Using audio amplifier distortion characteristics as a pedagogical tool to explain signal processing theory

This paper will describe how audio amplifiers specifications can be used as a pedagogical tool to help explain distortion concepts in signal processing theory. Audio entertainment systems are an ideal and practical vehicle for this subject since these are ubiquitous among students, and audio quality or lack thereof is readily perceived. We will consider various distortion types including amplitude, phase, and nonlinear. In the nonlinear distortion category we present harmonic, and intermodulation. Also discussed are distortions due to limits of dynamic range, and quantization errors. We then present how distortion concepts can be integrated into a signals and systems course.