Instrument for the measurement of the instantaneous frequency

This paper describes the design and implementation of an instrument for the measurement of the instantaneous frequency of a signal. It is based on the extensive use of signal processing techniques and their implementation on efficient processors (digital signal processors). The concept of instantaneous frequency is first reviewed and some procedures for its estimation are evaluated with an off-line virtual instrument. The most promising techniques were then implemented on a PC-based instrument, achieving a real-time operation for audio ranges.