Outputlimiting

Output limiting, also known as clipping or saturation, is a signal processing technique used to prevent an audio or data signal from exceeding a certain amplitude or value. This is commonly employed in digital audio to avoid digital clipping, which results in harsh distortion. In audio, output limiting is typically achieved using a limiter, a type of dynamic range compressor with a very fast attack and release time and a high compression ratio. When the signal level reaches the threshold set by the limiter, it quickly reduces the gain, effectively "limiting" the output to a predefined maximum level.

Beyond audio, output limiting finds applications in various fields. In power electronics, it's used to protect circuits and devices from overvoltage or overcurrent conditions. For example, a power supply might incorporate output limiting to ensure its voltage output remains within safe operating parameters, preventing damage to connected equipment. In software development, output limiting can be used to control the rate at which data is sent to a particular destination, preventing a sender from overwhelming a receiver, a concept related to flow control. In essence, output limiting serves as a protective mechanism to maintain signal integrity and prevent system overload or damage.