Fourier Transform of a Modified Impulse Train

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Fourier Transform of a modified impulse train, specifically the function defined as x(t) = 2\hat{x}(t) + \hat{x}(t-1), where \hat{x}(t) is an impulse train. Participants are examining the application of Fourier series properties and addressing specific questions regarding the transformations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the time-shifting property of Fourier series uses e^{-\omega} instead of e^{-j\omega} when applying the transformation.
  • Another participant asserts that the original representation is incorrect and that delaying by one sample should indeed multiply the continuous spectrum by e^{-j\omega}.
  • There is confusion about how e^{-j\omega} could transform into (-1)^k in the final answer, with one participant noting that e^{-j k \pi} equals (-1)^k but questioning the transition from a variable omega to a discrete k.
  • A later reply clarifies that the multiplication of e^{-j\omega} by delta functions in the frequency domain only matters where the delta function is nonzero, specifically at \omega = \pi k.
  • Participants express realization and acknowledgment of the implications of delta functions in the context of the Fourier Transform.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the application of the time-shifting property and the resulting transformations. There is no consensus on whether the original solution is correct or if it contains errors.

Contextual Notes

Unresolved questions include the correct application of the Fourier Transform properties and the implications of the delta function in the transformation process. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the mathematical steps involved in deriving the final answer.

WolfOfTheSteps
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I hope this is OK to post here. I thought it would be better here than in the math questions forum, since you are EEs, and probably have more experience dealing with things related to the delta function.

Problem

Let

[tex]\hat{x}(t) = \sum_{k=-\infty}^{\infty}\delta(t-2k).[/tex]

Now let

[tex]x(t) = 2\hat{x}(t) + \hat{x}(t-1).[/tex]

Find the Fourier Transform of [itex]x(t)[/itex].

Given Solution

Here is the official solution given by Oppenheim:

From Table 4.2,

[tex]\hat{X}(j\omega) = \pi \sum_{k=-\infty}^{\infty}\delta(\omega - \pi k)[/tex]

Therefore,

[tex]X(j\omega)=\hat{X}(j\omega)[2+e^{-\omega}] = \pi \sum_{k=-\infty}^{\infty}\delta(\omega-\pi k)[2 + (-1)^k].[/tex]

My Two Questions

Question 1. When applying the time-shifting property of Fourier series, why did they multiply by [itex]e^{-\omega}[/itex] and not [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex]??

Question 2. How did the [itex]e^{-\omega}[/itex] become [itex](-1)^k[/itex] in the final answer?

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
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WolfOfTheSteps said:
Question 1. When applying the time-shifting property of Fourier series, why did they multiply by [itex]e^{-\omega}[/itex] and not [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex]??

it's a mistake. i don't have the book, but if you represented this correctly, they are wrong and you are right. delaying by one sample multiplies the continuous spectrum by [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex] . this will fix your Q2 also.
 
delaying by one sample multiplies the continuous spectrum by [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex]. this will fix your Q2 also.

Maybe not! How does [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex] become [itex](-1)^k[/itex] in the final answer? :biggrin: I know [itex]e^{-j k \pi} = (-1)^k[/itex] but how could that come from [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex] when omega is variable and there is no k? Is the final answer also a typo?

Thanks!
 
WolfOfTheSteps said:
Maybe not! How does [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex] become [itex](-1)^k[/itex] in the final answer? :biggrin: I know [itex]e^{-j k \pi} = (-1)^k[/itex] but how could that come from [itex]e^{-j\omega}[/itex] when omega is variable and there is no k? Is the final answer also a typo?

Thanks!

Remember, you are multiplying the [itex]e^{-j \omega}[/itex] by a chain of delta functions (in [itex]\omega[/itex]-space). The only thing that matters is where the delta function is nonzero.

Remember [itex]f(x)\delta(x-a) = f(a)\delta(x-a)[/itex]
 
mdelisio said:
Remember, you are multiplying the [itex]e^{-j \omega}[/itex] by a chain of delta functions (in [itex]\omega[/itex]-space). The only thing that matters is where the delta function is nonzero.

Of course! Which happens exactly when [itex]\omega = \pi k[/itex]. I should have realized that! :rolleyes:

Thanks!
 

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