Kvadratbølge

Kvadratbølge is a Danish term that translates to "square wave" in English. A square wave is a type of periodic waveform that alternates between two fixed values, typically high and low, with a constant period. It is characterized by its sharp transitions between these two levels, resembling a series of squares when plotted on a graph. The shape of a square wave is distinct from a sine wave, which has a smooth, undulating pattern.

The ideal square wave has instantaneous transitions between its high and low states, meaning there is no rise or fall time. However, in real-world applications, there are always finite transition times due to the physical limitations of electronic circuits. The duty cycle of a square wave refers to the ratio of the time the wave is in its high state to the total period of the wave. A symmetrical square wave has a duty cycle of 50%, meaning it spends an equal amount of time in both states.

Square waves are fundamental in digital electronics, where they represent binary signals (0s and 1s). They are used in timing circuits, oscillators, and as clock signals to synchronize operations in digital systems. The mathematical representation of a square wave can be expressed as a Fourier series, which is an infinite sum of sine waves. This decomposition highlights that a square wave is composed of a fundamental frequency and its odd harmonics.