How to test whether a signal is periodic or not?

AI Thread Summary
To determine if discrete data is periodic, statistical regression models can be employed, incorporating dummy variables for different time intervals like quarterly or monthly. The significance of these dummy variables can indicate periodicity. Spectral analysis is highlighted as the standard method for identifying periodic components in data. Utilizing statistics or numerics software, such as Statistica or Matlab, can facilitate this analysis through tools like FFT and smoothing windows. These approaches provide a scientific basis for assessing and determining the period of the data.
stevenphy2
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Hi all, let's say I have generated some discrete data as a function of time.
And when I plot it, it looks like that it is periodic.
Is there any scientific way to check whether or not the discrete data is really periodic?
And determine the period, if possible?
Many thanks.
 
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You could define the statistical regression model y = b0 + b1 x + u and then introduce quarterly, monthly, weekly, etc. "dummy variables" into the model. For example, quarterly periodicity will be indicated if the quarterly dummies are significant as a group.
 
The best (and standard) way to test for periodic components is by using spectral analysis. If you are using a statistics/numerics package (like Statistica, Matlab, etc.), then check their tools (FFT, smoothing windows, etc.) for that.
 
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