What are the limitations/ disadvantages of the Fourier Tran

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limitations and disadvantages of the Fourier Transform and Fourier Series, exploring their applicability in various contexts and the implications of their use in signal analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a fondness for Fourier series and transforms, noting their ability to reveal frequency components in signals.
  • One participant argues that the Fourier transform may not be useful for converting time domain functions to position domain functions, suggesting that its limitations are context-dependent.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the usefulness of the Fourier transform extends beyond merely finding frequency domain functions, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific tasks and constraints involved.
  • It is mentioned that when original data is discrete and finite, a discrete Fourier transform does not result in a loss of information, framing it as an alternative perspective rather than a limitation.
  • There are unrelated posts questioning the deletion of a previous question, indicating a potential issue with thread management.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the limitations of the Fourier Transform and Fourier Series, with multiple perspectives presented regarding their applicability and context-specific usefulness.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the Fourier Transform's limitations based on specific applications and user needs, without resolving the underlying assumptions about its utility in different scenarios.

ramdas
Messages
78
Reaction score
0
I am fond of Fourier series &
Fourier transform. In Fourier
domain, we can come to know
what frequency components are
present and the contribution of
each component in forming the
given signal.But every approach has some
advantages and
disadvantages.Here, I want to
know what are the limitations/
disadvantages of the Fourier
Transform and Fourier Series? It
would be better for me if you
explain them with the help of
example(or links or any relevant
information) to understand
them easily.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Well, if you have a time domain function and you need a position domain function, the Fourier transform is unlikely to be a lot of help.
i.e. it is no good in any situation where you don't need the Fourier transform.

Tools are useful in their contexts - and most limitations for a tool in context are not about the context. i.e. a hammer is good for hammering nails, but it can be slow and tiring, especially if you want to attach wood to concrete, so ramset. But that is not a limit of the hammer, it is a limit of the user and the job (time constraint not inherent to hammer).

So to understand the limits of the Fourier transform - whose usefulness is not limited to just finding the frequency domain function from a time domain function - you need to understand the types of jobs you may want it to do and what sorts of constraints those jobs have to work under. i.e. numerical analysis of a discrete time-series as a real-time inverse problem.
 
If the original data is already discrete and finite, then there is no loss of information when doing a discrete Fourier transform. It is therefore just a different way to look at the same information content, and as Simon said, whether to look at something in time (or position) or in frequency it's a matter of what you are trying to accomplish.
 
Why my question is deleted.If it is duplicate ,where is the original one?
 
ramdas said:
Why my question is deleted.If it is duplicate ,where is the original one?

This is the original thread. I deleted the duplicate thread last night. If you have any questions about this, please message me.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
4K