Solving the Minimum RC Network for Open-Circuit Voltage Gain of 2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a linear, passive, 3-terminal RC network that can achieve an open-circuit voltage gain of 2 for sinusoidal voltage input. Participants explore the minimum number of resistors and capacitors required for this configuration, while also addressing the feasibility of achieving such gain without active components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how a passive network can achieve a gain greater than 1, suggesting that an active device may be necessary.
  • Another participant asserts that it is possible to achieve a gain greater than 1 with simple passive RC networks, challenging the previous claim.
  • A reference to a historical thread is made, discussing a circuit that purportedly achieves gains greater than 2, although it is noted to have practical issues.
  • Participants express a desire to find the simplest configuration of resistors and capacitors that meets the gain requirement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the necessity of active components for achieving a gain greater than 1 in passive networks. Some participants believe it is possible, while others argue that active devices are required.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks consensus on the capabilities of passive RC networks and the specific configurations that could achieve the desired gain. There are also references to historical discussions that may not be fully explored in this thread.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in circuit design, particularly those exploring passive components and their limitations in achieving voltage gain, may find this discussion relevant.

bobbyk
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This is not homework, but a question I have posed for myself.

In a linear, passive, 3-terminal RC network for sinusoidal voltage input how many resistors and capacitors are required to give an open-circuit voltage gain of 2?

I've found some very complicated networks, but I'd like to find one with the fewest number of R's and C's.

Thanks for any help.
 
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bobbyk said:
This is not homework, but a question I have posed for myself.

In a linear, passive, 3-terminal RC network for sinusoidal voltage input how many resistors and capacitors are required to give an open-circuit voltage gain of 2?

I've found some very complicated networks, but I'd like to find one with the fewest number of R's and C's.

Thanks for any help.

No combination of resistors and capacitors without some active device such as a transistor will exhibit any gain at all.
 
This question is still coursework, so I've moved the thread to Homework Help.

bobbyk, do you understand what ASN is saying? How can a passive network have a gain > 1? What do you need to add to get a gain > 1?
 
Yes, I understand what ASN is saying and he is wrong! You don't need to add anything to
get a gain > 1. Even very simple passive RC networks have open-circuit voltage gains > 1.

But I'm trying for a gain of 2.
 
There was a thread on the Usenet group alt.binaries.schematics.electronic on 10/10/07 with the subject:

Epstein paper--Synthesis of Passive RC Networks with Gains Greater than Unity

One of the responders posted this circuit which seems to be able to give gains much greater than just 2. It has practical problems, however.

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8aad345024.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks so much! This Is exactly the type of thing I'm looking for!
 

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