Radio Spectrum Estimates Using Windowed Data and the Discrete Fourier Transform
Roger A. Dalke · 2010
Digital signal processing algorithms are commonly used to obtain radio spectrum estimates based on measurements. Such algorithms allow the user to apply a variety of time–domain windows and the discrete Fourier transform to RF signals and noise. The purpose of this report is to provide a description of how signal processing options such as window type, duration, and sampling rate affect power spectrum estimates. Power spectrum estimates for periodic RF signals and random processes (stationary and cyclostationary) are analyzed. The results presented can be used to select signal processing parameters and window types that minimize errors and uncertainties.