The center frequency f0, Q and work mode of the MAX262 CMOS active filter with dual second-order universal switched-capacitor is analyzed. The method for compensating data of the filter with using the design software for MAXIM filter is presented. The design principle and process of digital programmable filter based on MAX262 in automatic detection system, and its circuits and program are introduced. The f0 and Q programming of MAX262, oscillator and clock input, microprocessor interface is studied in detail. Finally, the application example of fourth-order Butterworth low-pass filter composed of MAX262 that frequency is 3kHz in automatic detection system is given.