Low-Pass Electrical Filters, BNC Feedthrough


  • Passive Low-Pass Electrical Filters
  • Rejection: 40 dB Minimum, 60 dB Typical
  • Terminates Directly into High-Impedance Test Equipment
  • 1 dB Cutoff Frequencies Available from 1 kHz to 15 MHz

EF120

DC to 10 kHz Low-Pass Filter

Application Idea

EF502 Used in Conjunction with a High-Impedance Oscilloscope and Amplified Photodetector

EF502

DC to 100 kHz Low-Pass Filter

Related Items


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Engraved EF120
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Figure 1: Each EF100 Series in-line filter features two female BNC connectors. They are engraved with the part number, the type of filter, the passband range, and the response curve.
Engraved EF501
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Figure 2: Each EF500 Series coaxial filter has a male and female BNC connector. They are engraved with the part number, the type of filter, the passband range, and the response curve.
Electrical Filters Selection Guide
Low-Pass Electrical Filters
High-Pass Electrical Filters
DC Block and Mains Hum Electrical Filters
DC Block Filter for RF
Engraved Back of OAP
Click to Enlarge

The graph above shows a signal taken on an oscilloscope with (blue trace) and without (red trace) using a filter. The observed phase shift is introduced by the filter.

Features

  • 5th Order Elliptic Low-Pass Filter Design
  • Selection of 1 dB Passband Windows from 1 kHz to 15 MHz
  • Can be Driven by Any 50 Ω Load
  • Designed to be Terminated into High-Impedance Equipment
  • No External Power Supply Required

Thorlabs' Passive Electrical Filters are feedthrough BNC filters that allow the user to filter unwanted signals and noise with a guaranteed minimum rejection of 40 dB. These low-pass filters are designed to be driven by a low-impedance source and terminated directly into high-impedance equipment. Examples of typical 50 Ω (low-impedance) sources are Thorlabs' amplified photodetectors, while examples of high-impedance equipment include 1 MΩ oscilloscope terminals, DAQ boards, and 100 kΩ op-amp inputs. This page contains our series of low-pass electrical filters. Thorlabs also offers high-pass electrical filters and DC block electrical filters.

These are passive filters; therefore, no power supply is needed to run these devices. Additionally, they will not display any of the intermodulation distortions that are often observed when using active filters. Passive filters also have lower noise floors and lower thermal emission than their active counterparts, giving these filters higher signal-to-noise capabilities. Each filter is engraved with the part number, passband range, input/output impedance values, and a frequency response curve.

High-Order Elliptic Filters
To ensure excellent suppression of frequencies in the stopband region, our 5th order low-pass filters are designed as high-order elliptic filters, providing excellent suppression of high frequency signals. The tables below include more information, such as the 3 dB, 30 dB, and 40 dB stopband frequencies.

Elliptic filters, also known as Cauer filters, produce some of the steepest signal attenuations after the passband when compared to most other passive filters (see the tables below for the filter's frequency response). This property ensures that these filters are well suited for applications that require severe attenuation of stopband frequencies close to the passband.

In-Line and Coaxial Package Designs
Thorlabs offers both in-line and coaxial BNC feedthrough styled filters (see Figures 1 and 2 to the right). The EF100 series filters are in-line and feature a box design with two female BNC connectors. The in-line design is intended to be used in between two BNC cables. The EF500 series filters are coaxial and feature a cylindrical design with a male and female BNC connector. This allows the filter to be directly attached to a device, such as an oscilloscope (see image above). Due to the larger size of the in-line filters, it is not recommended that these filters be attached directly to a measurement device. The larger size of in-line filters over coaxial filters is due to the inverse relationship between the filter frequency and the size of the internal electrical components inside the housing.


