Transition band

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The transition band is a range of frequencies, usually defined as a bandwidth, that allows a transition between a passband and a stopband of an electronic filter.

An example of this can be taken from a low-pass filter, commonly used in audio systems to allow the bass signal to pass through to a subwoofer, and cut out all unwanted frequencies above a defined point. If the cutoff point for such a filter is defined as 200 Hz, then in a perfect system, all frequencies above 200 Hz will be stopped and all frequencies below 200 Hz will be allowed to pass through.

The transition band can be implemented to allow for a smooth fall off to avoid problems with the way the audio sounds. If the transition band is 20 Hz, then the signal should start attenuating at 180 Hz, and finally blocked at 200 Hz. The curve that the transition band follows depends on the engineering of the filter, including component reaction time and the choice of values for the components that comprise the filter.

The transition band is usually apparent in any filter system, even if it is unwanted. This can be of general importance when calculating the values required for filters used in the control of signal transmission systems, to ensure that the entire bandwidth of the desired signal is allowed to pass.