BRITISH STANDARD BS 6840-2:

1993
IEC 268-2:
1987
(including
Amendment No. 1
May 1991 to

Sound system IEC 268-2:1987)

equipment
Part 2: Glossary of general terms and
calculation methods

(Implementation of
CENELEC HD 483.2 S2)

UDC 534.86:621.39:001.4

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 BS 6840-2:1993

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Power Electrical
Engineering Standards Policy Committee (EEL/-) to Technical Committee
EEL/32, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Association of British Theatre Technicians

Association of Electronics, Telecommunications and Business Equipment
Industries
Audio Engineering Society
British Broadcasting Corporation
British Educational Equipment Association
British Kinematograph, Sound and Television Society
British Radio and Electronic Equipment Manufacturers Association
British Telecommunications plc
Consumers Association
Electronic Components Industry Federation
Federation of British Audio
Independent Television Association
Institution of Electrical Engineers
International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers
National Council for Educational Technology (NCET)
Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Radio Electrical and Television Retailers Association
Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal National Institute for Deaf People
Society of Cable Television Engineers
Sound and Communication Industries Federation

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Electronic
Equipment Standards Policy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on
15 November 1993

BSI 07-1999
Amendments issued since publication
First published August 1988
Second edition November 1993 Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference EEL/32
Draft for comment 84/28116 DC
and DC 89/21657 DC

ISBN 0 580 22345 0

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Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
1 General terms 3
1.1 Sound system 3
1.2 Compatibility 3
1.3 Variable consumption apparatus 3
1.4 Noise signal 3
1.5 Rated values 3
2 Power 4
2.1 Relative power level 4
2.2 Power level 4
2.3 Available power from the source 4
2.4 Available power gain 4
3 Voltage 4
3.1 Relative voltage level 4
3.2 Voltage level 4
3.3 Voltage gain 5
3.4 E.M.F. gain (overall voltage gain) 5
4 Source e.m.f. 5
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4.1 Equivalent source e.m.f 5

5 Balance 5
5.1 Balanced circuits 5
5.2 Balanced inputs 5
5.3 Balanced outputs 5
6 Noise 6
6.1 Noise voltage 6
6.2 Signal-to-noise ratio 6
6.3 Equivalent noise source e.m.f. 6
7 Amplitude non-linearity 6
7.1 Introduction 6
7.2 Explanation of terms 6
7.3 Elucidation 7
8 Cross-talk and separation in multi-channel equipment 8
8.1 General 8
8.2 Cross-talk attenuation (from A to B) 8
8.3 Separation (of A from B) 8
9 Acoustic characteristics 8
9.1 Sound pressure level 8
9.2 Sound power level 8
9.3 Equivalent input sound pressure of a microphone 8
10 Polarity 8
10.1 Characteristics to be specified 9
10.2 Method of measurement 9
Annex ZA (normative) Other international publications quoted
in this standard with the references of the relevant European
publications 13
National annex NA (informative) Cross-references Inside back cover

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Page
Figure 1 Balance of the input 9
Figure 2 Balance of the output 10
Figure 3 Distortion spectra 11
Figure 3a Harmonic distortion 11
Figure 3b Modulation distortion 11
Figure 3c Difference-frequency distortion 12
Figure 3d Total difference-frequency distortion 12

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 BS 6840-2:1993

National foreword

This Part of BS 6840 has been prepared under the direction of the Electronic
Equipment Standards Policy Committee. It is identical with IEC 268-2:1987
Sound system equipment Part 2: Explanation of general terms and calculation
methods, as amended by Amendment No. 1 (May 1991), published by the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This British Standard
implements Harmonization Document HD 483.2 S2:1993, published by the
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). This
British Standard supersedes BS 6840-2:1988 which is withdrawn.
This edition introduces technical changes to bring this standard up-to-date but
does not reflect a full review of the standard, which will be undertaken in due
course. The changes introduced by the IEC Amendment No. 1 are indicated by a
sideline in the margin.
BS 6840 consists of the following Parts:
Part 1: Methods for specifying and measuring general characteristics used
for equipment performance;
Part 2: Glossary of general terms and calculation methods;
Part 3: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of sound
system amplifiers;
Part 4: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of
microphones;
Part 5: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of
loudspeakers;
Part 6: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of auxiliary
passive elements;
Part 7: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of
headphones and earphones1);
Part 8: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of
automatic gain control devices;
Part 9: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of artificial
reverberation time delay and frequency shift equipment;
Part 10: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of peak
programme level meters;
Part 11: Specification for application of connectors for the interconnection of
sound system components;
Part 12: Specification for applications of connectors for broadcast and
similar use;
Part 13: Guide for listening tests on loudspeakers;
Part 14: Guide for circular and elliptical loudspeakers; outer frame
diameters and mounting dimensions;
Part 15: Specification for matching values for the interconnection of sound
system components;
Part 16: Guide to the RASTI method for the objective rating of speech
intelligibility in auditoria;
Part 17: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of
standard volume indicators.

