Definition

Noun: * Nonlinear Distortion: A type of signal distortion where the output signal from a system (such as an amplifier, speaker, or transmission line) is not directly proportional to the input signal. This means the system's response is nonlinear, causing the shape of the output waveform to differ from the shape of the input waveform. It introduces new frequency components (harmonics) not present in the original signal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The poor-quality amplifier introduced significant nonlinear distortion, making the music sound harsh and unnatural.
  • Engineers measure nonlinear distortion to quantify the fidelity of audio equipment.
  • A key goal in high-fidelity audio design is to minimize nonlinear distortion.

Advanced Usage

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): A common metric used to measure the level of nonlinear distortion by comparing the power of the original signal to the power of the harmonic frequencies it creates.
  • A loudspeaker with a THD of 0.5% has very low nonlinear distortion.
• Intermodulation Distortion (IMD): A specific type of nonlinear distortion that occurs when two or more different frequencies interact in a nonlinear system, creating sum and difference frequencies.
  • Intermodulation distortion is a form of nonlinear distortion that can cause audible "muddiness" in complex musical passages.

Variants and Related Words

• Distortion (n): A general term for any alteration of the original shape or characteristics of a signal. Nonlinear distortion is a specific category of distortion.
• Harmonic Distortion (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with nonlinear distortion, as harmonics are the primary byproduct.
• Linear System (n): A system whose output is directly proportional to its input, which does not produce nonlinear distortion.

Synonyms

• Harmonic Distortion
• Amplitude Distortion (in some contexts)

Related Technical Terms

• Clipping: A severe form of nonlinear distortion that occurs when an amplifier is overdriven and cannot reproduce the peaks of the input signal, "clipping" them off.
  • Turning the volume too high caused clipping, a type of nonlinear distortion.
• Crossover Distortion: A type of nonlinear distortion specific to certain amplifier designs (like Class B) that occurs near the zero-crossing point of the waveform.

Noun

1. distortion that occurs when the output signal does not have a linear relation to the input signal