Test: Distortion in Amplifier - Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) MCQ

The deviation of output from an exact copy of input signal with amplification is collectively known as the distortion of the amplifier. They are of a different kind.

If we incorrectly design our amplifier and a change in Q-point occurs, then distortion in the amplifier is observed. Also, if we apply too large an input signal, it may end up causing distortion.

If amplifier output is beyond maximum value it cannot display voltage further than maximum value. This constitute clipping and creates flat tops in the output wave. This is due to amplitude distortion in the amplifier.

Another name for phase distortion is delay distortion. It is called so because it associated with a delay.

Harmonic distortion is caused by Active elements in the circuit.

Distortion in Amplifiers:

1. The application of a sinusoidal signal to the input of an ideal Class A amplifier will result in a sinusoidal output wave.
2. Generally, the output waveform is not an exact replica of the input signal waveform because of various types of distortion may arise, either from the inherent nonlinearity in the characteristics of transistors or tubes or from the influence of the associated circuit.
3. The types of circuits that may exist either separately or simultaneously are called nonlinear distortion, frequency distortion, and delay distortion.

Linear distortion is not a distortion type that exists either separately or simultaneously in amplifiers.

If amplifier output is beyond the maximum value it cannot display voltage further than maximum value. This constitute clipping. This maximum output value depends on the source voltage(VCC) of the amplifier, and can’t exceed the value.

Due to abnormalities of transistor level of amplification varies with a frequency which constitute frequency distortion.

The distortion happened due to the presence of harmonic frequencies in output is known as harmonic distortion.

Harmonic distortion is caused by Active elements in the circuit. Hence transistor is causing harmonic distortion.