Solving a Fourier Series for a Saw-Tooth Wave

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around obtaining a Fourier series representation for a saw-tooth wave, a periodic signal defined over a specific interval. Participants are exploring the mathematical formulation of the Fourier series, including both trigonometric and exponential forms.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem of deriving the Fourier series for a saw-tooth wave defined by the equation x(t) = At over the interval -T/2 to T/2.
  • Another participant suggests that A0 is zero based on the observation that the average of the ramp signal is zero.
  • This same participant claims that An is also zero since the signal is odd, implying no cosine terms are present in the series.
  • Bn is mentioned as being left for the reader to determine, indicating an exercise for further exploration.
  • A third participant seeks clarification on the definition of A and requests a detailed explanation of how A0 and An were derived.
  • A later reply clarifies that A represents the slope of x(t) and suggests that A0, An, and Bn can be calculated through integrals defined in the Fourier Series, while also noting that experienced individuals may recognize certain terms as zero without calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the derivation of Fourier coefficients, with some asserting certain coefficients are zero while others seek clarification on these points. The discussion remains unresolved as participants have not reached a consensus on the derivation process or the implications of the coefficients.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that participants are familiar with the definitions and calculations involved in Fourier Series, which may not be universally understood. The discussion also highlights the dependence on the properties of the saw-tooth wave and the implications of it being an odd function.

rusty009
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Hey, I am trying to solve this question:

obtain a Fourier series for a saw-tooth wave, a periodic signal, with period T, defined such that

x(t)=At -T/2<= t >= T/2

where A has a value of 1 at the maximum value of x(t)

i) obtain the Fourier series for this periodic signal in form

x(t)= [tex]\frac{A0}{2}[/tex]+[tex]\sum[/tex][An*cos(2*pi*j*n*f0*t) + Bn*sin(2*pi*j*n*f0*t)]

where the limits of the [tex]\sum[/tex] are infinity and n=1

then,

ii) obtain the series in the form

x(t)= [tex]\sum[/tex]Cn* exp(2*pi*j*n*f0*t)

where the limits of the [tex]\sum[/tex] are infinity to n=- infinity

Thanks in advance !
 
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rusty009 said:
Hey, I am trying to solve this question:

obtain a Fourier series for a saw-tooth wave, a periodic signal, with period T, defined such that

x(t)=At -T/2<= t >= T/2

where A has a value of 1 at the maximum value of x(t)

i) obtain the Fourier series for this periodic signal in form

x(t)= [tex]\frac{A0}{2}[/tex]+[tex]\sum[/tex][An*cos(2*pi*j*n*f0*t) + Bn*sin(2*pi*j*n*f0*t)]

where the limits of the [tex]\sum[/tex] are infinity and n=1

then,

ii) obtain the series in the form

x(t)= [tex]\sum[/tex]Cn* exp(2*pi*j*n*f0*t)

where the limits of the [tex]\sum[/tex] are infinity to n=- infinity

Thanks in advance !
A0=0 from inspection the average of the ramp signal is zero.
An=0 since the signal is odd, no cosine terms allowed.
Bn left as an exercise to the reader :rolleyes:
 
Hey, I don't really understand. Firsty, what is A ? And could explain into detail the way you found Ao and An, thanks a lot !
 
A is the slope of x(t), according to the definition you gave us.

Ao, An, and Bn can be found from working out the integrals given in the definition of Fourier Series. People who are experienced with Fourier Series learn to recognize situations where these are zero. Don't worry about that if it's not clear to you, just work out those integrals to find Ao, An, and Bn.
 

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