Active Filters Using Operational
Amplifiers
A Detailed Overview of Active Filters
and Their Applications
Introduction to Active Filters
• • Active filters use operational amplifiers (Op-
Amps) along with resistors and capacitors.
• • Unlike passive filters, they provide gain and
buffering, eliminating the need for inductors.
• • Active filters are used in audio processing,
communication systems, and signal
conditioning.
Advantages of Active Filters
• • No inductors required, making them
compact and lightweight.
• • Provide signal amplification and buffering.
• • Can achieve high input impedance and low
output impedance.
• • More flexible in design compared to passive
filters.
• • Suitable for low-frequency applications.
Types of Active Filters
• 1. Low-Pass Filter (LPF)
• 2. High-Pass Filter (HPF)
• 3. Band-Pass Filter (BPF)
• 4. Band-Stop Filter (Notch Filter)
• 5. All-Pass Filter
Low-Pass Filter (LPF)
• • Allows low-frequency signals to pass while
attenuating high frequencies.
• • Used in audio applications to remove high-
frequency noise.
• • Implemented using an Op-Amp in an
integrator configuration.
• • Cutoff frequency is determined by resistor
and capacitor values.
High-Pass Filter (HPF)
• • Allows high-frequency signals to pass while
attenuating low frequencies.
• • Used in audio equalizers and communication
systems.
• • Implemented using an Op-Amp
differentiator circuit.
• • Cutoff frequency is determined by resistor
and capacitor values.
Band-Pass Filter (BPF)
• • Allows a specific range of frequencies to
pass while attenuating others.
• • Used in radio receivers, audio processing,
and biomedical instruments.
• • Designed using cascaded HPF and LPF
stages.
• • The bandwidth and center frequency are
adjustable using component values.
Band-Stop Filter (Notch Filter)
• • Attenuates a specific frequency band while
allowing others to pass.
• • Used for eliminating unwanted noise, such
as 50/60 Hz power line interference.
• • Can be designed using a combination of LPF
and HPF.
• • Also known as a band-reject filter.
All-Pass Filter
• • Allows all frequencies to pass but alters the
phase of the signal.
• • Used in phase correction, equalization, and
signal processing.
• • Implemented using Op-Amps with phase-
shifting networks.
Applications of Active Filters
• • Audio Processing (e.g., bass/treble control,
equalizers)
• • Communication Systems (e.g., signal
modulation, noise filtering)
• • Biomedical Instruments (e.g., ECG, EEG
signal conditioning)
• • Industrial Automation (e.g., motor control,
sensor signal filtering)
• • Image Processing (e.g., edge detection in
vision systems)
Comparison of Active and Passive
Filters
• • Active Filters:
• - Require external power supply.
• - Provide signal amplification.
• - No inductors, making them compact.
• - Suitable for low-frequency applications.
• • Passive Filters:
• - Do not require external power.
• - No amplification, only attenuation.
Conclusion
• • Active filters using Op-Amps are essential for
signal conditioning in various applications.
• • They offer flexibility, amplification, and ease
of design compared to passive filters.
• • Different types of active filters serve
different purposes in communication, audio,
and control systems.
• • The choice of filter depends on the
frequency range, application, and design
requirements.
