Frequency Response Between 100Hz and 100kHz

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the frequency response of a resistor-capacitor (RC) low-pass filter (LPF) within the frequency range of 100Hz to 100kHz. Participants explore various approaches to derive the frequency response, including the use of transfer functions and circuit analysis techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks the correct formula for the frequency response of an RC LPF, expressing uncertainty about the appropriate equation to use.
  • Another participant corrects a formula presented, suggesting that the correct expression for frequency response is ##\frac{V_{out}}{V_{in}}##, and provides context about low-pass filters.
  • Some participants discuss the use of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) to derive the relationship between output and input voltages in the circuit.
  • A participant mentions the complexity of the transfer function, indicating it is a complex number with both magnitude and phase, and suggests plotting it on a logarithmic scale.
  • There is a suggestion to use voltage division to find the output voltage across the capacitor, with a participant explaining how to apply complex impedance in this context.
  • Several participants express varying levels of understanding and familiarity with the concepts, with some indicating they do not grasp the necessary mathematical tools or concepts involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to derive the frequency response. There are multiple competing views on whether to use KCL or voltage division, and varying levels of understanding among participants regarding the mathematical concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the expected level of detail in answers, and there are indications of missing foundational knowledge among some contributors, particularly regarding complex numbers and circuit analysis techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in circuit analysis, particularly those studying low-pass filters and frequency response in electrical engineering or physics contexts.

IronaSona
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Homework Statement
.
Relevant Equations
1/1+2piefCR
So am trying to find the Frequency response of a RC LPF between frequencies 100Hz-100kHz ,but i don't know what formula to use .
 
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I don't think you mean $$1+2\pi f CR$$ as you did write, instead of $$1\over 1+2\pi f CR$$
but I could be mistaken.

Frequency response is ##V_{out}/V_{in} ## with a sine ##V_{in}##. Low pass means you are referring to a circuit like here

1625924746908.png

and the same recommendations apply.

(edit: the link was lost when I went off the page)

##\ ##
 
Last edited:
BvU said:
I don't think you mean $$1+2\pi f CR$$ as you did wwrite, but I could be mistaken.

Frequency response is ##V_{out}/V_{in} ## with a sine ##V_{in}##. Low pass means you are referring to a circuit like here


and the same recommendations apply.

##\ ##
Trying to find the frequency response of this circuit
Capture.PNG
 
Write the KCL equation for the voltage ##V_o(t)## in terms of ##V_i(t)## and R and C. Do you know the differential equation relating current and voltage for a capacitor?
 
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berkeman said:
Write the KCL equation for the voltage ##V_o(t)## in terms of ##V_i(t)## and R and C. Do you know the differential equation relating current and voltage for a capacitor?
no, got no idea
 
Sometimes it's hard answering these questions because I have no idea at what level an answer is expected. Essentially the question relates to plotting the magnitude of the transfer function for a simple passive low pass filter. Typically this is done on a logarithmic scale but that wasn't specified. Also it is common to actually plot angular frequency w = 2*pi*f rather than f alone as the independent variable. The transfer function itself is a complex number with both magnitude and phase. In this case it is 1/(1 + 2*pi*f*R*C*j) (as I think you suggested) where j = (-1)^1/2. The magnitude of this transfer function is thus H =1/sqrt(1 + (2*pi*f*R*C)^2). If you like you can can make a simple linear plot of this of magnitude vs f or a typical bode plot of 20*log10(H) vs log10(w).
 
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IronaSona said:
Trying to find the frequency response of this circuit View attachment 285733
Guessed as much. Holler if you don't recognize the equations in the link I gave in #2.
Can you work with complex numbers ?
IronaSona said:
no, got no idea
That's strange. Why should you have to do an exercise like this if you don't ?
From where did you (wrongly) quote your relevant equation ?
 
I would do as berkeman said and use KCL. What's the show stopper for you? I'll help you setup the problem and show you an example. To do the plot you'll want to learn about Bode plots.

LR_example.jpg


In case you may be worried about the "direction" of the current arrows: I showed someone in another thread my approach on KCL and how the direction doesn't really matter. I hope it might be helpful for you when you use KCL in the future because I remember feeling very stuck about it too.

edit:

Hey! If you try the problem out may you please scan it or take a picture and share with us your work? Homework section requires you show work. Advice is above is pretty good so far, but we're pushing it with their rules you really ought to give us more of your work even if you come to the wrong conclusion. If we see your work, then it helps us point to us where things do not look right and that will help you for the exams ;)
 
Last edited:
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Seriously no need to invoke KCL. This is a simple voltage division problem. I'm sure that you know that if you have a voltage source in series with 2 resistors R and R2 that the voltage drop across R2 (your output voltage) is simply

Vin*R2/(R + R2)

In this case "R2" is the complex impedance of the capacitor namely 1/(j*2*pi*f*C). As you know you can use simple DC techniques to solve steady state sinusoidal problems merely by using complex impedances. Multiplying this out and dividing by Vin on both sides will give you the transfer function representing the ratio of Vout to Vin. Since you are plotting a thousand fold range in frequencies it would be wise to use a log scale. I suspect that you know all of this as you posted a correct version of the transfer function initially absent the factor "j" in the denominator and the disambiguating parenthesis which I assume was simply a typo.
 
  • #10
IronaSona said:
no, got no idea
And it seems to me you are not interested either?
 

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