SALLEN-KEY FILTER

The Sallen-key filter is an electronic filter topology used to implement

second-order active filters that is particularly valued for its simplicity.It is
a degenerate form of a voltage-controlled voltagesource (VCVS) filter topology.
Introduction
Figure 1 shows a two-stage RC network that forms a second order low-pass
filter.This filter is limited because its Q is always less than 1/2. With R1=R2 and
C1=C2,Q=1/3. Q approaches the maximum value of 1/2 when the impedance of the
second RC stage is much larger than the first. Most filters require Qs larger than1/2.

Larger Qs are attainable by using a positive feedback amplifier. If the positive

feedback is controlledlocalized to the cut-off frequency of the filteralmost any Q
can be realized, limited mainly by the physical constraints of the power supply and
component tolerances. Figure 2 shows a unity gain amplifier used in this manner.
Capacitor C2, no longer connected to ground, provides a positive feedback path. In
1955, R. P. Sallen and E. L. Key described these filter circuits ,and hence they are
generally known as Sallen-Key filters.

The operation can be described qualitatively:

At low frequencies, where C1 and C2 appear as open circuits, the signal is simply
buffered to the output.

At high frequencies, where C1 and C2 appear as short circuits, the signal is shunted
to ground at the amplifiers input, the amplifier amplifies this input to its output, and
the signal does not appear at Vo.
Near the cut-off frequency, where the impedance of C1 and C2 is on the same
order as R1 and R2, positive feedback through C2 provides Q enhancement.