What is meant by “Crossover Distortion” in amplifiers?

Crossover distortion specifically refers to a type of distortion that occurs in Class B amplifiers at the point where the output transitions from the positive to the negative halves of the waveform, or vice versa. In a Class B amplifier, each transistor conducts for half of the input cycle, leading to a situation where neither transistor is active when the signal is near zero volts. This creates a non-linear transition as the amplifier attempts to switch from one transistor to another, resulting in a small area of the waveform being clipped or distorted.

Understanding this concept is crucial for those working with audio amplifiers, as it highlights the importance of maintaining signal integrity during these transitions. In contrast, other types of distortion mentioned in the choices, such as distortion at high frequencies, noise amplification, or complete signal loss, do not specifically relate to the operation and design challenges posed by Class B amplifiers. This distinction reinforces why recognizing crossover distortion is vital for effective amplifier design and performance optimization.