RETROTECHTACULAR: THE FOURIER series

Here’s a truly quick video which takes a different method to comprehending the Fourier series than we’re utilized to. If you’re a routine visitor we’re sure you’ve heard of the Fourier series (often discussed as FFT or quick Fourier Transform), however there’s a great possibility you understand bit about it. The series enables you to break down complex signals (think audio waves) into combinations of easy sine or cosine equations which can be handled by a microcontroller.

We’ve had that base level of comprehending for a long time. however when you begin to dig deeper we discover that it becomes a math exercise that isn’t all that intuitive. The video clip embedded after the break modifications that. It starts off by showing a turning vector. Mapping the suggestion of that vector horizontally will draw the waveform. The Fourier series is then leveraged, adding spinning vectors for the harmonics to the suggestion of the last vector. The result of summing these harmonics creates the sine-based square wave approximation seen above.

That’s a mouthful, as well as we’re sure you’ll agree that the video demo is much simpler to understand. however the three minute clip just scratches the surface. If you’re identified to master the Fourier series provide this mammoth Stanford lecture series on the topic a try.

[via reddit]