Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Need of numpy.fft()
3.
How to use NumPy?
4.
Syntax of np.fft()
5.
Available Functions in np.fft()
5.1.
1. Finding Patterns in Waves using np.fft.fft() method
5.1.1.
Example
5.2.
Python
5.3.
2. Turning Patterns Back to Signal using np.fft.ifft() method
5.3.1.
Example
5.4.
Python
5.5.
3. Shifting the Magic using np.fft.fftshift() method
5.5.1.
Example
5.6.
Python
5.7.
4. Telling Frequencies using np.fft.fftfreq() method
5.7.1.
Example
5.8.
Python
6.
Applications of numpy.fft()
6.1.
Audio Analysis
6.2.
Image Processing
6.3.
Signal Filtering
6.4.
Vibration Analysis
6.5.
Communication Systems
6.6.
Medical Imaging
7.
Frequently Asked Questions
7.1.
How does np.fft.fftshift() work, and why is it needed?
7.2.
Can np.fft() help remove noise from a signal?
7.3.
What does np.fft.fftfreq() do, and why is it useful?
8.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
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numpy.fft()

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Introduction

NumPy is like a toolbox that makes doing maths with numbers in Python super easy. It gives us special tools to work with numbers, like arrays, in a smart way. You can think of NumPy as a helper that makes complex maths tasks simpler. One of the cool tools in the NumPy toolbox is np.fft(). It's like a magic wand that helps us understand secret patterns in things like music, sounds, and signals. It's as if NumPy is our helper, and np.fft() is its secret power that reveals hidden information in our numbers.

Introduction in NumPy

Let’s deep dive into the concept of numpy.fft().

Need of numpy.fft()

Imagine you have some numbers that represent something like music or signals. These numbers might look simple, but they hold secrets like hidden musical notes in a song or important details in a signal. The problem is these secrets are not easy to see with our eyes.

Here's where numpy.fft() comes in. 

It's like a special tool that can see these hidden secrets. It looks at those numbers and uncovers the patterns and musical notes that are hiding inside. It's a bit like having a magical magnifying glass that reveals the music behind the numbers.

So, the need for numpy.fft() is to help us understand these numbers better. It turns them into something we can understand – like showing us the musical notes in a song or telling us important things about a signal. It's like having a detective for numbers, helping us discover what's really going on inside them.

How to use NumPy?

When we want to use certain tools or functions in a programming language like Python, we need to tell the computer that we want to use them. This is like getting a special toolbox ready for the work you want to do.

NumPy is like a toolbox that has a lot of useful mathematical and numerical functions that can help us work with numbers, arrays, and data in a smart way. To use this toolbox, we need to "import" it into our Python code.

Importing NumPy is like telling Python,

"Hey, I want to use the tools from the NumPy toolbox, so get them ready for me.”

Here's how we do it:

import numpy
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When we write this line of code at the beginning of our program, Python goes and gets all those helpful functions from the NumPy toolbox and makes them available for us to use. It's a bit like opening up a toolkit and laying out all the tools on your workbench.

Once NumPy is imported, we can use all its functions by saying "NumPy" and then mentioning the specific tool we want to use.

Remember, importing NumPy is like getting your special maths and number toolbox ready, so you can work more easily and efficiently with numbers and data in your Python program.

Syntax of np.fft()

Using the np.fft() function in NumPy might sound complex, but it's actually quite simple. This function helps us do something cool with numbers - it's like a magic trick for understanding patterns in data, like music or signals.

Here's how you use it:

import numpy as n1
res = n1.fft.fft(data)
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Let's break this down:

  • First, we're bringing in our special toolbox called NumPy. We like to call it "np" to keep things short.
     
  • Then, we have a bunch of data that we want to understand better. It could be numbers from a song, for example.
     
  • Next, we use the np.fft.fft() trick. It's like saying, "Hey, NumPy, use your magic on this data."
     
  • We put our data inside the parentheses. It's like handing the magician an object to work with.


