FFT of a signal (non constant time)

AI Thread Summary
Taking the FFT of a signal sampled at non-constant time intervals can be challenging, as the FFT assumes uniform sampling. A sampling frequency of 6.5 Hz suggests a constant time period of 153.8 ms between samples, which conflicts with the non-constant timing of the data points. The discussion highlights that while the signal appears periodic, the irregular sampling could lead to misleading results in the frequency domain. Interpolating the data to create a uniform sampling rate before applying the FFT is recommended to obtain meaningful frequency analysis. Overall, careful preprocessing of the data is essential for accurate FFT results.
mcodesmart
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
I took the FFT of a signal that was taken at non constant time period (T), but at a sampling frequency(Fs) of 6.5 hz. Can I take the FFT of a signal with non constant T, and does it mean anything? Please see attachment.

Ps. I used Matlabs, FFT command, which i think uses the Cooley–Tukey FFT algorithm
 

Attachments

  • signal y(t).jpg
    signal y(t).jpg
    35.8 KB · Views: 596
  • Y(t) fft of signal.jpg
    Y(t) fft of signal.jpg
    14.9 KB · Views: 601
Engineering news on Phys.org
If the sampling frequency is 6.5Hz, wouldn't that imply a constant time period between samples (153.8msec)? Or what do you mean by T?
 
What I mean is that over all, there are 719 data points taken at a non constant T for a total time period of 111.8 sec. From that, I came up with 6.5, but I see that is misleading.

Here are the timing points..

0.1025, 0.2554, 0.4199, 0.5935, 0.7738, 0.9509 ... 111.80

But signal is clearly periodic so I decided to take the FFT to see the frequencies.. But can I do that..
 
Thread 'Weird near-field phenomenon I get in my EM simulation'
I recently made a basic simulation of wire antennas and I am not sure if the near field in my simulation is modeled correctly. One of the things that worry me is the fact that sometimes I see in my simulation "movements" in the near field that seems to be faster than the speed of wave propagation I defined (the speed of light in the simulation). Specifically I see "nodes" of low amplitude in the E field that are quickly "emitted" from the antenna and then slow down as they approach the far...
Hello dear reader, a brief introduction: Some 4 years ago someone started developing health related issues, apparently due to exposure to RF & ELF related frequencies and/or fields (Magnetic). This is currently becoming known as EHS. (Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a claimed sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, to which adverse symptoms are attributed.) She experiences a deep burning sensation throughout her entire body, leaving her in pain and exhausted after a pulse has occurred...

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top