RL vs LR Circuits: Low-Pass/High-Pass Filters Explained

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    Circuit Lr circuit
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between RL and LR circuits, specifically in the context of their roles as low-pass or high-pass filters. Participants explore the terminology, references, and implications of these circuit types, as well as the assumptions involved in their configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that RL and LR circuits are essentially the same, while others challenge this notion.
  • There is a claim that RL circuits function as high-pass filters and LR circuits as low-pass filters, though this is contested.
  • One participant notes the lack of references to LR circuits in literature, suggesting that RL circuits are more commonly discussed.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of circuit configuration and the role of impedance in determining filter behavior.
  • Concerns are raised about the ambiguity of terminology and the potential for confusion in defining circuit functions based on letter order.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the validity of assumptions made regarding circuit layouts without clear specifications.
  • There is a suggestion that the terminology used may be a local shorthand that is not widely accepted or understood.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the differences between RL and LR circuits or their respective functions as filters. Multiple competing views remain, with ongoing debate about terminology and circuit behavior.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the clarity of definitions and assumptions regarding circuit configurations, as well as the potential for misinterpretation of terminology in electrical engineering.

terryds
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Is there any difference between RL vs LR circuit? Which one is for low-pass/high-pass filter?

Please help
 
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terryds said:
Is there any difference between RL vs LR circuit? Which one is for low-pass/high-pass filter?

Please help
They are one and the same.
 
cnh1995 said:
They are one and the same.

Really? But RC and CR are different, RC is a low-pass filter and CR is a high-pass filter.
 
so your 4 types are

RC, CR, RL, RLC
 
Last edited:
terryds said:
Is there any difference between RL vs LR circuit? Which one is for low-pass/high-pass filter?
RL is high pass, LR is low pass. Brevity for its own sake is generally discouraged.
 
NascentOxygen said:
RL is high pass, LR is low pass. Brevity for its own sake is generally discouraged.
why can I only find references to RL and not LR ?
do you have any references please?
 
davenn said:
why can I only find references to RL and not LR ?
do you have any references please?
These filters work by potential divider action. We can have series R and shunt L, giving high pass action, or the converse. We can also connect the filter either way round. It is important to consider the impedance (usually resistance) of the source and the load, so that we are considering the full circuit.
 
NascentOxygen said:
RL is high pass, LR is low pass. Brevity for its own sake is generally discouraged.
Frankly, I would not make any assumption about the actual layout of an LR or and RL circuit, if there was no information provided about how it has been connected. Wait till you see the circuit diagram and then you have a chance.
Trying to generate special rules for the meanings of letters in particular orders is a dodgy pastime and very likely to produce as confusion as enlightenment. Leave it to lexicographers and etymologists.
 
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  • #10
Assumptions are no substitute for unambiguous specifications. But in this case there can be only one interpretation to the difference between an RL and an LR, particularly in light of the answer options being given.
 
  • #11
NascentOxygen said:
in light of the answer options being given.
Personally, I wouldn't want to get involved in a system that appears to force a reader into such a bad choice with such open ended assumptions. The only thing one could say about RL or LR would be that the associated time constants would be the same. (Same comment for RC and CR)
 
  • #12
and I am still left without an answer to my question in post #7 :rolleyes::frown:
 
  • #13
davenn said:
why can I only find references to RL and not LR ?
It shows that 'the system' actually has a certain amount of sense, perhaps. :wink:
The more familiar RC / CR is a terminology which, as I have said before, is confusing. In fact it is bad and makes assumptions about the connection and orientation of the R and C in a circuit that are not justified. How would one describe the filter function (HP /LP) if the source for the circuit was more constant current than constant voltage, for instance? And would it always be the case that the output connection would always be across the second of the pair of letters?
RL circuits do not tend to be discussed or used anything like as much and, when they are, it is probably by more informed users or designers. They have avoided the problem by just not going down that road.
You could say I'm being elitist but I must insist that using 'unofficial' conventions and terminology will always risk errors. EE is littered with similar fuzzy terminology which has been introduced in a misguided effort to make it more 'approachable'.
 
  • #14
I can picture it being a local shorthand, perhaps introduced by a lecturer for his introductory class on passive filters, and not intended to be used beyond that. Best kept inhouse, and used only with those who've been inducted to interpreting what's meant.

Of course, it could even be debated whether substituting RC filter for RC LPF is actually shorthand at all.

I fear we've lost the OP.
 
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