Calculating the DTFT of 1: Challenges and Solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the Discrete-Time Fourier Transform (DTFT) of the constant function 1. Participants explore the implications of different values of the frequency variable ω, particularly focusing on cases where ω equals 0 and other multiples of 2π, as well as the behavior of the series involved in the DTFT calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the DTFT diverges for ω=1 and seeks clarification on how to calculate the sum for other values of ω.
  • Another participant provides a breakdown of the DTFT formula and notes that the sum converges to a geometric series under certain conditions, but diverges for specific values of ω, particularly ω=0.
  • A different participant claims to have derived a formula for the DTFT of 1, suggesting that it equals 2π for ω=0 and other multiples of 2π, while asserting it converges to 0 for other values of ω.
  • There is a correction regarding the interpretation of the result at ω=0, clarifying that it is not simply 2π but rather involves the Dirac delta function, which is infinite or not well-defined at that point.
  • Further discussion includes the use of the inverse DTFT to derive constants related to the Dirac delta function and the periodicity of the DTFT.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the distinction between the Dirac delta function and the Kronecker delta, seeking clarification on notation and definitions.
  • Another participant confirms that the delta function in this context is indeed the Dirac delta and discusses the potential for confusion in notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the convergence of the DTFT for various values of ω, particularly at ω=0 and other multiples of 2π. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the results, especially regarding the nature of divergence and the role of the Dirac delta function.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include unresolved mathematical steps related to the convergence of the series and the definitions of the delta functions. The discussion also highlights the potential for confusion in notation and terminology used in different texts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners in signal processing, particularly those interested in Fourier analysis and the properties of the DTFT.

zhaniko93
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Hello.
I'm stuck on calculating DTFT of 1.
DTFT formula is:
5E%7Bjw%7D%29%20%3D%20%5Csum_%7Bn%20%3D%20-%5Cinfty%7D%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7D%20x%28n%29e%5E%7B-jnw%7D.gif

so dtft of 1 is:
gif.latex?%5Csum_%7Bn%20%3D%20-%5Cinfty%7D%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7De%5E%7B-jnw%7D.gif

1) in case of w=1, sum becomes:
gif.latex?%5Csum_%7Bn%20%3D%20-%5Cinfty%7D%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7D%201.gif

doesn't it diverge?
2) in case of w no 1, how the hell should that sum be calculated?
thanks
 
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\displaystyle \sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-jn \omega} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} e^{-jn \omega} + \sum_{n=-\infty}^{0} e^{-jn \omega} -1 = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} e^{-jn \omega} + \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} e^{jn \omega} - 1.

When the sum converges, each of the last two sums is a geometric series that you should be able to calculate. The intermediate steps may not be neat, but the final answer is very simple.

However, there are values of \omega for which the series is not convergent. You mention \omega=1. I'm guessing you actually mean \omega=0 or e^{j \omega} = 1. But this is not the only one!
 
Last edited:
Thanks krome.
yes I meant w = 0, so for w=0 the sum doesn't converge. but I found such formula for DFTF of 1:
%202%5Cpi%5Csum_%7Bk%20%3D%20-%5Cinfty%7D%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7D%20%5Cdelta%20%28w%20-%202%5Cpi%20k%29.gif


so for w=0 (and other 2πk numbers) I get 2π. did i get something wrong?
also, for w not equal to 2πk, I get 0, so that sum must converge to 0.
can you give any hint how should I calculate that sum? should I use eulers formula?
 
zhaniko93 said:
so for w=0 (and other 2πk numbers) I get 2π. did i get something wrong?

You don't actually get 2 \pi at \omega = 0, you get infinity. You get 2 \pi \delta ( \omega ) evaluated at \omega = 0, which is infinite or not well-defined at least.

zhaniko93 said:
also, for w not equal to 2πk, I get 0, so that sum must converge to 0.

Yes, that is correct. You should get 0 when \omega \neq 2 \pi k for any integer k.

zhaniko93 said:
can you give any hint how should I calculate that sum? should I use eulers formula?

Do you know how to calculate the geometric series 1+x+x^2+x^3+...? If you do, then you should be able to calculate the two sums I wrote down. Except you run into a problem if x= 1. That's precisely where you get infinity. Otherwise, you should get 0.

So for me, the logic goes as follows:
(1) X( \omega ) = 0 except when \omega = 2 \pi k for some integer k. Therefore, \displaystyle X( \omega ) = \sum_{k= - \infty}^{\infty} c_k \delta ( \omega - 2 \pi k ) for some set of constants c_k.

(2) To determine c_k, use the inverse DTFT: \displaystyle x(n) = \frac{1}{2 \pi} \int_{2 \pi k -\pi}^{2 \pi k + \pi} d \omega \, X( \omega ) e^{jn \omega}. I've picked a particular region of integration of length 2 \pi here. X( \omega ) has periodicity 2 \pi. You are free to pick any full period over which to perform the integral. Plug in \displaystyle X( \omega ) = \sum_{m=- \infty}^{\infty} c_m \delta ( \omega - 2 \pi m ) and interchange the sum and the integral (check out Fubini's or Tonelli's theorems for more rigor regarding such interchanges; this is a mixed case between sums and integrals). You should get \displaystyle x(n) = \frac{c_k}{2 \pi}, which shows that c_k = 2 \pi for all k since x(n) = 1 for all n.
 
zhaniko93 said:
Hello.
I'm stuck on calculating DTFT of 1.
DTFT formula is:
5E%7Bjw%7D%29%20%3D%20%5Csum_%7Bn%20%3D%20-%5Cinfty%7D%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7D%20x%28n%29e%5E%7B-jnw%7D.gif

so dtft of 1 is:
gif.latex?%5Csum_%7Bn%20%3D%20-%5Cinfty%7D%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7De%5E%7B-jnw%7D.gif

1) in case of w=1, sum becomes:
gif.latex?%5Csum_%7Bn%20%3D%20-%5Cinfty%7D%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7D%201.gif

doesn't it diverge?
2) in case of w no 1, how the hell should that sum be calculated?
thanks
In fact, the series
$$\sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-in\omega}$$
diverges for all ##\omega##, because the terms do not converge to zero. Therefore the Fourier transform as defined by the sum does not exist. Your solution involving Dirac delta functions is a solution in the sense of distributions. It takes quite a lot more mathematical horsepower to make it rigorous. The nonrigorous method is to work in reverse: use the integral formula for the inverse Fourier transform to calculate the inverse DTFT of
$$2\pi \sum_{k=-\infty}^{\infty}\delta(\omega - 2\pi k)$$
and show that the result is identically 1. Then in order to conclude that the DTFT of 1 is the indicated sum of Dirac delta functions, you need to employ the fact (if it is indeed a fact) that the DTFT and inverse DTFT are inverses of each other when working with distributions.
 
I don't quite understand, my book said that \delta(n) is 1 for n = 0 and 0 otherwise. now you're saying that it is infinity? is it dirac delta or kroneker delta? how should I distinguish? (on wikipedia, \delta[n] is kroneker and \delta(w) is dirak, so I should distinguish by [] and (), but in my book both are (). My book is Schaum's Outlines of Digital Signal Processing
 
It is definitely the Dirac delta in this case. Any [] vs. () notation is nonstandard. It is very common to use ##\delta()## for either the Dirac or the Kronecker delta. If there is any chance of confusion, a careful author should indicate which one is intended.
 

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