FFTanalyse

FFTanalyse is a term used to describe the analysis of time-domain signals in the frequency domain through the Fast Fourier Transform. It denotes the computation of the discrete Fourier transform via FFT algorithms to produce a spectral representation suitable for interpretation and measurement.

The term is most commonly encountered in German- and English-language technical contexts, where FFT-Analyse or FFT-based spectral analysis is the standard label. FFTanalyse functions as a descriptive label rather than a formal standard, and its exact usage may vary by software, discipline, or education.

Typical workflow includes sampling the signal, applying a window function to mitigate edge effects, computing the FFT, and deriving the magnitude or power spectrum. Results are often expressed as a single- or two-sided spectrum, possibly converted to decibels and/or plotted against frequency. In real-valued signals, a single-sided spectrum suffices after applying appropriate scaling.

FFTanalyse is widely used in audio engineering, vibration and machinery diagnostics, electrical and communication engineering, seismology, and scientific research to identify dominant frequencies, harmonics, and spectral patterns.

Limitations include a trade-off between time and frequency resolution determined by the observation window, spectral leakage, and the need for adequate sampling to avoid aliasing. Pre-processing steps such as de-noising and normalization are common, and interpretations should consider the window length, sampling rate, and system dynamics.