Lainekuju

Lainekuju is the shape or profile of a wave as it varies over time or space. In physics, engineering and signal processing, lainekuju describes the functional form of a signal, indicating how its amplitude changes rather than just its instantaneous value. The concept applies to both periodic signals, such as those in electronics and acoustics, and nonperiodic or transient signals.

Common periodic lainekujut include sinusoidal, square, triangular and sawtooth shapes. More complex waveforms can be produced by combining simpler forms or by shaping signals through processes like modulation and filtering. Any periodic waveform can be decomposed into a sum of sinusoids through Fourier analysis, which helps in understanding and manipulating its frequency content.

Measurements and analysis of lainekuju are central in laboratories and industry. The waveform of a signal is typically observed with an oscilloscope or similar instrument and described by parameters such as amplitude, peak-to-peak value, RMS level, frequency or period, phase, and duty cycle for pulsed forms. In the frequency domain, the spectrum reveals the harmonic content of the waveform.

Applications of lainekuju include the design and testing of electronic circuits, audio processing, communications, control systems, and seismology. Understanding and controlling waveform shapes allow engineers to optimize signal integrity, generate precise test signals, and implement filters and digital-to-analog conversions. The term is commonly used in Finnish technical literature as the equivalent of waveform.