Why -3db frequency shows 45degree phase shift?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons for selecting -3dB as a corner frequency in RC filters and the corresponding 45-degree phase shift observed at this frequency. It includes theoretical aspects of filter design and phase relationships in electrical circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that -3dB is a conventional choice for the corner frequency, linking it to a -45 degree phase shift.
  • One participant emphasizes the need to derive the transfer function mathematically to understand the relationship between -3dB and the phase shift.
  • Another participant notes that at the corner frequency, the resistive and capacitive reactances are equal, leading to a specific phase angle calculation.
  • A participant provides a formula for the phase angle in an RC lowpass filter, indicating that the angle is derived from the transfer function.
  • There is a mention of an error correction regarding the representation of -3dB in voltage transfer functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the significance of -3dB as a corner frequency and its association with a 45-degree phase shift, but the discussion includes varying levels of detail and mathematical derivation, indicating that some aspects remain contested or unclear.

Contextual Notes

Participants express the need for mathematical derivation to fully understand the concepts discussed, highlighting that assumptions about the circuit's behavior at the corner frequency are critical to the 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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