Waterfall plot: Difference between revisions

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{{distinguish|text=[[Waterfall chart]]s, 2D floating-column diagram showing increases and decreases.}}

{{redirect|Waterfall display|the hardware|Waterfall display (hardware)}}

[[File:SDRpp FM subcarriers.png|thumb|300px|right|FM station broadcastbroadcasting at 91.7 MHz on seen on SDRpp spectrogram]]

'''Waterfall plots''' are often used to show how two-dimensional phenomena change over time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Glen |first1=Stephanie |title=Waterfall Plot / Chart: Definition, Types & Examples |url=https://www.statisticshowto.com/waterfall-plot/ |website=statisticshowto.com |date=11 January 2018 |access-date=13 October 2021}}</ref> A three-dimensional ''spectral waterfall plot'' is a plot in which multiple curves of data, typically [[Spectrum|spectra]], are displayed simultaneously. Typically the curves are staggered both across the screen and vertically, with "nearer" curves masking the ones behind. The result is a series of "mountain" shapes that appear to be side by side. The waterfall plot is often used to show how two-dimensional information changes over time or some other variable such as [[rotational speed]]. Waterfall plots are also often used to depict ''[[spectrogram]]s'' or ''cumulative spectral decay''{{Definition needed|date=December 2021}} (CSD).

==Uses==

* The results of [[spectral density estimation]], showing the spectrum of the signal at successive intervals of time.

* The [[Latency (audio)|delayed response]] from a [[loudspeaker]] or [[listening room]] produced by [[impulse response]] testing or [[MLSSA]].

* Spectra at different engine speeds when testing engines.

[[Image:Aaronia Spectrum Analyzer Software.jpg|thumb|The upper half of this diagram shows the frequency spectrum of a modern [[Switched-mode power supply|switching power supply]] which employs [[spread spectrum]]. The lower half is a waterfall plot showing the variation of the frequency spectrum over time during the power supply's heating up period.]]