Engineering Fourier Transform: best window to represent function

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The discussion centers on the selection of window functions for analyzing frequency spectra, specifically comparing top-hat and ramp functions. The Fourier Transform of the given cosine function is identified, and the effects of different window functions on the frequency representation are explored. It is noted that the ramp function may be preferable due to its smaller peripheral pulses compared to the squared sinc function. The importance of understanding the specific features of the data set being analyzed is emphasized, as different window functions have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice of window function should align with the particular analysis requirements.
Master1022
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Homework Statement
We have a time-continuous signal [itex] f(t) [/itex]. A new signal [itex] g(t) [/itex] is created by either by multiplying [itex] f(t) [/itex] with a top-hat function (half-width [itex] \frac{T}{2} [/itex]) or a ramp function (half-width [itex] T [/itex]), both with amplitude 1. Which window should we, using qualitative judgement, choose to have a better representation of [itex] F(\omega ) [/itex]
Relevant Equations
Fourier transform
Hi,

I was hoping to gain more insight into these window questions when looking at frequency spectra questions. I don't really know what makes windows better than one another.

My attempt:
In the question, we have f(t) = cos(\omega_0 t) and therefore its F.T is F(\omega ) = \pi \left( \delta(\omega - \omega_0 ) + \delta(\omega + \omega_0) \right). For the window functions, we have a top-hat function with a transform of:
\frac{ T sin(\omega T / 2)}{\omega T / 2} and a ramp function with transform:
\frac{ 4 sin^2 (\omega T / 2)}{\omega^2 T}

To find the effect of multiplying the time signals, we can carry out convolution in the time domain and utilize the sifting property of the delta function.

I can see that we basically have the choice of sinc or sinc^2. Perhaps the ramp function will be better as it has smaller peripheral pulses (due to the sinc function being squared). Also, I notice that the ramp function is the result of convolving the top-hat function with itself.

I am not sure what other aspects I should be looking out for.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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Master1022 said:
I was hoping to gain more insight into these window questions when looking at frequency spectra questions. I don't really know what makes windows better than one another.
Here is some information on various Windowing Functions from the PicoScope USB Oscilloscope Manual (I'm using one right now in one of my test setups at work to do FFTs and frequency domain analysis of powerline communication network waveforms). It's a good brief summary of Windowing functions, and should give you some good search terms for further searching/reading:

https://www.picotech.com/download/manuals/picoscope6-oscilloscope-software-users-guide.pdf

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Data analysis types each have their favorites, which means that none of them are the best. They each have their own pros and cons. Ideally, if you care, you will need to analyze the effects of each and pick the best for your particular analysis. The answer lies in being clear about what features of your data set you really care about most.
 
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@berkeman and @DaveE - thank you for your replies! There was more nuance to the choice than I previously thought.
 
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