AES E-Library

Impulse Testing and Peak Clipping

Impulse testing is a popular, efficient means to technically assess the performance of a linear signal processing system. Before meaningful impulsive audio test signals can be devised, used, and interpreted with confidence, a complete understanding of certain fundamental definitions and principles is necessary. These important concepts are reviewed. They include the meaning of linearity, unit impulse and step functions and their approximations, ideal low-pass transient response, bandwidth, and rise time. Without appropriate precautions, impulsive test signals can easily overload a practical system-especially an equalized system-and drive it into the extremely nonlinear mode of operation known as peak clipping. The frequency spectrum of the symmetry properties of clipping are also considered. A specific, practical example is given which illustrates that impulsive overload can easily occur when tests are performed using equalized square waves. It is concluded that careful technical consideration must be given to the program material or program channel capabilities and the system under test in order to select a useful impulsive test signal. In particular, it is necessary to take into account both system bandwidth and sine-wave overload characteristics. Also, knowledge of peak level and minimum rise time of signals to be processed is required.

Author: Preis, Douglas
Affiliation: Gordon McKay Laboratory, Division of Engineering and Applied Physics, Harvard University, Camtiridge, MA
JAES Volume 25 Issue 1/2 pp. 2-14; February 1977 Import into BibTeX

Click to purchase paper or login as an AES member. If your company or school subscribes to the E-Library then switch to the institutional version. If you are not an AES member and would like to subscribe to the E-Library then Join the AES!

This paper costs $20 for non-members, $5 for AES members and is free for E-Library subscribers.

Learn more about the AES E-Library

E-Library Location: (CD aes3)   /jrnl6877/1977/7456.pdf

Start a discussion about this paper!