Attenuation distortion^[1] is the distortion of an analog signal that occurs during transmission when the transmission medium does not have a flat frequency response across the bandwidth of the medium or the frequency spectrum of the signal. A distortion is the alteration of the original shape (or other characteristic) of an object, image, sound, waveform or other form of information or representation. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Analog electronics. ... Transmission is the following: Generally, transmission is the act of passing something on. ... A transmission medium is any material substance, such as fiber-optic cable, twisted-wire pair, coaxial cable, dielectric-slab waveguide, water, or air, that can be used for the propagation of signals, usually in the form of modulated radio, light, or acoustic waves, from one point to another. ... Frequency response is the measure of any systems response to frequency, but is usually used in connection with electronic amplifiers and similar systems, particularly in relation to audio signals. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Familiar concepts associated with a frequency are colors, musical notes, radio/TV channels, and even the regular rotation of the earth. ...

Attenuation distortion occurs when certain frequencies are attenuated more than other frequencies. If an analog signal of constant amplitude across its frequency spectrum is transmitted, attenuation distortion would cause certain frequencies of the received signal to be greater in amplitude (louder), and other frequencies to be lower in amplitude. Sine waves of various frequencies; the lower waves have higher frequencies than those above. ... Amplitude is a nonnegative scalar measure of a waves magnitude of oscillation, that is, magnitude of the maximum disturbance in the medium during one wave cycle. ...

To overcome the effects of attenuation distortion, communications circuits have special equalization equipment attached at each end of the circuit designed to attenuate the signal evenly across the frequency spectrum, or to allow the signal to be received at a constant amplitude for all frequencies. Attenuation distortion can still occur in a properly equipped circuit if this equipment is not properly maintained or adjusted. There are many kinds of circuit An electric circuit interconnects electrical elements. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Equalization filter. ... Attenuation is the decrease of the amount, force, magnitude, or value of something. ...

In DSL circuits, echoes due to impedance mismatch often causes attenuation distortion so severe that some frequencies must be mapped out and not used. DSL may refer to: Damn Small Linux Dark and Shattered Lands, a MUD based loosely on Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance books. ... Reflection in electricity is the result of impedance mismatch in electrical signals. ... Impedance mismatch has two meanings. ...

References

1. ^ Rowe, Standord H. II, Network Technology & Service Integration (5th Edition), 2002, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2002

External links

• Introduction to Data Communications, Chapter 25 (Telephone Line Characteristics)