Characteristics of Signals
Some of the basic characteristics of the signal are discussed below:
- Amplitude: Amplitude is one of the main characteristics of any signal. It is defined as the maximum displacement of wave (current or voltage) from the time axis. It determines the strength of a signal.
- Frequency: The frequency of any signal is defined as the number of oscillations that could be performed by wave particles of any signal wave in one second. It determines the speed of the wave in any medium.
- Time period: The time period of a signal is defined as the time taken by a signal to complete one full cycle.
What are the Different Types of Signals?
An electrical signal is a physical quantity that varies with time. It varies with any dependent or independent quantity. A signal can either be one-dimensional or multi-dimensional. When the function which varies with time depends only on a single variable then that type of signal is referred to as a one-dimensional signal. Examples of such signals are audio signals, biometrics like pulse or heartbeat, light wave signals, etc. On the other hand, a signal that is dependent on more than one time-dependent variable, then that type of signal is known as a multi-dimensional signal. Examples of two-dimensional signals are electromagnetic signals, video signals, etc. A signal is a mathematical representation of energy.
Thus, signal is a time-dependent function that can be dependent on one or more than one physical quantity for the transference of data and information with or without the presence of the medium. Electromagnetic wave signals can travel in a vacuum whereas sound and electrical signals require a medium for their propagation.
Table of Content
- Signals
- Characteristics of Signal
- Operations on Signal
- Classification of Electric Signals
- Applications of Signals
- Advantages of Signals
- Disadvantages of Signals