Reasons for Distortion

• Harmonic distortion happens when multiples of the same frequencies occur. It is a distortion of normal electrical waveform caused by amplifiers, drives, power supplies and circuits. Harmonic distortion causes communication errors, overheating, frequency interference and hardware damage.
  
  

Types of Harmonic Distortion

• There are two types of harmonic distortion: even-order and odd-order. Continuously magnetized magnetic heads, compromised circuits and unbiased signals cause even-order distortion. Magnetic tape commonly causes odd-order distortion. Calculations identify which distortion plagues your system.
  
  

Calculating Harmonic Distortion

• Calculating harmonic distortion calls for root mean square summation. A strong understanding of mathematics helps calculate harmonic distortion. Qualified publications such as "Electrical Construction & Maintenance," or "EC&M," magazine or "PC Magazine" explain the process of calculating harmonic distortion through root mean square summation. Harmonic calculators determine the amount of voltage and distortion within your system after inputting the required information.