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Pulse Shaping

Nyquist pulses for zero inter-symbol interference (ISI)

α = 0.35
5 symbols

Single Pulse (Time Domain)

Pulse Spectrum (Frequency Domain)

Multiple Overlapping Pulses

Sampling Points (Zero ISI)

Why Pulse Shaping Matters

Bandwidth: Rectangular pulses have infinite bandwidth (sinc spectrum). Pulse shaping limits bandwidth for efficient spectrum use.

Nyquist Criterion: p(nT) = 1 for n=0, 0 for n≠0. Ensures zero ISI at sampling instants!

Roll-off Factor (α): 0 = minimum bandwidth (ideal sinc), 1 = maximum bandwidth (smooth time response).

Raised Cosine: The practical choice. Excess bandwidth = α × symbol rate.

Root Raised Cosine: Split between TX and RX filters for matched filtering.