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In the previous GATE study material learnt the basics and properties of Fourier Series.
In these GATE 2018 Notes, we will learn about the Symmetry Conditions in Fourier
Series‼ These study material covers everything that is necessary for GATE EC, GATE
EE, GATE ME, GATE CE as well as other exams like ISRO, IES, BARC, BSNL, DRDO
etc. These notes can also be downloaded in PDF so that your exam preparation is made
easy and you ace your exam.
You should probably go through the basics covered in previous articles, before starting
off with this module.
Recommended Reading –
Laplace Transforms
Limits, Continuity & Differentiability
Mean Value Theorems
Differentiation
Partial Differentiation
Maxima and Minima
Methods of Integration & Standard Integrals
Vector Calculus
Vector Integration
Time Signals & Signal Transformation
Standard Time Signals
Signal Classification
Types of Time Systems
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Introduction to Linear Time Invariant Systems
Properties of LTI Systems
Introduction to Fourier Series
Properties of Fourier Series
Odd Symmetry
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If x(t) is an odd function then
1 1
a0 = ∫ x(t)dt = ∫(odd signal) dt = 0
T T
T T
2
an = ∫ x(t) cos(nω0 t)dt = 0 (∵ ∫ odd = 0)
T
T T
2
bn = ∫ x(t). sin(nω0 t)dt
T
T
We know that, odd × odd = even
4
Hence, bn = ∫ x(t) sin(nω0 t)dt
T
T⁄
2
as ∫T even = 2 ∫T⁄ even
2
Therefore, for every odd signal a0 = 0 and an = 0. Hence, Fourier series contains only
sine terms.
Half-Wave Symmetry
Now, a signal x(t) is half wave symmetric if
T
x(t) = – x (t ± )
2
Where T is the fundamental period of the signal.
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Previous signal after half of time period
Example 1:
x(t) = A sin(ωot). Check the symmetry of this signal.
2π
T=ω
0
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π
x(t ± T⁄2) = A sin (ω0 (t ± ω ))
0
= A sin(ω0 t ± π)
= −A sin ω0 t
So this signal is half wave symmetric.
If x(t) is half wave symmetric then its Fourier series contains odd harmonics only.
Odd harmonics are – ω0, 3ω0, 5ω0, ……
Example 2:
Find TFS for the following signal
Solution:
A ; − T⁄4 < t < T⁄4
x(t) = {
−A ; − T⁄2 < t < − T⁄4 and T⁄4 < t < T⁄2
x(t) = a0 + ∑∞
n=1(a n cos(nω0 t) + bn sin(nω0 t))
Since, x(t) is even symmetric. Therefore, bn = 0
Since, x(t) is symmetric about horizontal axis. Therefore, average of x(t) is zero.
Hence, DC term a0 = 0
Therefore,
x(t) = ∑∞n=1 a n cos(nω0 t)
2 4
an = T ∫T x(t)cos(nω0 t)dt = T ∫T⁄ x(t)cos(nω0 t)dt
2
T⁄ T⁄ T⁄
4 4A sin(nω0 t) 4
= {
T 0
∫ 4A cos(nω0 t)dt + ∫T⁄ 2 −A cos nω0 t dt} = T
{+ nω0 t
| +
4 0
T⁄
sin(nω0 t) 2
(− | )}
nω0 t T⁄
4
4A T⁄ T⁄ 4A nω0 T
an = nω T {sin (nω0 t|0 4 − sin(nω0 t)|T⁄ 2 )} = nω T {sin ( ) − sin(nω0 T⁄2) +
0 4 0 4
sin(nω0 T⁄4)}
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2π
Since, T = ω
0
⇒ ω0 T = 2π
4A 2πn 2πn 2πn
an = 2πn {sin ( ) − sin ( ) + sin ( )}
4 2 4
2A πn
an = nπ [2 sin ( 2 ) − sin(πn)]
sin(πn) = 0
2A πn
an = πn .2 sin ( 2 )
4A πn
an = πn sin ( 2 )
x(t) = ∑∞
n=1 a n cos(nω0 t)
4A nπ
⇒ x(t) = ∑∞
n=1 nπ sin ( 2 ) cos(nω0 t)
4A π 4A 4A 3π
x(t) = sin ( 2 ) cos(ω0 t) + 2π sin(π) cos(2ω0 t) + 3π sin ( 2 ) cos(3ω0 t)
π
4A 1 1
x(t) = {cos ω0 t − 3 cos 3ω0 t + 5 cos 5ω0 t −}………
π
Hidden Symmetry
There is also a phenomenon called hidden symmetry. The symmetry which is hidden
by the DC component is known as hidden symmetry. This symmetry can be obtained
by removing the offset (adding or subtracting the DC).
If x(t) has some hidden symmetry, then its Fourier series contains DC and sine or DC
and cosine terms depending upon the symmetry. i.e. for hidden odd symmetry the
Fourier Series will contain DC and sine terms. For hidden even symmetry the series
will be having DC and cosine terms.
For instance,
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Original periodic square pulse
i.e. cn = c-n
⇒ cn are real
If x(t) is even signal, then EFS coefficients are real and even.
An even periodic signal contains only DC (co ≠ 0) and cosine terms, so phase angle
will be either zero degrees or ±180∘
Odd Symmetry
If x(t) is an odd signal, then a0 = 0 and an = 0
⇒ c0 = 0
−jbn jbn
cn = , c−n =
2 2
i.e. cn = -c-n
⇒ cn are imaginary
If x(t) is odd, then its EFS coefficients are imaginary and odd.
In terms of frequency spectrum co is always zero and phase angle is only ±π/2.
Half-Wave Symmetry
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In terms of Fourier spectrum, for half wave symmetric signal, cn = 0 ∀ n even. In other
word, the spectrum of a half wave symmetric signal contains only odd harmonics. Half
wave symmetry is defined only for periodic signals.
Even and Half Wave Symmetry
For even and half wave symmetric signals,
T
x(t) = x (t ± ).
2
For an even and half wave symmetric signal, the spectrum satisfies the following
conditions:
cn = 0 ∀ n even
and ∠cn = 0∘ or 180∘
Odd and Half Wave Symmetry
For odd and half wave symmetric signals,
T
x(t) = − x (t ± ).
2
For an odd and half wave symmetric signal, the spectrum satisfies the following
conditions:
cn = 0 ∀ n even,
and ∠cn = ±90∘ .
We will continue with the Fourier Transforms in the next article. Did you like this
article on Symmetry Conditions in Fourier Series? Let us know in the comments. You
may also enjoy –
Fourier Transform
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