I'm learning about distortion and I got stuck at
"What is the difference between linear and non-linear distortion?" (Also in frequency spectrum i.e. Amplitude and phase spectrum)
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$\begingroup$ Also I would like to know if a LTI system can cause Nonlinear distortion? $\endgroup$– Avinash BaldiCommented Apr 15, 2019 at 4:42
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$\begingroup$ An ideal LTI system is linear by definition, so I guess the answer is clear (?) $\endgroup$– Matt L.Commented Apr 15, 2019 at 7:06
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1 Answer
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The Wikipedia article on "distortion" is actually pretty good. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distortion
Partially it's about semantics and how you exactly define the term. By most definition "linear distortion" is used equivalent to "non ideal frequency response" where magnitude and/or phase are a non-trivial function of frequency.
Non-linear distortion is caused by any type of mechanism that violates linearity. Typical examples are limiting or clipping or compression.
An LTI does not cause any type of non-linear distortion, however they typically do cause linear distortion if defined as "non-flat frequency response"
