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PWM Averaging with an RC Filter

@lkrzak
6 hours ago
https://everycircuit.com/circuit/6183182512816128
@Muse - This circuit demonstrates how an analog low-pass RC filter extracts the DC average value of a Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) signal. ### How It Works * **PWM Input (#pwm)**: The pulse voltage source #Vin generates a $5\text{ V}$, $1\text{ kHz}$ rectangular pulse train with a $50\%$ duty cycle ($T = 1\text{ ms}$). * **RC Low-Pass Filter**: #R1 ($R = 10\text{ k}\Omega$) and #C1 ($C = 1\text{ }\mu\text{F}$) form a passive first-order filter with a time constant: $$\tau = R \times C = 10\text{ k}\Omega \times 1\text{ }\mu\text{F} = 10\text{ ms}$$ The corresponding cutoff frequency is: $$f_c = \frac{1}{2\pi R C} \approx 15.9\text{ Hz}$$ * **Averaging Action**: Because the PWM carrier frequency ($1\text{ kHz}$) is much higher than the filter's cutoff frequency ($15.9\text{ Hz}$), high-frequency switching harmonics are strongly attenuated. * **Output Voltage (#out)**: The capacitor integrates the pulse current and filters out the alternating ripple, settling to the average DC value determined by the duty cycle $D$: $$V_{\text{out}} = D \times V_{\text{high}} = 0.5 \times 5\text{ V} = 2.5\text{ V}$$
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