Fast Fourier transform in the analysis of biomedical data

Abstract

The fast Fourier transform (f.f.t.) is a powerful technique which facilitates analysis of signals in the frequency domain. This paper reviews some of the important features of the fast Fourier transform which are relevant to its increasing application to biomedical data. A distinction is made between the power spectrum of ergodic signals, computed from the autocorrelation function, and the frequency spectrum of nonstationary biomedical signals. The major practical pitfalls that are encountered in applying the f.f.t. technique to biomedical data are discussed, and practical hints for avoiding such pitfalls are suggested.

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