High School Fourier series of a step function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of creating a Fourier series expansion for a step function, particularly focusing on both finite and infinite step functions. Participants confirm that while finite step functions can be integrated to yield a Fourier series, infinite step functions lead to divergent integrals. A suggested approach involves breaking the function into segments where it remains constant and calculating the integrals for each segment. Additionally, the idea of modifying the Fourier series with a multiplying factor to achieve an increasing or decreasing function is explored, though concerns about divergence for most frequencies are raised.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier series and their mathematical foundations
  • Knowledge of piecewise functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with integral calculus, particularly in relation to convergence and divergence
  • Basic concepts of signal processing and voltage response analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of deriving Fourier series for piecewise continuous functions
  • Research methods for handling divergent integrals in Fourier analysis
  • Explore the application of Fourier transforms in signal processing
  • Learn about the implications of modifying Fourier series with multiplicative factors
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, electrical engineers, and students in signal processing who are interested in Fourier analysis and its applications to step functions and voltage response modeling.

chikou24i
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Hello, can we make a Fourier series expansion of a (increasing or decreasing) step function ? like the one that I attached here. I just want to know the idea of that if it is possible.
shNoy.png
 
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You can write down the integral, but with an infinite step function like this the integrals will diverge. With a finite step function it works.
 
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mfb said:
You can write down the integral, but with an infinite step function like this the integrals will diverge. With a finite step function it works.
So you mean that I should take each portion appart (where f(x) is constant) and calculate the integral. Then, I add them all together ?
Is there any other method where I can calculate Fourier series normally and then I multiply them by another factor which will make them increase or decrease ?
 
The sum will diverge as well for most frequencies, and the approach is at best questionable for frequencies where it does not diverge.

Why do you want to Fourier transform that function?
 
I want to extract the mathematical function for this graph of voltage response. Could you please help me or guide me in doing that ?
https://fb-s-d-a.akamaihd.net/h-ak-xlp1/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/17457874_1911500359125961_8184758272904545979_n.jpg?oh=50117debf8fd6047caf1f0795e0a9254&oe=59500784&__gda__=1498980987_b71e34fea90ba330474f88d4a58f82d9
 
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You could write it as sum of a linear or parabolic function and some periodic term.

I'm not sure if that is really useful, I'm quite sure a piecewise definition of the function will work better.
 
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