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Intermodulation Distortion

By Gary Altunian, About.com

Definition: Intermodulation distortion results when two different frequencies are simultaneously passed through an amplifier (or other audio component). Two new frequencies are created from the sum and difference of the original frequencies. If a 100Hz and 150Hz tone are passed through an amplifier, the sum of the original frequencies (150 + 100 = 250Hz) and the difference (150 - 100 = 50Hz) will be generated, resulting in intermodulation distortion. IM distortion is measured as a percentage of the original frequencies and a lower specification is better.
Pronunciation: in•ter•mod•u•lashun dis•tor•shun
Also Known As: IMD, IM Distortion
Examples: Intermodulation distortion occurs when two frequencies are simultaneously passed through an amplifier.
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