Understanding FFT Applications, Second Edition [Paperback]

Anders E. Zonst (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2003

This companion volume to Andy Zonst's Understanding the FFT is written in five parts, covering a range of topics from transient circuit analysis to two dimensional transforms. It's an introducton to some of the many applicatons of the FFT, and it's intended for anyone who wants to understand and explore this technology.

The presentation is unique in that it avoids the calculus almost (but not quite) completely. It's a practical "how-to" book, but it also provides down to earth understanding.

This book developes computer programs in BASIC and the reader is encouraged to type these into a computer and run them; however, for those who don't have access to a BASIC compiler you may down load the programs from the internet (contact Citrus Press for URL).

The potential buyer should understand that presentations are frequently started at an elementary level. This is just a technique to establish the foundation for the subsequent discussion, intended for those who don't already understand the subject (the material usually comes quickly to the problem at hand). The book is written in an informal, tutorial style, and should be managable by anyone with a solid background in high school algebra, trigonometry, and complex arithmetic. Zonst has included the mathematics that might not be available in a high-school curriculum; so, if you managed to work your way through the first book, you should be able to handle this one.

For those familiar with the first edition of this book, the most prominant feature of this revised edition will be its improved coherence and readability.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Citrus Press; 2nd edition (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964568144
• ISBN-13: 978-0964568143
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,272,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for what it claims, September 18, 2007

By 

Critic at large (East Coast USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding FFT Applications, Second Edition (Paperback)

I own both the Understanding the FFT volume and its companion, Understanding FFT Applications. They have their place on my technical bookshelf. If you are new to the FFT, or just so-so with undergrad level engineering math, then this series of volumes on the FFT is likely to prove a gold mine. If you eventually tire of being taught by example at a sometimes slow and tedious pace after you are exposed to the basics, look elsewhere.

The complete titles of the books say it all. They are tutorials for laymen, students, technicians and working engineers. They are NOT sophisticated. If you are seeking enough understanding to grasp some fundamentals by example they can be highly recommended as a place to start.

Unfortunately, despite its strengths, the series feeds into the "this is all you have to know if you are a practical person" mentality frequently expressed by many I've met in the technical areas. The ideas of "practical and useful" should always be qualified by the terms "for what and to whom". It all depends on who you are and what you are trying to do.

It is true that sometimes it is better to cut to the heart of the matter with simplistic approaches, but challenging problems are not all reducible to these kinds of "seat of the pants" approaches. The trick is knowing when to "hold or fold". Sometimes it is actually more "practical" to acquire a more sohpisticated approach to a subject, as it saves huge amounts of time and effort later on, and can provide insights that are not initially obvious.

Fourier transforms are a sophisticated mathematical tool with broad applications frequently found in areas where analysis of complex data sets is important. They are not just "tools for the working engineer". If you are serious about mastering them, you must spend the time and effort.

This series is a good place to start, it is hardly the final definitive text, even for the working technical person who wants a powerful understanding of the subject. If you want some good powerful intros to the subject at a more advance level, just look at the Bibliography of Understanding the FFT.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Read, April 10, 2007

By 

Malcolm David Murray (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding FFT Applications, Second Edition (Paperback)

I bought this book and its companion "Understanding the FFT" to add to my basic knowledge of Fourier transforms. I need to know how to implement FTs and so far these books have been a better reference for this than any of the others I've read. Aquiring this practical understanding has been made much easier. Thanks, Andy!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FFT in the box, November 5, 2006

By 

Peter Geisler - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding FFT Applications, Second Edition (Paperback)

Hi
I've bought this book for having a deeper inside into algorithms and techniques for doing fft with micro's and little circuits for RF and audio purposes. I think, it's a very good source for working with - it's straightforward for those, who will do their own processes with every type of micro or pc. I rate this book with all stars.