Phase Spectra from Fourier Transform

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on extracting phase spectra from the Fourier Transform of a sinusoidal function, specifically g(t) = Sin(2πfct). It establishes that the single-sided spectrum has a frequency component at f=fc with a complex amplitude of 1/j, corresponding to a phase of π/2. The confusion arises from interpreting the complex amplitude as either 1/j or -j, leading to different phase interpretations. The correct method to determine the phase spectra involves using the arctangent of the ratio of imaginary to real components, rather than merely analyzing the complex plane.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier Transform principles
  • Knowledge of complex numbers and their representation
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Basic grasp of arctangent and its application in phase calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Fourier Transform in signal processing
  • Learn about complex number manipulation in the context of signal analysis
  • Explore the implications of phase shifts in sinusoidal signals
  • Investigate advanced topics in spectral analysis, such as the use of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, signal processing specialists, and students studying Fourier analysis will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in phase spectrum interpretation and complex signal representation.

frenzal_dude
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How can you read the phase spectra from a Fourier Transform?

if [tex]g(t) = Sin(2\pi f_{c}t)[/tex]

then for the single sided spectrum, you have one frequency component at [tex]f=f_{c}[/tex] with a height of [tex]\frac{1}{j}[/tex] which from looking at the complex plane, corresponds to a phase of [tex]\frac{\pi }{2}[/tex] (ie. [tex]g(t) = Sin(2\pi f_{c}t)[/tex] is made up of a cosine component with [tex]f=f_{c}[/tex] and phase = [tex]\frac{\pi }{2}[/tex].

But, if you consider [tex]\frac{1}{j} = -j[/tex], then the phase would correspond to [tex]\frac{3\pi }{2}[/tex] which would in effect negate the amplitude ([tex]Cos(x - \frac{3\pi }{2}) = -Cos(x - \frac{\pi }{2})[/tex].

So which complex amplitude should be considered correct?[tex]\frac{1}{j} or -j[/tex] ?
 
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frenzal_dude said:
How can you read the phase spectra from a Fourier Transform?

if [tex]g(t) = Sin(2\pi f_{c}t)[/tex]

then for the single sided spectrum, you have one frequency component at [tex]f=f_{c}[/tex] with a height of [tex]\frac{1}{j}[/tex] which from looking at the complex plane, corresponds to a phase of [tex]\frac{\pi }{2}[/tex] (ie. [tex]g(t) = Sin(2\pi f_{c}t)[/tex] is made up of a cosine component with [tex]f=f_{c}[/tex] and phase = [tex]\frac{\pi }{2}[/tex].

But, if you consider [tex]\frac{1}{j} = -j[/tex], then the phase would correspond to [tex]\frac{3\pi }{2}[/tex] which would in effect negate the amplitude ([tex]Cos(x - \frac{3\pi }{2}) = -Cos(x - \frac{\pi }{2})[/tex].

So which complex amplitude should be considered correct?[tex]\frac{1}{j} or -j[/tex] ?

I've worked it out (for anyone whose found this in a google search or something).

To find the phase spectra you need to take the arctangent of the ratio of imaginary to real components, and NOT merely look at the position of the vector on the complex plane.

So first you need to get those imaginary components to have j on the numerator instead of on the denominator, that way you know the coefficient of it.

So for Sin(sPIfct) the impulse at f=fc has an imaginary coefficient of -1/2, so the ratio of imaginary to real is -infinity (since there is no real part, real=0), arctan of -infinity = -PI/2 radians.

For the impulse at f=-fc, the coefficient of the imaginary component is 1/2, the ratio is +infinity, arctan of +infinity = +pi/2 :)
 

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