RC shelving calculator

Calculate a passive high-frequency shelf, its gain levels, pole and zero.

Schematic

Try in CircuitSim

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Results

Pole frequency3.18 kHz

Frequency response

Gain

Frequency: 1 kHz

Gain at selected frequency	0.56 V/V
Gain	-4.98 dB
Phase	14.7 °

Advanced results

Zero frequency	1.59 kHz
Low-frequency gain	0.5 V/V
High-frequency gain	1 V/V

How rc shelving works

C1 bypasses the series resistor R1 as frequency increases. R1 and R2 attenuate low frequencies; at high frequencies the capacitor passes the input to the unloaded output. This passive circuit raises the high-frequency level relative to the low-frequency level without amplifying above the input.

H(s)=\frac{R_2(1+sR_1C_1)}{R_1+R_2+sR_1R_2C_1}

Ideal component values and no output load. Real tolerances and loading change the response.

Change the form inputs or click a component value on the schematic. Choose Try in CircuitSim to simulate the configured circuit.

Do the math

Selected input values
R1	10 kΩ
R2	10 kΩ
C1	10 nF
V1	1 kHz

Low-frequency gain: $H(0)=R_2/(R_1+R_2)$
$\frac{10\,\mathrm{k\Omega}}{20\,\mathrm{k\Omega}}$
≈ 0.5 V/V
Zero frequency: $f_z=1/(2\pi R_1C_1)$
$\frac{1}{2\pi\times100\,\mathrm{\mu s}}$
≈ 1.59 kHz
Pole frequency: $f_p=f_z(1+R_1/R_2)$
$1.59\,\mathrm{kHz}\times2$
≈ 3.18 kHz
Gain at selected frequency: $|H(j2\pi f)|$
$f=1\,\mathrm{kHz}$
≈ 0.56 V/V

RC shelving calculator

Configure

Schematic

Results

How rc shelving works

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