square wave
Abrupt voltage alternation
A square wave is a waveform that alternates between two fixed levels with instantaneous transitions, creating a shape like the tops of battlements when graphed.
In electronics and audio synthesis, square waves produce a distinctive hollow, buzzy tone rich in odd harmonics.
The term extends to any signal that switches abruptly between states rather than transitioning smoothly.
Arterial blood throb
- digitalOf discrete data
- signalMessage-conveying cue
- oscillatorCyclic signal generator
- duty cycleOn-time versus total time
rectangular · logic · binary · frequency · periodic · amplitude · circuit · voltage
Cyclic signal generator
- timbreSound's distinctive character
- harmonicsFrequencies above the fundamental
- overtonesImplicit secondary meanings
- buzzyGenerating excited chatter
hollow · harsh · frequency · tone · pitch · resonance · fundamental · distortion
Cyclic signal generator
- subtractiveInvolving removal or reduction
- filterPorous separation device
- chiptuneVintage console sound art
- 8-bitVintage computing standard
analog · LFO · modulation · envelope · monophonic · polyphonic · retro · Moog
pulse
Arterial blood throb
- digitalOf discrete data
- signalMessage-conveying cue
- oscillatorCyclic signal generator
duty cycle · rectangular · logic · binary · frequency · periodic · amplitude · circuit · voltage · harmonics
oscillator
Cyclic signal generator
- timbreSound's distinctive character
- harmonicsFrequencies above the fundamental
- overtonesImplicit secondary meanings
buzzy · hollow · harsh · frequency · tone · pitch · resonance · fundamental · distortion · clipping
oscillator
Cyclic signal generator
- subtractiveInvolving removal or reduction
- filterPorous separation device
- chiptuneVintage console sound art
8-bit · analog · LFO · modulation · envelope · monophonic · polyphonic · retro · Moog · NES
- patternspattern, chevron, geometric pattern, stripes, plaid
- retro gamingretro gaming, 8-bit, NES, SNES, 16-bit
- waveswavelength, ripples, wavefront, surf, tsunami
- audio termsWAV, dB, tone, frequency response, MP3
- electrical signalsanalog signal, digital signal, audio signal, video signal, pulse
- Voltammetryworking electrode, reference electrode