Why isn't this circuit behaving like a low pass filter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a circuit designed as a low pass filter based on a transfer function with one pole and one zero. Participants are exploring issues related to unexpected attenuation at low frequencies, component values, and circuit configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the circuit is supposed to have a DC gain of 16 but experiences complete attenuation for low frequencies, questioning the correctness of component values.
  • Another participant suggests that the issue may stem from swapped supply pins on the op-amp.
  • It is mentioned that the DC gain should actually be 1/16, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the circuit's gain configuration.
  • Some participants discuss the frequency response, indicating that the circuit functions as a low pass filter below 50 KHz, with a sharp gain rise above 100 KHz.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the output amplitude being significantly lower than expected, despite setting a high input amplitude, and questions the relationship between DC gain and expected output.
  • Another participant points out that the circuit may exhibit a classic low pass filter response below 10 Hz, with a gain of about 1/16, and notes that the presence of a capacitor (C3) may cause unexpected peaks in the frequency response.
  • There is a mention of a high pass filter effect introduced by certain components in the circuit.
  • A participant suggests that incorrect battery connections could be a fundamental issue affecting circuit performance.
  • Another participant questions the validity of concerns about battery connections, suggesting that the circuit should function correctly if the voltage labels are accurate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the circuit's configuration and performance, with no consensus reached on the underlying issues causing the unexpected behavior.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the accuracy of component values, the influence of specific components on the circuit's behavior, and the interpretation of the frequency response. The discussion also highlights potential dependencies on circuit configuration and assumptions about input signals.

chebyshevF
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I'm trying to design a low pass filter from a transfer function (with one pole and one zero), and according to my textbook, the circuit which represents such a transfer function is of the following kind:
2howlkm.jpg

DC gain is 16.
Yet I get complete attenuation for low frequencies? Could my component values be wrong?
 
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Looks like you swapped the V+ and V- supply pins on the opamp.
 
The DC gain should be 1/16 ie R2 / R1.

Below 50 KHz it does function as a low pass filter. Did you plot down to 10 Hz?

The gain rises sharply above 100 KHz.
 
I got this frequency response with the LT1001 opamp. Would you mind posting the transfer function from your book? Thanks.

-24.1 dB = 20 log10(1/16)

eajl6.png
 
I'm not sure what simulation program you're using, but if it's like PSPICE, you need to use VAC as the input source to sweep frequency from low to high.
 
vk6kro said:
The DC gain should be 1/16 ie R2 / R1.

Below 50 KHz it does function as a low pass filter. Did you plot down to 10 Hz?

The gain rises sharply above 100 KHz.
Yep you're right about the DC gain being 1/16, that was my mistake typing it there. And I plotted from 20Hz.

gnurf said:
I got this frequency response with the LT1001 opamp. Would you mind posting the transfer function from your book? Thanks.

-24.1 dB = 20 log10(1/16)

http://imgur.com/eajl6.png
Actually this is my issue. I get the same Magnitude Bode Plot, yet what I don't understand is: why is my input amplitude being attenuated so much? I've set the amplitude at 20Vp, and according to the oscilliscope I include in the circuit, the output is in the mV range?! Isn't it supposed to be that with Low Pass Filter circuits, low frequency input signals are easily passed through as opposed to high frequency signals?

I was expecting the plot to start off at around just -0.3~ dB, but then again doesn't this depend on my DC gain? So I'm guessing I'd need a lower DC gain then?

As for the transfer function and corressponding circuit (taken from Intro to Electric Circuits, 7e, Dorf and Svoboda):
icl6id.jpg


Where I set R2=1000 Ohms. (And then calculate for the other components).
 
Last edited:
If you plot this below 10 Hz you will get a classic low pass filter. The gain below 10 Hz is about 1/16.

Above 1000 Hz roughly, the output is much lower than 1/16 vin. This is what you would expect.

The huge peak above 100 KHz is due to C3. If you remove this, you don't get this peak.

It helps to plot the vertical scale as linear rather than logarithmic.

[PLAIN]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4222062/LP%20filter2.PNG

This is with an input signal of 1 volt.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I was about to point out that R1 C3 constitute a high pass filter at the input when I read the above.
 
chebyshevF said:
I'm trying to design a low pass filter from a transfer function (with one pole and one zero), and according to my textbook, the circuit which represents such a transfer function is of the following kind:
2howlkm.jpg

DC gain is 16.
Yet I get complete attenuation for low frequencies? Could my component values be wrong?

well your battery connections are incorrect for a start the cct will not work in the current configuration ... you have + voltage from each battery going to the 2 supply terminals of the Op-amp. Reverse the battery connections on Pin 4 of the opamp so that - of that battery goes to pin 4 and the + of that battery to the GND rail (Negative rail of the other battery)

Dave
 
  • #10
Isn't that just a matter of sloppy drawing. (Let him that is without sin cast the first stone).He still has the 15V and -15V labels to show his supplies are right. Anyway, if they weren't, the sircuit wouldn't do anything.
 

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