Why -3db frequency shows 45degree phase shift?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding why the -3dB point in an RC lowpass filter corresponds to a 45-degree phase shift. Participants emphasize that the -3dB (or -6dB in voltage) is a conventional marker for the corner frequency, where the output power is halved. The phase shift at this frequency is derived mathematically, showing that at the corner frequency, the reactance and resistance are equal, leading to a -45-degree phase shift. To fully grasp these concepts, users are encouraged to work through the transfer function equations. Overall, the relationship between the -3dB point and the phase shift is rooted in the mathematical properties of the filter's transfer function.
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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