1 Answer
The output of a Fourier transform is a frequency-domain representation of a signal. In simple terms, it tells you how much of each frequency is present in the signal. Here's a breakdown:
- Phase of each frequency component tells you the shift or delay of that frequency in the signal.
For example, if you apply the Fourier transform to a musical note, the output will tell you what frequencies are present (such as the fundamental frequency and its harmonics) and how strong each of those frequencies is.
In summary, the Fourier transform breaks down a time-domain signal into its individual frequency components and provides information about the strength and phase of each frequency.
- Input (Time-Domain Signal): A signal in the time domain (like a sound wave or voltage signal) that varies over time.
- Fourier Transform: The mathematical operation that converts the time-domain signal into the frequency domain.
- Output (Frequency-Domain Representation): The result is a complex-valued function that shows the amplitude and phase of the different frequency components of the signal. In other words:
- Phase of each frequency component tells you the shift or delay of that frequency in the signal.
For example, if you apply the Fourier transform to a musical note, the output will tell you what frequencies are present (such as the fundamental frequency and its harmonics) and how strong each of those frequencies is.
In summary, the Fourier transform breaks down a time-domain signal into its individual frequency components and provides information about the strength and phase of each frequency.