4.1 | Background for Studying Frequency-Based Cable Testing | |||
4.1.2 | Sine waves and square waves |
Sine waves, or sinusoids, are graphs of
mathematical functions.
Sine waves
have certain characteristics. Sine waves are periodic, which means
that they repeat the same pattern at regular intervals. Sine waves are
continuously varying, which means that no two adjacent points on the
graph have the same value.
Sine waves are graphical representations of many natural occurrences that change regularly over time. Some examples of these occurrences are the distance from the earth to the sun, the distance from the ground while riding a Ferris wheel, and the time of day that the sun rises. Since sine waves are continuously varying, they are examples of analog waves. Square waves, like sine waves, are periodic. However, square wave graphs do not continuously vary with time. The wave holds one value for some time, and then suddenly changes to a different value. This value is held for some time, and then quickly changes back to the original value. Square waves represent digital signals, or pulses. Like all waves, square waves can be described in terms of amplitude, period, and frequency.
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