Parameter estimation of spectral components of a signal: comparison of techniques

This paper deals with a comparison among different methods for the spectral analysis of signals. Methods of both parametric and non-parametric classes are considered. After a brief outline of the considered methods, the results of numerical tests, aiming to completely characterize them under a metrological point of view and for the estimation of their execution times, are reported. The comparison is intended to help designers involved in the realization of real-time spectral measurement systems in the choice of the most suitable algorithm for a specified applications.