A mathematical function that converts a signal from the time domain into the frequency domain. It takes a complex waveform, like an audio signal or radio transmission, and graphs the amplitude and phase of every individual sine wave that makes it up. Oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers compute this digitally using the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to display signal harmonics and noise floors.
Run a fast Fourier transform on the output to see if that switching regulator is injecting noise at 500 kilohertz.
Also heard as
- FFT
Related terms
Frequency domain
A method of analyzing a signal by looking at its frequency components rather than its changes over time.
Signal processing
The mathematical manipulation of physical data streams to filter, compress, or extract information.
Timebase
A reference clock or generator that controls the timing of a measurement or display.