Obtaining Phase and Amplitude from FFT

AI Thread Summary
Calculating phase and amplitude from FFT data is theoretically possible, but practical challenges arise, particularly if the amplitude is less than the least significant bit (LSB) or if the sampling rate is insufficient for the desired frequency. The output of the FFT provides complex numbers for each frequency bin, which can be converted to polar coordinates to extract magnitude and phase. A good estimate of the frequency (ω) can aid in the process, but the time reference for the signal is crucial for accurate phase measurement. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the signal's structure and the implications of sampling on the results. Overall, while feasible, the extraction of phase and amplitude without division remains complex and context-dependent.
henryd
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Is it possible to calculate the phase and signal amplitude from data gained from FFT?

For instance, if I have a samples from a signal B+A*cos(ψ), is it possible to obtain A and ψ?

Extra challenge: is it possible to do so without division? (I am looking to put this on a DSP and division is expensive)

Thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Which is the time varying signal? I think the example you gave might be a constant. If so your problem is much easier to solve. :)

Basically: In theory, sure. In practice, maybe. For example, if A is less than a LSB or the sampling rate is slower than the frequency you want to observe, then no. And then when measuring phase there is the whole problem of, what exactly is t0?

You might want to look at this primer. I think it looks pretty good.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...3oipn3Fy-ZK4CYszA&sig2=4Mk4C5H4T1Ug3mHVbrYeMQ
 
Does it help if I have a pretty good estimate of ω?

The signal would be:

B + A\cos(\omega t + \phi)

where B and A are constant
 
The output of your FFT is a complex number for each frequency bin.
Complex number is rectangular coordinates. You will use trig to convert these to polar (magnitude/phase angle).
 
henryd said:
Does it help if I have a pretty good estimate of ω?

The signal would be:

B + A\cos(\omega t + \phi)

where B and A are constant

t relative to what? what is the origin of your time axis? is it relative to the very first bin (sometimes called the "zeroeth" bin) x[0]. i.e. is bin 0:

x[0] = B + A\cos(\omega 0 + \phi) \ \ ?
 
Hi all I have some confusion about piezoelectrical sensors combination. If i have three acoustic piezoelectrical sensors (with same receive sensitivity in dB ref V/1uPa) placed at specific distance, these sensors receive acoustic signal from a sound source placed at far field distance (Plane Wave) and from broadside. I receive output of these sensors through individual preamplifiers, add them through hardware like summer circuit adder or in software after digitization and in this way got an...
I am not an electrical engineering student, but a lowly apprentice electrician. I learn both on the job and also take classes for my apprenticeship. I recently wired my first transformer and I understand that the neutral and ground are bonded together in the transformer or in the service. What I don't understand is, if the neutral is a current carrying conductor, which is then bonded to the ground conductor, why does current only flow back to its source and not on the ground path...
I have recently moved into a new (rather ancient) house and had a few trips of my Residual Current breaker. I dug out my old Socket tester which tell me the three pins are correct. But then the Red warning light tells me my socket(s) fail the loop test. I never had this before but my last house had an overhead supply with no Earth from the company. The tester said "get this checked" and the man said the (high but not ridiculous) earth resistance was acceptable. I stuck a new copper earth...
Back
Top