What is the function of harmonic distortion analyzer?
A total harmonic distortion analyzer calculates the total harmonic content of a sinewave with some distortion, expressed as total harmonic distortion (THD). A typical application is to determine the THD of an amplifier by using a very-low-distortion sinewave input and examining the output.
How is harmonic distortion measured?
Harmonic distortion may be measured by applying a spectrally clean sine wave voltage signal to the input of the amplifier under test (may require a band pass or low pass filter if the excitation RF source has high harmonic output content).
Is high total harmonic distortion good?
A high THD level in power systems is harmful for the system as well as for connected equipment. Lower THD equates to lower peak currents, higher efficiency and higher power factor.
How does a spectrum analyzer measure distortion?
Harmonic distortion may be measured by looking at the output spectrum on a spectrum analyzer and observing the values of the second, third, fourth, etc., harmonics with respect to the amplitude of the fundamental signal. The value is usually expressed as a ratio in %, ppm, dB, or dBc.
Which analysis is done by harmonic analyzer?
harmonic analysis best done by machines called harmonic (or spectrum) analyzers; these measure the relative amplitudes of sinusoidal components of a periodically recurrent function.
How does a harmonic analyzer work?
The Harmonic Analyzer block calculates amplitude, phase and frequency for the specified harmonic. The frequency value of the harmonic is simply calculated based on the fundamental frequency, and the harmonic order: f = f fund * h.
What is acceptable Total Harmonic Distortion?
While there is no firm limit in the US, IEEE 519 recommends that general systems like computers and related equipment have no more than 5% total harmonic voltage distortion with the largest single harmonic being no more than 3% of the fundamental voltage.
Is higher or lower THD better?
Total harmonic distortion (THD) is an important aspect in power systems and it should be kept as low as possible. Lower THD in power systems means higher power factor, lower peak currents, and higher efficiency. It is the nature of the load that determines the nature of the current and therefore the power factor.