1)
In preparation.
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Additional information
Scope. IEC 268-2 does not give the scope of the standard, which for the purposes
of this British Standard is as follows:
This Part of BS 6840 specifies general terms and calculation methods for sound
system equipment.
References to page numbers in the text relate to the IEC page numbers given in
brackets at the bottom of each page.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.

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Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
the HD title page, pages 2 to 14, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

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 HARMONIZATION DOCUMENT HD 483.2 S2
DOCUMENT DHARMONISATION
February 1993
HARMONISIERUNGSDOKUMENT

UDC 534.86:621.39:001.4

Descriptors: Sound system equipment, definition, general, calculation methods

English version

Sound system equipment

Part 2: Explanation of general terms and calculation
methods
(IEC 268-2:1987 + A1:1991)

Equipements pour systmes Elektroakustische Gerte

lectroacoustiques Teil 2: Allgemeine Begriffe und
Deuxime partie: Explication des termes Berechnungsverfahren
gnraux et mthodes de calcul (IEC 268-2:1987 + A1:1991)
(CEI 268-2:1987 + A1:1991)

This Harmonization Document was approved by CENELEC on 1992-12-09.

CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations which stipulate the conditions for implementation of this
Harmonization Document on a national level.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning national
implementation may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or
to any CENELEC member.
This Harmonization Document exists in three official versions (English,
French, German).
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comit Europen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europisches Komitee fr Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B-1050 Brussels

1993 Copyright reserved to CENELEC members

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Ref. No. HD 483.2 S2:1993 E

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 BS 6840-2:1993

Foreword
The CENELEC questionnaire procedure, performed
for finding out whether or not the International
Standard IEC 268-2:1987 and its
amendment 1:1991 could be accepted without
textual changes, has shown that no common
modifications were necessary for the acceptance as
Harmonization Document.
The reference document was submitted to the
CENELEC members for formal vote and was
approved by CENELEC as HD 483.2 S2
on 9 December 1992.
The following dates were fixed:
latest date of announcement
of the HD at national level (doa) 1993-06-01
latest date of publication of
a harmonized national
standard (dop) 1993-12-01
latest date of withdrawal of
conflicting national
standards (dow) 1993-12-01

Annexes designated normative are part of the

body of the standard. In this standard, Annex ZA is
normative.

2
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For the purpose of this standard, the following 1.5 Rated values
explanations of general terms and calculation In this standard, the term rated value is used in a
methods apply: particular sense. Wherever it is used it means the
value stated by the manufacturer. The word rated
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1 General terms has this meaning even though it is used in terms

