The rectangle function  is a function that is 0 outside the interval  and unity inside it. It is also called the gate function, pulse function, or window function, and is defined by

{0 for |x|>1/2; 1/2 for |x|=1/2; 1 for |x|<1/2. " src="http://mathworld.wolfram.com/images/equations/RectangleFunction/NumberedEquation1.gif" style="height:86px; width:142px" />

(1)

The left figure above plots the function as defined, while the right figure shows how it would appear if traced on an oscilloscope. The generalized function  has height , center , and full-width .

As noted by Bracewell (1965, p. 53), "It is almost never important to specify the values at , that is at the points of discontinuity. Likewise, it is not necessary or desirable to emphasize the values  in graphs; it is preferable to show graphs which are reminiscent of high-quality oscillograms (which, of course, would never show extra brightening halfway up the discontinuity)."

The piecewise version of the rectangle function is implemented in the Wolfram Language as UnitBox[x], while the generalized function version is implemented as HeavisidePi[x].

Identities satisfied by the rectangle function include

			(2)
			(3)
			(4)
			(5)

where  is the Heaviside step function. The Fourier transform of the rectangle function is given by

			(6)
			(7)

where  is the sinc function.

REFERENCES:

Bracewell, R. "Rectangle Function of Unit Height and Base, ." In The Fourier Transform and Its Applications. New York: McGraw-Hill, pp. 52-53, 1965.