An operational amplifier (op-amp) band-pass filter is an electronic circuit designed to allow a specific range of frequencies to pass through while attenuating frequencies outside that range. It is commonly used in signal processing, audio systems, and communication devices where selective frequency response is required.
The basic configuration of an op-amp band-pass filter involves combining high-pass and low-pass filters. It typically consists of three key components: an operational amplifier (op-amp), resistors, and capacitors. The op-amp serves as the amplification element, while the resistors and capacitors determine the filter's frequency response characteristics.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how an op-amp band-pass filter works:
High-Pass Filter (HPF): The first stage of the band-pass filter is a high-pass filter, which allows higher frequencies to pass through and attenuates lower frequencies. The high-pass filter stage usually consists of a resistor (R1) and a capacitor (C1) connected in series. The input signal is applied to the junction between the resistor and the capacitor.
The resistor (R1) limits the flow of low-frequency signals.
The capacitor (C1) allows high-frequency signals to pass through but blocks low-frequency signals.
Op-Amp Stage: The output of the high-pass filter is connected to the non-inverting input (+) of the op-amp, while the inverting input (-) is typically connected to a voltage reference (often ground or a virtual ground).
Feedback Network: The op-amp is operated in a negative feedback configuration, which means a portion of the output is fed back to the inverting input. This is typically achieved by using a resistor network between the op-amp's output and inverting input. This resistor network consists of two resistors: R2 and R3.
Low-Pass Filter (LPF): The feedback network with resistors R2 and R3 forms a low-pass filter stage. This stage attenuates high-frequency signals and allows low-frequency signals to pass.
The resistor R2 is connected in series between the op-amp output and the inverting input.
The resistor R3 is connected between the inverting input and the ground.
Output: The output is taken from the junction between R2 and R3. This output is the filtered signal, with frequencies that fall within the range determined by the high-pass and low-pass filter stages.
By appropriately selecting the values of the resistors and capacitors, you can adjust the cutoff frequencies of both the high-pass and low-pass filter stages, effectively defining the band of frequencies that the filter allows to pass through. The band-pass filter's central frequency and bandwidth are determined by the interaction of these components and their values.
In summary, an op-amp band-pass filter combines the characteristics of high-pass and low-pass filters to allow a specific band of frequencies to pass through while attenuating frequencies outside that range. It's a versatile circuit used in various applications to extract or filter specific frequency components from signals.