Square wave
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A square wave is a periodic waveform that alternates rapidly between two levels. In an ideal symmetric square wave, the high and low states occupy equal portions of each period.
Its Fourier series contains the fundamental frequency and odd harmonics with amplitudes that decrease inversely with harmonic number. The infinitely sharp transitions of the ideal waveform require unlimited bandwidth.
Square waves are used as clocks, switching signals, test signals, pulse trains, and control waveforms in analogue and digital electronics. Duty cycle describes the fraction of each period spent in the high state.
Real square waves have finite rise and fall times and may exhibit ringing, overshoot, or distortion. Their harmonic content makes them useful for testing frequency response and synthesising hollow or clarinet-like tones.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_wave