Parallel R-C, and R-L Networks

Author: N.H. Crowhurst

Action of the parallel RC divider

Currents of different frequencies can be separated by connecting the same components in parallel* With a resistor and capacitor in parallel, the resistor draws the current at low frequencies, the capacitor at high frequencies, and in the middle range, the current is shared. With a resistor and inductor in parallel, the resistor draws the current at high frequencies, the inductor at low frequencies, and in the middle range, the current is shared.

Action of the parallel RL divider

Thus series arrangements separate voltages of different frequencies, and parallel arrangements separate currents of different frequencies. Power, however, is absorbed only by resistors, hence all the power supplied to these circuits is dissipated in the resistor, regardless of its frequency. Because loudspeaker units require power rather than merely voltage or current, a simple voltage or current divider of the type that we have discussed thus far will not suffice for sorting out the input to the various loudspeakers in a two- or three-way system.