[Elecraft] Question - for Educational Purposes

[Don Wilhelm]

Lee,

I do not know if it is 3rd grade level or not, but:

Look at the ARRL Handbook chapter on DSP and Software Radio Design.  In 
my 2005 Handbook, I believe the first 2 paragraphs of the sub-section on 
IIR Filters (page 16.6, last column) explains it about as well as any.

In general, practical IIR filters can have steeper skirts, but do not 
have the linear phase response of the FIR filters. That usually means 
that the IIR filters will tend to ring while the FIR filters do not.  At 
extremely narrow bandwidths, the IIR filters could be a better choice 
for your ears, but others find the ringing irritating - try both on your 
ears and pick the one that does the most good for you.

Now if one can just find a crowded band where the difference can be 
adequately tested - that is another thing altogether, perhaps the 
weekend activity will provide a suitable test arena.

Lee Buller wrote:
> I've been doing some reading on the new firmware.  I would like someone to explain (like I am a 3rd Grader) the different between IIR Filtering and FIR Filtering.  Thanks.
>
> Lee - K0WA
> "Liberal Arts Major - Mathematically Challenged - Science Wannabe - Fascinated by Technology"
>
>