Design and Simulation of an
Operational Amplifier Phase Shifter
Electrical Engineering Department
Mindanao State University — Main Campus SND Extension
Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte, Philippines
Abstract
This report presents the design, theory, and Multisim-ready implementation of a
single-stage operational amplifier (op-amp) phase shifter using the first-order all-pass
topology. The circuit provides unity magnitude (|H(jω)| ≈ 1) with a controllable
frequency-dependent phase shift described by φ(ω) = -2tan⁻¹(ωRC). The design uses
readily available components (TL072 dual op-amp or equivalent), is simple to simulate in NI
Multisim, and is suitable as a modular block in a noise-cancelling headphone system where
phase alignment between reference and canceling signals is required. Beyond theoretical
validation, this project emphasizes practical significance by connecting the circuit’s purpose
to real-world systems such as active noise control. By extending the analysis, the paper not
only verifies theoretical expectations but also highlights engineering considerations,
including component tolerances and stability in implementation.
Keywords: operational amplifier, phase shifter, all-pass filter, active noise control, Multisim
simulation
I. Introduction
Phase shifting a signal without changing its amplitude is a common requirement in audio
signal processing, instrumentation, and active noise control. The all-pass filter implemented
with an op-amp delivers exactly this: near-unity gain across frequency but a phase response
that can be shaped by component selection. In noise-cancelling headphones, phase
alignment between the reference microphone path and the anti-noise path is crucial for
efficient cancellation. This project documents a compact, simulator-friendly design of an
op-amp based first-order all-pass phase shifter. In addition, the introduction also highlights
broader engineering applications where phase control is necessary, such as phased-array
antennas and biomedical instrumentation, underscoring the versatility of the design.
II. Circuit Description and Analysis
The canonical inverting all-pass filter uses one op-amp, resistors, and a capacitor. Its
transfer function is given as H(s) = (sRC − 1)/(sRC + 1), providing a flat magnitude response
while varying the phase across frequencies. Theoretical analysis predicts precise phase
shifts that depend solely on RC values. For example, at f = 1 kHz with R = 10 kΩ and C ≈ 15.9
nF, the phase shift is -90°. This paper compares theoretical values with simulated outputs to
confirm accuracy. The analysis further discusses practical considerations such as non-ideal
op-amp limitations, component tolerances, and bandwidth constraints, which may
introduce small deviations from the ideal case.
Figure 1: Op-amp Phase Shifter Circuit (All-pass filter topology).
III. Simulation and Results
The simulation was performed in Multisim using TL072 op-amp models, powered with ±12
V supply rails. Input excitation consisted of a 100 mV sine signal. AC sweep analysis was
conducted from 10 Hz to 100 kHz to extract the frequency-dependent phase response.
Transient analysis was also performed at 1 kHz to measure phase shift in the time domain
using Δt measurements. The results demonstrated excellent agreement with theoretical
predictions: phase shifts closely matched calculated values, and the magnitude response
stayed near unity. Any discrepancies were minimal and attributable to simulation
tolerances and op-amp non-idealities.
Figure 2: Simulated input and output waveforms of the op-amp all-pass filter.
IV. Conclusion
This project demonstrates a simple op-amp all-pass phase shifter, well suited for both
Multisim simulation and real-world implementation. It successfully validates the theoretical
model by showing strong agreement with simulated results, highlighting its potential as a
learning tool in signal processing education. Furthermore, the circuit illustrates how analog
phase correction can be practically integrated into active noise-cancelling headphones and
related systems. Future work could involve extending the design to higher-order all-pass
filters or cascading multiple stages for more sophisticated phase responses.
References
[1] R. L. Boylestad and L. Nashelsky, Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 11th ed.
Pearson, 2013.
[2] S. Franco, Design with Operational Amplifiers and Analog Integrated Circuits,
McGraw-Hill, 2014.
[3] TL072 Datasheet, Texas Instruments.
[4] Application notes on All-Pass Filter Topologies.
