Increasing the Dynamic Range of Audio THD Measurements Using a Novel Noise and Distortion Canceling Methodology

The objective of this study was to determine how a new experimental methodology for measuring Total-Harmonic-Distortion (THD) of operational amplifiers functioned when compared with two standard methodologies, and whether the new methodology offers any improvement in noise floor and dynamic range along with distortion canceling of the sine-wave source used in the testing. The new methodology (THD) is being tested against two standard methodologies: Spectral Analysis using a tuned receiver type Spectrum Analyzer with Notch Filter pre-processing, and a digitized Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) using Notch Filter pre-processing. The THD results appear to agree across all methodologies, and across all items of the sample within all methodologies, to within a percent or less. The distortion and noise canceling feature of the new methodology appeared to function as expected and in accordance with theory. The sample tested in the study consisted of thirty-five NE5534 operational amplifiers produced by Texas Instruments, Inc. and purchased from a local store. The NE5534 is a low-noise, low-distortion, operational amplifier that is widely used in industry and is representative of today's best audio amplifiers.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2003

Author dc:creator

• Dunipace, Richard Alan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Crawford, John C.
• Kozak, Michael R.
• Brophy, Michael R.
• Kvanli, Alan H.
• Stemprok, Roman
• Vaidyanathan, Vijay

• Electro-acoustics.
• NE5534
• THD
• measurement
• noise
• operational amplifiers

Statement dc:rights

• Use restricted to UNT Community
• Copyright
• Dunipace, Richard Alan
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 53090852
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4156/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4156

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4156