What is a Nyquist in Terms of Frequency?

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SUMMARY

The term "Nyquist" in the context of frequency refers to the Nyquist frequency, which is a critical concept in digital signal processing. It is defined as half the sample rate of a discrete signal, serving as a threshold to prevent aliasing when sampling analog signals. The discussion highlights that while "a Nyquist" is not a standard term, it may be informally used to describe the ratio of two frequencies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the Nyquist frequency in relation to sampling rates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) fundamentals
  • Understanding of sampling theory
  • Knowledge of aliasing effects in signal processing
  • Familiarity with frequency measurement concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Nyquist theorem and its implications in signal processing
  • Explore sampling rates and their impact on signal fidelity
  • Learn about aliasing and methods to prevent it in digital systems
  • Study dimensionless quantities in physics, such as the Reynolds number
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in digital signal processing, audio engineering, and anyone involved in the analysis and sampling of analog signals will benefit from this discussion.

fsonnichsen
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Can anyone tell me the definition of a "Nyquist" with respect to units of frequency? I didn't find it defined on the web. I presume it is some measure of cycles/sample or similar

Thanks
Fritz
 
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fsonnichsen said:
Can anyone tell me the definition of a "Nyquist" with respect to units of frequency?
It isn't. But I can see that a creative author might decide he can use it as a measure of the ratio of two frequencies.

Do you have a reference to where you found it? Some topic dealing with sampling an analog signal, I presume.
 
This was in a draft of a textbook. I tend to agree with your premise that this is a "home spun" term.

Thanks
Fritz
 
In digital signal processing it is quite common to measure frequency relative to the Nyquist frequency (which depends on the sample rate of course). That is no different from other dimensionless quantities used in physics (e.g. Reynolds number).

But I've never seen the term "a Nyquist" used.
 

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