Q Factor in Band-Pass Filter
Definition
The Q factor (Quality Factor) defines how selective a band-pass filter is. It determines how narrow or wide the frequency response is around the center frequency.
Formula
Q = f₀ / BW
Where:
f₀ = center frequency
BW = bandwidth = (fH - fL)
Circuit Form (RLC Bandpass)
Q = (1/R) √(L/C)
or
Q = ω₀L / R
Effect of Q Factor
| Q Value | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Low Q (< 1) | Wide bandwidth, less selective |
| Medium Q (5–10) | Balanced selectivity |
| High Q (> 20) | Narrow bandwidth, highly selective |
Summary
The Q factor controls the sharpness of the band-pass filter response. Higher Q means sharper peak and narrower bandwidth.
Effect of Cutoff Frequency (50 Hz) and Q Factor (Q = 1)
Given
Cutoff frequency (fc) = 50 Hz
Q factor = 1
Low-Pass Filter (LPF)
- Passes frequencies below cutoff
- Cutoff = 50 Hz
Range: 0 Hz → 50 Hz
High-Pass Filter (HPF)
- Passes frequencies above cutoff
- Cutoff = 50 Hz
Range: 50 Hz → ∞
Band-Pass Filter (BPF)
Q factor defines bandwidth:
Q = f₀ / BW
Given:
f₀ = 50 Hz
Q = 1
Bandwidth:
BW = f₀ / Q = 50 / 1 = 50 Hz
Cutoff frequencies:
fL = 50 - 25 = 25 Hz
fH = 50 + 25 = 75 Hz
Final BPF Range: 25 Hz → 75 Hz
Summary Table
| Filter Type | Frequency Range |
|---|---|
| Low-Pass Filter | 0 – 50 Hz |
| High-Pass Filter | 50 Hz – ∞ |
| Band-Pass Filter (Q=1) | 25 – 75 Hz |
Summary
The cutoff frequency defines LPF/HPF boundaries, while Q factor controls bandwidth only in band-pass filters. Lower Q → wider bandwidth, higher Q → narrower bandwidth.