What is signal distortion in digital systems?

Signal distortion in digital systems refers to the alteration of a signal such that it no longer accurately represents the original information. This deviation can occur due to various factors, such as noise, interference, or limitations within the processing system. When a signal is distorted, the output resembles the original signal but is changed in amplitude, frequency, or phase, leading to inaccuracies in data interpretation.

In digital communication, maintaining signal integrity is crucial for accurate data transmission and processing. Distortion can introduce errors in the digital representation of the signal, affecting the quality and reliability of communications. Understanding distortion helps in diagnosing issues in the system and implementing corrective measures to enhance data integrity.