Distortion measuring system method utilizing signal suppression

Abstract

A method for testing and measuring distortion in electrical devices is provided. For signal processing and carrying devices, a signal generator generates a signal having known phase, amplitude and frequency, which is provided both to a device under test and a measuring unit. The measuring unit measures the amplitude, frequency and phase rotation of an output of the device under test and provides these measured values to a suppression signal generator. The suppression signal generator generates a suppression signal which is added to the output signal from the device under test for suppressing the fundamental wave of the output signal. This suppressed signal is then provided to the measuring unit, for comparison with the original output signal from the device under test for determining distortion factors. For testing signal reproducing devices, such as compact disc players and video tape recorders, such a device reproduces a series of signals, for which a series of corresponding suppression signals is generated by the suppression signal generator. Each suppression signal is added to the corresponding original signal and eliminates the fundamental wave in each signal in the series. The suppressed signals are then compared with the orginal corresponding signals for determining distortion factors of the signal reproducing device.