Periodical waveforms in electrical and electronic engineering

Abstract

In electric circuits, a periodic waveform is any time-varying quantity, defined as a function of time, such as voltage, current, power, etc., that continually repeats exactly the same sequence of values, with each cycle or period taking exactly the same time interval. Most commonly known periodic waveforms are: square, triangular, sinusoidal and pulse. In this article, the main definition and characteristics of periodic waveforms are discussed. The examples mentioned above of the most common periodic waveforms are detailed. The most common equations defining each waveform shape are shown. Main characteristics and classifications of periodic waveforms are introduced including even and odd waveforms and half and quarter wave symmetry.