Finding R for Negative Pole Frequency Transfer Function

AI Thread Summary
The transfer function H(jw) = RCjwz / (1+RCjwp) is analyzed to find R, given C = 47nF and a desired pole frequency of 3.3kHz. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the pole frequency, which should make the denominator zero, leading to the conclusion that wp = -1/RC. However, this does not imply a negative frequency; instead, the pole location in the s-plane is at -20,735 s-1, indicating a positive frequency of 20,735 rad/s. The significance of the 3.3kHz pole frequency is that it marks the point where the circuit's output is within 3dB of the input. The notation in the transfer function could be clarified for better understanding.
ElijahRockers
Gold Member
Messages
260
Reaction score
10

Homework Statement



I have a transfer function:

H(jw) = RCjwz / (1+RCjwp)

and I'm being asked to find R, if C = 47nF and the desired pole frequency is at 3.3kHz.

what I'm confused about is that the pole frequency is supposed to make the denominator of the transfer function 0, but that would imply that wp should be -1/RC, not 1/RC, right?

This means that the frequency is negative, and that doesn't really make sense...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The pole location on the complex σ-jω plane (the s plane) is at -2π(3.3 KHz) = -20,735 s-1 radian frequency. This does not mean that the frequency itself is negative; it's positive 20,735 rad/s.

In your present example the significance of the pole frequency 3.3 KHz is that the frequency response of your circuit increases with input frequency until at 3.3 KHz the output is within 3dB (0.707) of the input.

(The notation is not really correct. It should be H(jw) = jwRC/(!+jwRC). The p and z subscripts were apparently intended to indicate pole and zero but that is already obvious by the formula above.)
 
Back
Top