1.1 Sound system such as rated conditions or in the name of a
An assembly of equipment which in combination characteristic.
enables sound signals or audio-frequency signals to 1.5.1 Rated conditions
be processed or transmitted. When an equipment is to be used or tested it has to
Such equipment may be, for example, transducers, be operated under certain conditions which are fixed
amplifiers, recorders, etc. by the manufacturer. These conditions include
1.2 Compatibility electrical, mechanical and climatic conditions, and
they cannot, by their nature, be verified by
A component of a system is said to be compatible measurement.
with another component if, when they are connected
Rated conditions for a particular type of equipment
together, satisfactory operation is obtained.
generally include some or all of the following:
1.3 Variable consumption apparatus
Electrical
An apparatus in which the power drawn from the Rated power supply voltage(s)
supply system may vary significantly during
operation, as a function of the signal or the load Rated power supply frequency
impedance or of the control settings (excluding Rated source impedance(s)
power supply switches). Rated source e.m.f.(s)
NOTE For some purposes, changes of less than 15 % may be Rated load impedance(s)
insignificant.
Mechanical
1.4 Noise signal
Mounting position
A stationary random signal having normal
probability distribution of instantaneous values. Ventilation
Unless otherwise stated, the mean value is zero. Climatic
NOTE This explanation applies to noise signals used for Rated ambient temperature ranges for
testing. Noise as an unwanted signal is considered in Clause 6. operation and for full performance to
1.4.1 White noise signal specification
A noise signal whose energy per unit Rated relative humidity range
bandwidth %W
----------- is independent of frequency.
Rated air pressure range
% f NOTE Ranges are defined by the extreme values, each of which
may be regarded as a separate rated condition.
1.4.2 Pink noise signal
1.5.2 Rated value of a characteristic
A noise signal whose energy per unit
In IEC Publication 268, methods of measurement
bandwidth %W
----------- is inversely proportional to are given for a large number of characteristics. For
%f each of these characteristics the manufacturer is
frequency. required or permitted to state a value in the
1.4.3 Broadband noise signal specification of equipment.
A noise signal, band-limited by means of a filter This stated value is, by definition, the rated value of
with defined amplitude/frequency response whose that characteristic (see Sub-clause 1.5). The use of
bandwidth is greater than that of the equipment the term rated in this sense is not restricted to a
under test. limited set of major characteristics but may be
NOTE A broadband noise signal may be a band-limited white or
applied to any characteristic for which a method of
pink noise signal, or have some other defined power spectrum. measurement is given. Since the rated value is the
1.4.4 Narrowband noise signal value stated by the manufacturer, the defining title
of the characteristic to be specified does not, in
A noise signal, band-limited by means of a filter general, include the word rated; the rated value is
with defined amplitude/frequency response, whose not something which is measured but is decided by
bandwidth is small compared with that of the the manufacturer taking into account
equipment under test. measurements on many samples of the equipment
and theoretical tolerance calculations.

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For example, a method of measurement is described 2.3 Available power from the source
in IEC Publication 268-3 for the distortion-limited The maximum power which a device is capable of
output power of an amplifier. The rated delivering to its load. In the case of a source with
distortion-limited output power is the value stated e.m.f. Es and internal resistance Rs, the available
by the manufacturer, usually calculated from
power is given by:
measurements (according to the standard method)
on several samples of the amplifier, supplemented 2
E s
-------------
by tolerance calculation. 4 Rs
NOTE Applies to French text only.
The power delivered to the load has a maximum
1.5.3 Interdependent characteristics
value equal to this value when the load resistance is
It often happens that the value of one characteristic equal to Rs.
is required to be stated for a particular value of In practice, in particular for amplifiers and devices
another characteristic. An important example is the including amplification, compatibility may require a
distortion-limited output power of an amplifier, load impedance which differs considerably from the
which is stated for a particular value of total internal resistance.
harmonic distortion. In this case it is necessary to
adopt one of the characteristics as a rated condition, 2.4 Available power gain
and it is preferable to adopt that characteristic The ratio of the output power delivered by a device
whose rated value is either specified as a reference to its load, P2, to the available power from the source
value in a relevant IEC standard or is chosen by the to that device, P1. It can be expressed:
manufacturer more or less arbitrarily within certain P2
practical limits. either, as a direct ratio -------
P1
1.5.4 Matching values
P2
A knowledge of the values of certain basic or, in decibels: 10 lg -------
characteristics of two items of equipment, which are P1
to be connected together, is necessary in order to NOTE 1 The available power gain may be greater or less than
one. In the latter case the term power attenuation may be used,
ensure compatability. These values are known as expressed in decibels as a positive number.
matching values and are stated by the NOTE 2 In order to avoid misunderstanding, the terms power
manufacturer for conditions defined in the relevant gain and power attenuation should not be abbreviated to
parts of the standard. Some matching values are gain and attenuation.
also rated conditions.
3 Voltage
2 Power 3.1 Relative voltage level
2.1 Relative power level Twenty times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio
Ten times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio of of two voltages under consideration. U2 and U1
two powers under consideration, P2 and P1 respectively. The level LU, expressed in decibels, is
respectively. The level L, expressed in decibels, is calculated as follows:
calculated as follows: U
P L U = 20 lg -------2- dB
L = 10 lg ------2- dB U1
P1
3.2 Voltage level
2.2 Power level Twenty times the logarithm to the base ten of the
Ten times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio of ratio of the voltage under consideration U to a
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the power under consideration P to a reference reference voltage Uref which shall always be stated.
power Pref. The reference power may be 1 W The preferred reference voltage is 1 V, other
or 1 mW. reference voltages being 1 mV and 1 uV.
According to the reference power chosen, 1 W For telecommunications and broadcasting
or 1 mW, the symbol dB(W) or dB(mW) is added to transmission, a reference voltage of 0.775 V is used.
the formula as follows:
P - dB ( W ) or dB ( mW )
L ( re P ref ) = 10 lg -----------
P ref

