Difference between active and passive filters & their advantages and disadvantages
Filters are essential components in electronic systems used for signal processing, noise reduction, and frequency selection. They can be categorized into active and passive filters based on the components used and their ability to provide signal gain. Active filters incorporate active components like operational amplifiers to enhance signal strength, while passive filters rely solely on passive components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors to attenuate unwanted frequencies. Understanding the difference between active and passive filters is critical for designing effective signal processing circuits in various electronic and communication systems. This guide compares both the filter types and provides advantages and disadvantages of each.
Filter definition:
The filter is a circuit which changes amplitude and phase of the input signal and
produces output accordingly. It filters or eliminates some frequencies and passes some frequencies.
Hence it provides different attenuations to different frequencies.
Based on components used in the construction of the filter there are two types of
filters viz. active filter and passive filter.
Active filter

Active Filter:
This filter type uses active components such as OP-AMP (i.e. operational amplifier) in addition to Resistors (R) and Capacitors (C) in the
construction of the filter. Hence it is known as active filter. First order all pass active filter is depicted
in the figure-1.
Advantages:
• No resonance issue
• It can eliminate any harmonics
• Used for voltage regulation
• Used for reactive power compensation
• It provides reliable operation
Disadvantages:
• It is expensive
• It provides complex control systems.
Passive Filter

Passive Filter:
This filter type uses passive components such as resistors (R), coils or inductors (L) and capacitors (C)
in the construction of filter. Hence it is known as passive filter. Normalized passive filter of order five and Lowpass type is depicted
in the figure-2.
Advantages:
• Cheap
• Reliable
• Easy design
• High efficiency
Disadvantages:
• Resonance problems
• Tuning for fixed frequency
• Fixed reactive power compensation
• Large size
Difference between active and passive filters
Parameter | Active filter | Passive filter |
---|---|---|
Components | Uses active components (e.g., op-amps, transistors). | Uses only passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors). |
Gain | Can provide signal amplification. | Cannot amplify; only attenuates signals. |
Power Supply | Requires an external power supply. | Does not require power; operates passively. |
Design Complexity | More complex in design and implementation. | Simpler design and easier to implement. |
Frequency Response | Sharper cutoff frequencies and steeper roll-off. | More gradual roll-off characteristics. |
Cost | Generally more expensive due to additional components. | Typically lower cost due to fewer components. |
Flexibility | More flexible in design, allowing for various filter types. | Less flexible; limited to simpler filtering functions. |
Reliability | May be less reliable due to more components. | Generally more reliable due to fewer components. |
Applications | Used in audio systems, telecommunications, and data acquisition. | Common in RF applications, audio equipment, and simple circuits. |
Conclusion
Active and passive filters each have unique strengths and limitations that make them suitable for different signal processing applications. Active filters offer greater control over frequency response and signal amplification but at the cost of increased complexity and power consumption. Passive filters, on the other hand, provide a simpler and more cost effective solution but lack the ability to amplify signals. The choice between active and passive filters should be made based on the desired filtering characteristics, power availability and application requirements.
RF Filter Related Links
Microstrip based RF Filter design
RF filter manufacturers
RF filter applications
RF filter selection guide
RF filter terminologies
RF RELATED LINKS
Microstrip line variants
Slotline basics and types
Finline basics
CPW(Coplanar Waveguide) basics
Types and basics of coaxial line
Types and basics of transmission line
RF Terms-Useful for RF design and testing.
RF-This page describes what is RF
what is difference between
Difference between SC-FDMA and OFDM
Difference between SISO and MIMO
Difference between TDD and FDD
Difference between 802.11 standards viz.11-a,11-b,11-g and 11-n
OFDM vs OFDMA
CDMA vs GSM
Bluetooth vs zigbee
Fixed wimax vs mobile