Signal distortion is measured by spectrum analyzers and signal analyzers. In communications, distortion must be measured for both the transmitter and receiver. Excessive harmonic distortion at a transmitter's output can interfere with other communication bands. In a receiver, the pre-amplification stages must be free of intermodulation distortion to prevent signal crosstalk. An example of this problem is how the intermodulation of cable TV carriers moves down the trunk of the distribution system and distorts other channels on the same cable. Common measurements for signal distortion include intermodulation, harmonics, and spurious emissions.


Products & Services
PWM Amplifier Chips
Pulse width modulated (PWM) amplifier chips generate a current that switches between high and low output levels. PWM amplifiers have a much higher power capability for a given volume than linear amplifiers. They are also less expensive.
Power Operational Amplifiers
Power operational amplifiers (POA) are used to increase the power of low-level signals in applications that drive low impedances or reactive loads. They dissipate excess energy as heat, deliver extensive current, and can sustain relatively high supply voltages.
Amplifier and Comparator Chips
Amplifier and comparator chips are board-level components for amplifying voltage, current, or power.
Video Amplifier Chips
Video amplifier chips are used in circuits to process video signals.
Audio Amplifier Chips
Audio amplifiers are used in circuits and systems to process audio signals.

Product Announcements
JMC Products - Pulse Width Modulated DC Fans
JMC offers a host of high frequency Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) fans that perform at low noise levels by eliminating the power switching noise of the fan. The speed of the fan is controlled by an... (read more)
Texas Instruments High-Performance Analog - Synchronous buck controllers dimming LED drive
The TPS92640/41 are high voltage, synchronous NFET controllers for buck current regulators. Output current regulation is based on valley current-mode control with a constant on-timer. This control... (read more)

Topics of Interest

The recent interest in intelligent power supplies has driven the development of a new class of microcontroller friendly PWM generators. These PWM generators are the mixed signal control blocks for...

The "Servo Amplifier" on-line tutorial reviews the operation of servo amplifiers used to drive DC and brushless motors. The complete tutorial with audio can be viewed at...

A majority of amplifiers in the market place today take a control signal from a motion controller that is in the form of +-10VDC or a pulse train and direction bit. However there are some amplifiers...

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) fan speed control methodology pulse-width modulates a fan's full-rated power supply voltage at a low frequency, typically 30 Hz. A typical PWM circuit, consisting of a...

The PIC17C42 is equipped with two high frequency Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) outputs. In a pulse width modulated signal the period of the signal is (usually) kept fixed, while the duty cycle is...