Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E7C
E7C01E7C

How are the capacitors and inductors of a low-pass filter Pi-network arranged between the network’s input and output?

Deep Dive: E7C01

The correct answer is D: A capacitor is connected between the input and ground, another capacitor is connected between the output and ground, and an inductor is connected between the input and output. How are the capacitors and inductors of a low-pass filter Pi-network arranged between the network's input and output is that a capacitor is connected between the input and ground, another capacitor is connected between the output and ground, and an inductor is connected between the input and output. Pi-network low-pass has capacitors to ground and inductor in series. For amateur radio operators, this is important for filter design. Understanding this helps when designing filters.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Two inductors in series with capacitor to ground isn't Pi-network low-pass - Pi-network has capacitors to ground and inductor in series. Two inductors isn't correct. Option B: Incorrect. Two capacitors in series with inductor to ground isn't Pi-network low-pass - Pi-network has capacitors to ground and inductor in series. Two capacitors in series isn't correct. Option C: Incorrect. Two inductors to ground with capacitor between input/output isn't Pi-network low-pass - Pi-network has capacitors to ground and inductor in series. Two inductors to ground isn't correct.

Exam Tip

Low-pass Pi-network arrangement = capacitor input to ground, capacitor output to ground, inductor between input/output. Think 'P'i-network 'L'ow-'P'ass = 'C'apacitors to 'G'round, 'I'nductor in 'S'eries. Pi-network low-pass has capacitors to ground and inductor in series. Not two inductors, not two capacitors in series, not two inductors to ground - just capacitors to ground, inductor in series.

Memory Aid

Low-pass Pi-network arrangement = capacitor input to ground, capacitor output to ground, inductor between input/output. Think 'P'i-network = 'C'apacitors to 'G'round, 'I'nductor 'S'eries. Pi-network low-pass has capacitors to ground and inductor in series. Important for filter design.

Real-World Example

A low-pass filter Pi-network: A capacitor is connected between the input and ground, another capacitor is connected between the output and ground, and an inductor is connected between the input and output. This forms the Pi (π) shape. This is the arrangement - capacitors to ground, inductor in series.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E7C

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E7 - Practical Circuits

Key Concepts

Capacitors and inductors Low-pass filter Pi-network Arranged between input and output Capacitor input to ground Capacitor output to ground Inductor between input and output

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E7C topic.