Phase Shift
Definition - What does Phase Shift mean?
A Phase Shift is a change
in a sinusoidal waveform. The change is normally a horizontal shift or
displacement of the wave from its original position during wave motion. The
shift is measured in degrees in order to obtain the phase difference. This terminology
is used in propagation of waveform and signal communication.
Phase shift is at times represented by the symbol .
Petropedia explains Phase Shift
In waveform propagation and signal communication, signals move in a sinusoidal waveform. There is always a horizontal shift or displacement in the position of two signals in a given time. This horizontal shift or displacement in wave from the original wave is called phase shift. Phase shift is typically measured in degrees and the complete cycle of the signal/ waveform is 360 degrees. In a phase shift which involves only two signals, one signal is usually the input signal to a device and the other the output signal from the device. When a phase shift occurs, it leaves the two signals at different points on the cycle.