Gaussian pulse

Gaussian distribution (also known as normal distribution) is a probability density where samples are evenly distributed about the mean (equal energy at +/- sigma, +/- 2 sigma etc., and all points in between) and where the peak density occurs at the mean (for a single gaussian function). This is also known as a bell curve because the graphical representation resembles the shape of a bell. If you are unfamiliar with fundamental statistics you might have a hard time reading about it.

See this article:

or just search for Gaussian distribution.

You are correct in assuming the frequency spectrum is being referred to

- the distribution of energy in the frequency domain shows the power density function of the transmitter in your case.

Cheers

PeteS

A Gaussian is a mathematical construct that is the same shape in both the time domain and the frequency domain. Most other functions are quite different. Typically, things that are isolated events in one domain have broad extent in the other. Think of a continuous sine wave in the time domain: It's spectrum is just a single line. Conversely, a single narrow pulse in the time domain has a broad spectrum. The Gaussian is sorta like the "happy medium" in that it is fairly discrete but also fairly extended, so it looks the same in both domains.

Note that a true Gaussian has infinite extent, so you will probably never encounter one in the real world. (And how would you know if you did?!) Usually, in order to get on with our lives, we have to truncate the tails and accept the consequences in the other domain.

Hope this helps!

Bob Masta dqatechATdaqartaDOTcom D A Q A R T A Data AcQuisition And Real-Time Analysis