The Effect of Windowing on the Discrete Fourier Transform Approximation to the Fourier Transform

The most significant effect on the fidelity of the discrete Fourier transform approximation to the Fourier transform is due to truncating or "windowing" the duration of the signal. In this lesson you will gain key insight into the loss of resolution or detail and the loss of dynamic range that is introduced by truncation. A thorough understanding of these concepts is required to properly interpret the discrete Fourier transform approximation of the Fourier transform. It will also guide you in selecting desirable window for spectral analysis, the topic of the next lesson.