Fourier Transform of Rectangular Pulse - 11.7.1 | 11. Fourier Transform and Properties | Mathematics (Civil Engineering -1)
K12 Students

Academics

AI-Powered learning for Grades 8–12, aligned with major Indian and international curricula.

Professionals

Professional Courses

Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.

Games

Interactive Games

Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.

Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to the Rectangular Pulse Function

Unlock Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re delving into the Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse. Does anyone know what a rectangular pulse looks like?

Student 1
Student 1

Isn't it like a simple square wave, where the signal is constant for a certain time and then drops?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It’s defined as 1 for a certain width T and 0 otherwise. This function is crucial in signal processing. It simulates on-off signals like those in communication systems.

Student 2
Student 2

So, how do we relate this time-domain function to its frequency representation?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! We achieve this through its Fourier Transform. Let’s take a closer look at the definition and how to compute this transform.

Deriving the Fourier Transform

Unlock Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

We want to derive the Fourier Transform for our function, which is defined as: f(t) = 1 for |t| ≤ T/2. Can anyone tell me how we begin?

Student 3
Student 3

Don’t we use the integral from -T/2 to T/2?

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! We express it mathematically: F(ω) = ∫ from -T/2 to T/2 of e^{-iωt} dt. Who can compute this integral?

Student 4
Student 4

I think we use integration techniques. After integrating, we get back a sine function that helps us derive the final answer!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! And the result is F(ω) = T·sinc(ωT/2π). This shows how the rectangular pulse transforms into the sinc function in the frequency domain.

Understanding the Significance of the Transform

Unlock Audio Lesson

0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Why do you think understanding the Fourier Transform of the rectangular pulse is important in engineering?

Student 1
Student 1

It helps engineers analyze signals better! If we know the shape in the frequency domain, we can predict behavior in real systems.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! It’s used in communication systems to filter signals and reconstruct them. Any other applications you can think of?

Student 2
Student 2

Maybe in audio processing? Like how sound is sampled and modified?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The Fourier Transform plays a central role in various fields, including audio and signal computation. End the day by remembering how time and frequency domains interrelate.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section focuses on deriving the Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse, a fundamental concept in signal analysis.

Standard

The section elaborates on the rectangular pulse function and provides a full derivation of its Fourier Transform, showing how the time-domain rectangular pulse translates into its frequency-domain representation. This transformation underpins many applications in engineering.

Detailed

Fourier Transform of Rectangular Pulse

In this section, we examine the Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse, defined mathematically. The rectangular pulse function is expressed as:

$$
f(t) = \begin{cases}
1, & |t| \leq T/2 \
0, & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
$$

This function has a width of T. The Fourier Transform of this function is calculated using the integral:

$$
F(\omega) = \int_{-T/2}^{T/2} e^{-i\omega t} dt
$$

Evaluating this integral leads to:

$$
F(\omega) = T \cdot \text{sinc}\left(\frac{\omega T}{2\pi}\right)
$$

where the sinc function is defined as:

$$
\text{sinc}(x) = \frac{\sin(\pi x)}{\pi x}.
$$

The significance of this transformation lies in its foundational role in signal processing and communication systems, enabling engineers to analyze how signals behave in different frequency domains.

Youtube Videos

Fourier Transform of Rectangular Pulse: Step by Step Solutions
Fourier Transform of Rectangular Pulse: Step by Step Solutions
Fourier Transform of Basic Signals (Rectangular Function)
Fourier Transform of Basic Signals (Rectangular Function)
part 9  fourier transform of rectangular signal
part 9 fourier transform of rectangular signal
(English) Rectangular Pulse | Fourier Transform | Spectrum of Rectangular Pulse
(English) Rectangular Pulse | Fourier Transform | Spectrum of Rectangular Pulse
Fourier transform of rectangular pulse II  GATE function
Fourier transform of rectangular pulse II GATE function
Fourier Transform of a Rectangular Function in Signals and Systems
Fourier Transform of a Rectangular Function in Signals and Systems
How To Find Fourier Transform For Rectangular Pulse ||  Fourier Transform Solved  Problem | Signals
How To Find Fourier Transform For Rectangular Pulse || Fourier Transform Solved Problem | Signals
Fourier Transform of Gate Function
Fourier Transform of Gate Function
Fourier Transform in Quantum Mechanics | Properties & PYQs | CSIR NET Physics 2025
Fourier Transform in Quantum Mechanics | Properties & PYQs | CSIR NET Physics 2025
CT Fourier Transform: Rectangular Pulse Example
CT Fourier Transform: Rectangular Pulse Example

Audio Book

Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.

