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N Steiner VCF 1974 Edited

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PauloConstantino
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11 views2 pages

N Steiner VCF 1974 Edited

Uploaded by

PauloConstantino
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IDEAS FOR DESIGN

Voltage-tunable active filter features


low, high and bandpass modes
You can build a voltage-tunable filter voltage doesn't appear at the signal
with low-pass, high-pass and bandpass output terminal.
characteristics and variable Q. Just four
discrete general-purpose transistors and
a few other discrete components are
required. The circuit can tune accross the
whole audio spectrum (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
without the need for range switching.
The design is particularly suited for
electronic-music synthesis.
The circuit uses a standard,
noninverting amplifier configuration. as
in the simplified diagram of Fig. 1. The
three-modes are obtained by the
introduction of the signal into three
different points of the circuit. An increase
in the gain of the amplifier increases the
filter’s Q. The Q remains almost constant
as the filter’s cutoff frequency is tuned
across the audio spectrum. Cut-off
frequency is changed when R1 and R2 are
varied simultaneously.
In the actual circuit. silicon diodes
replace R1 and R2 (Fig. 2). The diodes
change resistance when their forward
bias voltages are changed. The
differential amplifler transistors Q1 and
Q2 apply the bias voltage in opposing
phase to the two RC diode networks in
parallel.

1. To select the filter’s frequency response mode. the


signal is applied to one of three different input points, as
shown in this simplified diagram.

The bias effect of the input signal on


the diodes is also cancelled, when the
signal level across each diode pair is kept
The noninverting amplifier’s below 50 mV. Q3 and Q4, and
transistors, The opposing phases cancel potentiometer R6 control the amplifier’s
the control voltage so that the control gain, and consequently, the Q of the filter.

Edited by yusynth 2018 ELECTRONIC DESIGN 25, December 6, 1974


IDEAS FOR DESIGN

2. The Q of the voltage-tuned active filter is: the complete frequency range. At high Qs the input signal
adjusted by R6 . The Q remains almost constant over level should be limited to -10 dBm

But excessive gain can cause the circuit to


oscillate. An op amp can also be used for
the non-inverting amplifier.
The plots shown were made with the
center frequency set arbitrarily at 500
Hz. Pass characteristics and Q remain
essentially the same as the center
frequency is changed. The output
amplitudes in the pass portions of the
curves are approximately -25 dB from
the input signal. The circuit operates well
with an input signal level of 0 dBm (0.77 V
rms) at low Q.
However, with a Q of 10 or higher,
the input signal should be limited to
about -10 dB to prevent the circuit from
being overdriven. Plots were made with
an HP-650A oscillator and an HP-400-L
ac voltmeter.

Nyle A. Steiner, 334 "L" St., Salt Lake City,


UT 84103 CIRCLE No. 313

Edited by yusynth 2018 ELECTRONIC DESIGN 25, December 6, 1974

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