Amplitudenbegrenzung

Amplitudenbegrenzung is a signal processing technique used to reduce the peak amplitude of a signal. This process is also known as clipping or limiting. It involves setting a maximum or minimum threshold for the signal's amplitude. Any part of the signal that exceeds this threshold is either reduced to the threshold level or set to zero. This can be achieved using electronic circuits, software algorithms, or dedicated hardware.

The primary purpose of amplitudenbegrenzung is to protect downstream equipment from excessive signal levels, which can cause distortion or damage. It is also used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in certain applications by reducing impulsive noise. In audio processing, limiting is often employed to prevent audio signals from exceeding the maximum capacity of a digital system or to make the overall loudness more consistent. In telecommunications, it can be used to prevent inter-symbol interference caused by signal overshoot.

However, amplitudenbegrenzung is a non-linear process and can introduce distortion into the signal. The type and severity of distortion depend on the clipping level and the signal's characteristics. If the clipping is too severe, it can significantly alter the waveform and the perceived quality of the signal. Therefore, the application and extent of amplitudenbegrenzung must be carefully considered to balance the benefits of amplitude reduction with the potential for signal degradation.