After we've done this, "res" will have some new numbers. These numbers show us the hidden patterns in our data. It's like the magician revealing the secret behind the magic trick.

So, in simple words, np.fft() is like asking NumPy's magic to show us the patterns in our numbers. And the best part is, we don't need to know the intricate details; we just need to remember the np.fft() magic words.

Available Functions in np.fft()

There are certain methods of np.fft() that are discussed below:

1. Finding Patterns in Waves using np.fft.fft() method

This function helps us understand the hidden patterns in a signal, like a song or a signal from a sensor. It transforms the signal from the regular way we see it to a magical world where we can spot different musical notes or frequencies.

Example

Code

  • Python

Python

import numpy as np

signal = [1, 2, 3, 4]
transformed_signal = np.fft.fft(signal)

print("Original Signal:", signal)
print("Transformed Signal:", transformed_signal)
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Output

np.fft.fft() method


Explanation

In this specific example:

  • We begin by importing the necessary library, NumPy, as "np."
     
  • We have a simple signal represented by the list [1, 2, 3, 4].
     
  • By using the np.fft.fft() function, we transform this signal into a special form that uncovers its underlying frequencies and musical notes.
     
  • The transformed signal is stored in the variable "transformed_signal."
     
  • Finally, we print both the original signal and the transformed version.


This process essentially reveals the signal's hidden musical or frequency components, helping us analyse and understand the different elements that make up the original signal.

2. Turning Patterns Back to Signal using np.fft.ifft() method

After we've found those hidden patterns using np.fft.fft(), this function helps us turn those patterns back into the original signal. It's like taking musical notes and making them into a song again.

Example

Code

  • Python

Python

import numpy as np

transformed_signal = [1 + 0j, 2 - 1j, 3 + 0j, 2 + 1j]
original_signal = np.fft.ifft(transformed_signal)

print("Transformed Signal:", transformed_signal)
print("Original Signal:", original_signal)
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Output

np.fft.ifft() method


Explanation

Here's what the code does:

  • We import the required library, NumPy, as "np."
     
  • We're given a transformed signal represented by the complex numbers [1 + 0j, 2 - 1j, 3 + 0j, 2 + 1j].
     
  • With the np.fft.ifft() function, we reverse the transformation process and convert these complex numbers back into the original signal.
     
  • The reconstructed signal is stored in the variable "original_signal."
     
  • Finally, we print both the transformed signal (with its complex numbers) and the newly restored original signal.


This procedure essentially takes the hidden frequency patterns and returns them to their original form, allowing us to hear or observe the signal as it was before it underwent the transformation.

3. Shifting the Magic using np.fft.fftshift() method

Sometimes, magic shows us things in a different order. This function helps us shift the magic to see things in a way that makes more sense, like moving the spotlight to a better spot.

Example

Code

  • Python

Python

import numpy as np

signal = [1, 2, 3, 4]
transformed_signal = np.fft.fft(signal)
shifted_signal = np.fft.fftshift(transformed_signal)

print("Transformed Signal:", transformed_signal)
print("Shifted Signal:", shifted_signal)
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Output

np.fft.fftshift() method

 

Explanation

Here's what the code does:

  • We begin by importing the necessary library, NumPy, as "np."
     
  • We have a simple signal represented by the list [1, 2, 3, 4].
     
  • Using the np.fft.fft() function, we transform this signal into a special form that reveals hidden patterns.
     
  • The transformed signal is initially stored in the variable "transformed_signal."
     
  • Now, with the np.fft.fftshift() function, we shift the spotlight to see the transformed signal from a different perspective.
     
  • The shifted signal is stored in the variable "shifted_signal."
     
  • Finally, we print both the original transformed signal and the newly shifted version.


This shifting process reorganises the way we observe the transformed signal, making it easier to interpret and understand its underlying features.

4. Telling Frequencies using np.fft.fftfreq() method

This function tells us the frequencies of the musical notes we found using np.fft.fft(). It's like the magical translator that tells us which musical instruments are playing.

