Time frequency representations of signals: STFT, Wigner-Ville & Wavelet Transformation

Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), Wigner-Ville Distribution Function (WDF), and Wavelet Transform are applied to an identical set of highly transient signal, which results in three different types of time-frequency representations. Representations from STFT are used for reference to compare other results with, utilizing the fact that practical and theoretical aspects of the technique are well understood. Equivalent formats are used for all representations, which makes more direct comparisons of the results possible. While many reports are found on the latter two techniques on theoretical or numerical aspects of the techniques, practical application of the techniques is rarely discussed, which is the main the purpose of this study. By comparing three techniques, insights necessary to apply them for engineering purposes are obtained. A procedure is suggested for effective analysis of transient signals.