- published: 23 Dec 2015
- views: 27154
The amplitude of a periodic variable is a measure of its change over a single period (such as time or spatial period). There are various definitions of amplitude (see below), which are all functions of the magnitude of the difference between the variable's extreme values. In older texts the phase is sometimes called the amplitude.
Peak-to-peak amplitude is the change between peak (highest amplitude value) and trough (lowest amplitude value, which can be negative). With appropriate circuitry, peak-to-peak amplitudes of electric oscillations can be measured by meters or by viewing the waveform on an oscilloscope. Peak-to-peak is a straightforward measurement on an oscilloscope, the peaks of the waveform being easily identified and measured against the graticule. This remains a common way of specifying amplitude, but sometimes other measures of amplitude are more appropriate.
In audio system measurements, telecommunications and other areas where the measurand is a signal that swings above and below a zero value but is not sinusoidal, peak amplitude is often used. This is the maximum absolute value of the signal.
Don't imagine
I'll be losing sleep now it's done
Waited so long
Trapped, imploded, suspended at your feet
Crooked but sure i'll shine like i did when i met you
When i wrote on the steps down by the river
Imagine, i've wasted more
I would kiss you but won't take more
Trapped, imploded, suspended at your feet
Crooked but sure i'll shine like i did when i met you
When i wrote on the steps down by the river
About strength in shining armour
About mirrors and rusting tears
You and I