Frequency Response of Parallel RL Network

In the earlier section, the frequency response of a series RC circuit was analyzed. Let us now note the impact of frequency on the total impedance and inductive current for the parallel RL network of [Fig. 1] for a frequency range of zero through 40 kHz. Before getting into specifics, let us first develop a "sense" for the impact of frequency on the network of [Fig. 1] by noting the impedance-versus-frequency curves of the individual elements, as shown in [Fig. 2]. The fact that the elements are now in parallel requires that we consider their characteristics in a different manner than occurred for the series RC circuit. Recall that for parallel elements, the element with the smallest impedance will have the greatest impact on the total impedance at that frequency. In [Fig. 2], for example, $X_L$ is very small at low frequencies compared to $R$, establishing $X_L$ as the predominant factor in this frequency range. In other words, at low frequencies the network will be primarily inductive, and the angle associated with the total impedance will be close to $90^\circ$, as with a pure inductor. As the frequency increases, $X_L$ will increase until it equals the impedance of the resistor (220 Ω). The frequency at which this situation occurs can be determined in the following manner: and which falls within the frequency range of interest. For frequencies less than $f_2, X_L < R$, and for frequencies greater than $f_2, X_L > R$, as shown in [Fig. 2]. A general equation for the total impedance in vector form can be developed in the following manner: so that and The magnitude and angle of the total impedance can now be found at any frequency of interest simply by substituting Eqs. (1) and (2). f = 1 kHz and with and This value compares very closely with $X_L = 25.12Ω \angle 90^\circ$, which it would be if the network were purely inductive ($R = \infty Ω$). Our assumption that the network is primarily inductive at low frequencies is therefore confirmed.
Continuing: At $f = 40 kHz$, note how closely the magnitude of $Z_T$ has approached the resistance level of 220Ω and how the associated angle with the total impedance is approaching zero degrees. The result is a network with terminal characteristics that are becoming more and more resistive as the frequency increases, which further confirms the earlier conclusions developed by the curves of [Fig. 2]. Plots of $Z_T$ versus frequency in [Fig. 3] and $\theta_T$ in [Fig. 4] clearly reveal the transition from an inductive network to one that has resistive characteristics. Note that the transition frequency of 8.75 kHz occurs right in the middle of the knee of the curves for both $Z_T$ and $\theta_T$. A review of [Figs. 3] of the frequency response of a series RC circuit and [Fig. 3] will reveal that a series RC and a parallel RL network will have an impedance level that approaches the resistance of the network at high frequencies. The capacitive circuit approaches the level from above, whereas the inductive network does the same from below. For the series RL circuit and the parallel RC network, the total impedance will begin at the resistance level and then display the characteristics of the reactive elements at high frequencies.