How to Prove Equivalence of Quality Factor Expressions for High Q Resonators?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equivalence of two expressions for the Quality factor Q in high Q resonators. Participants explore the theoretical foundations and assumptions necessary for establishing this equivalence, particularly in the context of various circuit models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Q can be defined in multiple ways, including as the ratio of energy stored to energy lost per cycle and as the resonance frequency divided by the 3dB bandwidth.
  • One participant claims to have shown the equivalence for a second-order RLC circuit but seeks a more general proof applicable to any circuit.
  • Another participant suggests starting with the ABCD matrix for two-port systems to derive an expression for S21 near resonance, emphasizing the need for assumptions about the circuit's characteristics.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the limitations of the 3-dB rule, which is said to only apply to second-order RLC circuits and may not hold for systems with non-linear elements or other distortions.
  • There is a discussion about the applicability of the results to black box models and nth order linear systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the generality of the 3-dB rule and its applicability to various circuit types. There is no consensus on a definitive proof or the conditions under which the equivalence holds.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that assumptions about circuit behavior are necessary for deriving results, and these assumptions may limit the applicability of the findings to specific cases.

Xoxo
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Hello all,

It's known that the Quality factor Q is defined as :

Q = 2*pi*(Energy stored at resonance) / (Energy loss per cycle)

and for high Q resonators, It's known that Q can be also given by :

Q = Resonance frequency / 3dB Bandwidth

My question is, How can i prove that ? that both expressions of Q are equivalent if Q is large enough ?
I can prove it for many circuits, but i want a general rigorous proof of that.

Thank you in advance
 
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Welcome to PF.
Q is a quality factor and not a precision measure.
There are situations where the different definitions converge.

See; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_factor#Physical_interpretation
“ The factors Q, damping ratio ζ, attenuation rate α, and exponential time constant τ are related such that: [12] ”
Reference [12]. Siebert, William McC. Circuits, Signals, and Systems. MIT Press.
 
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Xoxo said:
How can i prove that ? that both expressions of Q are equivalent if Q is large enough ?
I believe I have shown this holds for a second-order system, with series R- L-C.

Its TF involves the term ##\dfrac 1 {s^2\ +\ \frac {\omega_o} Q s\ +\ {\omega_o}^2}##[/color]
 
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NascentOxygen said:
I believe I have shown this holds for a second-order system, with series R- L-C.

Its TF involves the term ##\dfrac 1 {s^2\ +\ \frac {\omega_o} Q s\ +\ {\omega_o}^2}##
Where did you show this holds for 2nd order RLC circuits ?
 
Xoxo said:
Where did you show this holds for 2nd order RLC circuits ?
Sorry. I meant that I believe it can be shown to be true. :smile:

I'd start like this:
Apply a voltage to the circuit at the resonant frequency and see what current flows. All losses occur in the resistance.
 
NascentOxygen said:
Sorry. I meant that I believe it can be shown to be true. :smile:

I'd start like this:
Apply a voltage to the circuit at the resonant frequency and see what current flows. All losses occur in the resistance.
I know, i can prove that, my question is that i want a general proof assuming the circuit is a black box
 
Xoxo said:
I know, i can prove that, my question is that i want a general proof assuming the circuit is a black box
A black box containing any general nth order linear system, do you mean?
 
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NascentOxygen said:
A black box containing any general nth order linear system, do you mean?

yes
 
Xoxo said:
yes

The most "general" way of doing this would be to start with say the ABCD matix for a two-port systems and then derive an expression for S21 near resonance; this would then give you the results you want.
However, in order to do so you STILL need to make some assumptions about the circuit; and these assumptions basically amount to assuming that the circuit can be described as an effective series- or parallell LCR-resonant circuit (near resonance). Note that this does NOT mean that the resonator is made up of discrete component; the same procedure works for e.g. cavity resonators or lambda/2 and lambda/4 resonators.

Moreover, the 3-dB "rule" for the Q value of a resonance is not a general result; it ONLY works for circuits that can be described as a 2nd order RCL circuit (which fortunately includes most systems of interest). It does not work for systems which e.g. include non-linear elements (which skews the resonance) or systems where the resonance is heavily distorted for some other reason (because it e.g. is coupling to other spurious modes in the circuit), For any real circuit it is an approximation at best. I never use it for any "serious" measurements.
 
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f95toli said:
The most "general" way of doing this would be to start with say the ABCD matix for a two-port systems and then derive an expression for S21 near resonance; this would then give you the results you want.
However, in order to do so you STILL need to make some assumptions about the circuit; and these assumptions basically amount to assuming that the circuit can be described as an effective series- or parallell LCR-resonant circuit (near resonance). Note that this does NOT mean that the resonator is made up of discrete component; the same procedure works for e.g. cavity resonators or lambda/2 and lambda/4 resonators.

Moreover, the 3-dB "rule" for the Q value of a resonance is not a general result; it ONLY works for circuits that can be described as a 2nd order RCL circuit (which fortunately includes most systems of interest). It does not work for systems which e.g. include non-linear elements (which skews the resonance) or systems where the resonance is heavily distorted for some other reason (because it e.g. is coupling to other spurious modes in the circuit), For any real circuit it is an approximation at best. I never use it for any "serious" measurements.

You're my hero :D
That's what i want, thank you
 

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