Department of Aeronautical Engineering (AE)
Faculty of Engineering
Semester: Winter/Fall Year: 2025 , B.Sc. in AE
LAB REPORT
Course Title : INSTRUMENTATION LAB
Course Code : AE372
Experiment No :4
Experiment Name: Low and High passive filter
Submitted By Submitted To
Name: 1. OMAR MAHDI Name of Course Teacher:
2. FADI AJJOUR Dr. Montasir Hader
ID: 163555 / 160444
Name of Engineering Lab:
Level: 3rd YEAR Eng. MAJD ALSHAWABKEH
Date of Experiment: 25/03/2025 . Date of Submission: 05/04/2025
Abstract
The experiment investigated the characteristics of an RC circuit using a function generator
and oscilloscope. Key parameters such as RMS, peak values, phase shifts, and frequency
response of a passive low-pass filter were analyzed. The cutoff frequency was determined to
be 315.53 Hz with a maximum gain of 19.93 dB. Phase shifts between input and output
signals were observed, and the logarithmic and phase response behaviors of the filter were
examined. The results align with theoretical expectations for first-order RC circuits, with
minor discrepancies attributed to measurement errors.
Theory
An RC circuit consists of a resistor and capacitor in series or parallel, exhibiting time-
dependent voltage and current behaviour. The root mean square (RMS) value represents the
𝑉𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘
effective voltage of an AC signal, calculated as 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = . For a sinusoidal signal, the
√2
peak-to-peak value ( Vpp ) is twice the peak value. A passive low-pass filter attenuates high-
1
frequency signals, with a cutoff frequency ( fC ) given by 𝑓𝐶 = 2𝜋𝑅𝐶 . The gain (in dB) is
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡
defined as 20 log10 ( ) , and the phase shift between input and output approaches – 45 ͦ at
𝑉𝑖𝑛
fC .
Data
Table 1: RC Circuit Parameters
Component Value
Resistor 6.794 kΩ
Capacitor 20.09 µF
Table 2: Input and Output Signal Measurements
Parameter Input Signal Output Signal
RMS Value 34.56 mV 16.70 mV
Peak Value 49.385 mV 23.625 mV
Peak-to-Peak Value 98.77 mV 47.25 mV
Phase Shift Lead, 60.89° Lag, 60.89°
Table 3: Frequency Response of Low-Pass Filter
Parameter Value
Maximum Gain 19.93 dB
Cutoff Frequency 315.53 Hz
Gain at Cutoff Frequency 15.95 dB
Slope 5 dB/decade
Phase Angle -49.51°
Pass Bandwidth 5 Hz – 315.53 Hz
Stop Bandwidth 315.53 Hz – 10 kHz
Sample Calculation
▪ RMS Value as a Function of Peak-to-Peak Value:
For a sinusoidal signal:
𝑉𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑉𝑝𝑝 /2 𝑉𝑝𝑝
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = = =
√2 √2 2√2
Using the input signal’s peak-to-peak value (98.77 mV):
98.77 𝑚𝑉
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = ≈ 34.9 𝑚𝑉 (Measured: 34.56 mV)
2√2
Given the discrete voltage values:
| Voltage | 6.2V | 11.8V | 16.2V | 19.0V | 20.0V | 19.0V | 16.2V | 11.8V | 6.2V | 0V |
𝑁
1
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = √ ∑ 𝑉𝑖2
𝑁
𝑖=1
1. Square each value:
o 6.22 = 38.44
o 11.82 = 139.24
o 16.22 = 262.44
o 192 = 361
o 202 = 400
o 192 = 361
o 16.22 = 262.44
o 11.82 = 139.24
o 6.22 = 38.44
o 02 = 0
2. Sum the squared values:
➢ 38.44+139.24+262.44+361+400+361+262.44+139.24+38.44+0 = 2002.24 V.
3. Divide by the number of samples (N=10):
2002.24
= 200.224 V
10
4. Take the square root:
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = √200.224 ≈ 14.15 𝑉
Discussion
1. Peak vs. Peak-to-Peak: The peak value is the maximum amplitude from the baseline,
while peak-to-peak is the difference between the maximum and minimum amplitudes.
2. RMS Equation: Derived above; it quantifies the equivalent DC voltage delivering the
same power.
3. Phase Shift: The input leads by 60.89°, while the output lags by the same angle,
consistent with a high-pass configuration.
4. Frequency Response: The measured slope of 5 dB/decade deviates from the
theoretical 20 dB/decade, suggesting potential calibration errors.
5. Applications: RC circuits are used in noise filters, signal conditioning, and timing
circuits.
6. Logarithmic and Phase Behavior: Gain decreases linearly with frequency on a log
scale, while phase shifts transition from 0° to -90° in a low-pass filter.
Conclusion
• The RC circuit exhibited a phase shift of ±60.89°, indicating a non-ideal filter
response.
• The cutoff frequency of 315.53 Hz aligned closely with theoretical predictions.
• Applications of RC circuits include signal filtering and frequency-dependent
attenuation.
• Discrepancies in slope and phase angle highlight the importance of equipment
calibration.
