Code Implementation for FFT Transformation and Spectrum Analysis

Resource Overview

Implementation of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and spectrum analysis algorithms with MATLAB code examples and workflow explanation

Detailed Documentation

FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) is a fundamental algorithm in signal processing used to convert time-domain signals into frequency-domain representations. In MATLAB, the built-in FFT function enables efficient implementation of this transformation, facilitating comprehensive spectrum analysis.

### Core Logic of FFT Transformation Signal Acquisition: Begin by obtaining time-domain signal data, typically represented as uniformly sampled discrete point sequences. FFT Computation: Utilize the `fft()` function to transform the signal, generating complex-valued frequency-domain data. Spectral Magnitude: Extract magnitude values by applying the absolute value function (`abs()`) to the complex results, representing the amplitude of each frequency component. Frequency Axis Generation: Calculate corresponding frequency axis scales based on the sampling frequency (Fs) and signal length (N), ensuring accurate representation of actual frequencies along the horizontal axis using `f = (0:N-1)*(Fs/N)` for full spectrum or `f = (0:N/2)*(Fs/N)` for single-sided spectrum.

### Key Steps in Spectrum Analysis DC Offset Removal: If the signal contains DC components (zero frequency), preprocess by subtracting the mean value using `signal = signal - mean(signal)`. Window Function Application: Apply window functions (such as Hanning window via `hanning(N)`) to truncated signals to minimize spectral leakage effects through element-wise multiplication. Normalization: Adjust magnitude values according to the window function and FFT points to maintain accurate physical meaning of spectral amplitudes, typically dividing by the window's coherent gain. Single-Sided Spectrum Conversion: For real-valued signals exhibiting spectral symmetry, display only the positive frequency portion (0~Fs/2) by taking the first half of the FFT result and doubling the magnitudes (except DC component).

### Result Validation Peak Detection: Identify prominent peaks in the spectrum plot corresponding to dominant frequency components using `findpeaks()` function or threshold-based analysis. Noise Assessment: Evaluate baseline noise levels to determine signal quality or filtering requirements through statistical analysis of non-peak regions.

Using MATLAB's plotting capabilities (such as `plot()` for continuous displays or `stem()` for discrete representations), users can visually compare time-domain waveforms and frequency-domain spectra, facilitating analysis of signal frequency characteristics. This methodology finds extensive applications in audio processing, vibration analysis, communication systems, and various engineering domains.