Where is the bandpass filter in this circuit?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around understanding the function of components in the Elenco AM/FM superheterodyne radio kit, specifically how the common emitter amplifiers filter signals around the 455 kHz frequency. Participants explore the roles of various components, including transistors and transformers, in the circuit's operation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about identifying the bandpass filter in the circuit and seeks assistance in understanding how the amplifiers filter frequencies around 455 kHz.
  • Another participant identifies transistors Q8 and Q9 as common emitter amplifiers and suggests that capacitors C34 and C36 may contribute to the amplifiers' selectivity.
  • A later reply mentions that transformers T6, T7, and T8 are tuned to the 455 kHz intermediate frequency and notes that capacitors are connected across the primary of these transformers, although not visible in the circuit diagram.
  • It is noted that older equipment used transformers with both primary and secondary tuned, which resulted in a flat-topped pass band.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the roles of the transformers and amplifiers in the circuit, but there is no consensus on the specific mechanism of filtering or the complete understanding of the circuit's operation.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the circuit's operation are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the details of how the components interact to achieve the desired filtering effect.

richghost
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am doing a project on the Elenco AM/FM superheterodyne radio kit. I have been stuck for ages trying to figure out how the two common emitter amplifiers are tuned to filter out anything that is not around 455 kHz. I tried to find a bandpass filter, or a high-pass and a low-pass filter, but to no avail.

qxnci8.jpg

Here's the entire circuit for the radio kit. I am interested in the AM part of the circuit (the lower part).

2. Equations
Not any for now...

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that transistors Q8 and Q9 form two common emitter amplifiers. I think that the capacitors C34 and C36 might have something to do with the selectivity of the amplifiers. Transformer T7 could be playing a role in it as well, I have no idea. What I do know is that the instructions that came with the kit say the following:
Untitled_4.jpg

To be honest, as a beginner, I don't understand all of what is explained. I do understand that T7 is probably the most important component to provide selectivity. That is all I know.

Please, can someone help me figure out how the amplifiers are setup to filter anything but frequencies around 455 kHz?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
richghost said:

Homework Statement


I am doing a project on the Elenco AM/FM superheterodyne radio kit. I have been stuck for ages trying to figure out how the two common emitter amplifiers are tuned to filter out anything that is not around 455 kHz. I tried to find a bandpass filter, or a high-pass and a low-pass filter, but to no avail.

qxnci8.jpg

Here's the entire circuit for the radio kit. I am interested in the AM part of the circuit (the lower part).

2. Equations
Not any for now...

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that transistors Q8 and Q9 form two common emitter amplifiers. I think that the capacitors C34 and C36 might have something to do with the selectivity of the amplifiers. Transformer T7 could be playing a role in it as well, I have no idea. What I do know is that the instructions that came with the kit say the following:
Untitled_4.jpg

To be honest, as a beginner, I don't understand all of what is explained. I do understand that T7 is probably the most important component to provide selectivity. That is all I know.

Please, can someone help me figure out how the amplifiers are setup to filter anything but frequencies around 455 kHz?
T6, T7 and T8 are transformers tuned to the 455 kHz intermediate frequency. They have capacitors connected across the primary but these are not shown because they will be inside the screened transformer can as purchased. For information, Q7 is a self oscillating mixer, using L5 as the LO, and Q8 and Q9 are common emitter IF amplifiers. Older equipment used transformers with both primary and secondary tuned, which gave a flat topped pass band.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
tech99 said:
T6, T7 and T8 are transformers tuned to the 455 kHz intermediate frequency. They have capacitors connected across the primary but these are not shown because they will be inside the screened transformer can as purchased. For information, Q7 is a self oscillating mixer, using L5 as the LO, and Q8 and Q9 are common emitter IF amplifiers. Older equipment used transformers with both primary and secondary tuned, which gave a flat topped pass band.

Thank you so much! Now, it makes sense! Thanks again!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
36K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K