Laguna State Polytechnic University
College of Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
Assignment #1
Fourier Series
Name: Alababa, Joymie C.
Section: ECE-2F
Date: May 08, 2025
Engr. Robert Calupitan
Instructor
I. Fourier Series
Fourier series is a mathematical method that represents a
periodic function as an infinite sum of sine and cosine functions (or
complex exponentials) with different frequencies and amplitudes. It was
first introduced by Joseph Fourier in the 18th century to solve the heat
equation, leveraging the fact that derivatives of trigonometric functions
have simple patterns
II. Definition and Properties
- A Fourier series expands a periodic function f(x)f(x) into an infinite sum of
sines and cosines with different frequencies, which are integer multiples of the
fundamental frequency of the function. The general form is:
where an and bn are Fourier coefficients calculated by integrals
involving f(x)f(x) multiplied by sine or cosine functions over one period.
- Fourier series rely on the orthogonality properties of sine and cosine
functions, which enable the coefficients to be uniquely determined and the
function to be reconstructed from the series.
- The coefficients are chosen to minimize the mean squared error between the
function and its approximation, making Fourier series the best least-squares
approximation by trigonometric polynomials/
- Fourier series converge to the original function under certain conditions (e.g.,
Dirichlet conditions: piecewise continuity, bounded variation, and finite
extrema). At points of discontinuity, the series converges to the average of the
left and right limits.
- Partial sums of the series (adding more terms) progressively approximate the
function better, though convergence may fail or be slow for functions with
irregularities.
III. Convergence and Condition
- The Fourier series may not always converge to the original function,
especially if the function is not well-behaved (e.g., discontinuous or not
piecewise smooth). However, for functions satisfying the Dirichlet conditions
(piecewise continuous, bounded variation, and finite number of maxima and
minima in a period), the Fourier series converges to the function at points of
continuity and to the average of left and right limits at discontinuities.
- The study of convergence often involves examining partial sums of the series
to understand how well the series approximates the function as more terms
are included.
IV. Key Terminologies of Fourier Series
1. Orthogonality - Orthogonality is a central concept in Fourier series. Two
functions f(x) and g(x)are orthogonal over an interval [a,b] if their inner
product is zero:
In Fourier series, the sine and cosine functions form an orthogonal set
over [−π,π].
This orthogonality allows each Fourier coefficient to be calculated
independently by projecting the function onto each sine or cosine basis
function.
2. Fourier Coefficients - These are the weights an and bn in the Fourier
series expansion:
3. Periodicity - The function f(x) must be periodic with period p=2π/ω0,
where ω0 is the fundamental angular frequency. Fourier series
represent such periodic functions as sums of harmonics (integer
multiples of ω0.
4. Complex exponential Form - This form is often preferred because
complex exponentials are eigenfunctions of linear time-invariant (LTI)
systems, simplifying analysis.
5. Partial Sums and Convergence - Partial sums of the Fourier series
approximate the original function. Under Dirichlet conditions, the series
converges to the function at points of continuity and to the average of
limits at discontinuities.
V. Applications
Signal processing: Fourier series decompose periodic signals into
frequency components, enabling analysis, filtering, compression,
and reconstruction of signals. This is fundamental in
telecommunications, audio processing, and other engineering
fields.
Image compression: Two-dimensional Fourier series and related
transforms help compress images efficiently, which is critical in
medical imaging (MRI, CT scans) and telemedicine for data storage
and transmission.
Mathematical modeling: Many physical phenomena with periodic
behavior, such as heat conduction, vibrations, and oscillations, are
effectively modeled using Fourier series.
Numerical methods: Fourier series provide tools for solving
boundary value problems and partial differential equations
numerically.
Control systems: Engineers use Fourier series to analyze and
design systems that regulate periodic signals.
EXAMPLE
1. Find the Fourier series of the function f(x) = x2, –𝜋 < x < 𝜋
2. Find the Fourier series to represent eax for x ∈ (–𝜋, 𝜋).
3. Let f(x) = |x| and period of f is 2𝜋.