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In presenting voltage levels informally, a condensed 5 Balance

notation is often convenient for identifying the
5.1 Balanced circuits
reference voltage. According to the reference voltage
used, for example 1V, the appropriate symbol dB(V), Detailed analysis of the behaviour of balanced
is added to the formula as follows: circuits is complex and is not necessary for the
specification of most elements used in sound
U - dB ( V )
L U ( re U ref ) = 20 lg ------------ systems. The characteristics and methods of
Uref
measurement given in this standard are adequate to
As an illustration, one may designate the voltage evaluate those unbalanced conditions which could
level corresponding to 100 mV as 20 dB(V). cause interference problems in practical systems. To
18 dB (0.775 V), + 40 dB (mV), + 100 dB (4V). permit realistic comparison between the results
obtained for different elements, it is inadvisable to
3.3 Voltage gain depart from these procedures.
The ratio of the output voltage U2 to the input 5.2 Balanced inputs
voltage U1. It can be expressed:
An input port is said to be balanced when the two
U input terminals have the same value of internal
either as a direct ratio: G = -------2-
U1 impedance with respect to a reference point and are
intended to receive signals which are equal in
or in decibels: magnitude but of opposite polarity with respect to
U that point. The reference point may be held at a
L G = 20 lg -------2- dB fixed potential (either earth or a d.c. voltage for
U1
phantom feeding) or may be electrically isolated or

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NOTE 1 The voltage gain may be greater or less than one. In even inaccessible. In the latter cases, the balanced
the latter case the term voltage attenuation may be used,
expressed in decibels as a positive number.
input is said to be floating and the chassis (usually
NOTE 2 In order to avoid misunderstanding, the terms voltage earthed) is used as the point of reference.
gain and voltage attenuation should not be abbreviated to An essential requirement for balanced inputs is the
gain and attenuation.
efficient rejection of common-mode signals, that is,
3.4 E.M.F. gain (overall voltage gain) signals applied simultaneously to both terminals
The ratio of the output voltage U2 to the source which, when measured with respect to the specified
e.m.f. It can be expressed either as a direct ratio or reference point, are identical in all respects.
in decibels. Unless otherwise stated, e.m.f. gain is The unbalance of an input port may be influenced by
specified under conditions of maximum gain, and U2 inequality of the internal impedances from the
is equal to the value obtained under normal working input terminals to the reference point and/or failure
conditions. of the circuit adequately to reject common-mode
signals. The combination of these effects is
4 Source e.m.f. expressed as the common-mode rejection ratio
4.1 Equivalent source e.m.f. (see Figure 1, page 9).
The e.m.f. of a source giving a sinusoidal signal of 5.3 Balanced outputs
specified frequency which would produce an output An output port is said to be balanced when the two
signal, the r.m.s. value of which is equal to the r.m.s. output terminals have the same value of internal
value of the particular output signal under impedance with respect to a reference point and are
consideration. intended to deliver equal voltage signals of opposite
If not otherwise stated, the frequency of the source polarity with respect to the reference point. This
e.m.f. shall be the standard reference frequency point may be held at a fixed potential (usually earth)
of 1 000 Hz. or may be electrically isolated or even inaccessible.
In the latter cases, the balanced output is said to be
floating and the chassis (usually earthed) is used as
the point of reference.
The unbalance of an output port may be influenced
by one or more of three effects:
1) Inequality of the internal impedances from the
output terminals to the reference point.

