The d-q harmonic detecting algorithms are dominant methods to generate current references for active power filters (APF). They are often implemented in the synchronous frame and time domain. This paper researches the frequency characteristics of d-q synchronous transformations, which are closely related to the analysis and design issues of control system. Intuitively, the synchronous transformation is explained with amplitude modulation (AM) in this paper. Then, the synchronous filter is proven to be a time-invariant and linear system, and its transfer function matrix is derived in the stationary frames. These frequency-domain models imply that the synchronous transformation has an equivalent effect of frequency transformation. It is because of this feature, the d-q method achieves band-pass characteristics with the low pass filters in the synchronous frame at run time. To simplify these analytical models, an instantaneous positive-negative sequence frame is proposed as expansion of traditional symmetrical components theory. Furthermore, the synchronous filter is compared with the traditional bind-pass filters based on these frequency-domain analytical models. The d-q harmonic detection methods are also improved to eliminate the inherent coupling effect of synchronous transformation. Typical examples are given to verify previous analysis and comparison. Simulation and experimental results are also provided for verification.