Understanding the Differences between Fourier Series and Fourier Transforms

In summary, Fourier Transforms and Fourier series are related in that they both involve representing a function as a combination of sinusoidal components. However, the inverse continuous Fourier transform is an integral while the Fourier series is a summation. The actual amplitude in the Fourier transform is proportional to the product of X(f) and the width of the frequency spectrum, while in the Fourier series it is given by the coefficients. The series is a discrete process while the transform is continuous, and they can yield different results if the basic rules are ignored. The Fourier transform of sum(Vhcos(hwt)) will result in a regular "comb" of components at frequencies w, hw, 2hw, etc. with amplitudes given by the coefficients V.
  • #1
salil87
26
0
Hi
Do Fourier Transforms give us actual amplitude/phase of the particular frequency (ejωt) just like Fourier series?
Thanks
Salil
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
sorta, yes. but the inverse continuous Fourier transform is an integral not a summation like in the Fourier series. so the actual amplitude is proportional to the product of [itex]X(f)[/itex] and the width of the sliver of spectrum [itex] df [/itex].

to compare, give the (inverse) Fourier integral a finite width (with the limits of the integral) and then represent that finite width integral with a Riemann summation and then you will be able to see the relationship between the inverse Fourier transform and the Fourier series. in a loose sense, they are the same thing.
 
  • #3
The series is a Discrete process where the Transform is Continuous. The series can yield 'wrong' / misleading results if you ignore the basic rules.
 
  • #4
what is the Fourier transform of sum( Vhcos(hwt)) where h varies from 1 to infinity
 
  • #5
Anitha Sankar said:
what is the Fourier transform of sum( Vhcos(hwt)) where h varies from 1 to infinity

Hi
I assume that when you write Vh , the h is a suffix.
The transform will be a regular 'comb' of components at frequency w, hw, 2hw etc. with amplitdes given by the coefficients V. In fact, the original function is of a form that tells you the frequency spectrum just by 'observation'.
 
  • #6
http://www.infoocean.info/avatar2.jpg The series is a Discrete process where the Transform is Continuous.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #7
I guess I meant "sum' as against 'integral'.
Is that better?
 
Last edited:

1. What is the Fourier Transform Doubt?

The Fourier Transform Doubt is a concept in mathematics and signal processing that describes the uncertainty or doubt associated with the Fourier Transform. It refers to the fact that the Fourier Transform cannot perfectly reconstruct a signal due to the loss of information during the transformation process.

2. How does the Fourier Transform Doubt affect signal processing?

The Fourier Transform Doubt can affect signal processing by causing errors or inaccuracies in the reconstructed signal. This can be especially problematic in applications where precise signal reconstruction is necessary, such as in audio or image processing.

3. What causes the Fourier Transform Doubt?

The Fourier Transform Doubt is caused by the limitations of the Fourier Transform. It is a mathematical uncertainty that arises due to the fact that the Fourier Transform is a one-to-one mapping, meaning that multiple signals can have the same Fourier Transform.

4. Can the Fourier Transform Doubt be eliminated?

No, the Fourier Transform Doubt cannot be completely eliminated. However, there are techniques such as windowing and zero-padding that can help reduce its effects and improve the accuracy of the reconstructed signal.

5. How is the Fourier Transform Doubt related to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?

The Fourier Transform Doubt and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle are both related to the concept of uncertainty in mathematics and physics. While the Heisenberg uncertainty principle deals with the uncertainty in the measurement of certain physical quantities, the Fourier Transform Doubt deals with the uncertainty in the reconstruction of a signal. Both principles are based on the idea that there are inherent limitations and uncertainties in our ability to measure or represent certain phenomena.

Similar threads

  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
284
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
465
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
807
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
31
Views
9K
Replies
4
Views
287
Replies
16
Views
843
Back
Top