What is a Nyquist in Terms of Frequency?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of "Nyquist" in relation to frequency units, particularly in the context of digital signal processing and sampling theory. Participants explore the term's usage and its implications in measuring frequencies.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Fritz, seeks a definition of "Nyquist" as it pertains to frequency, suggesting it may relate to cycles per sample.
  • Another participant questions the validity of "Nyquist" as a defined term, proposing it could be creatively interpreted as a ratio of two frequencies.
  • Fritz mentions that the term was found in a draft of a textbook and agrees with the notion that it may be an informal or "home spun" term.
  • A different participant notes that in digital signal processing, frequency is often measured relative to the Nyquist frequency, which is dependent on the sample rate, but states they have not encountered the term "a Nyquist" used in this manner.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the formal definition and usage of "Nyquist," with no consensus reached on its legitimacy as a term in the context discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing definitions and assumptions regarding the term "Nyquist," as well as its application in various contexts, particularly in relation to sampling and frequency measurement.

fsonnichsen
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Can anyone tell me the definition of a "Nyquist" with respect to units of frequency? I didn't find it defined on the web. I presume it is some measure of cycles/sample or similar

Thanks
Fritz
 
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fsonnichsen said:
Can anyone tell me the definition of a "Nyquist" with respect to units of frequency?
It isn't. But I can see that a creative author might decide he can use it as a measure of the ratio of two frequencies.

Do you have a reference to where you found it? Some topic dealing with sampling an analog signal, I presume.
 
This was in a draft of a textbook. I tend to agree with your premise that this is a "home spun" term.

Thanks
Fritz
 
In digital signal processing it is quite common to measure frequency relative to the Nyquist frequency (which depends on the sample rate of course). That is no different from other dimensionless quantities used in physics (e.g. Reynolds number).

But I've never seen the term "a Nyquist" used.
 

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