Posted Comments:
Ted Young  (posted 2023-10-20 16:12:09.137)
How do we order this part with a credit card? My boss is trying to use the company credit card but it did not complete the transaction. This is for Google San Diego labs.
cdolbashian  (posted 2023-10-27 11:48:15.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry! Please feel free to call your local sales number located on the contact page here: https://www.thorlabs.com/locations.cfm Alternatively, you can email Sales@thorlabs.com (also listed on the contact page). Finally, you can use our live-chat service located on each product page.
Byungmoon Jin  (posted 2023-10-17 18:29:02.43)
I want to know the maximum allowable output current of EF110. I need to drive up to 500mA through the filter when operating.
ksosnowski  (posted 2023-10-17 04:29:10.0)
Hello Byungmoon, thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. These filters are rated for 10V max, and the output impedance is rated for 100 kΩ. The max current could be considered as 0.1 mA at DC or anywhere in the transparent or pass-band up to 500 MHz max. Please note that these filters are designed as voltage transfer systems, not to move high current.
Grace Redhyka  (posted 2022-10-17 16:01:35.68)
Is it possible to use this LPF to filter voltage (output from DAQ/Voltage source) to the load (DUT is semiconducting material, high impedance ≥ 100 kΩ) ?
ksosnowski  (posted 2022-10-17 03:55:02.0)
Thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. These filters are designed for high impedance loads over 100kOhm, however they are intended for low source impedance of 50 Ohm. I recommend checking your DAQ's manual to compare it's impedance as if this is higher it can cause issues in the filter performance.
Junho Lee  (posted 2022-05-18 12:33:05.197)
Hello, I would like to check frequency response performance (phase lag - frequency) On the website, only the frequency response to Amplitude(dB)-freuqency is shown. I would like to order EF502, EF124, EF508. Do you have enough products in stock? EF124(DC to 50 kHz) : 8 pcs EF502(DC to 100 kHz) : 12 pcs EF508 (DC to 1 MHz) : 8 pcs How long will it take to arrive in Korea (Republic of Korea, South)
ksosnowski  (posted 2022-05-23 02:33:06.0)
Thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. We cannot directly measure the phase delay directly for these units, but we do have sample data for the group delay (on each Spec sheet) which could be used to numerically estimate the phase delay. Alternatively, the ideal Network Transfer Function can be used to estimate the group/phase delay, but please note that the actual performance of the filters will be much better than the ideal transfer functions would indicate. In theory, one can fit a damping function to the ideal curve to match either the sample data on the Spec Sheet or the actual unit. In regards to lead time for these, our team at Sales@thorlabs.com can directly address these questions.
user  (posted 2021-07-06 14:53:52.237)
Can LPF and HPF be cascaded and used as BPF?
cdolbashian  (posted 2021-07-12 09:45:12.0)
Thank you for contacting us at Thorlabs! These devices can technically be combined to create a bandpass filter, although impedence mismatches at input and output of these devices will lead to a performance which is not simply the sum of the two filters used. We have contacted you directly with additional information regarding your application.
wangkunpeng  (posted 2018-10-10 18:22:50.577)
Hello, we would like to know the max. allowed current of these filters, or specifically for EF502 and EF120.
YLohia  (posted 2018-10-10 11:26:53.0)
Hello, the filter is rated for 10V max, and the output impedance is rated for 100 kΩ. The max current could be considered as 0.1 mA at DC or anywhere in the transparent or pass-band up to 500 MHz max. Please note that these filters are designed as voltage transfer systems, not to move current.
melanie  (posted 2018-09-18 11:02:48.54)
Would you consider marketing a low pass filter that also includes DC block ? I notice you sell separate filters for each, but if I connected them in series I think there would be an impedance mismatch.
YLohia  (posted 2018-09-19 02:27:39.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly to discuss your requirements and the possibility of offering this.
william.bowden  (posted 2018-07-03 11:39:04.52)
It would be helpful if you gave group delay rather that group delay variation. If you are using these in feedback application, it helps to know group delay. I am interested in the: EF501 EF526
YLohia  (posted 2018-07-17 03:10:55.0)
Response from Yashasvi at Thorlabs USA: Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, measuring the group delay directly is not quite straightforward, since any test system adds its own group delay and there is considerable uncertainty in knowing what components of the total delay are from the DUT as opposed to the test system itself. The ideal Network Transfer Function can be used to estimate the group/phase delay, but please note that the actual performance of the filters will typically be much better than the ideal transfer functions would indicate. In theory, one can fit a damping function to the ideal curve to match either the sample data on the Spec Sheet or the actual unit. The group delay can be theoretically calculated from the transfer function when S=iω (where i is the imaginary unit, and ω is the signal angular frequency. The phase delay is ϕ(ω)=arg(f(S)) where arg is the argument operator (returns the angle that the imaginary vector f(S) makes with the +x axis, e.g. arg(c)=arctan(Im(c)/Re(c)) where c is a complex number in the first quadrant). The group delay is then the familiar dϕ(ω)/dω. I have reached out to you directly with the ideal Network Transfer Functions for EF501 and EF526.
mkirchner  (posted 2017-02-14 12:28:05.11)
It would be good if you could include the phase response of these electrical filters along with the amplitude response. Some applications care about both the amplitude and phase properties.
tfrisch  (posted 2017-02-17 02:01:16.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly regarding the phase response of these filters.
coen  (posted 2015-10-29 13:34:59.363)
Dear Madame/Sir, I would be very interested in a low-pass filter with a cutoff of 10 kHz (anti-aliasing of audio signals). Would it be possible to modify the existing EF502? Kindest regards, Coen Elemans Dept of Biology, SDU Denmark
besembeson  (posted 2015-11-04 02:18:05.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: This will be possible. The housing may look different for such lower frequency cutoffs and we will also need to know an acceptable rejection level for your application. Our Sweden office will be in contact with you.
lamarche.louis  (posted 2015-04-10 14:09:55.26)
Hello, Could you send me an approximate analytic transfer function in the laplace domain for the EF256. I need to know if there will any ringing on my signal. Thank you for your help Regards. 450-652-8077
jlow  (posted 2015-04-27 01:40:40.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Yes, we will send you the transfer function via e-mail.
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Low-Pass Electrical Filters, In-Line, 1 kHz to 50 kHz


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Mechanical Drawing of In-Line Design

The in-line package of these filters offers two female BNC connectors.