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2) Inequality of the e.m.f., s at the output 7 Amplitude non-linearity

terminals with respect to the reference point.
7.1 Introduction
This effect is considered in terms of a
common-mode signal superimposed on the Amplitude non-linearity in sound systems and
wanted balanced signal. sound system components causes signals to appear
3) Internal impedance of the source of unbalance. at the output which are not present in the input
This is considered as the source impedance signal. The amplitude non-linearity is a function of
associated with the common-mode signal other phenomena, for example frequency, amplitude
described in item 2 above. and temperature and so is not constant, even when
the signal amplitude is constant. There are several
The combination of these effects is expressed as the methods of assessing amplitude non-linearity;
ratio of the balanced output signal to the see Sub-clause 7.2. Spectrum diagrams showing the
common-mode signal. It should be noted that the output spectra produced by these methods are given
measured value of common-mode voltage depends in Figure 3, pages 11 and 12.
on the value of the resistor Rm (see Figure 2,
page 10). 7.2 Explanation of terms
1. Amplitude non-linearity
6 Noise Is the phenomenon through which frequencies
6.1 Noise voltage appear at the output of a sound system or a
The output voltage U2 of equipment operating sound system component, that are dependent on
the characteristics of the input signal but are not
under specified conditions with no wanted signal
present in it.
applied to the input. The specified conditions
include the gain (or attenuation) of the equipment 2. Harmonic distortion (see Figure 3a, page 11)
and the source and load impedances, if any. Is the amplitude non-linearity expressed in
The output voltage shall be measured by one of the terms of the ratio of the harmonics in the output
methods given in Clause 6 of IEC Publication 268-1, signal to the total output signal when a
the method used being stated. sinusoidal input signal is applied. The signals
may be expressed in terms of power, voltage or
6.2 Signal-to-noise ratio
sound pressure.
Twenty times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio
of a reference output voltage U2 to the noise voltage 3. Harmonic distortion of the nth order
U2 defined in Sub-clause 6.1. The method of (see Figure 3a)
measurement of U2 shall be stated. The reference Is the harmonic distortion expressed in terms of
output voltage U2 shall be the rated the ratio of the r.m.s. output signal due to the
distortion-limited output voltage unless otherwise component of harmonic order n, to the total
stated: r.m.s. output signal.
U2 4. Total harmonic distortion (see Figure 3a)
20 lg ---------
- dB (wide band or weighted) Is the harmonic distortion expressed in terms of
U 2
the ratio of the r.m.s. output signal due to
6.3 Equivalent noise source e.m.f. distortion, to the total r.m.s. output signal.
The e.m.f. of a source giving a sinusoidal signal of a 5. Noise harmonic distortion
specified frequency which will produce an output Is the harmonic distortion where % octave band
voltage equal to the noise output voltage produced. filtered noise is used as the input signal.
NOTE 1 The frequency of the equivalent source should NOTE The term may be abbreviated to noise distortion if
preferably be the standard reference frequency of 1 000 Hz. no confusion could be caused.
NOTE 2 This gives an example of equivalent source e.m.f.
6. Intermodulation distortion
Is the amplitude non-linearity expressed in
terms of the ratio of the output signal of
frequencies Pf1 + qf2 + .... (where p, q, ... are
positive or negative integers), to the total output
signal, when (at least two) sinusoidal input
signals having the fundamental frequencies f1,
f2, ...., are applied at the input. The signals may
be expressed in terms of power, voltage or sound
pressure.

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7. Noise intermodulation distortion 7.3 Elucidation

Is the intermodulation distortion where % octave 7.3.1 Usage of the various methods
band filtered noise is used as the input signal.
The simplest method of assessing amplitude
8. Modulation distortion (see Figure 3b, page 11) non-linearity is the measurement of harmonic
Is the intermodulation distortion where the distortion using a sinusoidal signal. A disadvantage
input signal is composed of a large amplitude, of this method is, however, that the nature of the

