A
low-pass filter and a
high-pass filter are both types of filters used in electronics and signal processing, but they work in opposite ways to control the frequency components of a signal.
1. Low-Pass Filter:
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What it does: A low-pass filter allows low-frequency signals to pass through while blocking high-frequency signals.
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How it works: It filters out the high frequencies and only lets through frequencies that are below a certain cutoff point (usually measured in Hertz).
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Example use: This is commonly used in audio applications to remove high-frequency noise or in power supplies to smooth out the output voltage.
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Visual representation: The graph of a low-pass filter shows a gradual drop in signal amplitude as the frequency increases beyond the cutoff frequency.
2. High-Pass Filter:
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What it does: A high-pass filter allows high-frequency signals to pass through while blocking low-frequency signals.
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How it works: It filters out low frequencies and only lets through frequencies above a certain cutoff point.
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Example use: High-pass filters are often used in audio systems to block low-frequency noise (like hums) or in communication systems to allow high-frequency signals to pass.
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Visual representation: The graph of a high-pass filter shows a gradual rise in signal amplitude as the frequency increases beyond the cutoff frequency.
Key Difference:
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Low-pass filter: Passes low frequencies, blocks high frequencies.
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High-pass filter: Passes high frequencies, blocks low frequencies.
In summary, the main difference is the type of frequencies they allow to pass. A low-pass filter passes lower frequencies, while a high-pass filter passes higher frequencies.