# Does this look like a correct Bandpass filter?

A project task assigned me to make a simple series RLC bandpass filter with values B = 73kHz & freq center = 4.8MHz known.

I use equations B=R/L and fc=1/(2pisqrt(LC)) to get the RLC values.

Is the graph what I should expect? The center frequency lines up properly.. and I think the bandwidth is okay because it is so small (73kHz).

/edit Here is a more zoomed-in version of my graph

• Set your x-axis to a log scale and you'll see something more like what you would see in a textbook. – John D Nov 22 '18 at 17:20
• I would have gone with $C_1=100\:\text{pF}$ as a starting value and used Q and the center frequency's relationship to LC to work out the values. However, the values you have "feel" they are in the right ballpark. Your Q seems a bit high. But that's easily fixed. – jonk Nov 22 '18 at 18:06
• To verify if your bandwidth is exactly 73kHz, expand your x scale (don't make it a log scale) and look for the points where the response is 3dB down from the peak. They should be 73kHz apart. – TimWescott Nov 22 '18 at 18:28
• @TimWescott I tested this and this gives me 12kHz apart only. Why is it that you choose 3dB? :) – Austin Brown Nov 22 '18 at 18:36
• I agree with @TimWescott about not making it a log scale when making BW measurements, I was just suggesting the log scale because many textbook bandpass curves are plotted on a log scale and the shape looks more familiar that way. (In case that was one of the concerns with the question "Is the graph what I should expect?" – John D Nov 22 '18 at 19:00

The ratio of centre frequency to bandwidth is called Q and Q, for a series resonant circuit, is also dictated by R, L and C using this formula: -

$$Q = \dfrac{1}{R}\sqrt{\dfrac{L}{C}}$$

Plugging in your circuit values I get a Q of 413. If I considered the centre-frequency to bandwidth ratio, I get 65.75 so, it looks like you will be "sharper" in resonance than your specification demands and this can cause problems.

I need to know if the method (using the equations I listed) is the correct way to determine my RLC values

The ratio of R to L does give you the bandwidth but that bandwidth is in radians per second; you have assumed it is in hertz hence, the value of Q of 413 (gleaned from my formula and your values) is precisely $$\2\pi\$$ times higher than 65.7 ($$\f_0\$$ to bandwidth ratio) and that is your only mistake. The formula for resonant frequency is correct.

• That's about what I get. I think this is totally a theoretical exercise for the OP and their Q seems excessive, just as you point out. I think this is the right kind of response, though. – jonk Nov 22 '18 at 18:07
• Yes this exercise is 100% theoretical. – Austin Brown Nov 22 '18 at 18:37
• I need to know if the method (using the equations I listed) is the correct way to determine my RLC values, and also that my graph is okay. Is my work accurate, or do I need to do something else? – Austin Brown Nov 22 '18 at 18:41
• Yes, your formula is correct, R/L is the bandwidth in radians per second and that is 2pi more in value than in Hz so the error you have made is assuming that R/L equated to Hz. – Andy aka Nov 22 '18 at 19:45

Where is the load, and what is the impedance of the load? Your filter will shift significantly based on what the output load actually is. Thus, you may want to buffer the output with a unity-gain opamp. Also, if your input isn't ideal (and it isn't,) it, too, may interact with your passive circuit, so you may need a buffer on that end, too.

Or you can design the entire circuit in context of its input/output stages, to figure out what the values should be as-used, if the input and output designs are fixed.

• I think this is homework and an "idealized" design situation. I believe the OP just needs to be able to demonstrate the ability to use Q and the value of some one part, perhaps, to calculate theoretical values. – jonk Nov 22 '18 at 18:02