A linear distortion is defined as a change in amplitude or phase with no new frequencies added. A non-linear distortion occurs when new frequency components are generated.
Non-linear distortions occur when an amplifier fails to reproduce the output waveform as the exact amplified replica of the input waveform. In such cases, the non-linearity of the amplifier results in distortions in the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the output waveform.
Nonlinearity distortion is caused by some device in the audio signal path producing an output amplitude that is not strictly proportional to the input amplitude. This could be an audio amplifier or even a tarnished connector.
1: Nonlinear effects introduced by RF hardware: (a) amplitude-dependent amplitude (AM-AM) distortion; and (b) amplitude-dependent phase (AM-PM) distortion.
Consequently the distortions of linear systems are divided into two categories: amplitude and phase distortions.
In a nonlinear relationship, changes in the output do not change in direct proportion to changes in any of the inputs. While a linear relationship creates a straight line when plotted on a graph, a nonlinear relationship does not create a straight line but instead creates a curve.
Linear vibration absorbers are consisting of small masses, linear springs and dissipation elements that can be in different series and parallel configurations. On the other hand, nonlinear vibration absorbers which are introduced and developed recently have some nonlinear stiffness or damping elements.
Properties of nonlinear systems
They do not follow the principle of superposition (linearity and homogeneity). They may have multiple isolated equilibrium points. They may exhibit properties such as limit cycle, bifurcation, chaos. Finite escape time: Solutions of nonlinear systems may not exist for all times.
Nonlinearity can take many forms, but the three most common types are geometric, material, and contact nonlinearity.
Material nonlinearity involves the nonlinear behavior of a material based on a current deformation, deformation history, rate of deformation, temperature, pressure, and so on. Examples of nonlinear material models are large strain (visco) elasto-plasticity and hyperelasticity (rubber and plastic materials).
There are three major types of non-linearity: Geometric (large deformations, large strains), Material (plasticity, creep, viscoplasticity/viscoelasticty) and Boundary (contact).
The distinct types of distortion are linear distortion, nonlinear distortion, and multipath fading. There are two types of linear distortions: amplitude distortion and phase (or delay) distortion.
There are four main types of distortion that come from map projections: distance, direction, shape and area.
Nonlinear features provide metrics that characterize chaotic behavior in vibration signals. These features can be useful in analyzing vibration and acoustic signals from systems such as bearings, gears, and engines.
With non-linear distortion the application of a sinusoidal input voltage results in a periodic output waveform that is non-sinusoidal. Fourier analysis shows that spurious harmonics are present, the result being known as harmonic distortion.
To determine if a system is linear, we need to answer the following question: When an input signal is applied to the system, does the output response exhibit homogeneity and additivity? If a system is both homogeneous and additive, it is a linear system.
Plot the equation as a graph if you have not been given a graph. Determine whether the line is straight or curved. If the line is straight, the equation is linear. If it is curved, it is a nonlinear equation.
Triangulation of GPS signals is an example of non-linear system.
Linear devices include resistors, capacitors, and most inductors when driven with low current. Nonlinear devices include semiconductor devices (transistors and diodes), ferrite inductors driven at high current where magnetic saturation occurs, all amplifiers, and almost all integrated circuits.
When positions on the graticule are transformed to positions on a projected grid, four types of distortion can occur: distortion of sizes, angles, distances, and directions. Map projections that avoid one or more of these types of distortion are said to preserve certain properties of the globe.
Harmonic distortion may be measured by looking at the output spectrum on a spectrum analyzer and observing the values of the second, third, fourth, etc., harmonics with respect to the amplitude of the fundamental signal. The value is usually expressed as a ratio in %, ppm, dB, or dBc.
Second-order or 'even' harmonics are even-numbered multiples of the fundamental frequencies and create a rich, pleasing sound. Third-order or 'odd' harmonics are odd-numbered multiples of the fundamental frequencies, which give the signal an edgier, more aggressive sound.
A melted crayon, a deflated balloon, a CD or DVD with scratches that no longer plays correctly — these things have all been affected by distortion. Other examples of distortion are things like your reflection in a broken mirror or the sound of your voice underwater.