High-Pass Filter

Consider n=2 in (59), this yields a high-pass 2nd-order filter.

…………… (60)

Where and .
R1
From the RC : CR transformation, we
C1 C2
know that a high-pass active filter may be
obtained from the Sallen and Key low-
pass active filter by leaving the op-amp 4
R4
VI
R2 VO
unchanged and interchanging resistors
R3
and capacitors resulting in the circuit in
Figure 16.
Figure 1 – 2nd Order High-Pass Filter
The T.F. for Figure 16 is given by

( ) …………… (61)
[ ( ) ( )]

Now the T.F. of a high-pass 2nd order filter with cut-off frequency ω0 is given by

…………… (62)

Comparing (61) and (62) gives

…………… (63)

( ) ( )…………… (64)

…………… (65)

The DC return to ground is satisfied by R2 and for minimum offset

…………… (66)
As before, in designing the filter, let ω0=1. Capacitor scaling will then move ω0 from 1 to ωc.
Also, choose C1=C2=1F. Then (63) and (64) become,
…………… (67)
( )
…………… (68)

Solving (68) and (67) for R1 and R2 in terms of the high-pass filter constants give

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 √ ( )
…………… (69)

…………… (70)

Using (65) and (66),

( )
…………… (71a)

…………… (71b)

(71a) and (71b) yield

(
…………… (72a)
)

…………… (72b)
When k=1, R3 goes to ∞, which denotes an open circuit and R4=R2.

Design Procedure for High-Pass Filter (2nd order VCVS)

1. Select C1=C2=1F.
2. For the type of filter (Butterworth or Chebyshev) and the specific filter requirements (k, ω0
and RWdB), find the constants b0 and b1 and convert to a0 and a1.
3. For the parameters in 2, determine R1 and R2.
4. Calculate R3 and R4 for gain k and minimum offset.
5. Determine the capacitance values by dividing by ω0 and scale all components to obtain
practical values.
Examples
1. Design a VCVS 2nd order high-pass Butterworth filter with a gain of 10 and a cut-off
frequency of 10 kHz.
Solution
Select C1=C2=1F for convenience

2nd Order Butterworth, therefore b0=1 and b1=√2. Hence and .

Use (19) and (20) to find R1 and R2.

√( ) ( )

Use (22a) and (22b) to find R3 and R4.

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 To denormalize capacitance values

Using ISF = 104/2π, 4kΩ

0.01µF 0.01µF

4 6366Ω
VI 637Ω VO

700Ω

Figure 2 – 2nd Order High-Pass Filter Designed by Example 1

2. Design a VCVS 2nd order high-pass Chebyshev filter with a gain of 10 at a cut-off frequency
of 10 kHz and a ripple width RWdB=0.5dB.

Solution
Select C1=C2=1F for convenience
2nd Order Chebyshev with RWdB=0.5dB, therefore b0=1.516 and b1=1.426. Hence
and .
Use (19) and (20) to find R1 and R2.
√( ) ( )

Use (22a) and (22b) to find R3 and R4.

To denormalize capacitance values

Using ISF = 104/2π,

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 4758Ω

0.01µF 0.01µF

4 8053Ω
VI 805Ω VO

891Ω

Figure 3 – 2nd Order High-Pass Filter Designed by Example 2

Comments on Active High-Pass Filters

In reality, the high-pass active filter must act like a band-pass active filter since the upper cut-off
frequency of the op amp will combine with the passive components to yield an upper and lower
cut-off frequency. If the high-pass filter is to function properly, enough frequency band must be
allowed between the lower pass-band limit of the active circuit and the upper limit established by
the op amp itself.
Another limitation of high-pass active filters is that they are noisier than low-pass active filters.
This is partly because noise above the range of useful signals gets passed on, as do harmonics of
rejected waveforms, unlike those in a low pass filter where they are strongly attenuated.

Higher Order High-Pass Active Filters

As in the case of higher order low-pass filters, we may obtain higher order high-pass Butterworth
or Chebyshev filters by cascading two or more lower order networks until the desired order of
filter is attained.

First Order High-Pass Filter

For the first-order circuit in Figure 19, C

…………… (73) K

The general transfer function is given by

VI R VO
……………. (74)

Hence,
C2
Figure 4 – 1st Order High-Pass Filter
…………… (75)
R1
…………… (76) C1

The transfer function for the circuit in Figure 20 is

VI
VO
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Figure 5 – 1st Order High-Pass Filter

 …………… (77)

Hence,
…………… (78)

…………… (79)

Thus, a 5th order high-pass filter is shown in Figure 21.

C2

R1
R2
C1
R4
C3 C4
C5 C6

VI RA
R3 RB
R5
VO

Figure 6 – 5th Order High-Pass Filter

Example
1. Design a 5th order high-pass Butterworth active filter with a gain of -10 at a cut-off frequency
of 10 kHz.
Solution
 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
From table 7.2 for n=5: b0'=1, b1''=0.6180, b0''=1, b1'''=1.6180 and b0'''=1. Therefore
, , , and .
 We will now find the passive components that fit the 1st order T.F ( ) , where

and .
For convenience, let C2=1F hence C1=k C2=10F and .

 Consider ( )

Select C3=C4=1F. Then with gain = 1, use (19) and (20) to find R2 and R3.
√( ) ( )

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  Consider ( )

Select C5=C6=1F. Then with gain = 1, use (19) and (20) to find R4 and R5.
√( ) ( )

 Denormalize and scale.

Exercise
Repeat for Chebyshev filter (RWdB=3dB)

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