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I'm trying to find the transfer function of a single band parametric equalizer. First stage is just a follower with an AC coupling capacitor. Output stage is an inverting amplifier. In the middle, there is a parametric single band equalizer. R2 and R3 are setting the level, R4 the quality factor and R7 the frequency. I've already fully simulated the circuit into LTSpice, but for science I want to derive the transfer function of the system (as a function of the frequency). I've spent more than a day on it, and I'm stuck with equations for the potential on multiple nodes, that all depends on each other.

So far, I have set U1 after the first capacitor equal to U1 at the output of the first op-amp, U2 at the negative input of the top op-amp, U3 at the node between R2 and R3, U4 between R4, R8 and C4, U5 at the positive input of the bottom op-amp, U7 at the positive input of the top op-amp and U6 at the output of the top op-amp and I have:

  1. U5 = (U4 R7)/(R7+Z_c4)
  2. U2 = (U3 Z1 + U6 R3)/(Z1 + R3)
  3. U7 = (R2 U1 + U3 R3)/(R2+R1)
  4. U4 = (U5(Zc4 Z2 + Z2 R8)+U3 R8 Zc4)/(Zc4 Z2 + R8 Z2 + R8 Zc4)
  5. U3 = (U7 R3 Z1 + U2 R2 Z2 + U4 R2 R3)/(R3 Z2 + Z2 R2 + R3 R2)

with Z2 the sum of C2 and R4 impedances, Z1 the impedance of C3 and R5 in parallel and Z3 the impedance of C3 and R6 in serie and Zc4 the impedance of C4. From there, I don't see how I'll be able to express U6 as a function of U1... I've tried State Space modeling as well, but I was stuck at the first capacitor since there is no current (I've done state space modeling a lot before, but not with op-amps).

Is there a better solution to solve this? Is it even possible? If not, how can I demonstrate it?

Thanks

Edit: Thanks I was able to make it work with the solution in the answer.

enter image description here

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  • \$\begingroup\$ You do not need a transfer function to properly design this type of circuit. C1 and C3 are DC blocking capacitors (LF corner frequency). C2 together with the simulated inductor (C4, R8, R7) form an LC tank circuit. C3 will set HF response. And the last op-amp provides gain or it is just an inverting buffer. \$\endgroup\$
    – G36
    Jul 7, 2021 at 17:55
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thank you for your comment. I know, I don't need the transfer function for a design, I designed it on LTSpice. But I'm doing research and in research, analytical expressions are always welcome! \$\endgroup\$
    – Romain Liechti
    Jul 7, 2021 at 18:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ In that case, it will be easier if you split the circuit and analyze each "building block" individually. \$\endgroup\$
    – G36
    Jul 7, 2021 at 18:10
  • \$\begingroup\$ I can see how to separate the input buffer and the output inverting amplifier, and I did it, but I have no idea on how to separate the two center op-amp and components, as they seem to interact with each other. \$\endgroup\$
    – Romain Liechti
    Jul 7, 2021 at 18:21
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    \$\begingroup\$ You can first analyze the bottom simulated inductor circuit (C4, R8, R7) alone and solve for\$ L_{eq} = C_4R_8(R_7 - R_8)\$ and \$ R_s = R_8\$ (R7 >> R8) next, you can replace the whole simulated inductor circuit with just a single inductor and series resistor. So you'll be left only with the top op-amp circuit + LC circuit. \$\endgroup\$
    – G36
    Jul 7, 2021 at 18:31

1 Answer 1

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All is possible ... if one want ...

Must be verified !!!

Positive feedback used :) ... enter image description here enter image description here

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thank you very much. With the help of the comments above, I was able to have the notch filter with the correct frequency, the variable Q factor and the variable frequency but impossible to obtain the boost effect. I just tried your solution and it works fine! \$\endgroup\$
    – Romain Liechti
    Jul 9, 2021 at 13:40

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