spectrumgram

A spectrumgram is a graphical representation of the intensity of a signal as a function of frequency. It is a tool used in various scientific and engineering fields to analyze the spectral content of a signal. In essence, it shows which frequencies are present in a signal and how strong each frequency component is.

The horizontal axis of a spectrumgram typically represents frequency, often measured in Hertz (Hz) or Kilohertz (kHz). The vertical axis represents the amplitude or power of the signal at each corresponding frequency. The higher the peak on the spectrumgram, the stronger the signal component at that particular frequency. Different types of spectrumgrams exist, such as amplitude spectrums and power spectrums, which display amplitude and power respectively.

Spectrumgrams are generated by applying a mathematical transformation, most commonly the Fourier Transform, to a time-domain signal. The Fourier Transform decomposes a complex signal into a sum of simpler sinusoidal waves of different frequencies. The resulting spectrumgram provides a frequency-domain view of the signal, which can reveal important characteristics that might not be obvious in the time-domain representation. For example, in audio analysis, a spectrumgram can show the fundamental frequency of a note and its overtones. In telecommunications, it helps identify occupied bandwidths and potential interference. They are also used in image processing, vibration analysis, and medical diagnostics.