Introduction to Rectangular Pulse

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Let
f(t)={
1 / 2,
|t|≤ T
0,
otherwise
This is a rectangular pulse of width T.

Detailed Explanation

In this chunk, we define a function called f(t) that represents a rectangular pulse. The function f(t) is equal to 1/2 when the absolute value of t is less than or equal to T, which means the rectangular pulse has a width of T. Outside this interval, the function is zero. This creates a 'pulse' shape where the signal has a constant value (1/2) for a specific duration (T) and is silent (0) outside this duration.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine turning on a flashlight for a set period (T). When the flashlight is on, the light is bright (1/2), representing our rectangular pulse. The moment you turn it off, the light goes out (0), similar to the function's behavior outside of the interval. This on-and-off behavior is akin to a rectangular pulse in signal processing.

Fourier Transform Calculation

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

Fourier Transform:
F(ω)=∫−T/2T/2exp(−iωt)dt=
[exp(−iωt)]−T/2T/2
=F(ω)=T·sinc(ωT/2)(1/(2π))

Detailed Explanation

This chunk presents the calculation of the Fourier Transform of the rectangular pulse function f(t). The Fourier Transform F(ω) is found by integrating the function multiplied by e^(-iωt) over the interval from -T/2 to T/2. After performing the integration and applying the limits, we find that F(ω) equals T times the sinc function evaluated at ωT/2, normalized by (1/(2π)). This mathematical representation allows us to express how the rectangular signal is represented in the frequency domain, highlighting where its frequencies lie.

Examples & Analogies

If you've ever played a guitar and struck a string, you might notice that the sound resonates at the fundamental frequency and its harmonics. Just as those specific frequencies create the sound, the Fourier Transform highlights which frequencies are present in the rectangular pulse, showing us how the pulse can be viewed and analyzed through its frequency components.

Understanding sinc Function

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

where sinc(x)=sin(πx)/(πx)

Detailed Explanation

In this chunk, we define the sinc function, which is crucial in the context of Fourier Transforms. The sinc function is defined as sin(πx)/(πx). This function is important because it describes the frequency response of the rectangular pulse. The sinc function has a distinctive shape that oscillates, with zeros occurring at regular intervals, indicating that specific frequencies are present due to the finite width of the rectangular pulse.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine tossing a pebble into a still pond. The ripples that spread out represent the sinc function, which also shows peaks and troughs. Just as the intensity of the ripples decreases with distance from the source, the peaks of the sinc function indicate how the energy of the rectangular pulse is distributed across different frequencies. This visual analogy helps to connect the concept of the sinc function with a physical phenomenon.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Rectangular Pulse: A basic signal often used in time-domain analysis.

  • Fourier Transform: A method for analyzing frequency content of signals.

  • Sinc Function: Integral result of the Fourier Transform for a rectangular pulse.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Example 1: The rectangular pulse serves as a model for an on-off switch in electronic circuits.

  • Example 2: Used in communication theory, analyzing how broadband signals transform.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • When you see a pulse so square, frequency's sinc will be there.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a light switch that stays on only for a moment. This on-off action is like the rectangular pulse, and as we analyze its effects in signals, the sinc function reveals hidden frequency patterns.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember the transform, think: 'Rectangle to Sinc, Follows the frequency link.'

🎯 Super Acronyms

FTRP

  • Fourier Transform Rectangular Pulse.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Rectangular Pulse

    Definition:

    A function that is equal to one for a specific interval of time and zero otherwise.

  • Term: Fourier Transform

    Definition:

    A mathematical transformation that converts a function into its frequency domain representation.

  • Term: Sinc Function

    Definition:

    Defined as sinc(x) = sin(πx)/(πx), it arises in the Fourier Transform of the rectangular pulse.