Duty cycle意思

"Duty cycle" is a term used in the context of electrical engineering, particularly in the field of digital signal processing and communication systems. It refers to the percentage of time during which a signal or device is active or on, compared to the total period of time.

In simpler terms, the duty cycle is the ratio of the "on time" to the "total time" of a periodic waveform or a device. A waveform with a 50% duty cycle, for example, means that the signal is on for half the time and off for the other half.

Duty cycle is often used to describe the behavior of digital signals, such as square waves, where the duty cycle can vary. It's also relevant in the operation of switches, power supplies, and other devices that cycle between on and off states.

In the context of radio communication, duty cycle can refer to the percentage of time that a transmitter is sending a signal versus being silent. This is important in certain types of communication to avoid overloading a receiver or to comply with regulations regarding the use of radio frequencies.