Calculate the cutoff frequency (-3dB) of a passive RC high-pass filter.
Component Values
Filter Properties
Enter component values to calculate cutoff frequency
Quick Reference
fcCutoff Frequency (Hz)
RResistance (Ohms)
CCapacitance (Farads)
π3.14159...
Overview
A high-pass filter is an electronic filter that passes signals with a frequency higher than a certain cutoff frequency and attenuates signals with frequencies lower than the cutoff frequency.
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Pro Tips
The cutoff frequency is defined as the frequency where the output power is half the input power (-3dB).
In an RC high-pass filter, the capacitor is in series with the load and the resistor is in parallel.
Common units: Resistors in Ohms (Ω), Capacitors in Microfarads (μF).
Higher R or C values result in a lower cutoff frequency.
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Fun Facts
"High-pass filters are used in audio systems to block low-frequency 'rumble' from speakers."
"Most image sharpening algorithms use a digital version of a high-pass filter."
"A simple capacitor in series with a tweeter acts as a first-order high-pass filter."
