Why -3db frequency shows 45degree phase shift?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the -3dB frequency in RC low-pass filters and its associated 45-degree phase shift. Participants emphasize the importance of deriving the transfer function using complex impedances to understand why -3dB corresponds to the corner frequency. The phase shift of -45 degrees occurs at the corner frequency where the reactance of the capacitor equals the resistance (R = C). This relationship is crucial for accurately explaining the behavior of the filter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RC low-pass filter design
  • Familiarity with transfer functions and complex impedance
  • Knowledge of phase shift calculations in electrical circuits
  • Basic mathematical skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the transfer function for RC low-pass filters
  • Learn about the significance of -3dB in filter design
  • Explore phase shift calculations in various filter types
  • Review the Wikipedia article on low-pass filters for additional insights
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying circuit theory, and anyone involved in filter design and analysis will benefit from this discussion.

ida_fahani
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help me guys...
i reall need the answer ASAP...:cry:
Thanx in advance..
 
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In a simple RC filter yes.
 
Write the transfer equation for a simple RC lowpass filter as lpfr suggests, using complex impedances. Then solve for the frequency where the magnitude of the transfer function is:

\frac{V_o}{V_i} = -6dB

or

\frac{P_o}{P_i} = -3dB

and then plug that frequency back into the transfer function equation to find the phase shift at the -3dB point. Show us your work.


EDIT -- fixed a power versus voltage error that I had in the transfer function equations.
 
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thanx...really apperitiate if u guys can explain to me in deapth..:smile:
 
ida_fahani said:
thanx...really apperitiate if u guys can explain to me in deapth..:smile:

We'd be happy to. Show us your work in writing the equations that I mentioned, and then we can start discussing them if you don't get something. Again, we do not do your work here on the PF -- you need to show your work here, in order to get our help.
 
the question is:

why we choose -3db as a corner frequency?
why -3db show 45 degree phase shift?
 
i just need your help to enhance my answer.
 
ida_fahani said:
the question is:

why we choose -3db as a corner frequency?
why -3db show 45 degree phase shift?

AFAIK, -3dB power (or -6dB voltage) is just a handy convention for the "corner" frequency. Although the -45 degree phase shift may be the reason that it is the handy convention.

For you to give a good answer to these questions, you need to do the math that I described. You will see why the -45 degree phase shift corresponds to a -3dB in power for the transfer function, or equivalently a -6dB in the voltage transfer function.

BTW, I see now that I was careless and showed -3dB in the voltage tranfer function. I've gone back and corrected that. in my previous post in this thread.
 
  • #10
There is a 45 degree shift because R=C at fc. So the circuit is neither capacitive nor resistive. arctan -Xc/R where Xc=R so arctan -Xc/R == arctan -1 ==-45deg.
that was a little shortcutish way.

real angle derivation is from the transfer function berke is talking about. vo/vi. you will find the angle to be -90 - arctan -Xc/R for lowpass RC.

hope that was helpful.
 
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