The square wave is a periodic waveform that alternates between two distinct levels, typically a high level (often represented as +1 or Vmax) and a low level (often represented as -1 or Vmin), with an equal amount of time spent at each level. The equation for a basic square wave can be defined as follows:
f(t) = A * sign(sin(2πft))
In this equation:
- f(t) represents the value of the square wave at time t.
- A represents the amplitude of the square wave, which is the difference between the high and low levels.
- sign() is the signum function, which returns +1 if the argument is positive or zero, and -1 if the argument is negative.
- sin(2πft) is a sine function that oscillates between -1 and +1 with a frequency of f cycles per unit of time.
By taking the sign of the sine function, the square wave alternates between +1 and -1 at the specified frequency.
It's important to note that this equation represents a basic square wave. Depending on the specific application or desired characteristics, additional parameters or modifications may be included, such as duty cycle, phase shifts, or harmonics.