Understanding the Gain and Bode Plot of a Low Pass Filter Circuit with C1 > C2

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    Circuit Filter Gain
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing the gain and Bode plot of a low pass filter circuit where capacitor C1 is significantly greater than capacitor C2. Participants explore the characteristics of the filter and the implications of the capacitor values on the circuit's behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the circuit functions as a low pass filter when C1 is much greater than C2.
  • Another participant challenges this assertion, explaining that C1 and C2 form a capacitive voltage divider, leading to a high pass filter configuration with a specific corner frequency.
  • A question is raised about the presence of a pole due to the resistor and C2, indicating uncertainty about the circuit's dynamics.
  • A later reply acknowledges the previous error regarding the pole, indicating a reevaluation of the circuit's characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the classification of the filter, with one asserting it is a low pass filter and another arguing it is a high pass filter. The discussion remains unresolved as different interpretations of the circuit's behavior are presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the analysis, including assumptions about the dominance of C1 over C2 and the implications of the resistor's role in the circuit. The mathematical steps leading to the conclusions are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in circuit analysis, particularly those studying filter design and frequency response in electrical engineering contexts.

Fat Dapper Cat
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Thread moved from Electrical Engineering forum, so no template included.
E9LpVlj.png

The question wants to know the gain of the this circuit, as well as a bode plot for the frequency response, and what type of filter this is when C1 is much greater than C2. Could someone double check my answers and assist in the bode plot?

My attempt:

For the Gain:
0urkM66.png

If C1 is much greater than C2 I said the filter would be a low pass filter.

I'm not sure how to proceed with the Bode Plot.
 
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Hi, I'm afraid your answer is not correct.
The simplest way to analyze the circuit is to note that ## C_1## and ##C_2 ## form a capacitive voltage divider connected to ## V_{IN} ##. The divider is equivalent of ## C_1## and ##C_2 ## in parallel connected to the voltage source ## V_{eq} = V_{IN} \frac {C_1} {C_1 + C_2} ##. Then connect the resistor between the output of the two capacitors and the ground. What you have is a high pass filter with the corner frequency given by ## \omega _c = R *(C_1+C_2)##
If ##C_1 \gg C_2 ##, then you can simply ignore the second capacitor. The equivalent circuits is showing you why you can do that.
I'm attaching a drawing of the equivalent circuit.
circuit.jpg
 
Won't there be a pole due to R1C2?
 
Fat Dapper Cat said:
My attempt:
Please show your working.
 
Oops! You're right. No pole there. I just worked it out.
 

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