Item #a EF110 EF112 EF114 EF120 EF122 EF124
1 dB Passband Window DC to 1 kHz DC to 2 kHz DC to 5 kHz DC to 10 kHz DC to 20 kHz DC to 50 kHz
3 dB Rejection >2.05 kHz >2.76 kHz >6.61 kHz >15.2 kHz >27.2 kHz >68.4 kHz
30 dB Rejection >3.1 kHz >4.27 kHz >9.95 kHz >24.5 kHz >41.6 kHz >102.1 kHz
40 dB Rejectionb >4.1 kHz >6.20 kHz >11.14 kHz >27.2 kHz >45.4 kHz >109.5 kHz
Frequency Response Curve
(Click for Graph)
Click for Plot
Raw Data
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Source Impedance (Typical) 50 Ω
Load Impedance (Typical)c ≥100 kΩ
Input Voltage (Maximum) ±10 V
Storage Temperature -20 to 70 °C
  • Values reported for each item were measured at 25 °C.
  • The performance of each filter is measured out to 500 MHz.
  • Although these filters can be operated with termination resistances below 1 kΩ, the passband will narrow at smaller termination resistances and the performance is not guaranteed.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
EF110 Support Documentation
EF110Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤1 kHz Passband, In-Line BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF112 Support Documentation
EF112Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤2 kHz Passband, In-Line BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF114 Support Documentation
EF114Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤5 kHz Passband, In-Line BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF120 Support Documentation
EF120Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤10 kHz Passband, In-Line BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF122 Support Documentation
EF122Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤20 kHz Passband, In-Line BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF124 Support Documentation
EF124Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤50 kHz Passband, In-Line BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
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Low-Pass Electrical Filters, Coaxial, 100 kHz to 15 MHz

The coaxial package of these filters offers one male and one female BNC connector.

Item #a EF502 EF504 EF506 EF508 EF510 EF516 EF501 EF526
1 dB Passband Window DC to 100 kHz DC to 240 kHz DC to 500 kHz DC to 1 MHz DC to 1.7 MHz DC to 4.5 MHz DC to 10 MHz DC to 15 MHz
3 dB Rejection >139 kHz >310 kHz >640 kHz >1.35 MHz >2.3 MHz >6 MHz >12 MHz >21.5 MHz
30 dB Rejection >199 kHz >475 kHz >1 MHz >2.1 MHz >3.4 MHz >9.5 MHz >20 MHz >34 MHz
40 dB Rejectionb >220 kHz >515 kHz >1.1 MHz >2.3 MHz >3.6 MHz >10.5 MHz >22 MHz >37 MHz
Frequency Response Curve 
(Click for Graph)
Click for Plot
Raw Data
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Raw Data
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Raw Data
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Raw Data
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Raw Data
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Raw Data
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Raw Data
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Raw Data
Source Impedance (Typical) 50 Ω
Load Impedance (Typical)c ≥100 kΩ
Input Voltage (Maximum) ±10 V
Storage Temperature -20 to 70 °C
  • Values reported for each item were measured at 25 °C.
  • The performance of each filter is measured out to 500 MHz.
  • Although these filters can be operated with termination resistances below 1 kΩ, the passband will narrow at smaller termination resistances and the performance is not guaranteed.
Filter Tube
Click for Details

Mechanical Drawing of
Coaxial Design
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
EF502 Support Documentation
EF502Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤100 kHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF504 Support Documentation
EF504Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤240 kHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF506 Support Documentation
EF506Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤500 kHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF508 Support Documentation
EF508Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤1 MHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF510 Support Documentation
EF510Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤1.7 MHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF516 Support Documentation
EF516Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤4.5 MHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF501 Support Documentation
EF501Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤10 MHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
EF526 Support Documentation
EF526Low-Pass Electrical Filter, ≤15 MHz Passband, Coaxial BNC Feedthrough
$79.00
Today
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Mounting Clamps


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EF123 Filter Mounted using an ECM100 on a Ø1/2" Post

Aluminum Clamps, Post Mountable
These anodized aluminum clamps provide secure mounting for the in-line filters sold above. Each clamp can snap onto the side of the device and the flexure lock can be tightened using the 2 mm (5/64") hex locking screw on the side. The ECM100 fits onto the 1.00" side, while the ECM125 fits onto the 1.25" side.

Each clamp has a #8 (M4) counterbore on the bottom, allowing it to be mounted on a Ø1/2" post or any surface with an 8-32 (M4) tap. The clamp must be mounted via the counterbore before the device is attached, as the counterbore will not be accessible once the housing is secured in the clamp.

Plastic Clamp, Double Sided
The EPS125 clamp is designed to connect two in-line filters for compact setups; the clamp attaches to the 1.25" side of each device.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ECM100 Support Documentation
ECM100Aluminum Clamp for Compact Device Housings, 1.00"
$19.48
Today
ECM125 Support Documentation
ECM125Aluminum Clamp for Compact Device Housings, 1.25"
$20.08
Today
EPS125 Support Documentation
EPS125Double-Sided Plastic Clamp for Compact Device Housings, 1.25", Qty. 2
$7.00
Today