifth harmonic on the output side of the filter?


Homework Equations


This is a part of a large case regarding filters of different kinds, so I have alreade defined the filter components and dimensions. I have also found the equation needed to find the output amplitude factor when a specific frequency is being subjected to the filter:

<br /> |H| = \frac{\omega^2}{\sqrt((\omega_0^2 - \omega^2)^2 + (2 * \zeta * \omega_0 * \omega)^2)}<br />

Where \omega is the frequency subjected to the filter and \omega_0 is the corner frequency of the filter

So with values it goes like this:
<br /> |H| = \frac{8000^2}{\sqrt((40000^2 - 8000^2)^2 + (2 * \frac{1}{\sqrt(2)} * 40000 * 8000)^2)} = 0,0399690<br />


Next I have found that the amplitude of the fifth harmonic when subjecting the filter to a square wave is:
<br /> \frac{4A}{5\pi}<br />
Where A is the applied voltage.

The Attempt at a Solution



As the applied voltage is 1 volt, and the output amplitude factor is 0.0399, I jumped right on it like this:
<br /> \frac{4*0,0399}{5\pi} = 0,01018<br />


But that's wrong.
The correct answer is \frac{2\sqrt(2)}{5\pi}=0,180

Where did I go wrong?
 
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Twinflower said:

Homework Statement


A high pass filter tuned for a corner freq. of 40 000 rad/sek and with a damping coeffisient of 1/sqrt(2) is being subjected to a square wave voltage with amplitide of 1 volt and 8000 rad/sek.
What is the amplitude of the fifth harmonic on the output side of the filter?


Homework Equations


This is a part of a large case regarding filters of different kinds, so I have alreade defined the filter components and dimensions. I have also found the equation needed to find the output amplitude factor when a specific frequency is being subjected to the filter:

<br /> |H| = \frac{\omega^2}{\sqrt((\omega_0^2 - \omega^2)^2 + (2 * \zeta * \omega_0 * \omega)^2)}<br />

Where \omega is the frequency subjected to the filter and \omega_0 is the corner frequency of the filter

So with values it goes like this:
<br /> |H| = \frac{8000^2}{\sqrt((40000^2 - 8000^2)^2 + (2 * \frac{1}{\sqrt(2)} * 40000 * 8000)^2)} = 0,0399690<br />


Next I have found that the amplitude of the fifth harmonic when subjecting the filter to a square wave is:
<br /> \frac{4A}{5\pi}<br />
Where A is the applied voltage.

The Attempt at a Solution



As the applied voltage is 1 volt, and the output amplitude factor is 0.0399, I jumped right on it like this:
<br /> \frac{4*0,0399}{5\pi} = 0,01018<br />


But that's wrong.
The correct answer is \frac{2\sqrt(2)}{5\pi}=0,180

Where did I go wrong?

Looks like you used the wrong value for A. It's 1V, not 0.0399V.
BTW I don't know how you defined A. So when you recalculate don't be surprised if you're off by 2:1 either way.

The number 0.0399 is totally irrelevant.
 
The value A is 1 V on the input side of the filter, but according to |H|, it is 0.0399 V on the output side.

The correct answer indicates that the output voltage should be 0.707 V, which is miles away from my calculated one. (By curiosity, the only way you can achieve 0.707 V on the output of the HP filter, is when you are applying the same freq. as the border frequency and get -3dB damping).

The output voltage is anyway multiplied by four and divided by 5pi. That is the correct procedure to find the fifth harmonic, right?
 
What's the Fourier series for a square wave with amplitude A ?
 
4A/5pi
 
Hi again Twinflower!

The fifth harmonic of the square wave is indeed at ω=5·8000 rad/s and has amplitude A=1 V.

To find the response at this frequency, you need to calculate:
|Vout(ω=5·8000)| = |H(ω=5·8000)| |Vin(ω=5·8000)|

I believe you calculated H at the wrong frequency... ;)
 
OH!

THATS why I got that the "real answer" coicided with the border frequency! 40000 = 5*8000

thank you plenty, Serena! I have 10 boys to tell some news now :)
 
Yep. H is much easier to calculate with ω=40000.
I think they chose the 5th harmonic on purpose!

I have 10 boys to tell some news now :)

Uhh... which boys? :confused:
Don't tell me you have 10 dwarves...
 
  • #10
hehe, we where like 10 guys a the study a few days back, and *noone* thought about the sin(5*omega*t)-part, only of the amplitude part.

So, i got some good news for them now, this has puzzled us for days. And boy do I feel stupid :)

edit: And btw, I only have one dwarf, which is plenty for now :) He can count to 16 or something, but doesn't understand magnituds of more than 3 (one candy, two candies, three candies --> mandy candies)
 
  • #11
Yeah, it's like finding x.
Avoid difficult calculations - just point out where it is! :D
 
  • #12
Like your avatar :)
 
  • #13
Twinflower said:
4A/5pi

Right! So propagate that voltage thru your transfer function:
(4A/5π)*|H(jω)| where ω = 40,000.

And remember, 4A/5π is amplitude, not rms.
 
Last edited:
  • #14
I actually forgot to multiply the input freq. with 5
Thank you by the way :)
 

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