Define "form factor"

[Dick Chambers]

I have tried a search on Google, but no luck.

My question concerns the "form factor" of a waveform that is basically
sinusoidal, but which contains copious harmonics. Could you please either
give me the official definition of "form factor" in this context, or refer
me to a website or book where I can find the official definition?

Richard Chambers Leeds UK.

 

[Anonymous.]

"Dick Chambers" <richard.chambersss7@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:T3dzi.55216$vi3.16364@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net...

I have tried a search on Google, but no luck.
My question concerns the "form factor" of a waveform that is basically
sinusoidal, but which contains copious harmonics. Could you please either
give me the official definition of "form factor" in this context, or refer
me to a website or book where I can find the official definition?

It's many years since I have referred to "Electric Circuits" by Joseph
Edminster in the "Schaum's Outline Series" (c) 1965 McGraw-Hill...

Page 17 gives Form Factor as.....
Ratio of effective (RMS) value to average value

and If I transcribe correctly....

sqrt((int (0,T)(y(t)^2)/T))/(int (0,T)(y(t))/T)

where T is the cycle time.
and int (0,T) (f(x)) is supposed the integral from 0 to T of f(x)

HTH

 

[Dick Chambers]

"Anonymous." <me@privacy.net> wrote in message news:fajnkf$cnp$1@aioe.org...

"Dick Chambers" <richard.chambersss7@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:T3dzi.55216$vi3.16364@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net...
I have tried a search on Google, but no luck.
My question concerns the "form factor" of a waveform that is basically
sinusoidal, but which contains copious harmonics. Could you please either
give me the official definition of "form factor" in this context, or
refer me to a website or book where I can find the official definition?

It's many years since I have referred to "Electric Circuits" by Joseph
Edminster in the "Schaum's Outline Series" (c) 1965 McGraw-Hill...

Page 17 gives Form Factor as.....
Ratio of effective (RMS) value to average value

and If I transcribe correctly....

sqrt((int (0,T)(y(t)^2)/T))/(int (0,T)(y(t))/T)

where T is the cycle time.
and int (0,T) (f(x)) is supposed the integral from 0 to T of f(x)

HTH

Thank you for your help. This has enabled me to get to grips with the form
factor, and (as an unexpected added bonus) to finally understand what the
difference really is between a true RMS voltmeter and a mean-sensing
voltmeter. Your help was much appreciated.

Richard Chambers Leeds UK.