Example

  • Python

Python

import numpy as np

signal = [1, 2, 3, 4]
frequencies = np.fft.fftfreq(len(signal))

print("Frequencies:", frequencies)
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Output

np.fft.fftfreq() method

 

Explanation

Here's what the code does:

  • We start by importing the necessary library, NumPy, as "np."
     
  • We have a simple signal represented by the list [1, 2, 3, 4].
     
  • Using the np.fft.fftfreq() function, we compute the frequencies associated with the signal's components.
     
  • The number of components is determined by the length of the signal.
     
  • The resulting frequencies are stored in the variable "frequencies."
     
  • Finally, we print the list of frequencies.


This process helps us understand the musical notes or frequencies present in the signal, as if we're identifying the different instruments playing in a musical piece.

Applications of numpy.fft()

Audio Analysis

One practical application of numpy.fft() is in audio analysis. Imagine you have a music recording, and you want to know which musical notes are present. By applying FFT, you can convert the audio signal into a frequency domain and identify the dominant frequencies (notes) in the music. This is often used in software for tuning musical instruments.
Example: Analysing a piano recording to determine the specific notes being played.

Image Processing

FFT can be used in image processing to transform images between spatial and frequency domains. This is particularly useful in tasks like image compression and noise reduction. By analysing the frequency components of an image, you can selectively manipulate or remove certain frequencies to enhance image quality.
Example: Removing periodic noise from an image taken in low lighting conditions.

Signal Filtering

Another application is signal filtering. If you have a signal contaminated with noise, you can use FFT to transform the signal into the frequency domain, identify the noise frequencies, and then filter them out to obtain a cleaner version of the signal.
Example: Removing background noise from a recorded speech.

Vibration Analysis

In mechanical engineering, FFT is used for vibration analysis. By applying FFT to data collected from sensors on machines or structures, engineers can identify the vibration frequencies that might indicate faults or imbalances.
Example: Monitoring the vibration patterns of a rotating machinery to detect potential mechanical issues.

Communication Systems

In telecommunications, FFT is essential for signal modulation and demodulation. It's used to convert signals from the time domain to the frequency domain, allowing efficient transmission and reception of data.
Example: Modulating and demodulating radio signals for wireless communication.

Medical Imaging

In medical fields, FFT is used for processing various imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound. It helps enhance images, reduce artefacts, and extract relevant information from complex medical data.
Example: Enhancing the clarity of MRI images for accurate medical diagnoses.

 

Remember, these examples showcase how numpy.fft() can be applied in various domains. Each application involves analysing the frequency components of a signal to gain insights, improve quality, or extract valuable information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does np.fft.fftshift() work, and why is it needed?

np.fft.fftshift() helps us rearrange the output of np.fft.fft() so that the low frequencies are in the centre. It's like moving the spotlight to a better spot to see things clearly. This shift is useful because the default output of np.fft.fft() puts high frequencies in the centre, which might not make intuitive sense.

Can np.fft() help remove noise from a signal?

Yes, absolutely, np.fft() can identify unwanted noise frequencies in a signal. Once you know the noise frequencies, you can filter them out using other techniques. It's like finding and removing static from a radio station to hear the music clearly.

What does np.fft.fftfreq() do, and why is it useful?

np.fft.fftfreq() helps us understand the musical notes (frequencies) found by np.fft.fft(). It provides the corresponding frequencies for each output point. This is important because np.fft.fft() gives us numbers, and np.fft.fftfreq() translates those numbers into frequencies we can understand.

Conclusion

numpy.fft() is like a magical lens for understanding numbers in a new way. It helps us uncover hidden patterns, just like finding secret messages within data. By using this tool, we can discover the musical notes, vibrations, and secrets that numbers hold. It's a powerful friend for anyone curious about the deeper stories numbers can tell. So, with numpy.fft(), we can see beyond the surface and explore the fascinating world of patterns hiding within our data.

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