Digital waveforms and timing terminology: True or False — The period of a waveform is the percentage of time the signal is HIGH.

Introduction / Context:
Digital timing terms are often confused. Two common quantities are period (T) and duty cycle (D). Understanding the difference is critical when specifying clocks, PWM signals, or measuring timing with an oscilloscope.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Statement under test: “The period is the percentage of time a signal is HIGH.”
• Standard timing definitions apply to repetitive waveforms.
• We assume a stable, repeating waveform.

Concept / Approach:
The period T is the time for one complete cycle to repeat, measured in seconds. Frequency f = 1 / T. Duty cycle D is the fraction or percentage of one period during which the signal is HIGH (or active). They are distinct concepts: T has units of time; D is dimensionless (often in %).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define period: T = time between identical points on successive cycles (e.g., rising edge to rising edge).Define duty cycle: D = (t_high / T) * 100%.The statement claims period equals a percentage; that is the definition of duty cycle, not period.Therefore, the statement is false.

Verification / Alternative check:
For a 10 kHz clock, T = 0.0001 s = 100 µs regardless of pulse width. If the HIGH time is 25 µs, then D = 25 µs / 100 µs = 25%. This confirms period (100 µs) is not a percentage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Only true for 50% duty-cycle clocks” or “True only for symmetric square waves”: Still incorrect—period is a time value, independent of duty cycle.“Undefined for pulse trains”: Period is defined for any repetitive pulse train.

Common Pitfalls:
Using “period” and “duty cycle” interchangeably, forgetting that period and frequency are reciprocals, and misreading oscilloscope cursors (time/div vs. % measurements).

Final Answer:
False