amplitudelimiting

Amplitude limiting is a process used in signal processing to reduce or control the amplitude of a signal. This can be achieved through various methods, such as clipping, compression, or rectification. Clipping involves truncating the signal when it exceeds a certain threshold, effectively removing any part of the signal above that level. Compression, on the other hand, reduces the dynamic range of the signal by attenuating the louder parts more than the quieter parts, bringing them closer together. Rectification converts an alternating current (AC) signal into a direct current (DC) signal by allowing current to flow in only one direction, which inherently limits the amplitude to the peak value of the original AC signal.

The primary purpose of amplitude limiting is to prevent signal distortion, protect equipment from damage due to overloads, or to conform to specific transmission or recording standards. For instance, in audio processing, amplitude limiting is crucial to avoid clipping the signal, which can cause unwanted harshness and distortion, while still allowing for a higher perceived loudness. In radio communications, amplitude limiting can help to remove unwanted noise or interference that may manifest as amplitude spikes. It is also employed in power supply circuits to regulate voltage by limiting excessive voltage fluctuations. The specific technique and parameters used for amplitude limiting depend heavily on the application and the characteristics of the signal being processed.