MCPCalc

Nyquist Sampling Calculator

Compute minimum sampling rate, aliasing behavior, and a simple capture-quality assessment.

Scratchpad (not saved)

Hz
Hz

What This Calculator Does

This calculator applies Nyquist-Shannon sampling rules to a highest-frequency component or signal bandwidth and estimates how a chosen sampling rate will alias that content back into the baseband.

It combines Highest Frequency Component, Chosen Sample Rate, Recommended Safety Factor to estimate Minimum Sampling Rate, Recommended Sampling Rate, Alias Frequency.

Formula & Method

Core equations: The minimum ideal rate is f_s ge 2f_{max}. An aliased tone folds to f_a=left|f-f_scdotmathrm{round}left( rac{f}{f_s} ight) ight| within the principal sampling band.

Notation used in the formulas: R = Minimum Sampling Rate; x_{1} = Highest Frequency Component; x_{2} = Chosen Sample Rate; x_{3} = Recommended Safety Factor.

Method summary: inputs are normalized to consistent units, core equations are evaluated, then secondary values are derived and rounded for display.

Use it when deciding whether a sampling rate is safe, or when you need to explain why an undersampled tone appears at the wrong frequency after acquisition.

Inputs Used

  • Highest Frequency Component: Used directly in the calculation.
  • Chosen Sample Rate: Used directly in the calculation.
  • Recommended Safety Factor: Used directly in the calculation.

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