A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | L | M | N | P | R | S | T | V | Y | Z

H

HARMONIC(S)
A periodic signal of frequency f can be described as the sum of sinusoidal signals of frequencies f, 2 x f, 3 x f etc. The sinusoidal signal of frequency f is called fundamental wave. The sinusoidal signals of frequencies 2 x f, 3 x f etc. are called harmonics.

HARMONIC DISTORTION
A real active circuit will always generate harmonics of the input signal. The level of these harmonic products is a growing function of the input signal level. The 2nd and 3rd order harmonic distortion ratios of the input stage of a spectrum analyzer are determining factors for the dynamic range of the analyzer.

HARMONIC MIXER
A mixer which utilizes the 2nd order harmonic distortion of the local oscillator frequency to convert the RF input signal to the IF level:

fIF = |f_RF - n x f_LO| where n = 2, 3, 4 etc. The harmonics are either present in the LO signal or are generated in the mixer from the fundamental of the LO signal.

^ top