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low-frequency signal f1 and a small amplitude, sinusoidal signal is different in some respects from
high-frequency signal f2. the nature of a real sound signal and the fact that
the amplitudes of the harmonic distortion products
NOTE 1 In some electroacoustical devices two kinds of
modulation distortion are present, both having the same of some devices (such as loudspeakers) vary
spectral components, differing only in phase: considerably with frequency in an irregular
a) amplitude modulation distortion caused by the manner.
amplitude modulation due to non-linearity
a) frequency modulation distortion caused by frequency
This latter difficulty may be partly overcome by
modulation (e.g., Doppler effect in loudspeakers) having measuring the noise distortion, where a noise
no relation to non-linearity. signal instead of a sinusoidal signal is used.
In such cases it is necessary to distinguish between these two
types of distortion. If the simple term modulation distortion When measurement of harmonic distortion is not
is used, amplitude modulation distortion is to be understood. appropriate, or when further information on
NOTE 2 The reference output at which the distortion is distortion is called for, intermodulation distortion
considered to occur is taken as the arithmetic sum of the measurements using sinusoidal or noise signals
output signals at the frequencies f1 and f2.
may be made.
9. Modulation distortion of the nth order
Weighted total harmonic distortion measurements
(see Figure 3b)
are useful when the harmonic distortion consists of
Is the modulation distortion in terms of the ratio many harmonics, all of low level relative to that of
of the arithmetic sum of the r.m.s. output signals the total output voltage.
at the frequencies f2 (n 1) f1 to the r.m.s.
In such a case, the results of weighted
output signal at the frequency f2. measurements correlate, better than those of
10. Total modulation distortion unweighted measurements, with subjective
Is the modulation distortion in terms of the ratio assessments of quality of reproduction (listening
of the total of arithmetic sums of the r.m.s. tests).
output signals (see modulation distortion of the Except in the above case, unweighted
nth order) to the r.m.s. output signal at the measurements are preferred.
frequency f2. 7.3.2 Correlation of results
11. Difference-frequency distortion (see Figure 3c Though harmonic distortion and intermodulation
and Figure 3d, page 12) distortion are both phenomena caused by amplitude
Is the intermodulation distortion where the non-linearity, it is not easy to correlate the results of
input signal is composed of two sinusoidal different measurements. These types of distortion
signals f1 and f2 of similar or equal amplitude, are interrelated by the device transfer-function,
expressed as a power series and as a function of
the difference in frequency of the two signals
frequency. The derivation of the overall
being less than the lower of the frequencies.
performance of a device from the measurement of
NOTE 1 The methods of expressing the various types of
difference-frequency distortion are given in
only one form of distortion may be tedious,
IEC Publication 268-3. inaccurate and difficult, unless:
NOTE 2 The reference output at which the distortion is 1) The transfer function curvature is known to be
considered to occur is taken as the arithmetic sum of the
output signals at the frequencies f1 and f2.
of low order.
12. Weighted total harmonic distortion 2) The radius of curvature is not small.
Is the total harmonic distortion measured with 3) The frequency dependence is negligible or, at
the frequency weighting described in Clause A.1 least, well-defined by mathematically
of Appendix A of IEC 268-1, allowance being manageable equations.
made for the insertion loss of the weighting 4) There is no bandwidth limitation between any
network at the input signal frequency. The total point where non-linearity occurs and the output
harmonic distortion may be measured directly or of the device.
calculated as the r.m.s. sum of the weighted It is more practicable to perform comprehensive
values of the individual harmonics. measurements than attempt calculations when
these conditions are not fulfilled.

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7.3.3 Reference signals 9 Acoustic characteristics

In order to allow a valid comparsion of the results of 9.1 Sound pressure level
measurements carried out with different test
Twenty times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio
signals, it is necessary to compare the amplitudes of
of the sound pressure under consideration p to a
the test signals in terms of their peak-to-peak
reference sound pressure po.
values. When the test signal is not a single
sinusoidal signal, the value of output at which a The sound pressure level Lp, expressed in decibels,
given amount of distortion occurs is therefore is calculated as follows:
expressed as the r.m.s. value of a sinusoidal p-
reference signal which has the same peak-to-peak L p = 20 lg -----
po
value as the output due to the test signal would
have, if it were not distorted. The standard reference sound pressure po is 20 4Pa.
NOTE Unless it is specifically intended to include hum, noise 9.2 Sound power level
and components of the output signal not due to the input signal,
care should be taken to ensure that they do not influence the Ten times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio of
accuracy of distortion measurements. the sound power under consideration P to a
It should be noted that the necessary degree of reference sound power Pref, The sound power level
freedom from non-linearity in sound systems or Lp, expressed in decibels, is calculated as follows:
sound system components cannot at present be P - dB
specified with certainty, but depends on the L p = 10 lg -----------
P ref
perception of the human ear, which can rarely
perceive harmonic distortion of less than 0.1 %. The standard reference sound power Pref
is 1012 W (1 pW).
8 Cross-talk and separation in 9.3 Equivalent input sound pressure of a
multi-channel equipment microphone
8.1 General The pressure of a reference sound field which would
In multi-channel equipment, signals in one channel give rise to an output signal from the microphone,
can break through into another channel in an the r.m.s. value of which is equal to the r.m.s. value
attenuated and perhaps distorted form. The of a particular signal under consideration.
influence of a signal on another channel can be If not otherwise stated, the reference sound field
described in terms of cross-talk attenuation or shall be that due to a sinusoidal plane progressive
separation. wave, the wavefront being perpendicular to the
8.2 Cross-talk attenuation (from A to B) reference axis of the microphone (zero angle of
incidence). If weighting is used, this shall be stated.
Twenty times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio
of the rated output voltage of channel A, (UA)A, to 10 Polarity
the output voltage of channel B, (UB)A, due to the
rated input voltage applied to channel A. The Polarity marking is the indication on an element
number of decibels is calculated as follows: giving the polarity relationship between the signal
the output terminals of the element and the signal
( UA )A at the input terminals.
20 lg ----------------
- dB
( UB )A A terminal of an electroacoustic transducer has
NOTE This characteristic may not be meaningful if the positive polarity when:
channels A and B are dissimilar in rated output voltage. a) an inward movement of a diaphragm resulting
8.3 Separation (of A from B) from an increase in external sound pressure
Twenty times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio (compression) produces a positive instantaneous
of the rated output voltage of channel A, (UA)A, to voltage at that terminal, with respect to the other
the output voltage of channel A. (UA)B, due to the terminal;
rated input voltage applied to channel B. The b) a positive instantaneous voltage at that
number of decibels is calculated as follows: terminal produces an outward movement of a
diaphragm.
( UA )
20 lg ----------------
A
- dB For amplifiers, an arbitrary polarity choice has to be
( U A )B
made either at the input or the output. This choice
NOTE Cross-talk attenuations and separations are may be influenced by the design of connectors, some
numerically equal only if: of which have pins that are normally associated
( U B ) A = ( U A ) B and ( U A ) A = ( U B ) B with polarity conventions.

