A square wave has only two levels and produces shapes with square corners. It is used in digital circuitry and music. Other non-sinusoidal waveforms include triangle and sawtooth waves. Square waves are good for synchronization and sound synthesis, but physical limitations prevent a perfect wave. The square wave is also known as the Rademacher function, named after a German mathematician.
A square wave is a type of waveform where the signal has only two levels. The signal passes between these levels at regular intervals and the transition is instantaneous. These qualities mean that a wave graph over time will produce shapes with square corners. This waveform has practical uses in digital circuitry and music.
Most waveforms follow a distinct pattern known as a sine. These waveforms gradually switch back and forth between two levels, so that a wave graph over time is a series of curves. Sea waves, light waves and sea waves all follow a sinusoidal pattern, as does the voltage level in an alternating current system.
All other waveforms are classified as non-sinusoidal waveforms. The best known of these, including the square wave, triangle wave, and sawtooth waveforms, also involve a signal that fluctuates between two levels. However, each of these behaves differently, characterized by whether the switch in one or both directions is instantaneous or gradual, how long the switch takes, and how much time elapses between switches. The names come from how a graph of the wave over time produces the appropriate shape. Instantaneous changes of a square wave in both directions indicate that the graph is shaped like a castle turret.
A square wave is simple enough to generate artificially. This makes it particularly good for making sure that different parts of a circuit are synchronized correctly. The regular wave pattern acts as a timing device. It can also be used to synthesize sounds in music. A sound wave that follows the pattern of the square waveform sounds similar to wind instruments such as horns, trombones, and saxophones.
In reality, it is impossible to generate a perfect square wave. This is because there will be some physical limitations to the device used to generate it. For example, the wiring used in the device’s electrical circuits will have some resistance that retards the change in voltage levels.
The square wave is also sometimes known as the Rademacher function. That name comes from Hans Adolph Rademacher, a German mathematician who emigrated to the United States. In addition to contributing his work to the study of mathematics, he has taught numerous students who have also become prominent academics and researchers in the field.
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