The FFT: Fundamentals and Concepts

This book is a great way to realize that theoretical murmurings can mature into intuitive processes that can be used as guides to self-check new ideas. While FFT theory is necessary, if you like that kind of thing, a good grasp of what may be accomplished is often left out or buried. This book provides a great way to get perspective on rigorous frequency domain textbook theory and make the necessary textbook search for detail much more meaningful. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has to deal with signal processing.

Of the half-shelf of books in my library related to signal processing, this one by Ramirez is part of a highly valued subset. The author achieves an artful balance of the theoretical with the practical. Given that my emphasis is on applying the principles of FFT processing in a manufacturing environment, his approach proved quite helpful.Throughout the book, basic concepts are initially presented within a mathematical context. Subsequently, they are reinforced with examples. Often, hardcopies of traces from a signal processor's monitor are provided--these are effective in driving home key points.After reading this book over two days' time, I was left wishing to see a companion volume that adds more on real-life problem solving, plus material on advanced techniques (e.g., cepstrum). This thirst for more knowledge says a lot for the way in which Ramirez motivates.