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By: Mohit Goel

This document discusses distortion in amplifiers. It defines distortion as unwanted alterations to the waveform that occur during amplification. There are two main types of distortion: non-linear distortion, which occurs when the input signal is large enough to drive the amplifier into a non-linear operating region, and linear distortion, which occurs with small inputs in the linear region. Specific types of distortion mentioned include amplitude distortion, frequency distortion, and phase distortion. Correct biasing of the amplifier is needed to minimize non-linear distortion.

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K Pushyanth
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56 views

By: Mohit Goel

This document discusses distortion in amplifiers. It defines distortion as unwanted alterations to the waveform that occur during amplification. There are two main types of distortion: non-linear distortion, which occurs when the input signal is large enough to drive the amplifier into a non-linear operating region, and linear distortion, which occurs with small inputs in the linear region. Specific types of distortion mentioned include amplitude distortion, frequency distortion, and phase distortion. Correct biasing of the amplifier is needed to minimize non-linear distortion.

Uploaded by

K Pushyanth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 1

By: Mohit Goel


Distortion in Amplifier
Definition: Distortion in Amplifier basically implies the variation in the waveform
received at the output with respect to the applied input. The unwanted
alterations generated during amplification is known as distortion.

When we talk about an ideal amplifier, the amplified output must be an exact replica
of the input. But practically such an ideal amplifier doesn’t exist. These undesired
changes in the signal at the amplifier’s output are basically termed as distortion
in amplifier.
Distortion in Amplifier

For a distortionless output signal, dc biasing is required at the base or gate terminal.
When dc biasing is employed, the signal is amplified over its entire cycle. The
bias “Q point” must fall at the middle of the load line. Thus, with such a “Q point”
setting, type A amplification can be achieved.

Reasons for signal distortion–


 Due to incorrect biasing when the signal is not amplified for the entire cycle of
the input signal then distortion occurs.

 It also occurs in the case when the applied input signal is very large.

 Distortion in amplifier sometimes results when the amplification is not linear over
the complete frequency range.
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Non-linear Distortion – This type of distortion occurs in an amplifier when the signal
input is large and the active device is driven into a non-linear region of its
characteristics.

1. Amplitude Distortion:

This type of distortion occurs due to attenuation in the peak value of the waveform.
The shift in “Q point” and amplification for less than 360⁰ of the input signal leads to
amplitude distortion. It occurs mainly due to incorrect biasing and clipping. As we
know that if the biasing point of the transistor is correct, one can have output is the
exact replica of input in the amplified form.
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Non-linear Distortion –
1. Amplitude Distortion:
Case 1: Suppose insufficient biasing is provided, the “Q point” will lie near the lower
half of the load line. In such condition, negative half of input is clipped and we get a
distorted signal at the output of the amplifier.
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Non-linear Distortion –
1. Amplitude Distortion:
Case 2: Suppose an extra bias potential is provided, the “Q point” will now be at the
upper half of the load line. This condition gives an output that is cut-off at positive
half of the waveform.
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Non-linear Distortion –
1. Amplitude Distortion:
Case 3: Sometimes correct biasing also leads to distortion in the output in case of the
large input signal. This is so because the large input signal is amplified by the gain of
the amplifier. In this case, both positive and negative half of the waveform
gets clipped at some portion.
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Linear Distortion –
This type of distortion occurs when small input signal drives the device and it operates
in the linear region of its characteristics. This mainly occurs due to frequency
dependent characteristics of the active devices.

1. Frequency Distortion:

In frequency distortion, the level of amplification varies with respect to frequency. It


occurs either due to the presence of reactive elements or by the electrode
capacitances of the amplifier circuits.
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Linear Distortion –

2. Phase Distortion:

Phase Distortion in the amplifier is also known as delay distortion. As the name
indicates whenever there is a time delay between input and occurrence of the signal
at the output. It is said to be phase distorted signal. It occurs mainly due to electrical
reactance. As we have discussed that a signal consists of different frequency
components. So, when different frequency suffers different phase shift, phase
distortion takes place.
Types of Distortion in Amplifier
Linear Distortion –

2. Phase Distortion:

Phase distortion has no practical


significance in audio amplifiers as the
human ear is insensitive to phase shift.
The type and amount of distortion that is
tolerable or intolerable depend on the
application of amplifier.

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