Understanding the FFT: A Tutorial on the Algorithm & Software for Laymen, Students, Technicians & Working Engineers [Paperback]

Anders E. Zonst (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995

This is a tutorial on the FFT algorithm (fast Fourier transform) including an introduction to the DFT (discrete Fourier transform). It is written for the non-specialist in this field. It concentrates on the actual software (programs written in BASIC) so that readers will be able to use this technology when they have finished. Aimed at working engineers, advanced technicians and students.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Many engineers, technicians and students are familiar with Fourier analysis and the DFT and, while they know about the fantastic things this technology can do, they are thwarted in their attempts to use these tools because of the advanced level at which the FFT is usually presented. This book explains the FFT and the software at a level that can be handled by advanced high school students and above. -- From the publisher

From the Publisher

Part I presents an introduction to (or review of) the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and Part II is a detailed presentation of the fast Fourier transform (FFT). While this is primarily a tutorial on writing FFT programs, it necessarily develops the function and purpose of the DFT, as well as the underlying algorithm for the FFT. Written at a level that can be handled by advanced high-school students, the material will obviously be accessible to undergraduates as well as practicing engineers and programmers. For instructional purposes the programs are written in low level BASIC language, but the emphasis is placed on the function of each routine (with a detailed description of each line of code) so that readers may easily convert/write these programs in the language of their choice. In presenting the practical considerations of writing FFT programs the author has employed a technique of data management that avoids much of the confusion surrounding this technology. In this second edition a chapter has been added to deal with these difficulties i.e., data "scrambling" and "bit reversal." Finally, a chapter on convolution has been added since, apparently, this is something of a stumbling block for students and users alike. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Citrus Pr; 1st edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964568187
• ISBN-13: 978-0964568181
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #410,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Computers & Technology > Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence > Computer Mathematics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Reference, March 20, 2007

By 

Malcolm David Murray (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

I bought this book to gain a practical understanding of Fourier Transforms and how to implement them with real data. I already had a conceptual understanding of FTs but not a practical one to where I could use them. This book bridged that gap for me and it seems as though that was among the author's intentions were when he wrote it. I would recommend this book and its companion to anyone in the same position.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've been looking for a book like this for 10 years, March 30, 2003

By 

Neil S. Rieck "Neil Rieck" (Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

This book contains all the necessary info to obtain a working knowledge of DFT and FFT. It contains many GWBASIC example programs so the reader can get a good grasp of what the algorithms are supposed to do. "C" progammers would have no difficulty rewitting these algorithms in "C".
Notes:
(1) most GWBASIC programs run without modification under QBASIC.
(2) the ones that don't run under QBASIC contain graphics statements and are easily fixed using QBASIC help.
(3) if you hate to enter source code, the software is available on diskette from the publisher for a small fee ...(includes GWBASIC and QBASIC examples)
(4) I've discovered "BASIC programmer" web sites where both GWBASIC and QBASIC are available for free download.

9 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I was sorry I bought this book., April 15, 2005

By 

Paul Lowery (Saint Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews

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

I needed to learn some basics about the DFT and FFT. "Understanding the FFT" seemed to be loaded with computer programs. I found very little to help me learn the concepts. "Who Is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure" by the Transnational College of Lex and "Introduction to Fourier Analysis" by Norman Morrison where the books that helped me the most.