A novel approach to teaching amplitude and phase distortion concepts using time domain methods

We present an alternative method to teach amplitude and phase distortion concepts using time domain methods. Typically, these concepts are taught using relatively expensive network analyzers. Here we show how a transcendental waveform, generated using relatively inexpensive waveform generators, and observed using standard lab oscilloscopes, can be used to illustrate amplitude and phase distortion, enabling the student to better understand systems whose magnitude responses are not flat, or whose phase responses may not be linear. Our methods allow students the opportunity to gain more insight into the characteristics of high fidelity (audio) systems.