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 BS 6840-2:1993

10.1 Characteristics to be specified b) The oscilloscope is transferred to the input

The manufacturer shall provide information terminals and the polarity relationship between
concerning the polarity relationship between inputs output and input determined by inspection.
and outputs. The polarity of an input shall be NOTE 1 The asymmetric signal is conveniently obtained by use
of a diode to remove alternate half-waves of a sine-wave signal
described either as inverting or non-inverting as at 1 kHz.
appropriate. Inverting inputs should be suitably NOTE 2 Where the input and/or output terminals are balanced,
marked. the oscilloscope requires a differential-input amplifier or a
suitable signal-isolating transformer may be used.
10.2 Method of measurement
a) A significantly asymmetric signal is connected
to the input so as to produce an output voltage at
a level convenient for observation on an
oscilloscope.

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Figure 1a

Figure 1b
U U
Common-mode rejection ratio = 20 lg ---------1- -------2- dB
2 U 1
U

Figure 1 Balance of the input

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 BS 6840-2:1993

NOTE If screened resistors, matched to the required degree of precision (and of suitable value and power rating) are not
available, use may be made of a suitable balanced, centre tapped winding of an inductor or transformer (repeating coil). In this
case the ends of the winding are connected in parallel with a resistor R2 and the output terminals.
Figure 2 Balance of the output

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 BS 6840-2:1993

Figure 3a Harmonic distortion

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Figure 3b Modulation distortion

Figure 3 Distortion spectra

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Figure 3c Difference-frequency distortion

Figure 3d Total difference-frequency distortion

Figure 3 Distortion spectra

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 BS 6840-2:1993

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Annex ZA (normative)
Other international publications quoted in this standard with the references of
the relevant European publications
When the international publication has been modified by CENELEC common modifications, indicated by
(mod), the relevant EN/HD applies.
IEC publication Date Title EN/HD Date

268-1 1985 Sound system equipment HD 483.1 S2 a 1989

Part 1: General
268-3 1969a Part 3: Sound system amplifiers
a HD 483.1 S2 includes A1:1988 to IEC 268-1
IEC 268-3:1969 is superseded by IEC 268-3:1988 + A1:1990 + A2:1991 which is harmonized as HD 483.3 S2:1992

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14
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 BS 6840-2:1993

National annex NA (informative)

Cross-references
Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard
BS 6840 Sound system equipment
HD 483.1 S2:1989 Part 1:1987 Methods for specifying and measuring general characteristics used
for equipment performance
HD 483.3 S2:1992 Part 3:1989 Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of sound
system amplifiers

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 BS 6840-2:
1993
IEC 268-2: BSI British Standards Institution
1987
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