Filter shape from poles and zeros

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between filter shapes and their corresponding poles and zeros in the context of digital signal processing. Participants explore how these elements influence filter behavior across different types, such as low pass, high pass, bandstop, and bandpass filters, particularly within the frequency range Ω = 0 to Ω = π.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over how poles and zeros determine filter shapes and requests a clearer explanation of their effects on different filter types.
  • Another participant questions the knowledge level of the original poster, suggesting that understanding complex variables and the significance of Ω = π is crucial for grasping the topic.
  • A suggestion is made to refer to Bode plots for further understanding, although the relevance of Bode diagrams to digital signal processing is questioned by another participant.
  • One participant describes a method for determining gain changes at break points defined by poles and zeros, emphasizing the gain slope changes associated with these points.
  • There is a clarification that poles and zeros should be plotted on a complex plane, distinguishing between the s-plane and the z-plane, and how this affects the interpretation of filter types.
  • Another participant notes that the amplitude at a frequency is determined by the magnitudes of the vectors from that frequency point to the poles and zeros, highlighting the importance of understanding these relationships.
  • Examples of filter types and their pole-zero positions are suggested as a resource for visual understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and knowledge about poles and zeros, leading to some disagreement on the relevance of certain concepts like Bode plots in the context of digital filters. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to clearly convey the relationship between poles, zeros, and filter shapes.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity on definitions and concepts such as the complex variable "s," the significance of different planes (s-plane vs. z-plane), and the conditions under which poles and zeros affect filter behavior. There is also mention of the complexity involved in the interactions between poles and zeros.

ceeeejay
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Hey guys,

I am learning about the filter shapes deduced from the poles and zero plots, however a lot of sources are describing it differently with no logical explanation. I want to know what exactly the poles and zeros do between the range Ω = 0 and Ω = π. One source i read explains if the pole is close to Ω = 0 the magnitude will be large hence a low pass behaviour...to be honest i wasn't quite sure how that came to that conclusion.

If you guys can simply explain how the filter shapes are brought about for Low pass, high pass, bandstop and bandpass it will be much appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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I think, it is not easy to answer because we don`t know the level of your knowledge.
* For example, do you know the "secrets" behind the complex variable "s" ?
* Do you know why sometimes s=σ+jω and sometimes s=jω ?
* Do you know what happens with the magnitude of a transfer function at the pole or at the zero frequency, respectively?
* What is the meaning of Ω = π ?
 
Last edited:
You can, I assume, solve for the poles and zeros. Let's call the poles and zeros "break points", in that the gain slope "breaks (changes) at those points.

Write down the frequencies of all the break points in order. Draw a plot starting at zero.

Gain increases at 20dB/decade at each zero, and decreases at 20dB/decade at each pole.

If the poles and zeros do not interact, and are not complex, then this is pretty close.

For example, a pole at F1 will have 0 gain gain change until F1, after which its gain will decrease at 20dB/decade. A zero at a higher frequency F2 will level the gain back to 0 slope. (The true gain is 3dB off the breakpoints)

The following paper explains the above, and also addresses more complex scenarios:
http://my.ece.ucsb.edu/York/Bobsclass/2B/Frequency%20Response.pdf
 
So basically on a real and imaginary axis you would plot the poles and zeros that are found from the numerator and the denominator. Poles are represented as X and zeros are represented as o. Just by looking at a graph i want to be able to observe what type of filter it is, which is what I am having trouble with.
 
ceeeejay said:
So basically on a real and imaginary axis you would plot the poles and zeros that are found from the numerator and the denominator.

No - you have to discriminate between the complex s-plane (showing the poles as "x", for,example) and the BODE diagram - consisting of a plot showing the MAGNITUDE and the PHASE as a function of frequency (see the referenced links).
 
Im not sure if bode diagrams are relevant, this topic I'm doing is on digital signal processing. Really i just need some conditions on the poles and zeros for different types of filters
 
Basically as you traverse the unit circle from 0 to 2*pi in the Z plane ( or the jw axis in the s-plane) you can consider the distances to the poles or zeros for their effect on that frequency.

Don't get mixed up whether you are viewing s plane or z plane.

The difference between pole zero plots for digital (Z) or continuous filters (S plane) is whether you traverse the unit circle (Z plane) or the jw axis (s-plane).

The amplitude at a frequency is the product of magnitude of the vectors from that point to all zeros divided by product of magnitude of the vectors to all poles

Generally the filter is designed in the S-plane and then transformed to a digital equivalent (by bilinear transform or whatever)

There are lot of examples of pole zero positions on the s-plane in google images. Just look up the filter type, for example
chebyshev filter pole zero s plane
chebyshev filter pole zero z plane

Here is an s plane example.
plzr3t.gif
 

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