Fourier series representation of delta train

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SUMMARY

The Fourier series representation of a delta train is expressed as (1/T) + (2/T) Σcos(nωt), where T is the period and ω=2π/T. However, this series does not converge to the delta function as expected, producing spikes towards both positive and negative infinity when plotted. The confusion arises from the relationship between the Fourier series of a sawtooth wave and its derivative, which is a delta train. The book states that the Fourier series converges to a generalized function, but this leads to discrepancies in graphical representation, prompting questions about the validity of equating the two forms.

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Aziza
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The Fourier series of a delta train is supposedly (1/T) + (2/T ) Ʃcos(nωt) ...
where T is period and ω=2*Pi/T ...but when I plot this, it doesn't give me just a spike towards positive infinity, but towards negative infinity as well (see attached pic), so this does not seem to converge to the delta function we want... ?

Also I am kindof confused as to how this is actually derived. The way my book does it is it starts with a backwards sawtooth wave. The derivative of this is a delta train, with the deltas going towards positive infinity...the Fourier series of this sawtooth wave is
f(t) = (1/2) + (2/T ) Ʃ(1/n)sin(nωt)
But f(t) can also be written as a generalized function:
f(t) = (1-(t/T)) + Ʃu(t-nT)
where u is the heavyside function

Taking derivative of first f(t) gives
f'(t) = (2/T ) Ʃcos(nωt) (1)

But taking derivative of second f(t) gives
f'(t) = -(1/T) + Ʃδ(t-nT) (2)

Ok I understand everything so far, but now my book says that equation (1) doesn't converge 'in the ordinary sense' but 'we can say that this series converges to the generalized function' given by equation (2)...huh? How can (1) converge to (2) if (1) gives a different graph than (2) ?? That is my first confusion.

Next the book just equates (1) and (2) and so gets the Fourier series for Ʃδ(t-nT)...but I am confused as to why we can just equate them if they are not really the same thing...
 

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Aziza said:
The Fourier series of a delta train is supposedly (1/T) + (2/T ) Ʃcos(nωt) ...
where T is period and ω=2*Pi/T ...but when I plot this, it doesn't give me just a spike towards positive infinity, but towards negative infinity as well (see attached pic), so this does not seem to converge to the delta function we want... ?

Also I am kindof confused as to how this is actually derived. The way my book does it is it starts with a backwards sawtooth wave. The derivative of this is a delta train, with the deltas going towards positive infinity...the Fourier series of this sawtooth wave is
f(t) = (1/2) + (2/T ) Ʃ(1/n)sin(nωt)
But f(t) can also be written as a generalized function:
f(t) = (1-(t/T)) + Ʃu(t-nT)
where u is the heavyside function

Taking derivative of first f(t) gives
f'(t) = (2/T ) Ʃcos(nωt) (1)

But taking derivative of second f(t) gives
f'(t) = -(1/T) + Ʃδ(t-nT) (2)

Ok I understand everything so far, but now my book says that equation (1) doesn't converge 'in the ordinary sense' but 'we can say that this series converges to the generalized function' given by equation (2)...huh? How can (1) converge to (2) if (1) gives a different graph than (2) ?? That is my first confusion.

Next the book just equates (1) and (2) and so gets the Fourier series for Ʃδ(t-nT)...but I am confused as to why we can just equate them if they are not really the same thing...

I think you may be trying to describe a Dirac comb ("impulse train").

You probably made the plot using a computer, right? Computers are not made to calculate infinite sums. Thus, your plot is an approximation of the Fourier series.

Go with the math. If two functions are equal, then their derivatives are probably equal.
 

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